The Wow Factor

Leading with excellence is not something that happens overnight. Join Brad Formsma, best-selling author and a Forbes top-rated leadership speaker, as he dives in to uncover the extraordinary stories of failures and triumphs of other successful leaders in business and beyond. The Wow Factor strives to empower the journey of business leaders through raw conversations and uncovered stories of today’s thought leaders. This podcast will also help you discover the words of wisdom to inspire a team of any size, spark a culture of generosity and innovation, and lead with excellence. For extended insights and podcast show notes, go to https://www.thewowfactorpodcast.com

Paul Saber | President & CEO Manna Development Group, LLC | Being a True Servant Leader 05/15/2024

Paul Saber | President & CEO Manna Development Group, LLC | Being a True Servant Leader Paul Saber has been a restaurant owner since 1980. He was the Owner/Operator of McDonald’s restaurants from 1985-2001. In 2003, Paul became President and CEO of Manna Development Group, LLC, and currently holds the Area Development Agreement for Panera Bread. In 2022, Paul was the recipient of the Fierce Brand Love Award. Paul served on the Board of Directors of several Christian ministries and served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association from 2007 to 2009. I’m excited to have Paul Saber on the podcast this week to share his experiences and insights on balancing business and faith. Paul shares his entrepreneurial journey and discusses his time working with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. We dive deep into the significance of prayer in business decision-making, with Paul sharing a personal anecdote about his time working with Billy Graham. Paul also shares his thoughts on the intersection of leadership and faith, emphasizing the importance of value, inspiring employees, and giving back to the community. “We laid the foundation of wanting to truly be here to serve others.” - Paul Saber “Everything is about prayer and the commitment to Christ.” - Paul Saber “Have we asked the Lord if this is right for us?” - Paul Saber This Week on The Wow Factor: Paul shares more about his introduction to the world of work and how his father taught him the value of buying things by having him count customers and calculate profits at a young age The tragedy of Paul’s brother's death and how Mark influenced Paul over the years, including introducing him to Jesus Why Paul was committed to starting a business with a focus on people, not location or restaurant concept How Paul built a team at Panera Bread with a strong focus on loving God and caring for people, which led to the company's success Paul shares a personal story of demonstrating servanthood by washing the feet of employees Paul and his wife launched Share the Dough to give back to communities and employees in need How Share the Dough provides scholarships, gives back to employees, and supports women and children in need across 14 states Paul’s experience of working for Billy Graham and Franklin Graham and highlights the impact it had on his personal and professional life The importance of prayer in leadership with Billy Graham's legacy Paul Saber’s Words of Wisdom: The most important thing we do isn’t the performance or figuring out the details of what’s needed. It is prayer and whether we have asked the Lord if something is right for us. Connect with Paul Saber: Connect with The WOW Factor: /episode/index/show/thewowfactor/id/31292807

Kevin Lavelle | Co-Founder and CEO of Harbor | A New Way to Monitor Your Kids 05/08/2024

Kevin Lavelle | Co-Founder and CEO of Harbor | A New Way to Monitor Your Kids Kevin Lavelle is the Co-Founder and CEO of Harbor. Kevin brings a wealth of experience from his role as the Founder and Chairman of Mizzen+ Main, having invented the world's first performance fabric dress shirt. With a successful growth round raised from L Catterton, partnerships with world-renowned athletes like Phil Mickelson and JJ Watt, and a background in omnichannel retail, Kevin is not only a dedicated entrepreneur but also a loving husband and father of two. Kevin joins me on the show to discuss his brand-new venture, Harbor. Kevin shares his frustration with current baby monitoring technology and why he wanted to design a dedicated device without an internet connection that was completely failsafe in helping parents keep an eye on their baby. He talks about how the Harbor smart baby monitor allows parents to check on their children without disturbing their sleep and shares details of the personalized, supportive advice from experienced pediatric nurses that Harbor offers to help the whole family get more rest. "We are democratizing access to sleep expertise” - Kevin Lavelle “Keep showing up.” - Kevin Lavelle “We need to live our lives, and kids need to be able to learn and thrive.” - Kevin Lavelle This week on The Wow Factor: The lightbulb moment when a baby monitor app crashed, causing concern for Kevin’s son's safety. Why Kevin wanted to create a baby monitor with a direct connection to a tablet for reliable and secure monitoring. How Harbor allows people to directly connect with their baby, eliminating internet dependence and providing a dedicated device for monitoring. How the camera and tablet communicate directly without Wi-Fi or the internet, using a direct communication protocol. The importance of having a reliable monitoring system and why it makes parents' lives easier How Kevin and the Harbor co-founders and parents tested the device. How Harbor has helped change lives with its sleep expertise and coaching for parents. Kevin Lavelle’s Words of Wisdom: Just keep showing up and know that if it wasn’t the day you wanted, you get another day tomorrow. But at the same time, not every day is guaranteed, so value everything as you go through life. Connect with Kevin Lavelle: Connect with The WOW Factor: /episode/index/show/thewowfactor/id/31176552

Dallen Peterson | Founder of Merry Maids and Author | Honoring God Through Business 05/01/2024

Dallen Peterson | Founder of Merry Maids and Author | Honoring God Through Business Dallen Peterson is the Founder of Merry Maids and author of an amazing business book, titled “Rags, Riches & Real Success.” In his book, he shares his remarkable true story and success principles based on personal faith. He shares the story of the founding of Merry Maids, its phenomenal growth, and how it eventually became part of the ServiceMaster family. Dallen’s book also shares the seven principles for real success, all life truths that come from serving God. Dallen joins me on The Wow Factor podcast to share his thoughts on the importance of hard work, perseverance, and humility in achieving success. He highlights how his upbringing instilled a strong work ethic and a commitment to serving others, including providing shelter to those in need. Dallen discusses his professional milestones, including his experience of founding and growing Merry Maids on the principles of honoring God and pursuing excellence. “Our first corporate objective was to honor God in all we do” - Dallen Peterson “It was my dream to be in business” - Dallen Peterson “It was God's timing and God's plan, and for that, I am forever grateful.” - Dallen Peterson This Week on The Wow Factor: Dallen reflects on his experience starting KAPS Foods, including the challenges they faced during that time, including high-interest rates and commodity prices, and how they overcame those challenges through prayer and perseverance How Dallen and his family grew Merry Maids by emphasizing faith and excellence. The importance of honoring God in the company's operations and pursuing excellence, and why that attracted franchisees How Dallen and Chuck Colson joined forces in prison ministry after meeting at a mayor's prayer breakfast in 1976 Dallen shares stories of some of the 100 prisons worldwide he has visited, including prisons in Bulgaria and Uganda, with poor living conditions The $25 million sale of Merry Maids and its impact on Dallen and his family’s lives The challenges of growing a business and the importance of connecting with franchisees How Dallen became involved in various ministry boards and corporate boards after "retiring" at 51 years old Stories of Dallen’s generosity and family ministry, including opening their home to homeless people Dallen Peterson’s Words of Wisdom: I thank God every day. The first thing I do every morning is say, “Thank you, Jesus.” Connect with Dallen Peterson: by Dallen Peterson Connect with The WOW Factor: /episode/index/show/thewowfactor/id/31056223

Porter Garner | President and CEO of The Association of Former Students at Texas A&M University | Value-Driven Leadership 04/24/2024

Porter Garner | President and CEO of The Association of Former Students at Texas A&M University | Value-Driven Leadership Porter graduated from Texas A&M in 1979 with a BBA in marketing. He joined The Association of Former Students as Field Director in 1981. Over the last 23 years as President and CEO, he has inspired innovation and led initiatives to achieve The Association’s vision to become the premier alumni organization. Porter serves on the board of Baylor Scott & White Hospital – College Station Region, and he and his wife, Lisa ’91, are Endowed Century Club donors to The Association of Former Students, Eppright Distinguished Donors, and members of the Texas A&M Legacy Society. Porter shares insights on generosity, positivity, and living a great life today on The Wow Factor podcast. He discusses how he has felt the power of generosity in his life and career and why he thinks there is a link between giving and happiness. In our conversation, Porter discusses the development of Texas A&M University's core values and the importance of these values for Aggies, past and present, and their families. Porter also digs into leadership qualities and why you gain so much insight into character when you look at their actions rather than words. “We developed a sense of humility and appreciation for the opportunities that students are given here.” - Porter Garner “I see young people aligning with our core values.” - Porter Garner “When vision and philanthropy come together, it inspires future generations of Aggies to indeed do what they've done.” - Porter Garner This Week on The Wow Factor: How Porter got his role at The Association of Former Students at Texas A&M University Porter reflects on his 42-year association with Texas A&M, including the unique aspects of the school's history and culture The history of the Association of Former Students at Texas A&M University The association's inclusive approach today, 23 years after the launch of the Aggie Network, that allows for the recognition of non-graduates and graduates alike Why Aggies value humility, selfless service, and camaraderie, with a strong sense of tradition and reputation Porter discusses the development of Texas A&M University's core values and the importance of these values for Aggies, including the comfort they provide to parents and the sense of belonging they foster among students The importance of integrity and ethical leadership, and inspiring others as a leader The importance of Aggie Park, built exclusively by private philanthropy, as a place where legacy is alive and future generations of Aggies can have the same experiences as past students Why it’s so vital to give with a cheerful attitude Porter’s strong belief in treating everyone with respect and kindness, regardless of their position or role Porter Garner’s Words of Wisdom: You learn a lot about people when you watch how they treat other people —it’s perhaps the greatest insight to character that there is. You can learn a lot about somebody going out to dinner with them, walking down the street with them, attending an event with them, and just watching how they treat people. Connect with Porter Garner: Connect with The Association of Former Students: Connect with The WOW Factor: /episode/index/show/thewowfactor/id/30953618

