Dr. Rick Lytle | President & CEO of CEO Forum | Shaping Spiritual Leaders in the Marketplace
Release Date: 11/19/2025
Sandra Teplinsky | Former Attorney & Author of Why Still Care About Israel | Scripture, Antisemitism, and God’s Heart for Israel
The Wow Factor
is an American-Israeli Messianic Jew, former attorney, and author based in Jerusalem. Raised on the South Side of Chicago, Sandra experienced antisemitism early in life—an upbringing that shaped both her faith journey and her long-term focus on helping the church understand Israel through a biblical lens. Through decades of study and ministry, she has written and updated to address common theological misconceptions, church-history blind spots, and the interpretive frameworks that still shape how many Christians think about Israel today. In this episode of The Wow Factor, Brad sits...
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Jordan Raynor | Author, Entrepreneur & Executive Chairman at Threshold 360 | Why Your Work Matters for Eternity
The Wow Factor
is a bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, and the Executive Chairman of , a venture-backed tech company. A sixth-generation Tampa native, Jordan has built and exited multiple startups, served in the political arena, and now devotes his life to helping Christians connect the gospel to their everyday work. Through his books, podcasts, and speaking, Jordan’s mission is to equip believers to see their daily tasks, whether in tech, teaching, or making coffee as sacred and significant. In this rich and thought-provoking episode of The Wow Factor, Brad sits down with Jordan to explore the...
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Matt McPherson | Founder of Mathews Archery & McPherson Guitars | Building a Business That Funds the Kingdom
The Wow Factor
Matt McPherson is an inventor, entrepreneur, and passionate follower of Jesus Christ whose companies have reshaped two industries, archery and high-end guitar manufacturing. As the founder of , one of the most respected names in hunting and bow technology, and , known for their unique design and pristine tone, Matt has spent decades building world-class products from the woods of Sparta, Wisconsin. But his bigger mission? Funding global ministry and sharing the Gospel with clarity and creativity. In this milestone 300th episode of The Wow Factor, Brad reconnects with his longtime friend...
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Dr. Rick Lytle | President & CEO of CEO Forum | Shaping Spiritual Leaders in the Marketplace
The Wow Factor
Dr. Rick Lytle is the President and CEO of the , a ministry organization that mentors and disciples Christian CEOs and senior executives leading companies with $100M+ in revenue. With a background in academia and a Ph.D. in marketing, Rick spent years as a professor and business school dean before stepping into his role at the CEO Forum. His mission? To support leaders in building lives and legacies marked by character, competence, and calling—both at work and at home. In this episode of The Wow Factor, Brad sits down with Dr. Rick at the home studio in Irvine,...
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Brent and Tracey McKee | Founders of McKee & Company | Designing a Business That Feels Like Home
The Wow Factor
Brent and Tracey McKee are the visionary founders behind , a luxury furniture and interior design business that’s been redefining the Southern California design landscape for over 26 years. Known for their thoughtful, timeless style and deep commitment to quality and service, the McKees have built more than a business, they’ve built a trusted, relationship-driven brand. Now, they’re stepping into a new chapter with a reimagined space that blends elevated design, hands-on collaboration, and a curated client experience like no other. In this episode of The Wow Factor, Brad visits...
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Tia Newcomer | CEO of CaringBridge | Leading with Heart in the For-Impact World
The Wow Factor
is the CEO of , a nonprofit providing a vital digital platform where families can communicate, receive support, and rally their communities during health journeys. With a career that spans Revlon, PepsiCo., Hewlett-Packard, and multiple health tech ventures, Tia brings a rich background from the for-profit world into the heart of the nonprofit sector, or as she prefers to call it, the for-impact space. In this episode of The Wow Factor, Brad sits down with Tia to unpack her career journey across four pivotal pillars, from consumer goods to tech, healthcare, and now mission-driven...
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John O’Leary | Speaker and Coach| Inspiring Change Through Personal Struggle
The Wow Factor
In 1987, John O’Leary was a curious nine-year-old boy. Playing with fire and gasoline, John created a massive explosion in his home and was burned on 100% of his body. He was given a 1% chance to live. This epic story of survival was first showcased in his parents’ book, Overwhelming Odds, in 2006. It was this book that first invited John to embrace his miraculous recovery and share it with the world. John inspires nearly 75,000 people at 100+ events each year. John’s first book, , was an instant #1 National Bestseller; his Live Inspired Podcast is a top 20 for business on iTunes &...
