Libsyn Directory

Jerry Foster | Founder of Foster Group | Generosity, Legacy, and the Three Seasons of a Life Well Lived

Release Date: 05/14/2025

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...

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The Wow Factor

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Honoring Dr. John Rooney | Former President at Rooney and Associates, Inc | Leading with Purpose

The Wow Factor

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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...

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...

Jill Donovan: CEO of Rustic Cuff | Staying In Your Lane for Maximum Results

The Wow Factor

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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...

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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...

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...

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...

More Episodes

In this heartfelt and personal episode, Brad reconnects with long-time friend and returning guest Jerry Foster, founder of Foster Group. 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 challenge you to reflect on your mission, your relationships, and your definition of success.

Jerry Foster is the founder of Foster Group, a Des Moines-based financial planning and investment firm managing nearly $4 billion in assets. His path into finance was anything but conventional—no business degree, no formal training, and a rocky financial start in his early marriage. But that moment became a turning point, sparking a mission to help others pursue meaningful living and generous giving. Jerry is also the author of Life Focus: Achieving a Life of Purpose and Influence, a sought-after speaker on legacy and generosity, and a cancer survivor who lives what he teaches.

“That was the genesis of Foster Group—my wife tossing the checkbook at me in the driveway saying, ‘You need to learn this.’” - Jerry Foster

“Wealthy is a person who has great relationships, peace with God, good health. Money was always last on the list.” - Jerry Foster

“ It seems crazy that a financial planner would stand in front of his clients and tell them that early in his marriage he nearly went broke and couldn't balance his checkbook. But for me, I'm not ashamed, because that is part of my story." - Jerry Foster

This Week on The Wow Factor:

Jerry’s early money struggles and how it shaped Foster Group
How a rare cancer diagnosis led to deeper family conversations and succession planning
Building a culture of meaningful conversations—both at home and at work
Why every Foster Group employee takes the Kolbe and StrengthsFinder assessments
The three seasons of life: Foundation, Framework, Finish—and how to thrive in each
Creating legacy through intentional family meetings and giving structures
The role of faith, vulnerability, and generational generosity
How small one-degree changes (vectors) can radically alter your life’s direction

Jerry Foster’s Word of Wisdom

The most influential season of your life might come after you stop chasing titles. Be present, listen deeply, and build a culture of meaningful conversations—first in your home, then in your work.

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