Flip Flippen | Chairman and Founder at The Flippen Group | | Give Your Heart Freely 04/17/2024

Flip Flippen | Chairman and Founder at The Flippen Group | | Give Your Heart Freely Flip is the Chairman and Founder of Flippen Group, one of North America's fastest-growing educator training, corporate talent, and team development companies. Flippen associates give themselves relentlessly each day to “Building relationships and processes that bring out the best in people.” Flip and his wife Susan, CEO, were named Ernst & Young Entrepreneurs of the Year in 2011, the only couple ever to receive this prestigious award. Founded in 1990, Flippen Group was chosen by Texas Monthly magazine as #2 in the listing of Best Companies to Work For in Texas. The company’s breakthrough educational curricula and processes are used in thousands of schools nationwide, and their business division works with multinational and global companies worldwide, enhancing performance and outcomes. He is the best-selling author of The Flip Side: Break Free of the Behaviors That Hold You Back and Your Third Story: Author the Life You Were Meant to Live. Flip reflects on positive influences and mentors in his life, including his Scoutmaster and baseball coach, who helped instill values of hard work and integrity. He shares more about the challenges faced by at-risk youth and the importance of loving and supporting them to overcome their struggles, and discusses the 16 years he spent as a psychotherapist and how he has supported hundreds of boys over the years. Flip also discusses the importance of understanding one's constraints and how it will help you achieve success. “Anybody who does anything with their life can show you people who wrote on their soul” - Flip Flippen “I always want everybody to be better!” - Flip Flippen “Your heart is the most powerful thing you could ever give anybody, so give it freely.” - Flip Flippen This Week on The Wow Factor: Flip shares more about his life growing up in Texas and some of the amazing mentors he had The power of words, as told in many old proverbs, can stick with a person, potentially causing harm if they are negative or hurtful Why constraints hinder performance and how to create significant improvement The importance of changing behaviors to achieve personal growth and reach one's potential. How leaders can show their team members they care and respect them and why it’s so important The value of extending kindness and care beyond the workplace, even if it's not directly related to the company's core business When teachers capture children's hearts, their minds will follow Some of the challenges faced by educators in today's society, including the impact of social and political issues on their work How we can understand the neuroscience behind building relationships with students and why it creates a comfortable and secure environment for learning How The Flippen Group trains teachers on how to build meaningful relationships with their students, with a focus on creating a supportive and inclusive classroom environment Flip Flippen’s Words of Wisdom: I wish that leaders would let their team know who they are, that they care for them, respect them, and love them if they can. Your heart is the most powerful thing you could ever give anybody, so give it freely and love more. Connect with Flip Flippen: by Flip Flippen by Flip Flippen and Dr. Chris J. White Connect with The WOW Factor: /episode/index/show/thewowfactor/id/30852108

David Olaricksiri | Founder of Royal Kingdom Industry| How God’s Advice Helped Create Business Success 04/10/2024

David Olaricksiri | Founder of Royal Kingdom Industry| How God’s Advice Helped Create Business Success David Olaricksiri founded Royal Kingdom Industry in 1990 with the vision of exporting Thai goods throughout the world. The business supplies and exports high-quality coolers all over the world. David joins me on the show to share the reason behind the name of his company and why he chose it to honor the Kingdom of Heaven. He credits God with leading him to start a business and his continued gratitude for God’s daily guidance and shares his personal experience of facing giants in business with God's grace, and how his faith has sustained and supported him throughout his life. David also shares more about specific changes he made in his business after listening to God’s advice and how they have made his company more successful. “God has a purpose in every human life.” - David Olaricksiri “I believe in excellency.” - David Olaricksiri “Don't wait to give when you are rich; you can learn to give, even when you have little.” - David Olaricksiri This Week on The Wow Factor: David shares his spiritual journey, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's purpose and guidance in his life The reason why David refuses to use recycled materials from Thailand in his plastic products to ensure safety and quality How David drew on God’s wisdom to save freight costs during export What happened when David discovered a monopoly in the Thai battery market, and why he felt called to start a new business How David turned his business around by following the Lord's advice to change the color of his product The importance of listening and trusting God's unique answers to prayer David’s inspiration and role models throughout his career David Olaricksiri’s Words of Wisdom: Go beyond yourself. Don't wait to give when you are rich; you can learn to give, even when you have little. When you do that, the Lord will give you even more. Connect with David Olaricksiri: Connect with The WOW Factor: /episode/index/show/thewowfactor/id/30758698

Adam Christing | Founder and President of Clean Comedians | How Clean Comedy Connects People 04/03/2024

Adam Christing | Founder and President of Clean Comedians | How Clean Comedy Connects People Adam is an accomplished comedian, speaker, and entertainer with a passion for making people laugh and bringing joy to audiences worldwide. With over 30 years of experience, Adam has performed for thousands of corporate clients, including Fortune 500 companies, non-profits, and more. In 2021, he received the “Best of Los Angeles Award” as the #1 Event Master of Ceremonies. He has appeared on over 100 radio and TV shows, including CNN, Fox News, Entertainment Tonight, and NBC Nightly News. Adam has also been featured in national magazines and newspapers, including USA Today, FORTUNE, and The New York Times. Adam joins me on the show to share his journey from a suburb in Southern California to auditioning as a junior member at the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, where he discovered his passion for combining magic and laughter. We discuss why comedy is inherently shocking, but why clean comedy is the new shocking thing, because comedians have to read the audience moment by moment and be on their toes. Adam also shares more about how he incorporates humor into events to engage and impact his audience. “We serve our audiences better when we tap into the power of silence.” - Adam Christing “Treat clients as under your protection. Delight them, and they'll keep coming back.” - Adam Christing “Some of the brightest comedians are also some of the deepest thinkers. They don’t just reflect on what's going to make someone laugh, but what's going to take them on a journey through story.” - Adam Christing This Week on The Wow Factor: Adam emphasizes the importance of finding your unique sense of humor and style rather than simply relying on jokes or impressions Why Adam loves calling people onto stage, creating the potential for unexpected interactions in live events The importance of knowing the audience to create moments of comedy and why observational humor works so well Adam shares how he used humor as a tool for effective communication in his work as a youth pastor Why comedy is inherently shocking, but working clean is the new shocking thing! Why clean comedians have to read the audience moment by moment and be on their toes Adam talks about the importance of listening in comedy, citing an example of a difficult situation where he had to adjust his approach due to a tragic event The power of silence when connecting with your audience via humor How to use humor to build trust and community, then to highlight the organization's impact Why Adam prioritizes storytelling and emotional resonance in his comedy, reflecting on the importance of handling heavy topics with care and sensitivity How to manage events, keep things on track, and handle difficult situations with grace and professionalism The importance of considering the audience's perspective and providing value to them, whether on stage or in other aspects of life Why failing to provide a clear direction or purpose can lead to a lack of engagement and interest from the audience Why Adam shares personal stories and vulnerabilities to connect with the audience, revealing the power of intimacy in communication Adam Christing’s Words of Wisdom: The word client originally goes back to a Latin root, and it means to come under the protection of another. So when I have a client I think of it as an opportunity to delight. I want to make them look good and I want to help them get the results that they want. When you start treating customers, vendors, and employees like clients under your care, lots of great things will happen. Connect with Adam Christing: Connect with The WOW Factor: /episode/index/show/thewowfactor/id/30631968

Carolyn Sakstrup | Executive Vice President and Chief Growth & Generosity Officer at Thrivent | How We Can Mainstream Generosity 03/27/2024

