Dave Donaldson | Co-Founder of CityServe and Convoy of Hope | Leading with Compassion and Action
Release Date: 03/19/2025
Paul Fleming | Iconic Restaurateur | How to Build a Restaurant Legacy By Leading with Integrity, and Taking Care of Employees
The Wow Factor
From a humble start in South Louisiana to building restaurant empires across America, Paul Fleming’s journey is a story of grit, hospitality, and vision. As the founder and force behind beloved brands like Ruth’s Chris (West Coast expansion), PF Chang’s, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, Paul Martin’s, Lake Park Diner, and Paulita’s Tacos—Paul has helped define American dining for over three decades. In this episode, Paul reflects on how growing up with strong family values and working in every position in the restaurant world prepared him for a life of entrepreneurship. He shares how...
info_outline
Ryan Leak | Speaker and Best Selling Author | How to Work With Complicated People and Live Generously
The Wow Factor
From receiving life-altering generosity in his youth to helping global audiences navigate complicated people and personal growth— journey is one of resilience, faith, and intentional leadership. In this episode, Ryan shares the early experiences that shaped his calling, how generosity became a family legacy, and why working well with others starts with owning your own complexities. A sought-after speaker, content creator, and the author of Leveling Up and Chasing Failure, Ryan’s newest book offers a deeply practical roadmap for thriving in diverse workplaces. Drawing from personal...
info_outline
Honoring Dr. John Rooney | Former President at Rooney and Associates, Inc | Leading with Purpose
The Wow Factor
Today we honor Dr. John Rooney, formerly the President of Rooney and Associates, Inc. John provided strategic guidance and innovative solutions to numerous organizations over the years. John's expertise in strategic planning, business development, and organizational management earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor in the business community. John was also actively involved in philanthropic efforts and remained dedicated to helping organizations thrive in an ever-changing global marketplace until his passing on April 7, 2025. This week on The Wow Factor, we honor Dr. John Rooney, who...
info_outline
Jeff Lamb | CEO of Lionheart Children's Academy | Coaching in the Corporate World: How Jeff Lamb Builds Cultures that Last
The Wow Factor
From the racquetball courts of junior college to the C-suite at Southwest Airlines—and now as CEO of - Jeff Lamb’s journey is a masterclass in unexpected opportunity, bold conviction, and servant leadership. In this episode, Jeff recounts pivotal moments that shaped his career—from working in the mailroom at Mesa Petroleum under T. Boone Pickens, to being mentored by Roger Staubach, and eventually leading people operations at one of America’s most beloved airlines. Jeff unpacks how the intentionality behind career choices, culture building, and investing in people created lasting...
info_outline
Jerry Foster | Founder of Foster Group | Generosity, Legacy, and the Three Seasons of a Life Well Lived
The Wow Factor
In this heartfelt and personal episode, Brad reconnects with long-time friend and returning guest Jerry Foster, founder of . Jerry opens up about his journey—from early financial and marital struggles to building a thriving business and redefining what it means to live a wealthy life. Together, they explore how meaningful conversations shape families, how true leadership often means letting go, and what it looks like to enter a new season of life with faith, purpose, and generosity. Whether you’re leading a business, a family, or facing a major transition, Jerry’s story will...
info_outline
Jill Donovan: CEO of Rustic Cuff | Staying In Your Lane for Maximum Results
The Wow Factor
Founder of and author of , Jill Donovan graduated from Oral Roberts University and went on to earn her law degree from the University of Tulsa. She was a practicing attorney and adjunct law professor at TU when her passion for cuff bracelets, and her need to refill her ‘gift closet’ led her to begin Rustic Cuff. Jill’s heart for people and community has spilled over into her amazing company and Rustic Cuff has been able to give hundreds of thousands of dollars to communities and charitable causes over the years. Jill is a sought-after motivational speaker who encourages...
info_outline
Susan Hollern | Founder and President of Hope Haven Rwanda | Living Fully Surrendered to Create Lasting Change
The Wow Factor
Susan Hollern is the Founder and President of , a transformative educational initiative that empowers students and families in post-genocide Rwanda. Based in Sedalia, Colorado, Susan brings a background in entrepreneurship, real estate, finance, and deep faith to her work—driven by a personal calling to serve others through bold obedience and a surrendered life. Her leadership has turned a humble school under a tree into a thriving institution that now educates over 2,000 students annually, with a vision of raising up the next generation of Christian world leaders. Susan joins us on The...
