Libsyn Directory

Ryan Leak | Speaker and Best Selling Author | How to Work With Complicated People and Live Generously

Release Date: 06/04/2025

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...

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...

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...

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

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...

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...

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...

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

From receiving life-altering generosity in his youth to helping global audiences navigate complicated people and personal growth—Ryan Leak’s 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 How to Work With Complicated People offers a deeply practical roadmap for thriving in diverse workplaces. Drawing from personal stories, biblical principles, and years of executive coaching, Ryan helps us rethink how we view conflict, collaboration, and character.

Whether you're leading a team, navigating difficult relationships, or trying to grow in self-awareness, Ryan’s wisdom will shift your mindset and challenge your assumptions about leadership, giving, and grace.

“If everybody else doesn’t change, it doesn’t mean I can’t.” – Ryan Leak

“Nobody believes they’re the toxic one. But the truth is, we’re all complicated.” – Ryan Leak

“If you make your life about giving more than getting, you’ll always have the life you actually want.” – Ryan Leak

This Week on The Wow Factor:

How a stranger’s generosity kept Ryan in private school—and changed his trajectory
The values of giving without keeping score
Why “working with complicated people” starts with personal reflection
How to lead with grace and expect humanity, not perfection
The inspiration behind Ryan’s book and how it’s designed to help workplaces thrive
What Cornelius in the Bible taught Ryan about inclusive leadership
The discipline of creating content that adds value—whether in 60 minutes or 60 seconds
Why Ryan’s favorite act of generosity is paying off someone’s debt with one phrase: “Not anymore”

Ryan Leak’s Word of Wisdom:

If you make your life about giving more than getting, you’ll always have the life you actually want.

Whether it's your time, resources, encouragement, or presence—when you walk into every room looking to give rather than receive, you shift not only the environment but your own fulfillment. Giving isn’t about keeping score. It’s about creating impact that outlives you.

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