Carolyn Sakstrup | Executive Vice President and Chief Growth & Generosity Officer at Thrivent | How We Can Mainstream Generosity Carolyn Sakstrup is Executive Vice President and Chief Growth & Generosity Officer of Thrivent, a Fortune 500 diversified financial services organization. Carolyn is responsible for building the organization’s brand, delivering an exceptional, integrated client experience, and enhancing generosity offerings. She previously was Target’s Senior Vice President of Insights, Strategy, and Innovation, and prior to her 12 years at Target, Carolyn spent seven years at McKinsey & Company as a strategy consultant focused on marketing and organizational strategy for clients. Carolyn serves as Chair for the Board of the YMCA of the North in Minnesota, where she lives with her husband, Kai, and their sons. I’m with Carolyn today to dig into what her role as Chief Growth & Generosity Officer involves and how Thrivent promotes the ‘Live Generously’ message across the globe. She shares how they support their clients to be philanthropists and donate their time to great causes in their communities through their Thrivent Action Teams. Carolyn also shares why leaders need to first get clarity on their situation, then be courageous enough to step into a space, and then bring people along with them. “Our clients are so wired to serve, are plugged in within their communities, and have causes that they care about deeply.” - Carolyn Sakstrup “Generosity should be democratized.” - Carolyn Sakstrup “Being courageous, step into a space where you don't know the answers, and bring people along.” - Carolyn Sakstrup This Week on The Wow Factor: Carolyn’s introduction to the world of leadership as a young girl How her leadership training started with the YMCA and continued to Harvard Business School Carolyn’s experience at Target and why it was such an incredible place of learning for her as a leader and to learn what it means for an organization to truly center on those they serve Why she made the move to Thrivent after 12 years at Target What it means to be a purpose-based company and how Thrivent differs from other companies in its focus on both financial and generosity goals How Thrivent recognizes clients' desire to serve and how they utilize Thrivent Action Teams to enable clients to serve their communities more easily Why generosity is not limited to those with wealth, and how anyone can live a life of service and find joy in giving, regardless of their financial situation The benefits of donor-advised funds, including no minimum balance requirement and tax advantages for growth How the ‘Live Generously’ statement printed on 13 million t-shirts sparks conversations and inspires even more people to serve Carolyn Sakstrup’s Words of Wisdom: As a leader, you have to step into the opportunity and the moment, and be comfortable creating a plan, even if it’s not perfect. Connect with Carolyn Sakstrup: Connect with Thrivent: Thrivent Website Thrivent on Connect with The WOW Factor: /episode/index/show/thewowfactor/id/30550858

Brent Nussbaum | CEO Nussbaum Transportation | Sharing Wisdom All Across the USA 03/20/2024

Brent Nussbaum | CEO Nussbaum Transportation | Sharing Wisdom All Across the USA Brent has held many roles with Nussbaum, a seventy-eight-year-old family-owned and operated company founded by his father in 1945. Under Brent’s leadership, Nussbaum has enjoyed record growth and has been recognized with multiple accolades within the transportation industry for its innovative spirit and commitment to integrity. From designing solutions for customers to developing and implementing groundbreaking equipment modifications for fuel efficiency, Nussbaum lives its motto of “Setting New Ideas in Motion.” Also recognized is Nussbaum’s driver retention rate which far exceeds industry benchmarks, a true testament to the company's culture. Brent is on the podcast today to talk to us about why Nussbaum Transportation prioritizes generous giving and biblical stewardship and finds joy in giving and focusing on others rather than themselves. He shares the story of going in and out and back into a family business and how God guided his family through those big life decisions. We also dig into the importance of hiring for long-term success and a positive work environment. We discuss why prioritizing character over paycheck leads to better financial stability and a sense of purpose in work. “Persevere through the difficult times.” - Brent Nussbaum “Your employees are your greatest asset. They also belong to God, so take care of them and nurture them, love on them and their families, and grow them.” - Brent Nussbaum “I get up every morning, and I invite God into my day.” - Brent Nussbaum This Week on The Wow Factor: How Brent began his career in Operations after having his Class D truck driving license revoked The sad death of Brent’s father when he was 23 and how that led to a decision to give his life to Christ Brent describes his experience with a unionized family business, mentioning the challenges of being tied to a union and the desire to escape and start his own business Brent describes a moment of spiritual awakening where God shared the message that he needed to go back to school and how this lead to a personal transformation and a new path forward What happened when Brent found he was working for a company that was unethical and was asking him to do things that went against his moral beliefs How Brent jumped back into the family business and the direction in which God guided him to go Why Nussbaum Transportation made the decision to install full wrap graphics on the sides of trailers with messaging as to what God holds as important How John Beckett's book "Loving Monday" inspired Brent to make Nussbaum a ministry The emotional decision to sell the company to employees through an ESOP and how it felt to let go of a family legacy after 73 years How Brent invites God into his life every day and is guided through that day, no matter what comes Brent Nussbaum’s Words of Wisdom: Our lives and possessions are not our own; they’re God’s. Ultimately, if we surrender what we think is ours and watch how He works, we will receive a huge blessing. Connect with Brent Nussbaum: Connect with Nussbaum Transportation: Connect with The WOW Factor: /episode/index/show/thewowfactor/id/30445178

Hanna Skandera | President & Chief Executive Officer at Daniels Fund | Sowing Seeds of Generosity 03/13/2024

Hanna Skandera | President & Chief Executive Officer at Daniels Fund | Sowing Seeds of Generosity Hanna Skandera joined the Daniels Fund as a Board member in 2019 and was subsequently selected as president and CEO in 2020 due to her proven track record of transformative leadership and impact in both public and private sector organizations. Hanna is nationally recognized for her expertise in education, with significant improvements in student achievement during her leadership in New Mexico, where she served as secretary of education under Governor Susana Martinez. Hanna has founded multiple education initiatives and leadership programs and has been a visiting professor of Education Policy and Impact at the Pepperdine School of Public Policy, Distinguished Teaching Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School, and a research fellow with the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. Additionally, Hanna currently serves on the boards of Academic Partnerships, Daniels Fund, Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, MGT, Newsela, and Philanthropy Roundtable. I’m so excited to have Hanna join me on The Wow Factor this week, sharing her journey from secretary of education in New Mexico to President and CEO at The Daniels Fund. She encourages being bold and inspiring generational impact. We discuss why transparency inspires others to be transparent and how Bill Daniels' approach to relationships was rooted in his understanding of the value of sharing oneself to help others. She shares the eight key giving areas of The Daniels Fund and gives an insight into the stories behind them. Hanna also digs into the value of personal relationships, how mentors have helped her move forward in life, and how working with the people around you can help you change and shape the world for generations. “Everyone is made with a purpose and has the opportunity to give back.” - Hanna Skandera “When you believe that things are not possible, you'll deliver on that belief. When you believe that they are, you will deliver on that.” - Hanna Skandera “You are sowing seeds that can last not just for your life, but for lifetimes to come.” - Hanna Skandera This Week on The Wow Factor: How Hanna’s involvement in running a nonprofit in her senior year at school shifted her career trajectory from business to full-time nonprofit work Why mentors are so valuable and how her mentor has provided wise advice and guidance throughout her career Hanna’s experience of the mentorship program at Stanford University, some of the inspirational leaders she met, and how it led to an invitation to join California Governor Schwarzenegger’s administration Why Hanna was so honored to join Governor Martinez as her secretary for education, helping to improve education in the state The importance of changing beliefs and mindsets to achieve success, particularly for marginalized communities Why we need leaders to challenge existing thought patterns and inspire others to believe in the possibility of change Hanna shares her journey with the Daniels Fund, a private charitable foundation dedicated to making life better through its grants program, scholarship program, and ethics initiative. How Bill Daniels' legacy lives on through his commitment to giving back to communities and individuals, inspiring others to do the same. Hanna Skandera’s Words of Wisdom: Be bold and courageous. You only live once, but live like it lasts for generations to come. Connect with Hanna Skandera: ● ● Connect with the Daniels Fund: ● ● ● ● ● Connect with The WOW Factor: /episode/index/show/thewowfactor/id/30344083

Will Guidara | Restaurateur and Author of Unreasonable Hospitality | One Size Fits One Generosity Part 2 03/06/2024

Will Guidara | Restaurateur and Author of Unreasonable Hospitality | One Size Fits One Generosity Part 2 Will Guidara is the founder of Thank You, a hospitality company that helps leaders across industries transform their approach to customer service. He is also the former co-owner of Eleven Madison Park. In his book Unreasonable Hospitality, he shares many of the lessons about service and leadership he learned throughout his career in restaurants and makes the case that any business can choose to be in the hospitality industry by taking ordinary transactions and turning them into memorable experiences. He is also the co-founder of the Welcome Conference, an annual conference that brings together the best minds in the world of hospitality. A graduate of Cornell University, he has co-authored four cookbooks, was named one of Crain’s New York Business’s 40 Under 40, and is a recipient of WSJ Magazine’s Innovator Award. Will Guidara is with us today to reflect on his experience in the restaurant industry and how it has impacted his approach to business, prioritizing human connection and caring for people. He believes that the hospitality industry has valuable lessons to offer, particularly in that it encourages others to choose to concentrate on the people around them. Will also comments on how society's views on leadership have changed over the years and why we need to prioritize connection over perfection “We can inspire people to be better versions of themselves through our attention to detail or our creativity.” - Will Guidara “It's crucial to name for yourself why your work matters.” - Will Guidara “Find one size fits one gestures.” - Will Guidara This Week on The Wow Factor: Will’s experience of growing up in Sleepy Hollow, New York, and what he learned from his mentor and best friend, his father Will discusses his experience of spending time with famous chef Daniel Boulud, including his generosity to him and his father The role of Will’s mother in his upbringing and how she inspired him even after his death Will’s career history in restaurants, including at Tribeca Grill and Spago, and why he credits Danny Meyer as a major influence Why Will left his role with Danny to learn about the inner workings of a corporate restaurant company The gelato spoon that illustrates Will’s Rule of 95/5 Why unreasonable hospitality means going above and beyond for guests Moments of Improvisational hospitality, including buying sleds for kids from Spain who had never seen snow The importance of making guests feel seen and valued through personalized gestures rather than relying on generic or contrived acts of hospitality Why Will employs a Dreamweaver on his team at the restaurant and what the job role entails Will Guidara’s Words of Wisdom: A leader needs to be a host. They need to pursue with creativity and intention, a genuine sense of connection amongst the people that work with them. Because if we don't feel like we are in a community with our colleagues, we'll never do anything. Connect with Will Guidara: Connect with The WOW Factor: /episode/index/show/thewowfactor/id/30245848

