The Wow Factor

Brad Formsma
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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

  1. HACE 1 DÍA

    Denny Fitzpatrick | Former General Manager of the Willows Lodge | The Five I’s that Lead to World Class Customer Service

    On today’s episode of the Wow Factor, we are joined by Denny Fitzpatrick, general manager of the Willows Lodge. Denny has dedicated his life to transforming hotel industry, working with some of the world’s top hospitality companies throughout his career and inspiring accountability and world-class service.  Prior to his work at the Willows Lodge, he was general manager at the premier luxury destination Hotel 1000, where he led the Hotel 1000 team to many accolades on a variety of Best Hotel lists, as well as the #1 Trip Advisor ranking in Seattle.  In this episode, you’ll hear Denny talk about the hospitality industry, why giving love and attention to employees creates tremendous positive change, his “Five I’s”, and how he is overcoming health challenges with bravery and grace.  "You have to put your time in because at that time, I was going to start looking for another job that paid a little bit more, that appreciated me a little bit more. And literally that one statement, ‘you have to put your time in,’ became a reality." - Denny Fitzpatrick “I will focus more on me than we” - Denny Fitzpatrick “Inspect What You Expect” - Denny Fitzpatrick This Week on The Wow Factor: Denny’s father and impact his integrity and reputation  “A dream died.” And figuring out what to do next Words of Wisdom: you have to change, you have to your time in, if it gets in your blood you’ll never want to get out.  The power of handwritten notes “We long for connection and attention.”  Progress towards healing.  Handling business during the Great Recession  What needs to change? “The Five I’s” Overcoming Parkinson’s and facing the struggle with bravery Denny Fitzpatrick’s Words of Wisdom: Leadership is about modeling the standards you set. If you expect excellence, embody it. If you value respect, show it. True influence comes from living the example you want others to follow.  Connect with The Willows Lodge: Website Instagram Facebook Connect with The Wow Factor: Brad’s Website Email Brad Formsma LinkedIn Instagram Facebook X

    1 h y 3 min

  2. 4 DIC

    Susannah Schaefer | President and CEO of Smile Train | Creating Smiles and Changing Lives Worldwide

    Susannah Schaefer is the President and CEO of Smile Train, a global nonprofit that empowers local medical professionals to provide free cleft repair surgery and comprehensive cleft care in their communities. Under her leadership, Smile Train has grown into the world's largest cleft-focused organization, celebrating over two million cleft surgeries and making life-changing impacts in more than 90 countries.  Susannah joins me on the show to share her incredible journey to Smile Train, her passion for sustainable healthcare solutions, and the story of the organization’s visionary founder, Charles B. Wang. We discuss the importance of building capacity through training local surgeons, the transformational power of cleft surgery, and how Smile Train fosters health system strengthening in underserved regions. Susannah also reflects on the global partnerships that have driven Smile Train’s remarkable success and the culture of generosity that fuels its mission.  "We go farther together." - Susannah Schaefer    "Generosity isn’t just financial—it’s about time, care, and connection."  - Susannah Schaefer    "Be confident, be present, and be adaptable." - Susannah Schaefer    This Week on The Wow Factor:  How Smile Train’s sustainable model trains local surgeons to treat cleft lip and palate, ensuring long-term impact.  The origin story of Smile Train and its founder Charles B. Wang’s vision to replace mission-based care with a sustainable approach.  Why cleft is the most common facial birth difference worldwide, affecting one in 700 births.  The life-changing impact of early cleft surgery and comprehensive cleft care.  How Smile Train has performed over two million surgeries in 25 years and continues to address the backlog of untreated clefts.  The role of partnerships, like Smile Train’s collaboration with Kids Operating Room (Kids OR), in strengthening healthcare systems across Africa.  How generosity, in all its forms, drives Smile Train’s mission and inspires supporters worldwide.  Why nonprofits must remain relevant and advocate for their causes in an ever-changing, competitive environment.    Susannah Schaefer’s Words of Wisdom: Be confident, be present, be a good listener, and be adaptable. As leaders, we have the ability to make a meaningful impact, but that requires learning and staying relevant in a rapidly changing world.  Connect with Susannah Schaefer and Smile Train:  Smile Train Website  Smile Train on Facebook  Smile Train on Instagram  Smile Train on X (formerly Twitter)  Susannah Schaefer’s Bio  Susannah Schaefer’s LinkedIn  Connect with The Wow Factor:  Brad’s Website  Email Brad Formsma  LinkedIn  Instagram  Facebook  X

