Faith. Fairness. Forward.
Two-Time Emmy Award-Winning Journalist. Entrepreneur. Storyteller.
Early Years
Carlos Watson was born in Cleveland, Ohio, the second of four children. The family moved to Miami when Carlos was three, and that’s where he grew up. Money was always tight, but his parents, both teachers — Carlos Sr. and Rose — filled the house with love, high expectations, and constant encouragement. Carlos’s love of reading began in local libraries and bookstores and continued through school. He thrived as both a student and as an athlete before heading to Harvard College. He graduated with honors, then later attended Stanford Law School, where he became Editor of the Stanford Law Review and President of the Student Government.
Born in Cleveland and raised in Miami by two public-school teachers, Carlos learned early that love and learning can overcome any limitation. A proud graduate of Harvard University (with honors) and Stanford Law School (Editor, Stanford Law Review; Student Body President), he has always believed in the power of hard work and imagination to open doors.
Born in Cleveland. Raised in Miami.
Miami
Born in Cleveland and raised in Miami, the second of four children in a loving household anchored by two public-school teachers.
Harvard
Graduated from Harvard with honors — a love of reading that began in local libraries and bookstores.
Stanford
Editor of the Stanford Law Review and President of the Student Government.
McKinsey · Goldman
Began his career at McKinsey & Company and later moved to Goldman Sachs, learning what it takes to build, lead, and scale high-impact organizations.
1997
Founded in 1997, Achieva became a pioneering college-prep company — serving over 100,000 students across 75 school districts — and was acquired by The Washington Post Company.
Broadcast
Anchored and hosted programs for CNN, CNBC, MSNBC, PBS, Hulu, and Amazon — interviewing presidents, creators, and innovators.
2012
Co-founded in 2012 with his mother, Rose. OZY produced 14 TV shows, 10 podcasts, 5 award programs, and generated $250M+ in partnerships.
2× Emmy
Recognized for bold journalism and strong storytelling work that inspires audiences and makes a difference in communities.
Justice
Dedicated to driving criminal justice work and education efforts that uplift people and empower communities for lasting in meaningful ways
Now
Building what’s next: a home for bold podcasts — The Carlos Watson Podcast, The Watsons: Stronger Together, and From Behind This Chair.
Emmy Award Winner
2-time Emmy Award–winning journalist and anchor.
Bringing stories to life through compelling journalism and authentic storytelling. Carlos has anchored and hosted programs across CNN, CNBC, MSNBC, PBS, Hulu, Amazon, ABC, and BBC platforms — bringing humanity, curiosity, and clarity to some of the most important conversations of our time.
Anchored & hosted across
Extraordinary people. Unforgettable conversations. A platform for thoughtful discussions with influential voices across culture, business, technology, politics, and society.
A bold media platform amplifying smart, soulful, funny, and meaningful voices.
Featuring Carlos, Carolyn, and Beverly Watson
Honest conversations about family, resilience, relationships, and the experiences that bring people together.
Hosted by Anthony “Doc” Hamilton
Raw conversations about healing, growth, relationships, and life-changing experiences.
5× Signal Award Winner. At the 5th Annual Signal Awards, The Carlos Watson Podcast won Gold for Best Video Podcast (Individual Episodes) and Silver for Best Video Podcast Guest (Shows), The Watsons: Stronger Together won Silver for Best Video Podcast Co-Host Team (Individual Episodes) plus Listener’s Choice, and From Behind This Chair won Bronze for Culture, Belonging & Inclusion (Individual Episodes).
Gold · The Carlos Watson Podcast
Category: Best Video Podcast (Individual Episodes)
Silver · The Carlos Watson Podcast
Category: Best Video Podcast Guest (Shows)
Silver · The Watsons: Stronger Together
Category: Best Video Podcast Co-Host Team (Individual Episodes)
Bronze · From Behind This Chair
Category: Culture, Belonging & Inclusion (Individual Episodes)
2026
Finalists
Four entries named finalists.
October 15, 2026
Listener’s Choice
Public voting closed.
October 20, 2026
Winners
1 Gold, 2 Silver, 1 Bronze + Listener’s Choice.
Results announced October 20, 2026.