Will Guidara | Restaurateur and Author of Unreasonable Hospitality | One Size Fits One Generosity 02/28/2024

Will Guidara | Restaurateur and Author of Unreasonable Hospitality | One Size Fits One Generosity Will Guidara is the founder of Thank You, a hospitality company that helps leaders across industries transform their approach to customer service. He is also the former co-owner of Eleven Madison Park. In his book Unreasonable Hospitality, he shares many of the lessons about service and leadership he learned throughout his career in restaurants and makes the case that any business can choose to be in the hospitality industry by taking ordinary transactions and turning them into memorable experiences. He is also the co-founder of the Welcome Conference, an annual conference that brings together the best minds in the world of hospitality. A graduate of Cornell University, he has co-authored four cookbooks, was named one of Crain’s New York Business’s 40 Under 40, and is a recipient of WSJ Magazine’s Innovator Award. Will Guidara is with us today to reflect on his experience in the restaurant industry and how it has impacted his approach to business, prioritizing human connection and caring for people. He believes that the hospitality industry has valuable lessons to offer, particularly in that it encourages others to choose to concentrate on the people around them. Will also comments on how society's views on leadership have changed over the years and why we need to prioritize connection over perfection “We can inspire people to be better versions of themselves through our attention to detail or our creativity.” - Will Guidara “It's crucial to name for yourself why your work matters.” - Will Guidara “Find one size fits one gestures.” - Will Guidara This Week on The Wow Factor: Will’s experience of growing up in Sleepy Hollow, New York, and what he learned from his mentor and best friend, his father Will discusses his experience of spending time with famous chef Daniel Boulud, including his generosity to him and his father The role of Will’s mother in his upbringing and how she inspired him even after his death Will’s career history in restaurants, including at Tribeca Grill and Spago, and why he credits Danny Meyer as a major influence Why Will left his role with Danny to learn about the inner workings of a corporate restaurant company The gelato spoon that illustrates Will’s Rule of 95/5 Why unreasonable hospitality means going above and beyond for guests Moments of Improvisational hospitality, including buying sleds for kids from Spain who had never seen snow The importance of making guests feel seen and valued through personalized gestures rather than relying on generic or contrived acts of hospitality Why Will employs a Dreamweaver on his team at the restaurant and what the job role entails Will Guidara’s Words of Wisdom: A leader needs to be a host. They need to pursue with creativity and intention, a genuine sense of connection amongst the people that work with them. Because if we don't feel like we are in a community with our colleagues, we'll never do anything. Connect with Will Guidara: Connect with The WOW Factor: /episode/index/show/thewowfactor/id/30136343

Leading with Character and Integrity Ft. General Krulak 02/21/2024

Leading with Character and Integrity Ft. General Krulak General Krulak is a former commandant of the and a deputy director of the White House Military Office, and he has served by presidential appointment as chairman of the , overseeing the board responsible for the policies of the U.S. Naval Academy. Following his retirement from military service, General Krulak was made chairman and CEO of in England, where he oversaw the financial turnaround for the credit card provider. He subsequently joined as vice chairman and chief administrative officer, where he was responsible for corporate and personnel development and education. General Krulak served as president of and continues to be passionate about supporting the development of young people. General Krulak joins me today to share the experience he gained while working with Presidents Regan and Bush as part of the White House Military Office staff and how his role was pivotal in providing military support. He discusses his move into leading private companies and why it was important to him to be authentic and honest to get the best out of his staff and himself in this new industry. General Krulak also shares the motivation behind his charitable work with the and the future objectives of the program. “Where principle is involved, be deaf to expediency.” - General Krulak This week on The Wow Factor: The advantages of growing up a military junior Why he decided to join the Marine Corps His journey through training school to become an Infantry Officer and subsequently go to Vietnam The emotional impact of being in the Marine Corps on his wife and family How he progressed through the ranks in his career The difference between the public and classified areas of his work at the White House The personal importance of embracing Christianity to General Krulak His pride in being selected as the Marine Corps Commandant The Importance of prayer in significant moments The Influence of his father and other mentors such as President Regan Why he is passionate about moving forward and helping young people How he continued to grow as a leader Why he doesn't dwell on regrets General Krulak’s Words of Wisdom: If you want to be successful in life, be a man or a woman of character, have moral courage, do the right thing, have integrity. Connect with General Krulak: Connect with The WOW Factor: /episode/index/show/thewowfactor/id/30036313

Emerson Eggerichs: Public Speaker and Author | Honoring Marriage and The Four Wills of God 02/14/2024

Emerson Eggerichs: Public Speaker and Author | Honoring Marriage and The Four Wills of God Dr. Emerson Eggerichs is an internationally known public speaker on marriage, parenting, and communication. Based on over three decades of counseling and scientific and biblical research, Dr. Eggerichs developed the , which he presents to live audiences around the country. Emerson has authored several books, including Love and Respect in the Family, Mother & Son: The Respect Effect, and the New York Times bestseller Love and Respect. Emerson is also the Founder and President of . I welcome Emerson to the Wow Factor today to discuss how God directs our steps and frees us to use our free will to direct our own lives. He believes that the Bible prompts people to recognize the answers to the big questions in life by understanding the four wills of God, which he calls the B.A.G.S, (Believe in Jesus, Abstain from sexual immorality, Give thanks always, Submit to the Lord). Emerson also shares how he realized that men and women communicate differently and why he was prompted to set up the Love and Respect conferences. “It doesn’t hurt to ask God to bring about a coincidence every once in a while, and see what might happen.” - Emerson Eggerichs “The two key ingredients for a successful marriage are love and respect.” - Emerson Eggerichs “I just want to see the hand of God in my life; I really don’t care what’s in it.” - Emerson Eggerichs This Week on The Wow Factor: How the challenges in Emerson’s family situation prompted him to know Christ and lead his family to Christ What Emerson learned about leadership in the early years of being a senior pastor Why Emerson made the decision not to write any books until he was 50 Why Emerson was inspired to develop some way to help people experience, love, and respect Emerson describes the four wills of God and shares why they remain central to almost every part of life What the ‘crazy cycle’ is and how it can damage a marriage The importance of being honest with yourself about where you can do better in your life How the Bible gives us constant reminders of the critical factors in life Emerson’s thoughts on the state of marriage in the US today Dr. Emerson Eggerichs’ Words of Wisdom: God is using you to lead, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be rich, but the most successful people in life are those that have loved God and loved others. Connect with Dr. Emerson Eggerichs: Connect with The WOW Factor: by Brad Formsma /episode/index/show/thewowfactor/id/29911523

Jonathan T.M. Reckford | CEO of Habitat for Humanity International | Building Futures Through Servantship 02/07/2024

Jonathan T.M. Reckford | CEO of Habitat for Humanity International | Building Futures Through Servantship Jonathan T.M. Reckford is CEO of Habitat for Humanity International, a global ecumenical housing organization that has helped more than 59 million people construct, rehabilitate, or preserve their homes. He earned his Master of Business Administration degree from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business before spending the first part of his career in the for-profit sector, including executive and managerial positions at Marriott, The Walt Disney Co., and Best Buy. While serving as executive pastor at Christ Presbyterian Church near Minneapolis, Minnesota, he was recruited for the CEO position at Habitat. Named the most influential nonprofit leader in America in 2017 by The NonProfit Times, Jonathan is the author of Our Better Angels: Seven Simple Virtues That Will Change Your Life and the World. I’m excited to have Jonathan on the show today to share more about the mission and vision of Habit for Humanity. He digs deep into how the program works with families, local communities, and volunteers from around the world to ensure people can live in affordable and safe homes. Jonathan shares the journey he took personally and professionally before landing at Habitat for Humanity and discusses why, for him, the heart of leadership is servant leadership. “This is the kind of thing God has been preparing me for my whole life.” - Jonathan T.M. Reckford “When we give and when we're generous, it's about transforming our own hearts, as well as making a difference in the lives of others.” - Jonathan T.M. Reckford “Working hard is a vehicle for relationship and community.” - Jonathan T.M. Reckford This Week on The Wow Factor: Jonathan’s early life, his role models and mentors What Jonathan did to regain perspective on life when his first job didn’t work out as planned More about Jonathan’s roles at Disney, Marriot, and Best Buy The mission trip to India, where he was deeply impacted by global poverty issues Why Jonathan decided to become administrative pastor for his local church Why Jonathan is so inspired by President and Mrs Carter’s incredible faith-driven service ethic The work that Habitat for Humanity does in the community and how it’s evolved over the years How volunteers are integral to Habit for Humanity’s mission More about the Global Village program Jonathan walks us through the process of acquiring and building on land in cities in the US and shares the story of one of their past families The impact of rising house prices on workforce and lower-income families Jonathan T.M. Reckfords’ Words of Wisdom: The heart of leadership is really about servant leadership. I see that in two pieces: first is paying attention to the inner life before you can focus on the outer life, and second is finding the mission that matters. Connect with Jonathan T.M. Reckford: Connect with The WOW Factor: /episode/index/show/thewowfactor/id/29829238