    40 min

  3. 27 NOV

    Brad Formsma | Founder of I Like Giving | How Gratitude Shapes Lives and Legacies

    In this special Thanksgiving episode, I reflect on the profound impact of generosity through the story of Tracy and Margo, as shared in my book I Like Giving. I discuss how even a single act of kindness can create a ripple effect, inspiring generosity in others. Drawing from personal memories with my grandfather, I highlight the importance of gratitude and living generously, especially during this holiday season. Join me for a heartwarming reminder of how we can all make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. This Week On The WOW Factor: The Generosity Ripple: Small acts of kindness can inspire others to be generous, creating a chain reaction of goodwill. Reflection on Gratitude: I encourage you to pause, reflect, and find gratitude in financial, relational, and health blessings. The Power of One Gift: Tracy’s story demonstrates how an anonymous act of kindness can transform lives and inspire lifelong generosity. Practical Tips for Thanksgiving Reflection: Find a quiet, neutral space to reflect. Listen to calming music to set the tone, like piano covers of your favorite songs. Focus on what you’re grateful for and think about how you can share that with others. "You never know when you make a gift or do something for someone else, it starts what we call the generosity ripple and it just continues to go on and on and on."  - Brad Formsma "Sometimes getting into neutral and being still, listening to some soft music helps take you away from your phone, away from distractions, away from the cares and worries of the world, and a moment to just be still." - Brad Formsma "What an opportunity we have to make a difference in the lives of people all around us. What an opportunity we have in our life to write on the souls of other people, especially kids." - Brad Formsma Connect with The Wow Factor: Brad’s Website Email Brad Formsma LinkedIn Instagram Facebook X

    9 min

  4. 20 NOV

    Mark Batterson | Lead Pastor of National Community Church | Discovering Miracles in Everyday Life

    Mark Batterson is the lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C., a thriving congregation with multiple locations dedicated to fostering community and supporting Kingdom causes. The church operates various initiatives, including Ebenezers Coffeehouse, The Miracle Theatre, and the DC Dream Center, which serve as hubs for community engagement and generosity. Mark is also a bestselling author of 24 books, including The Circle Maker and his latest work, A Million Little Miracles, which explores how faith, prayer, and purpose reveal the miraculous in the mundane. Mark joins me on the show to dive into the themes of his new book and share his perspective on living a life filled with purpose and gratitude. He emphasizes the importance of prayer, the power of faith in overcoming fear, and the value of leaving a legacy for future generations. We also discuss the significance of community, the idea that miracles often come through life’s challenges, and the beauty of embracing the unique gifts each person brings to the world. This Week on The Wow Factor: How Mark’s latest book, A Million Little Miracles, encourages readers to see miracles in everyday life. Why prayer is one of the most powerful tools for communication with God and has no expiration date. The importance of recognizing the extraordinary in the people around us. Why the fear of failure isn’t cured by success but by faith. How gratitude and recognizing the work of those who came before us—“drinking from wells we didn’t dig”—fosters a sense of legacy. The way God often delivers miracles through challenges, not just by removing them. How each person’s uniqueness is a divine gift and a reminder of our individual purposes. "There are no ordinary people. There are no ordinary things. There are no ordinary days. Everything is more miraculous than we can imagine." "Sometimes God delivers from, but sometimes God delivers through." "There is no expiration date on prayer. The prayers of my grandfather are being answered in my life right now." Mark Batterson’s Words of Wisdom: Everything in life is a miracle, and recognizing the miraculous in the mundane is key to embracing purpose, faith, and gratitude in our daily lives. Connect with Mark Batterson: Mark Batterson's Website Mark Batterson on Facebook Mark Batterson on X (formerly Twitter) Mark Batterson on Instagram A Million Little Miracles Connect with The WOW Factor:  The WOW Factor Website  Connect with Brad Formsma via email  Brad Formsma on LinkedIn  Brad Formsma on Instagram  Brad Formsma on Facebook  Brad Formsma on Twitter

    34 min

  5. 13 NOV

    Kris Mauren | Co-Founder and President of the Acton Institute | Building a Bridge Between Religious and Business Leaders