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Bill Johnson | Pastor and Senior Leader at Bethel Church | Living a Lifestyle of Generosity | Part 2
The Wow Factor
Bill Johnson serves as the Senior Leader of in Redding, California. Known globally for his teaching on revival, faith, and the Kingdom of God, Bill’s ministry has been marked by a consistent focus on gratitude, generosity, and living a life shaped by God’s presence. Through decades of leadership, he has taught that generosity is more than financial giving—it’s a lifestyle of humility, kindness, and service that reflects God’s design for humanity. In this episode, Brad sits down with Bill to talk about gratitude, generosity, and why the two are inseparably linked. Bill shares...
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Bill Johnson | Pastor and Senior Leader at Bethel Church | Living a Lifestyle of Generosity | Part 1
The Wow Factor
Bill Johnson serves as the Senior Leader of in Redding, California. Known globally for his teaching on revival, faith, and the Kingdom of God, Bill’s ministry has been marked by a consistent focus on gratitude, generosity, and living a life shaped by God’s presence. Through decades of leadership, he has taught that generosity is more than financial giving—it’s a lifestyle of humility, kindness, and service that reflects God’s design for humanity. In this episode, Brad sits down with Bill to talk about gratitude, generosity, and why the two are inseparably linked. Bill shares...
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Stephen Auth | EVP & CIO of Equities at Federated Hermes | The Missionary of Wall Street
The Wow Factor
Stephen Auth is the Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of Equities at in New York City, overseeing more than $85 billion in assets. A Princeton graduate with a lifelong interest in both finance and art, Stephen is known for his strategic leadership on Wall Street and his bold work as an author, missionary, and Catholic lay leader. Alongside his wife, Evelyn, he has written books including The Missionary of Wall Street and Pilgrimage to the Museum, blending faith, story, and culture to point people toward Christ. In this episode, Brad sits down with Stephen to talk...
info_outlineDr. Rick Lytle is the President and CEO of the CEO Forum, a ministry organization that mentors and disciples Christian CEOs and senior executives leading companies with $100M+ in revenue. With a background in academia and a Ph.D. in marketing, Rick spent years as a professor and business school dean before stepping into his role at the CEO Forum. His mission? To support leaders in building lives and legacies marked by character, competence, and calling—both at work and at home.
In this episode of The Wow Factor, Brad sits down with Dr. Rick at the home studio in Irvine, California for an in-depth conversation about how faith intersects with leadership at the highest levels of business. Rick shares his personal journey from growing up in the Detroit suburbs to launching a nationally accredited business program at Abilene Christian University, where he served as dean. He opens up about the founding of the CEO Forum, his research on what shapes great leaders, and how he’s equipping the next generation through programs like Entrust and the Leadership Summit. With warmth and candor, Dr. Rick unpacks what it means to live and lead with “higher intent”—and why the marketplace might just be the front line of spiritual renewal.
“Don’t be cheap with God—because He’s never been cheap with you.” - Dr. Rick Lytle
“We’ve raised this generation to be exactly who they are. If we want something different, we’ve got to step up.” - Dr. Rick Lytle
“You can’t move with God and stay where you are.” - Dr. Rick Lytle
This Week on The Wow Factor:
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How Rick’s early career at Volkswagen led to a pivot into academia
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What it took to transform ACU’s business school into an accredited, nationally ranked program
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Raising $35 million and recruiting top faculty in the face of skepticism
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The vision behind CEO Forum and its mission to disciple Christian CEOs
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How spiritual leadership looks different in the marketplace
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What Rick’s research reveals about the upbringing and values of top Christian leaders
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The importance of family, faith, and hard work in shaping leadership
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A deep dive into CEO Forum’s flagship training programs: Spiritual Leadership Institute and Entrust
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Preparing the next generation of leaders to steward influence and wealth with integrity
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How retired CEOs are mentoring young executives through Encore
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Why Rick believes revival isn’t just for churches—it’s happening in the marketplace
Rick Lytle’s Word of Wisdom:
Live with higher intent. Ask not just what you want to do, but what God wants to do through you.
About CEO Forum:
CEO Forum is a membership community built to serve the distinct needs of Christ-following CEOs and senior executives leading major enterprises. Through trusted peer-based communities, personal pastoral care, and intentional spiritual formation, CEO Forum helps leaders live the way of Jesus in every sphere of life. Learn more at theceoforum.org or contact Mark Meador, VP of Member Advancement, at mark@theceoforum.org to explore membership or refer a leader.
CEO Forum also serves emerging leaders through the ENTRUST Summit, a next-generation mentoring gathering on February 26–27, 2026. WOW Factor podcast listeners are invited to nominate or register qualified participants.
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