Dr. Henry Cloud | Leadership Expert | Why Giving Helps Your Mental Health Part 2 01/31/2024

Dr. Henry Cloud | Leadership Expert | Why Giving Helps Your Mental Health Part 2 Dr. Henry Cloud is an acclaimed leadership expert, clinical psychologist, and New York Times bestselling author. His 45 books, including the iconic Boundaries, have sold nearly 20 million copies worldwide. He has an extensive executive coaching background and experience as a leadership consultant, devoting the majority of his time to working with CEOs, leadership teams, and executives to improve performance, leadership skills, and culture. This week on The Wow Factor, we’re excited to welcome back Dr. Cloud to share his thoughts on questions that help people move past the superficial and really forge a connection. He discusses how focusing on gratitude can help manage anxiety and shares an example of a client who practiced gratitude in challenging professional circumstances and how it helped his mental health. Dr. Cloud also shares his insights on why leaders should be doing everything they can to learn and grow. “Gratitude is a very, very profound psychological construct.” - Dr. Henry Cloud “It's an act of generosity to look at the bigger picture.” - Dr. Henry Cloud “Empathy is the ability to get into another person's reality.” - Dr. Henry Cloud This Week on The Wow Factor: What the word gratitude means to Henry Why gratitude is a profound psychological construct that's linked to humility and relational health Why receiving is difficult for many people due to shame and a tendency to shield oneself, and the reason it's important to be able to receive gracefully The importance of being a cheerful giver rather than giving out of a sense of duty Why giving feels so good and creates that warm dopamine release inside you The relationship between gratitude and anxiety and how practicing gratitude can help reduce anxiety by affecting brain chemistry How generosity helps in creating a positive and abundant universe. Why empathy is a requirement for brain development and how it can help you feel safe and trust someone Why you should prioritize solving problems early on to prevent them from becoming patterns that damage relationships Why, even when we don't have a lot, we've got to give, or we're never going to start giving Dr. Henry Cloud’s Words of Wisdom: There's an old saying that gets thrown around many leadership circles: "When a leader gets better, everybody wins.” So, I would encourage you to get out of your circle and get into other industries and see how other people do things, not just on the business side but also in terms of your soft skills. Do everything you can do to grow. Connect with Dr. Henry Cloud: Connect with The WOW Factor: /episode/index/show/thewowfactor/id/29715668

Dr. Henry Cloud | Author & Leadership Expert | Why Giving Helps Your Mental Health | Part 1 01/24/2024

Dr. Henry Cloud | Author & Leadership Expert | Why Giving Helps Your Mental Health | Part 1 Dr. Henry Cloud is an acclaimed leadership expert, clinical psychologist, and New York Times bestselling author. His 45 books, including the iconic Boundaries, have sold nearly 20 million copies worldwide. He has an extensive executive coaching background and experience as a leadership consultant, devoting the majority of his time to working with CEOs, leadership teams, and executives to improve performance, leadership skills, and culture. This week on The Wow Factor, we’re excited to welcome Dr. Cloud to share his thoughts on questions that help people move past the superficial and really forge a connection. He discusses how focusing on gratitude can help manage anxiety and shares an example of a client who practiced gratitude in challenging professional circumstances and how it helped his mental health. Dr. Cloud also shares his insights on why leaders should be doing everything they can to learn and grow. “Gratitude is a very, very profound psychological construct.” - Dr. Henry Cloud “It's an act of generosity to look at the bigger picture.” - Dr. Henry Cloud “Empathy is the ability to get into another person's reality.” - Dr. Henry Cloud This Week on The Wow Factor: What the word gratitude means to Henry Why gratitude is a profound psychological construct that's linked to humility and relational health Why receiving is difficult for many people due to shame and a tendency to shield oneself, and the reason it's important to be able to receive gracefully The importance of being a cheerful giver rather than giving out of a sense of duty Why giving feels so good and creates that warm dopamine release inside you The relationship between gratitude and anxiety and how practicing gratitude can help reduce anxiety by affecting brain chemistry How generosity helps in creating a positive and abundant universe. Why empathy is a requirement for brain development and how it can help you feel safe and trust someone Why you should prioritize solving problems early on to prevent them from becoming patterns that damage relationships Why, even when we don't have a lot, we've got to give, or we're never going to start giving Dr. Henry Cloud’s Words of Wisdom: There's an old saying that gets thrown around many leadership circles: "When a leader gets better, everybody wins.” So, I would encourage you to get out of your circle and get into other industries and see how other people do things, not just on the business side but also in terms of your soft skills. Do everything you can do to grow. Connect with Dr. Henry Cloud: Connect with The WOW Factor: /episode/index/show/thewowfactor/id/29618053

Bob Woodson | Founder and President of The Woodson Center and 1776 Unites | How To Focus on Solutions Instead of Fixating on Problems 01/17/2024

Bob Woodson | Founder and President of The Woodson Center and 1776 Unites | How To Focus on Solutions Instead of Fixating on Problems Bob Woodson is Founder and President of the Woodson Center and 1776 Unites. He is an influential leader on issues of poverty alleviation and empowering disadvantaged communities to become agents of their own uplift. Woodson is a frequent advisor to local, state and federal government officials as well as business and philanthropic organizations. His social activism dates back to the 1960s, when as a young civil rights activist he developed and coordinated national and local community revitalization programs. During the 1970’s he directed the National Urban League’s Administration of Justice division. Later he served as a Resident Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. Currently he is the Founder and President of The Woodson Center where he’s on a mission to help residents of low-income neighborhoods address the problems of their communities. Bob joins me today to discuss his approach to dealing with race relations in America and what he believes is a huge problem; the disconnection between work and income, in underserved communities. “People are inspired to change and improve and cooperate when you can show them examples of victories that are possible, not always reminding them of injuries to be avoided.” - Bob Woodson One of the most powerful metaphors about that makes a difference is that to some on the left, Hank Aaron was the strikeout king. But to some of us who look at the glass as being half full, he was the home run king. It depends upon what your perspective is. - Bob Woodson “You should always look for antibodies. Even in the worst communities, there are healthy elements that I call community antibodies. If you say that 70% of the people in that community are raising children that are dysfunctional, it means 30% or not. You can learn nothing from studying failure except how to create failure.” - Bob Woodson This week on The Wow Factor: How Bob’s upbringing inspired him to work in Civil Rights The breakdown of the traditional American Family Why you can’t define Black America by slavery The importance of looking for the solution to every problem Why you can’t judge people by their past When you give freely, don’t give with the expectation that you will be thanked Why you must stay faithful to what you do and not be so attached to the outcome of what you’re doing Why America is a country of redemption Bob Woodsons Words of Wisdom: When you give freely, don’t give with the expectation that you’re going to be thanked. Give out of Godly responsibility, rather than compassion. Connect with Bob Woodson: Connect with The WOW Factor: /episode/index/show/thewowfactor/id/29518713

Tom Cole: Narrowgate Partners | Managing Partner | A Legacy Remembered 01/10/2024