    Kris Mauren is Co-Founder and President of Acton Institute, an international educational and public policy organization. The Institute publishes scholarship and film and organizes educational seminars worldwide for current and future religious leaders across denominations, promoting an understanding of the ethical dimensions of the free market economy.  The Institute also works with business leaders, helping them to embrace their work as a worthy calling and to encourage their positive moral defense of a free society characterized by individual liberty and personal moral responsibility.   Kris joins me on the show to discuss the Acton Institute's mission to bridge the gap between religious and business leaders. He shares more about the importance of economic literacy among religious leaders and the need to be ethical in business. Kris stresses the importance of gratitude and values in leadership, and we dive into the role of policy in fostering generosity and the challenges of government overreach and secularization. Kris also explains the Institute's mission to promote the ideas of Lord Acton and the importance of protecting the space for religious values in a secularizing world. “How do we create more miracles?” - Kris Mauren “Policy needs to support [generosity] so that we can flourish.” - Kris Mauren  “Starting with gratitude is good for your soul.” -  Kris Mauren This Week on The Wow Factor: Why Kris founded with Father Sirico the Acton Institute to address the marginalization of business leaders The importance of work and the market economy, using the example of sand being transformed into silicon chips to illustrate the value creation process. Why policies should support the freedom to create more miracles through combining natural resources and human intelligence The role of leadership in upholding integrity How business leaders make difficult decisions that align with moral values, which should be recognized and supported. How the Emerging Leader Program, a residential leadership program for promising young leaders, works What we need to do to  invest in the next generation of leaders Why  government overreach and the secularization of society are major threats to free enterprise and religious values Kris Mauren’s Words of Wisdom: Starting with gratitude is good for your soul and your well-being. It also lets you live more intentionally and is the foundation for generosity. Connect with Kris Mauren:  The Acton Institute Kris Mauren on LinkedIn    Connect with The WOW Factor: The WOW Factor Website Connect with Brad Formsma via email Brad Formsma on LinkedIn Brad Formsma on Instagram Brad Formsma on Facebook Brad Formsma on Twitter

    45 min

  6. 6 NOV

    John Coleman | Co-CEO and Board Member at Sovereigns Capital | Always Ask Questions

    John Coleman is an investor, writer, and public speaker. A frequent contributor to Harvard Business Review, John and his work has been featured in Forbes, the Washington Post, the New York Times, the Financial Times, and the LA Times, among other publications. He previously published Passion & Purpose (HBP, 2011) and How to Argue Like Jesus (Crossway, 2009). John is a frequent public speaker who has addressed hundreds of audiences on college campuses, at conferences, and for corporations and non-profits. I’m thrilled to have John with me on The Wow Factor to discuss his leadership philosophy and approach to helping his team flourish. John digs into his approach to focusing on excellence, aggressive delegation, and accountability. He emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and finding a balance that works for individual needs and responsibilities. John also touches on the creative experience of writing his books and his plans for the future.  “Excellence is something we should all aspire to.” - John Coleman “People learn by getting responsibilities that they're not yet equipped for.” - John Coleman  “People are often able to accomplish much greater things than we give them credit for.” -  John Coleman This Week on The Wow Factor: John’s educational pathway and how these experiences shaped his career Challenges and lessons learned from his time as a quantitative energy trader Why John finds writing cathartic and a way to learn about new topics The inspiration behind John’s first book, How to Argue Like Jesus  Why John wrote "Miracles," which explores the concept of miracles through a narrative about a series of events in Atlanta John’s leadership style of creating opportunities for others to flourish  The importance of delegating aggressively and giving people responsibilities that challenge them to grow Why we need to hold people accountable and encourage them to ask questions and seek help when needed The challenge of balancing work and personal life, especially in a digital age The importance of storytelling and the impact of books on shaping values and perspectives John Coleman’s Words of Wisdom: Do your job, but stretch yourself. Always ask questions if you don't know the answer to something, and don’t be afraid to raise your hand. Always ask the question. Never be afraid to look dumb. Connect with John Coleman:  John William Coleman's Website  How to Argue Like Jesus: Learning Persuasion from History's Greatest Communicator by Joe Carte and  John Coleman  Connect with The WOW Factor: The WOW Factor Website Connect with Brad Formsma via email Brad Formsma on LinkedIn Brad Formsma on Instagram Brad Formsma on Facebook Brad Formsma on Twitter

    44 min

  7. 30 OCT

    Tim Busch | Founder of The Busch Firm & Founder and CEO of Pacific Hospitality Group  | Focus on the Spiritual

