Jill Donovan: CEO of Rustic Cuff | Staying In Your Lane for Maximum Results
Release Date: 05/07/2025
Father Robert J. Spitzer, S.J. | President of the Magis Center | Christ vs. Satan in Our Daily Lives | Part 1
The Wow Factor
Father Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., is a Jesuit priest, philosopher, educator, author, and the President of the . Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, he went on to study at Gonzaga University, the Gregorian University in Rome, and the Catholic University of America, where he earned a PhD in philosophy. He later served as President of Gonzaga University, where he became known for blending academic excellence with faith formation. Today, Father Spitzer leads the Magis Center, which produces resources on the intersection of faith, science, and reason, and he continues to write and speak...
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Jimmy Mellado | President & CEO of Compassion International | Becoming Before Doing
The Wow Factor
Jimmy Mellado leads , a global, church-driven ministry serving children in poverty across 29 countries. Born in El Salvador (full name: Santiago “Jimmy” Mellado), he grew up across Latin America and Asia, ran decathlon at SMU, and later represented El Salvador in the 1988 Seoul Olympics. His life and leadership are anchored in faith, family, and a deep conviction that true impact starts with who we’re becoming—then flows into what we do. In this episode, Brad sits down with Jimmy at Compassion’s global ministry center in Colorado Springs for a candid conversation about identity,...
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Ricky Dickson | Former President & CEO of Blue Bell Creameries | One Scoop at a Time
The Wow Factor
is the former President and CEO of , one of America’s most beloved ice cream brands. After 43 years with the company, Ricky's leadership legacy is steeped in faith, humility, and an unwavering commitment to people and product integrity. From a young territory manager trying to conquer a new market to leading the company through one of its biggest crises, Ricky’s story is a testament to servant leadership and doing business the right way—one scoop at a time. In this episode, Brad sits down with Ricky for a rich and honest conversation about faith, leadership, crisis, and of course… ice...
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Ari Sacher | Israeli Missile Defense Expert | Faith, Innovation, and Life Under the Dome
The Wow Factor
Ari Sacher has spent more than three decades working at , Israel’s premier developer of missile technology, where he played key roles in the creation of the Iron Dome and David’s Sling missile defense systems. Originally from Wilmington, Delaware, Ari’s journey took him from upstate New York and Toronto to Israel in 1982—and he never looked back. An electrical engineer educated at Israel’s Technion (often called “Israel’s MIT”), Ari has been at the forefront of developing systems that protect millions of lives, all while holding fast to his faith and deep love for family....
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Jim Towey | Founder of Aging with Dignity | Serving the Poor and Powerless with Faith and Grace
The Wow Factor
Jim Towey is the former lawyer for Mother Teresa and the founder of , a nonprofit based in Falls Church, Virginia. He is the creator of the widely used Five Wishes advance directive. His story is as unique as it is powerful—marked by a journey from Capitol Hill to Calcutta, from chasing influence in Washington to walking alongside Mother Teresa and advocating for those society often forgets. As a former lawyer to Mother Teresa, White House staffer, and spiritual seeker, Jim has seen the best and worst of power, and ultimately chose a path of service, faith, and purpose. In this episode of...
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Ralph C. Stayer | Founder of Johnsonville | Building Business With a People First Attitude
The Wow Factor
Ralph Stayer, is the founder of , one of America's most beloved family-owned food companies. From humble beginnings in a small Wisconsin town of just 65 people, Ralph helped grow Johnsonville from an 8-person operation into a global brand by radically rethinking leadership, purpose, Capitalism, and what it means to build a business with heart. In this episode, Brad sits down with Ralph in sunny Naples, Florida, for a deep conversation about faith, capitalism, giving, and legacy. Ralph shares how his own leadership transformation began in frustration and burnout, eventually leading him to...
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J. Mark McVey | Broadway Performer | How Music, Faith, and Gratitude Can Change a Life
The Wow Factor
From the stages of Broadway to school classrooms and men's ministries, J. Mark McVey’s journey is one of persistence, transformation, and service. Best known for his role as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, J. Mark brings not only vocal talent but also deep wisdom on living a life with purpose and impact. In this episode, J. Mark shares how his upbringing in Huntington, West Virginia, shaped his love of music and gratitude. He reflects on the grind of New York theater life, how faith transformed his approach to performance, and why leading from a place of humility—not ego—is his...
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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...
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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...
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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_outlineFounder of Rustic Cuff and author of The Kindness Effect: Experience the Power of Irrational Giving, 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 people to pursue their passions, fulfill their God-given purpose, and always pay it forward!
On the Wow Factor today Jill describes her passion for kindness and generosity and the ways in which she has put that into practice from the age of 10 until today. She shares why she didn’t initially want to pursue leadership opportunities or become an entrepreneur and how God gently led her in the right direction to best use her talents. Jill also shares why it’s so important in her life to start her day by checking in with God in quiet and peace and asking for direction and instruction for that day.
"When God speaks and you don't listen, he'll speak again and keep tapping.” - Jill Donovan
“I realized when you give people the opportunity to give when they might not have otherwise done so it opens up a whole new world for them.” - Jill Donovan
“The more you immediately start saying yes to when your ‘knower’ knows - it becomes habitual.” - Jill Donovan
This Week on The Wow Factor:
- Jill’s joyous upbringing and her dreams for the future as a child
- What Jill did to explore what God was calling her to do in life
- Why she took a sabbatical from her career as a divorce attorney to find something that fulfilled her spiritually
- How Jill got onto the Oprah Winfrey Show seeking her true purpose with a fun family story and the moment she nearly cried on stage
- The idea that God dropped on her that reignited her creative passions
- The beautiful story that prompted Jill to ramp up her bracelet making and commit to the giving lifestyle
- Why Jill decided to write The Kindness Effect despite never wanting to be an author, and the moment that finally made her put pen to paper
- Why Jill leads in the unique way she does and how a supportive generous team build an effective leadership environment
Jill Donovan’s Words of Wisdom:
Just because you can doesn't mean you should - there's a lot you can do when you're leading a company and it's growing, and you have all kinds of people. But just because you have the ability or capability to do something doesn't mean you're called to do that particular thing.
Connect with Jill Donovan:
Connect with The WOW Factor:
- I Like Giving: The Transforming Power of a Generous Life by Brad Formsma
- Words of Wisdom Website
- Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
- Brad Formsma on Instagram
- Brad Formsma on Facebook
- Brad Formsma on Twitter