Tom Cole: Narrowgate Partners | Managing Partner | A Legacy Remembered Today we honor the life of Tom Cole and his 37-year career in investment banking. He ran the leveraged finance business at three different firms – Citibank, HSBC, and Deutsche Bank. In this role he provided loan and bond financing to large corporations and financed leveraged buyouts for the world’s largest private equity firms. Tom held a leadership role in the Manhattan chapter of New Canaan Society since its inception in 2008 through 2021, and served on the Board of Directors of the NCS national organization since 2012, including as Chairman from 2017-2019. He held the role of Managing Partner of the advisory firm Narrowgate Partners. In addition, Tom served as President and is a founding member of Faith in Financial Services in New York, and he was on the Board of the Center for Being Known, a nonprofit organization started by psychiatrist and author Curt Thompson. Tom received his BS degree in Finance from Indiana University and his MBA from the University of Chicago. He and his wife, Kim, lived in Naples, Florida, and they have three adult children Jenna, Tara, and Jonathon and four grandchildren. Tom recently completed a book for his family titled The Narrow Gate, which was published later last year. On this episode of The Wow Factor, we honor the life of Tom, who shares his insights and wisdom on the importance of building deeper professional relationships. He discusses his book, The Narrow Gate: Fatherly Advice for Navigating the Pathway to Your Best Life, based on his life’s journey and the lessons he learned along the way. Tom also shares more about his long career in finance and talks about how leaders can become more effective by listening to their employees and supporting them through difficult times. “Chaos provides the opportunity for learning and growth.” - Tom Cole “When you get to the end of your life, the most important thing in your life is going to be the relationships that you've had and how you've impacted other people.” - Tom Cole “Your best life will not be by taking the easiest path... it's most fulfilling when you do the hard things to get to the best result..” - Tom Cole This Week on The Wow Factor: Tom’s early life and when he began to focus his talents on finance and business Some of the ups and downs in Tom’s personal life and how that impacted him as a leader Tom shares why scripture and God's word steer his life Why it was so important to Tom to build genuine relationships in his professional life How Tom and his wife look at giving and how they moved from reactionary giving to building an intentional roadmap for their generosity Tom’s heart attacks and why they were the catalyst for writing his book as a way to share some of his life lessons What fulfillment means to Tom and why it’s essential to take a moment to take a deep breath and really define your purpose Why Tom became involved in New Canaan and how the organization serves men today Why being a good listener is the hallmark of a good leader Why building a community is the key to intentional decision-making Tom Cole: You need to understand your values, have a true north, and know in which direction you’re headed. So many people make decisions motivated by desire and emotion rather than knowledge, fact, and truth because they’re isolated rather than part of an engaged community. Connect with The WOW Factor: /episode/index/show/thewowfactor/id/29420773

Ricky Brooks | President of The National Christian Foundation/Alabama (NCF) | Being an Intentional Entrepreneur 01/03/2024

Ricky Brooks | President of The National Christian Foundation/Alabama (NCF) | Being an Intentional Entrepreneur Former CEO of Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers and Executive Chairman of Mavis Tire Express Services, Ricky Brooks assumed the National Christian Foundation/Alabama leadership role on January 1, 2022. NCF Alabama is an affiliate office of the National Christian Foundation, the 6th largest foundation in the US, headquartered in Atlanta. Brooks assumed the role from former NCF Alabama President, Tom Bradford, who opened the Alabama affiliate in January 2008 with 12 families with donor-advised funds. NCF Alabama has grown to over 1200 families and is ranked by the Birmingham Business Journal as the largest Charitable Trust in Birmingham. Over the years, these families have granted their favorite charities over $465 million. Ricky shares his story of success in building a franchise as a young man and the toll it took on his personal life, leading him to sell the businesses and prioritize his faith. He shares the model he followed at Express Oil Change in recognizing and rewarding his employees so they could give great service and why that is a key component of his ‘Win-Win-Win System.’ Ricky also shares more about his role at the National Christian Foundation and why he decided to accept the post of President of the Alabama affliate. “If the customer has a great experience, and the employee is compensated, recognized, and rewarded for executing well, then ownership has to have a win.” - Ricky Brooks “I’ve always been an entrepreneur.” - Ricky Brooks “Our focus was on freeing up assets to give.” - Ricky Brooks This Week on The Wow Factor: Ricky’s early experience of leadership as a young man Why he decided to go to Mississippi State University, and how he got the scholarship that supported him there The entrepreneurial spirit in Ricky and how it found an outlet when he opened a Sonic Drive-In The pathway to becoming the youngest franchisee and having the opportunity to open more stores Why Ricky decided to move on from Sonic and how becoming a Believer impacted that choice Why having a six-day-only work week helped Ricky recruit and retain better employees in Express Oil Change Some of the things Ricky did as a leader that helped propel significant business growth The importance of finding the right work/life balance Why Ricky was the type of entrepreneur who finds a successful model and executes it with excellence How Ricky’s ‘Win Win Win System’ works How being a member of the National Christian Foundation supported Ricky to be a generous giver Ricky Brooks’s Words of Wisdom: The great majority of your net worth is tied up in your business, and there are ways to unlock it that will allow you to give generously for Kingdom purposes. Connect with Ricky Brooks: Connect with The WOW Factor: /episode/index/show/thewowfactor/id/29315543

Colonel Littleton | American Fashion Designer and Businessman | Obsessed with Customer Service 12/27/2023

Colonel Littleton | American Fashion Designer and Businessman | Obsessed with Customer Service Colonel Littleton (born December 15, 1943) is an American fashion designer and business proprietor, best known for his Col. Littleton brand of upscale leather goods, apparel, and specialty products − most handmade in his Lynnville, TN workshop by local craftsmen. Col. Littleton, The Great American Leather Company, was established in 1987 by Colonel. Colonel Littleton joins me on the show this week to share his philosophy on always going above and beyond in business. He describes why they’re committed to providing an extraordinary customer experience and how everyone in the company plays their part in making that happen, from constantly learning and innovating to checking the quality of every single product they send out. Colonel Littleton also shares more about why he’s in the ‘wanting business’ and why it’s so important to him to be able to offer customers the absolute best they can buy. “I never wanted to do anything but the best.” - Colonel Littleton “We strive to do more than we get paid for.” - Colonel Littleton “There ain't no future in being ordinary.” - Colonel Littleton This Week on The Wow Factor: How Colonel Littleton’s fascination with fashion began with 17 pairs of antique cufflinks Where his interest in creating heirlooms began How the Colonel increased his business by selling personalized engraved pocket knives to prestigious stores When Colonel Littleton moved away from buying in their goods to making their own Where the name ‘Colonel’ came from, and why it stuck Why they only have one rule in the whole company, and what it is Colonel Littleton’s obsession with providing exemplary customer service The importance of good judgment and common sense How Colonel Littleton ensures that the customer always receives the perfect product and has an excellent experience Colonel Littleton’s Words of Wisdom: You have to help people help themselves and feel good by gaining self-worth. Stuff doesn't make you happier. It's how you conduct your life. It's how you treat other people. That’s what makes you happy. Connect with Colonel Littleton: Connect with The WOW Factor: /episode/index/show/thewowfactor/id/29232853

The Work of I Like Giving: Featuring Brad Formsma, President and Drew Formsma, Creative Director at I Like Giving 12/20/2023

The Work of I Like Giving: Featuring Brad Formsma, President and Drew Formsma, Creative Director at I Like Giving In this special episode of the WOW Factor, we’re joined by Drew Formsma. Drew is the Creative Director at . At 14, Drew co-authored "Every Generosity: Becoming a Generous Family in a Selfie World'' with Brad Formsma. Since then, Drew has traveled globally, teaching the 7 Ways of Living Generously, influencing diverse groups to embrace everyday generosity. As the Creative Director at I Like Giving, Drew focuses on fostering generosity in businesses, families, and classrooms, by aligning his passion for encouraging positive change through generosity. This episode of the Wow Factor Podcast delves into the profound impact of generosity in both personal and professional realms. With Drew Formsma's insightful stories and experiences, listeners are encouraged to embrace generosity not only as an act but as a fundamental part of their lives. The episode highlights the transformative power of giving and its ripple effect across communities and generations. “The thread that you see throughout all of these stories is consistency and also reliant not on your own doing, but trusting God throughout the process” - Drew Formsma “We created world class films. We had I Like Being 98. It's been viewed over 50 million times today. We had I Like Adoption, which has provided thousands of adoptions across the world have happened because of that video” - Drew “You can't give what you don't have yourself. Let's face it, there's no way in the world you can be generous if your heart is in a posture of comparison” - Drew This Week on The WOW Factor: Genesis of the Wow Factor Podcast: The journey began 220 episodes ago, fueled by a need for wisdom and generosity in the business world. Drew Formsma's Return: Discussing his experiences since his last appearance and the impact of the podcast. I Like Giving's Origin: How a bike story in 2010 sparked the movement of living generously. The Global Reach of the Wow Factor: Impacting listeners worldwide, including in the Philippines. Drew's Insights on Leadership and Trusting God: The importance of consistency and reliance on faith in business. Generosity and Society: How societal changes and challenges like the pandemic influenced their approach. The Role of Generosity in Personal Growth: Drew shares personal stories and insights on self-generosity and combating comparison. Generosity in the Digital Age: Addressing the challenges and opportunities for Gen Z in a technology-driven world. Generous Students Program: A discussion about instilling gratitude and positive peer pressure in education. Generous Kids Book Club: An initiative to instill values like compassion, empathy, and generosity in children. Future Plans for 2023 and 2024: Looking ahead to new initiatives and continuing to impact through generosity Connect With Drew Formsma: Connect With I Like Giving: Connect with The WOW Factor: Connect with Brad Formsma via email /episode/index/show/thewowfactor/id/29152213

Joe Slawek | Chairman & CEO at Slawek Family Holdings | Building a Generous Business 12/13/2023

