Wade Watson has spent nearly two decades as a successful entrepreneur, building businesses and capitalizing on new ideas.  His life's purpose shifted, however, after losing his brother-in-law in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.  Watson re-evaluated the direction of his life's work and realized the importance of using business to make a positive global impact.

“The traditional model always was to make lots of money in business, then give back when you retire.  Well, after 9/11, I realized life is really short and I needed to be making an impact now.”

Through his loss, Watson discovered social venture capitalism and found the inspiration to develop companies that not only give back to the community, but improve it as well.  Watson has dedicated the last seven years to developing and branding socially conscious start-ups through his consulting firm, Prolific Marketing and Management.

One of his first such ventures was the establishment of Pride Diamonds, a socially responsible diamond-mining company in Sierra Leone.  When Watson co-founded Pride Diamonds in 2004, Sierra Leone had just exited a brutal decade-long civil war, funded in large part by horrific diamond-mining practices that were utilized until just two years earlier.  The country—war-torn and in need of investment—was a perfect match for Watson's vision of a new way of doing business.  Pride Diamonds' business model was based on five guiding principles:

1. Fair and equitable labor practices
2. Gender equality
3. Environmental awareness
4. Supporting local infrastructure and development projects
5. Giving back to local communities

Watson served as president of Pride Diamonds until 2007, when the company was acquired by Target Resources PLC, a London exchange-listed mining company operating in Sierra Leone.  Target Resources shares the Pride Diamonds vision of a diamond-mining company with a strong DNA of corporate social responsibility.  Watson has been retained by Target Resources and continues to be actively involved in the development and implementation of the firm's model of corporate social responsibility.

During summer 2008, Watson expanded his work in the diamond industry by launching Ruff&Cut, a socially responsible jewelry company.  Partnering with several designers to create a diverse collection, the brand focuses on quality design as well as on responsible and transparent sourcing and manufacturing.  In keeping with the company’s dedication to giving back to the community, 10 percent of the wholesale cost of each piece will go directly to nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) working in Africa to improve the lives and livelihoods of communities involved in metal and gemstone mining and jewelry manufacturing.

With the launch of this new brand, Watson aims to engender the same passion in the consumer that he has found for upholding socially minded capitalism, by providing the consumer with socially responsible luxury jewelry that supports development in impoverished African mining communities.  With years of experience in the diamond business, Watson has successfully created a socially responsible brand that will set the standard for ethical product development.

Wade Watson graduated from Pepperdine University with a degree in communications.  Fourteen years ago, he moved to New York City to work in finance, where he served for seven years as CEO of Client Preservation and Marketing, Inc., a financial services company.

Watson resides in New York City with his wife, Laura, and their two children.  He enjoys playing tennis and guitar.