Official Results (opens in a new tab)Conversations With Leaders & Icons. The First 100 Guests - A showcase of Global Voices.
More conversations
View Full Interview Library (opens in a new tab)CURIOSITY, COURAGE, CONVERSATION, CULTURE, CREATIVITY
Creating What’s Next — From Achieva to OZY.
2012 — Co-founder
Co-founded in 2012 by Carlos and his mother, Rose, OZY spotlighted rising stars before they became household names. Over a decade, OZY generated $250M+ in partnerships, produced 14 TV shows, 10 podcasts, 5 award programs, and won an Emmy.
1997 — Founder
Founded in 1997, Achieva became a pioneering college-prep company providing guidance on admissions, essays, test prep, and financial aid. Achieva served over 100,000 students across 75 school districts and was acquired by The Washington Post Company.
100,000+
students across 75 school districts
Early-Stage Startups
Supporting innovative companies with transformative potential in media, technology, and social impact sectors.
Diverse Founders
Championing entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds who bring fresh perspectives and solutions.
Social Impact
Investing in ventures that create positive change while delivering sustainable returns.
Strategic Growth
Providing not just capital, but mentorship and strategic guidance to help companies scale.
On Investing
“Investing is about more than returns, it's about believing in people and ideas that can change the world.”
Giving Back — Co-founder of College Track; decades of mentoring students nationwide.
In 2021, Carlos and OZY Media were targeted in a deeply flawed federal prosecution overseen by a judge with undisclosed multi-million-dollar financial conflicts tied to companies directly affected by OZY’s work and the government’s case. Key defense witnesses were blocked, exculpatory evidence was minimized or excluded, and the jury received instructions that mischaracterized essential elements of the law.
“The case against Carlos Watson was compromised from the start.”
Advocating for fair and equitable treatment within the justice system, working to reform policies that disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
Supporting programs that provide second chances and opportunities for those impacted by the criminal justice system.
Raising awareness about systemic issues and educating the public on the need for comprehensive justice reform.
Every American deserves a judge free from financial entanglements or undisclosed conflicts. What happened here exposed urgent weaknesses in judicial oversight.
Documentary & resource library
Featured at Harvard, Stanford, Syracuse, Missouri, Wilberforce, Aspen Institute, South by Southwest, Axel Springer NOAH16 Berlin, Carnegie Hall and more.
Keynote 01
How great stories shape culture, connect communities, and accelerate opportunity. Carlos explores why storytelling matters more today than ever — and why the next decade may be the most exciting era yet for creators, leaders, and innovators
Education is the foundation of progress. Through teaching and mentorship, I'm committed to sharing knowledge, fostering critical thinking, and inspiring the next generation to lead with integrity and innovation.
Whether in the classroom, through mentorship programs, or in one-on-one guidance, my goal is to help others discover their potential and create meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.
Teaching at prestigious institutions, sharing insights on media, entrepreneurship, and leadership with the next generation of innovators.
Guiding young professionals and entrepreneurs through one-on-one mentorship and structured development programs.
Leading interactive sessions on journalism, business strategy, and personal development for diverse audiences.
Helping students and professionals navigate career transitions and achieve their full potential.
Past hosts
How OZY Media Built a Brand Driven By the New and the NextA deep dive on innovation and impact. (opens in a new tab)
OWN Orders Four-Part Series ‘Black Women Own The Conversation’ From Ozy MediaHighlighting an Emmy-winning partnership. (opens in a new tab)
OZY Media Raises $35 Million in Funding Despite Digital Media ChallengesIndustry confidence and momentum. (opens in a new tab)
OZY Genius Awards: Celebrating Young GeniusCelebrating young innovators. (opens in a new tab)
Interview with CarlosCulture, entrepreneurship, and impact. - Entrepreneurship, media, and new ideas. (opens in a new tab)
Katty Kay Launching First Podcast with BBC and Carlos WatsonInternational podcast debut. (opens in a new tab)Beyond work, finding joy in the simple pleasures and meaningful connections.
Rose
Featured in Essence Magazine