Joe Slawek | Chairman & CEO at Slawek Family Holdings | Building a Generous Business After a distinguished career at Food Materials Corporation, Joe Slawek saw an opportunity to develop a new kind of flavor company. He founded FONA International in 1987 on this desire to be both high-tech and high-touch. In 1999, Joe was inducted into the Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame in recognition of his established unique corporate culture and the dramatic year-over-year growth it was driving −five times the industry standard. In 2011, Joe was honored with the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of The Year® award for Manufacturing in the Midwest. Joe is now the former CEO and Chairman of FONA’s Board of Directors and now leads focused efforts for the Slawek Family Business Office. Joe is also a published author of “Success: 10 Best Practices for Business and Life” and “Life's 4th Quarter”. We’re delighted to have Joe on the podcast this week to discuss his career trajectory and where he got his entrepreneurial drive. He shares how FONA differentiated themselves from the bigger companies in their industry by providing great customer service and quick turnaround times. We also dig into the principles of culture and faithfulness in leadership and why he felt called to share his wisdom in his most recent book “Life's 4th Quarter”. “There's something pure about giving to somebody that you're never going to meet.” - Joe Slawek “Being generative means seeding for that next generation.” - Joe Slawek “I think I properly invested God's money in the way that He would want me to.” - Joe Slawek This Week on The Wow Factor: Joe discusses his work ethic and how it was instilled in him from a young age, starting with part-time jobs and continuing through college When Joe figured out the purpose of work and why he loved that feeling of autonomy and independence so much The trajectory-changing, turning point in Joe’s life when his mother passed away suddenly in her early forties Why Joe was attracted to sales as a career and how he managed to get his foot in the door before he even left college How to handle the situation gracefully when you’re dealing with professional envy Why Joe decided to leave his job and take an 80% pay cut to start his own company Some of the inspirational mentors Joe has had along his journey The importance of taking real steps to make a business idea happen rather than just talking about it Why they rebranded as FONA, and the company’s core values Joe shares more about the church service that led him to a deeper interest in the Bible and his faith How Joe came up with the idea of doubling the company’s growth every four years or the two-by-four principle Joe Slawek’s Words of Wisdom: Whoever sows generously will reap generously. Each of you should give what you've decided to give and in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver, and God can bless you abundantly so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. Connect with Joe Slawek: Connect with The WOW Factor: /episode/index/show/thewowfactor/id/29024203

June Hunt | Founder and CSO (Chief Servant Officer) of Hope For The Heart | Modern Keys for Living a Faithful Fulfilled Life 12/06/2023

June Hunt | Founder and CSO (Chief Servant Officer) of Hope For The Heart | Modern Keys for Living a Faithful Fulfilled Life June Hunt, M.A., is an author, singer, speaker, and founder of Hope for the Heart, a worldwide biblical counseling ministry. Her life work has yielded landmark contributions in the field of Christian counseling. Hope for the Heart, which she founded in 1986, offers biblical hope and practical help – through biblical counsel, coaching, and context for contemporary concerns. Her 100 Keys for Living is the foundation for the ministry’s award‑winning radio program. It features real stories of people discovering real answers to some of life’s toughest challenges. [Hope In the Night is a live one-hour call-in counseling program that helps people untie their tangled problems.] June has also written numerous books, including “Bonding with Your Child through Boundaries”, “Caring for a Loved One with Cancer”, “How to Forgive…When You Don’t Feel Like It”, and “Counseling Through Your Bible Handbook.” June joins us on the podcast to share her journey to Christianity, how she coped with a very unorthodox upbringing, and why that prompted her to seek a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ. She highlights the importance of educating parents and children on how to open the conversation around childhood sexual abuse and she gives people actionable tips on how to do that. June also discusses Hope for the Heart’s Keys for Living and the details of the seven things you should never say to yourself and how here personal story impacts how she shares that message. “Christianity is not a religion. It's a relationship with God through Christ.” - June Hunt “We help people help people.” - June Hunt “Life is a series of changes, and life is a series of choices. You have no idea of what God is going to do.” - June Hunt This Week on The Wow Factor: June’s unconventional early life and how the situation affected her growing up June’s experience of doing a USO tour to Vietnam and singing for Billy Graham crusades Her experiences as the College and Career Director in a large church and how that led her to start thinking about creating Hope for the Heart June’s journey into TV and radio and why she was adamant that she was there to help people negotiate the difficult moments in their lives How she supports parents to start a conversation around preventing sexual abuse and consent with their children More about Hope for the Heart’s Keys for Living and how they can help people overcome personal challenges June’s advice for young people facing feelings of hopelessness The one incident that helped shape and direct June’s attitude to giving Advice for leaders on where to seek guidance when you’re unsure in which direction to turn June Hunt’s Words of Wisdom: As a leader, you need to realize that life is a journey of becoming wiser and wiser, and we should allow ourselves to be exposed to truth because, as Jesus said, the truth sets us free. Connect with June Hunt: Connect with The WOW Factor: /episode/index/show/thewowfactor/id/28950053

Clare Degraaf | Spiritual Mentor, Teacher, and Author | Practical Tips for Living a Faithful Life 11/29/2023

Clare Degraaf | Spiritual Mentor, Teacher, and Author | Practical Tips for Living a Faithful Life Clare Degraaf is an author and a Christian speaker. He wrote the book "The 10 Second Rule: Following Jesus Made Simple," which focuses on Christian teachings and encourages readers to make quick, faith-based decisions in their daily lives. Clare is also involved in Christian ministry and speaking engagements. His talks and writings emphasize practical Christianity and living out one's faith in everyday situations. I’m joined by Clare on The Wow Factor today to talk about his first entrepreneurial ventures and how an invention he patented turned his father’s business around. He describes how he felt when he was diagnosed with a potentially terminal illness as a young man and why it made him question his behavior as a ‘standard-issue Christian’. Clare also shares more about why he decided to write his book “The 10-Second Rule,” the intention behind it, and how the concepts in the book have helped him live more faithfully. “For Christians, the need for certainty is often the enemy of obedience.” - Clare Degraaf “I knew a lot about God. I just wasn't living for God.” - Clare Degraaf “Leaders have to decide how much is enough.” - Clare Degraaf This Week on The Wow Factor: Why Clare patented a tilt mechanism and how it became a huge seller The impact on Clare of running the family business at just 22 after his father died Clare’s serious diagnosis at the age of 31 with three young children and why it made him question his faith How he built a deeper relationship with Jesus by genuinely talking to Him and sharing his life What made Clare avoid embracing Christianity for so long Why Clare felt so depressed after selling his company despite making millions of dollars When and why Clare began to pour into the lives of other people The power of shared experiences and how they can change your perspective What Clare has learned about letting go of materialism through his mentoring More about Clare’s book “The 10-Second Rule”, why he wrote it, and the concepts it covers The importance of empathy as a leader and asking "why" to understand the perspective of the others on your team Clare Degraaf’s Words of Wisdom: Christian leaders ought to have the kind of competence and character that people will follow them, even if they don't have to. Connect with Clare Degraaf: Connect with The WOW Factor: /episode/index/show/thewowfactor/id/28816588

John Knox, Jr. | Founder of Adoption is an Option| Working for the Greater Good 11/22/2023

John Knox, Jr. | Founder of Adoption is an Option| Working for the Greater Good John was the Founder and Chairman of the Board of SureTec, a top 20 surety company in the United States. He sold the company to Markel, but remained as CEO until the summer of 2020. John was on the board of the Surety & Fidelity Association of America (SFAA) and is the Past Chairman of the National Association of Independent Sureties (NAIS). After 40 years in the surety industry, John founded Adoption is an Option, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization which developed the I Am That Kid campaign and the Opt Institute focused on sharing the truth about adoption. I’m so excited to have John on the show with me this week to share why he decided to move from the corporate world into the non-profit world and why he focuses on allowing women to learn directly from those who have first hand knowledge of adoption. John shares more about the work of Adoption is an Option and how the I Am That Kid campaign connects people through sharing personal stories. I was also touched by John’s beautiful words about the family he grew up in, the wonderful loving home he grew up in, and the positive impact they have had on his whole life. “Placing a child at birth for adoption has just become forgotten in our society.” - John Knox Jr. “When you've been in the business world, and you're going into the nonprofit world, you take a different approach.” - John Knox Jr. “When you're working for a power greater than yourself, life works so much better.” - John Knox Jr. This Week on The Wow Factor: How John’s entrepreneurial spirit showed itself from a young age When John realized that he had an unhealthy relationship with alcohol and what he did about it John’s decision to step down from SureTec and start Adoption is an Option How John’s adoption story impacted his decision to form a non-profit Why the relationship John had with his parents had such an enormous positive impact on him The moment that John knew he had to step forward and support women who chose adoption John’s relationship with his birth mother and siblings Why John has nothing but love and respect for the birth parents who gave him up for adoption How the I Am That Kid campaign came about The types of people who are sharing their adoption stories on the I Am That Kid website John’s involvement with the Free Wheelchair Mission John Knox Jr.’s Words of Wisdom: It's not all about you. When you're working for a power greater than yourself, life works so much better. Connect with John Knox Jr.: Connect with The WOW Factor: /episode/index/show/thewowfactor/id/28743083