    Tim has been a practicing attorney and CPA for nearly 40 years and is the Founder of The Busch Firm. He is also the Founder and CEO of Pacific Hospitality Group, a premier hotel development and management company with a portfolio of hotels and resorts throughout the United States. Tim and his wife Steph co-founded St. Anne School in California, where Tim served as Chairman and CEO for 17 years; they went on to co-found JSerra Catholic High School. Tim’s passion for wine led him to found Trinitas Cellars, LLC, in 2002, located in Napa, California. Tim and Steph are also active supporters of several prominent Catholic organizations and were instrumental in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange purchasing the Crystal Cathedral. This week, I have the privilege of talking with Tim Bush about his early entrepreneurial ventures as a young man to build a successful law and tax advisory firm serving high net worth clients. Tim shares his heart for Catholic education and philanthropy and why he has been a driving force behind the founding of several private Catholic schools and the Napa Institute, which encourages Catholic education and fraternity. We also discuss the importance of charitable giving, the favorable tax laws in the United States for donations, and the joy of being generous.  “We need to stop educating kids the same because they're not the same. They never have been the same, and they need different attention and different motivation.” - Tim Busch “If you do not focus on the spiritual component of your education, you will not be successful.” - Tim Busch  “When you focus on faith, everything else takes care of itself.” -  Tim Busch This Week on The Wow Factor: Tim discusses his early jobs, including paper deliveries, supermarket work, and painting houses, which taught him the value of hard work Why working at a local accounting firm in Michigan proved valuable for his future in the produce and hospitality businesses How Tim transitioned from law to hospitality, focusing on developing office buildings, apartment buildings, shopping centers, and hotels Why it’s so important for schools to be in partnership with parents when it comes to education How we can prioritize the spiritual aspect of our children’s education, and why it’s so important Tim talks about his role in founding two private Roman Catholic schools, St Anne and JSerra, in California Tim explains the origins and purpose of the Napa Institute, which aims to immerse participants in their Catholic faith How you can get involved with the Napa Institute How to instill generosity and stewardship in the next generation The role of example in teaching good habits and the power of stories in conveying lessons Tim Busch’s Words of Wisdom: Like all good habits, faith comes from example, not preaching; leaders should remember that.  Connect with Tim Busch:  The Busch Firm  The Napa Institut  Connect with The WOW Factor: The WOW Factor Website Connect with Brad Formsma via email Brad Formsma on LinkedIn Brad Formsma on Instagram Brad Formsma on Facebook Brad Formsma on Twitter

    38 min

  8. 23 OCT

    Scott Hanson | Host of NFL RedZone  | You Lead Best When You Serve

    Scott Hanson is the host of NFL RedZone; he is also the host for NFL Network's on-location coverage of events such as the Super Bowl, NFL Scouting Combine, NFL Draft, free agency, and more. Scott joined NFL Media in 2006 as a national reporter covering all 32 teams. He transitioned into studio hosting in 2008 and was named the host of NFL RedZone during its inaugural season in 2009. He graduated Cum Laude from the prestigious Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University while playing football for the Orangemen.  You’re going to love my conversation with Scott; he shares his remarkable journey from a passionate football player to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in sports broadcasting. In our discussion, Scott provides a glimpse into his meticulous preparation routine, his unwavering commitment to excellence, and the deep sense of joy and purpose he finds in his work. He shares his faith-driven perspective on servant leadership and the importance of living a generous life.  “Care about the people with whom you work.” - Scott Hanson “The joy in my life comes through my relationship with God” - Scott Hanson  “You lead best when you serve.” -  Scott Hanson This Week on The Wow Factor: Scott’s background and his early passion for sports. Why Scott decided to become a professional sportscaster after his time at Syracuse University  Why NFL Red Zone became popular among hardcore football fans and fantasy players  Scott’s meticulous preparation process for NFL RedZone, including watching multiple games on TV and reviewing stats and facts How Scott manages his morning routine pre-show, starting with a 4:30 AM alarm and a strict diet and hydration plan to ensure he can host the show without breaks The joy and fulfillment Scott finds in his relationship with God and how it translates into his career The pressure of hosting NFL Red Zone for seven hours straight without breaks and without a backup host Scott shares his strategy for managing his body and maintaining his energy throughout the show The importance of giving your best and striving for excellence in all aspects of your life Why servant leadership and the importance of serving others in both personal and professional life are central to Scott’s leadership philosophy Why leaders should focus on building into the lives of their colleagues and customers by adding value and serving them Scott Hanson’s Words of Wisdom: You lead best when you serve—focus on serving, building into people's lives, and adding value.  Connect with Scott Hanson:  Scott Hanson on the NFL RedZone  Connect with The WOW Factor: The WOW Factor Website Connect with Brad Formsma via email Brad Formsma on LinkedIn Brad Formsma on Instagram Brad Formsma on Facebook Brad Formsma on Twitter

    33 min
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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

Información

  • Creador
    Brad Formsma
  • Años de actividad
    2019 - 2024
  • Episodios
    261
  • Clasificación
    Apto
  • Mostrar sitio web
    The Wow Factor

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