10 for the Next 10: Rachel Watson

Operating Principal, Keller Williams Local

Rachel Watson is the operating principal at Keller Williams Local, a role that puts her in the CEO seat for the Springfield office, where she helps steer big-picture strategy, culture and agent growth. "I am setting the vision for our office and the direction we want to go," she says. That includes coaching nearly 500 agents, working with the brokerage leadership team and guiding hiring decisions, partnerships and long-term growth. She also just led Keller Williams through a rebrand to better reflect the company's expanding footprint across southwest Missouri and northern Arkansas while reinforcing a locally connected culture.

For Watson, leadership starts with consistency. "Do what you say you're going to do, when you say you're going to do it," she says. The phrase sits on a plaque on her desk and anchors how she shows up.

At Keller Williams, she is intentional about modeling the culture she expects others to carry forward. That culture matters even more in a real estate market that never really slows down. "We really focus on relationships," she says. "I care about people so much, but I also want to help provide clarity in their world." For her, success isn't just measured in transactions, but in agents who feel supported and proud of the lives and businesses they're building.

Watson also carries that belief to a community she helped build, Flourishing Female. The group hosts quarterly meet ups for women in 417-land. "Rachel has a heart of gold and is a solid leader," says Ericka Peppers, team leader at Keller Williams. "She can be direct and elevated and still lead with empathy."

As she continues her work, the impact Watson hopes to make is simple but empowering. "I want people to feel seen, heard and supported," she says.

What's your go-to coffee order? Black iced coffee.

What's one word you want people to associate with your work? Clarity.

Where is your hometown? El Dorado Springs, Missouri.

What's your favorite book recommendation? The Energy Bus by John Gordon.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a wedding planner.

Favorite way to reset after a long day? Taking a family walk with my husband and my daughter.

Favorite local spot? You will typically find my husband and our family at Galloway on Lone Pine.