Laura Gardner | President and Chief Operating Officer for Joni and Friends | Running into the Arms of Jesus 11/15/2023

Laura Gardner | President and Chief Operating Officer for Joni and Friends | Running into the Arms of Jesus Laura Gardner serves as President and Chief Operating Officer for Joni and Friends, an international Christian nonprofit that serves those living with disabilities. She is responsible for the organization's strategy and execution of its Mission, Vision, and Goals. Prior to joining Joni and Friends in 2011, she was CEO and Founder of The Protocol Institute. After studying at The American School of Protocol and The Emily Post Institute, she recognized a unique opportunity to combine etiquette and technology to deliver world-class etiquette lessons online. Laura also serves as Chair for the Christian Leadership Alliance Board of Directors and has been a Credentialed Christian Nonprofit Leader since 2014. On The Wow Factor this week, I’m joined by Laura Gardner, who shares more about how she learned an appreciation of the power of generosity early in her life and how it can impact both the giver’s and the receiver’s lives. She shares what happened when Laura discovered that the Joni and Friends ministry was so close to her home and how she got connected to the organization. Laura also highlights some of the ways that Joni and Friends provide respite for families coping with disability, including their amazing family camp that not only offers a fun experience for children but allows parents the space to connect and rejuvenate their relationship. “You have to be very intentional - simplify your life and enjoy that simplicity.” - Laura Gardner “We are all about trying to do everything we can to keep the family unit together.” - Laura Gardner “People who are generous have an outward-facing look on life.” - Laura Gardner This Week on The Wow Factor: Laura’s wonderful upbringing first in the Philippines with her missionary parents, then in a small community in Florida Some of the moments when God showed up in Laura’s family’s life, and they were able to see God supply their need in His timing Why Laura pivoted from accounting to holding online etiquette classes first for small children, then for businesses Why widespread cellphone and social media use has impacted our manners How you can take the time to develop meaningful relationships What Laura loves most about her role at Joni and Friends and the person who led her to the opportunity Laura’s lessons from working with the generous people in her orbit What happens to people’s mindset when they find out that it’s so joyful to be generous with their time, talent, and treasures Some of the ways that Joni and Friends supports families caring for children with additional needs, including family retreats Laura Gardner’s Words of Wisdom: Wake up every morning running into the arms of Jesus. As leaders, our days have highs and lows, and you don't know how much you're going to need Jesus until it happens. Then lead just like Jesus led, lead with humility with God-given confidence, invest in others, seek out the marginalized, and live a life just like Jesus. Connect with Laura Gardner: Connect with The WOW Factor: /episode/index/show/thewowfactor/id/28637573

John Stonestreet | President of the Colson Center | Host of Breakpoint | Learning to Look Outward and Upward 11/08/2023

John Stonestreet | President of the Colson Center | Host of Breakpoint | Learning to Look Outward and Upward John Stonestreet serves as president of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview. He’s a sought-after author and speaker in areas of faith and culture, theology, worldview, education, and apologetics. John is the daily voice of Breakpoint, the nationally syndicated commentary on the culture, founded by the late Chuck Colson. He is also the voice of The Point, a daily one-minute feature on worldview, apologetics, and cultural issues. This week on the show, I’m honored to be joined by John to dive into a thought-provoking discussion about the intersection of faith, popular culture, and the power of transforming lives. John shares how he initially crossed paths with the visionary founder of Prison Fellowship, Chuck Colson, whose faith inspired John’s work today at the Colson Center, applying Christian principles to every facet of life. We also examine the four relationships that shape our understanding of identity, the importance of teaching children to look outward, not inward, and the troubling correlation between the growing mental health crisis among young people and the influence of social media. “Faith gives you a framework for understanding what's happening in the world.” - John Stonestreet “Parenting never happens in a vacuum. It happens in a cultural moment.” - John Stonestreet “A Christian worldview turns you outward and upward.” - John Stonestreet This Week on The Wow Factor: How John initially connected with Prison Fellowship founder Chuck Colson, whose faith inspired him to see prisoners as valuable individuals John’s personal view of his faith as something that communicates the truth about our reality How Chuck's legacy led to bipartisan agreement on criminal justice reform as a way to address community breakdown and trust issues How the Colson Center continues Chuck’s work of applying Christian principles to all aspects of life, including government, culture, and personal transformation Why the Breakpoint podcasts are different from traditional Christian programming Why so many damaging ideas are rooted into culture right now The four relationships that impact our understanding of who we are The importance of teaching children to look outward, not inward, to find their purpose Why there is a direct correlation between the growing mental health crisis among young people and social media John Stonestreet’s Words of Wisdom: Hope is out there; the universe has hope because Jesus Christ is risen from the dead. So have hope, not only in what you say but in how you live. Tell your kids that they're made in the image of God, and then order your homes so that they're turned outward and upward instead of inward. Connect with John Stonestreet: Connect with The WOW Factor: /episode/index/show/thewowfactor/id/28546646

Lynn Friess | Philanthropist and Founder of Active Women Engaging | A Legacy of Love 11/01/2023

Lynn Friess | Philanthropist and Founder of Active Women Engaging | A Legacy of Love Lynn Friess is the wife of the late Foster Friess, a prominent American businessman and philanthropist. Together, the couple were instrumental in supporting numerous charitable initiatives, dedicating their resources and efforts to causes that resonate with their values. Lynn's commitment to philanthropy and her unwavering support for her husband's ventures have made her a respected figure in the world of charitable giving. On the Wow Factor this week, we’re talking to Lynn Friess about how her relationship with her late husband, Foster, laid the foundation for philanthropy that would impact countless lives. We explore how the couple’s unwavering faith became the driving force behind their charitable giving. Lynn reminisces about the unforgettable 70th birthday bash they threw, where guests were left in awe by the couple's idea to commemorate the occasion. We also dive into Lynn's inspiration behind founding the Active Women Engaging (AWE) group, a platform that motivates individuals to raise their voices. “Giving the money away filled us with joy.” - Lynn Friess “It's a great feeling to be involved in organizations that really do make a difference” - Lynn Friess “Don't be afraid - you can do things.” - Lynn Friess This Week on The Wow Factor: How Lynn and her late husband Foster's meeting was a "divine appointment," and how their relationship began How Lynn and Foster got into the investment business Their commitment to their faith and how that led them to philanthropy The amazing party that Lynn and Foster hosted for their 70th birthday and the phenomenal gift that they gave all of their guests Why Foster went back to investing during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how it led to the couple giving away $87 million to charity The value of work as a learning experience and why we shouldn’t deprive our children and grandchildren of that experience The number of people who have shared their love and appreciation of Foster’s charitable giving and generous spirit with Lynn since his passing What led Lynn to start the Active Women Engaging (AWE) group, and what they do to inspire people to speak up Some of the practical things that Lynn and Foster did to help the next generation learn about how to how to steward resources Lynn Friess’s Words of Wisdom: Don't be afraid - whether you make a small contribution or a large one, everything makes a difference. Connect with Lynn Friess: Connect with The WOW Factor: /episode/index/show/thewowfactor/id/28478288

John O’Leary | Speaker and Coach| Inspiring Change Through Personal Struggle 10/25/2023

John O’Leary | Speaker and Coach| Inspiring Change Through Personal Struggle 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, ON FIRE: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life, was an instant #1 National Bestseller; his Live Inspired Podcast is a top 20 for business on iTunes & Inc. Magazine. His online community is 200,000 strong. John considers his greatest success to be his marriage to his wife, Beth, their four children, and his relationships with friends and family. I’m so honored to welcome John to the show to share his journey from near death to striving to multiply his talents and repay the generosity of others. He discusses his path to becoming a speaker and how saying yes to opportunities led to speaking in 50 states, dozens of countries, and at over 2,500 events. John also shares lessons from his own life to encourage leaders to be grounded and not worry too much about life's setbacks, as they will inevitably pass. “Generosity is not only about money. It's about time and attention.” - John O’Leary “Seeds are taking deeper root, the right next steps are happening, and God's Will be lived out.” - John O’Leary “The cool thing about generosity is it's never one plus one is two, it's a multiple.” - John O’Leary This Week on The Wow Factor: The shocking fire that burned 100% of 9-year-old John’s body and his long process of recovery John’s memory of lying in a hospital bed wrapped in bandages and hearing the voice of his hero Jack Buck and how his daily visits inspired John in his recovery How Jack, by speaking life and challenge over John, helped support his wider family How John managed to earn 60 signed baseballs and learn how to write again from his hospital bed The importance of being interruptible in life and making time for people who need us How John became a speaker, and he shares his experience of his first speaking engagement for an audience of three Girl Scouts John discusses the upcoming movie production for the film inspired by his story, with director Sean McNamara How John was able to finally help his parents in return when they suffered a second fire in their home John O’Leary’s Words of Wisdom: My reminder to you is that this too shall pass. Almost everything on this side of eternity, the good and the bad, will eventually pass. Connect with John O’Leary: Connect with The WOW Factor: /episode/index/show/thewowfactor/id/28410725

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