info_outline
William Vanderbloemen | CEO & Founder of Vanderbloemen Search Group | Be the Unicorn: 12 Data-Driven Habits That Separate the Best from the Rest
The Wow Factor
is the CEO and Founder of Vanderbloemen Search Group, an executive search firm that serves faith-based organizations, churches, schools, and nonprofits around the world. With over 15 years of experience in executive search and leadership consulting, William and his team have conducted over 30,000 interviews and helped thousands of organizations find mission-aligned leaders. Before launching Vanderbloemen, he served as a senior pastor and worked in the corporate HR space at a Fortune 200 company. He’s also the author of several books, including his latest, Be the Unicorn: 12 Data-Driven...
info_outline
Peter Greer | President & CEO of HOPE International | Lead with Prayer and the Power of Collaborative Impact
The Wow Factor
Peter Greer is the President and CEO of , a global Christ-centered economic development organization that operates in 27 countries. Under Peter’s leadership, HOPE has grown significantly in scope and influence, investing in the dreams of underserved entrepreneurs around the world. He’s also a prolific author with more than 15 books to his name, including Mission Drift, Rooting for Rivals, and his latest, Lead with Prayer. A Harvard Kennedy School grad and a sought-after speaker, Peter combines nonprofit leadership with business insights to fuel a global movement of Christ-centered...
info_outline
Admiral Vern Clark | Retired Chief of Naval Operations of the United States Navy | The Power of Covenant Leadership | Part 2
The Wow Factor
is a retired four-star admiral who served as Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) for the United States Navy. He retired on July 22, 2005, after five years in the role—making him the second-longest serving CNO in history, after Arleigh Burke. During his distinguished military career, Admiral Clark received numerous awards, including four Defense Distinguished Service Medals, three Navy Distinguished Service Medals, and three Legions of Merit. Following his retirement, he was further recognized with the Eisenhower Award from the Business Executives of North America, the Distinguished Sea Service...
info_outlineDave Donaldson is a visionary leader dedicated to mobilizing churches and communities to serve those in need. As a co-founder of CityServe and Convoy of Hope, he has spent decades working on the front lines of disaster relief, social impact, and faith-driven community outreach. His journey was shaped by personal tragedy—losing his father and debilitating his mother in a devastating accident at the age of nine. The generosity and compassion he experienced from others in his time of need ignited a lifelong passion for helping vulnerable populations. Today, CityServe is transforming lives through initiatives addressing foster care, adoption, homelessness, human trafficking, and disaster response.
In this episode of The Wow Factor, Dave shares his powerful story of resilience, faith, and service. From co-founding Convoy of Hope to leading CityServe, he reveals how the church can be a driving force in meeting tangible needs and strengthening communities. He also discusses the role of faith-based organizations in shaping public policy, how CityServe collaborates with churches, businesses and the government to maximize impact, and why generosity is at the core of lasting change. This conversation is packed with insights on responsible compassion, faith-driven leadership, and making a real difference in the world.
"If God can get it through you, He’ll give it to you." – Dave Donaldson
"Serving the poor is not just an act of obedience—it’s an act of faith. Give, and you will see how God multiplies." – Dave Donaldson
“There is no greater infrastructure than Jesus and his Church.” - Dave Donaldson
This Week on The Wow Factor:
- A Life Shaped by Generosity: How Dave’s childhood tragedy and the kindness of others inspired his mission to serve.
- The Birth of Convoy of Hope and CityServe: The journey from feeding families to
- creating a global network of churches engaged in transformative outreach.
- The Power of the Local Church: Why Dave believes that churches are the most effective organizations for meeting community needs.
- Faith in Action: How CityServe equips churches with resources like food, furniture, and mentorship programs to serve their neighbors.
- Competing for Influence: Why faith-based organizations should engage in public policy and funding opportunities to maximize their reach.
- Generosity as a Lifestyle: Dave’s firsthand experiences of how radical generosity leads to life-changing miracles.
- Overcoming Compassion Fatigue: How to stay engaged and continue making an impact despite the overwhelming needs in the world.
Dave Donaldson’s Words of Wisdom:
Generosity isn’t just about giving—it’s about transformation. When you step into the lives of others with compassion, you not only change their world, but you also change your own. True leadership is about action, and true faith is about serving.
Connect with CityServe:
Connect with Convoy of Hope:
Connect with The Wow Factor:
- WOW Factor Website
- Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
- Brad Formsma on Instagram
- Brad Formsma on Facebook
- X (formerly Twitter)