In this episode of The Journey To CEO Success, Patrick Thean sits down with Charlie Malouf, CEO of Broad River Retail, for a raw and insightful conversation about leading through crisis, shifting mindset, and building a company where people can thrive.

Charlie shares the pivotal moment when Broad River Retail was on the brink of collapse, and the bold decisions that sparked one of the most impressive turnarounds in the retail industry.

He breaks down the leadership disciplines that made the difference, simplifying the business, aligning leaders around a unified strategy, and rebuilding a culture rooted in ownership and accountability.

But the transformation didn’t stop there. Charlie opens up about how he rewired a zero-sum, scarcity-driven mindset into an abundance mindset that fuels innovation, trust, and long-term growth. And he explains why investing in clear career paths and stronger compensation for Broad River’s “Memory Makers” became one of the most important strategic decisions of his career.

If you’re a CEO navigating complexity, culture challenges, or growth limitations, this episode delivers a powerful roadmap for turning clarity, mindset, and people into your greatest competitive advantage.