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. 3 DAYS AGO

    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

  2. OCT 30

    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

  3. OCT 23

    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

  4. OCT 16

    Tyler Groves | Head of School for Valor Christian Academy | Integrating Faith and Social and Emotional Learning

    Dr. Tyler Groves is the current Head of School at Valor Christian Academy in Alpharetta, Georgia. With a background in Christian education, Tyler has brought his expertise in integrating faith-based learning into the school’s academic programs. Tyler has also co-authored "Growing with One Another: A Christian Approach to Social and Emotional Learning," which combines contemporary educational research with a Christian perspective to address the growing need for social and emotional learning (SEL) in schools. It serves as a resource for educators seeking to integrate faith-based principles into SEL programs, equipping students with the skills needed to navigate relationships and mental well-being effectively.  I’m thrilled to have Tyler on the show with me today to discuss Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and how it can help students develop essential life skills. He shares examples of how SEL can be integrated into the classroom and how it can impact students' behavior and attitudes. Tyler also digs into the five core competencies of SEL and explains how these competencies can be grounded in biblical principles and how they differ from secular approaches. In our conversation, we also discuss the powerful role of mentors and how they can help you create significant personal and professional growth.   “As parents, is that it starts with us.” - Tyler Groves  “The very best way to live life is in accordance with how God has designed you.” - Tyler Groves    “God designed you to live generously.” -  Tyler Grove  This Week on The Wow Factor:    The value of mentorship and how it can lead to significant personal and professional growth  Tyler explains Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) 's origins and core competencies, emphasizing the need for a Christian perspective  Tyler outlines the five core competencies of SEL: self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, relationship skills, and social awareness  Challenges of integrating SEL into Christian schools and the importance of addressing preconceived notions  Why it’s so important for Christian educators to model the behaviors they want to see in their students  How educators can start implementing SEL in their classrooms and how to address administrative concerns  The importance of partnership between schools and parents in fostering a culture of generosity and SEL  How Tyler and his team are working to develop and refine the program to meet the needs of students and educators  Broader implications of their work and its potential to create a generation of generous students  Tyler Groves’ Words of Wisdom:  As Christian educators, it starts with us. Take the lead and live the biblical truths of self-awareness, self-management, and responsible decision-making out. By practicing these biblical, social, and emotional truths, you can set an example and create a culture of generosity.    Connect with Tyler Groves:   Dr. Tyler Groves on LinkedIn   Growing with One Another: Social AND Emotional Learning in Christian Perspective by Tyler Groves and Kenneth Coley   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

    1h 1m

  5. OCT 9

    Jonathan and Mark Carr |President at Vehicle Reman and Founder of Christian Brothers Auto  | Driving Purpose and Prioritizing Customer Service

    Jonathan Carr is the President of Vehicle Reman, a premier fleet vehicle remanufacturing company based in Jarrell, Texas. Jonathan has driven the company’s growth by transforming old fleet vehicles into like-new condition, offering a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to buying new. Influenced by the teachings of C.S. Lewis, particularly on prayer, Jonathan integrates his faith into his leadership style, fostering a company culture of integrity and respect.  Mark Carr is the visionary founder of Christian Brothers Automotive (CBA), a company with nearly 300 locations that stands out for its excellent automotive services and strong foundation in Christian faith. This outlook has led CBA to win the JD Power Award for Best Customer Service for the past four years. Since its inception, Mark has been dedicated to creating a business that operates with integrity, honesty, and a commitment to serving others, reflecting his deep faith and values.  Mark Carr and Jonathan Carr are on The Wow Factor this week to share a fascinating look into the origins and growth of Christian Brothers Automotive. Mark shares the inspiring story of how he started the business through a divine calling, overcoming early financial challenges to grow it into a successful franchise model. We spend time discussing the company's charitable initiatives, such as the Hub Garage program that provides free car repairs for single mothers. Jonathan also discusses Vehicle Reman and how it gives new life to fleet vehicles sustainably and cost-effectively.  “Honesty is everything.” - Mark Carr “Treating customers as I want to be treated is everything.” - Mark Carr  “The reason for our success is 100% the fruits of the Spirit.” -  Jonathan Carr  This Week on The Wow Factor: The moment Mark’s prayer for a business opportunity was answered  The origin of the business name, Christian Brothers Automotive, and the simplicity of the naming process Why they decided to franchise the business and the challenges of managing multiple locations Why honesty is so important in business and how it differentiates Christian Brothers Automotive from competitors How Mark learned to handle difficult situations by treating others as he would want to be treated Jonathan describes how the Hub Garage works to provide free car repairs for single moms Jonathan discusses how the idea for Vehicle Reman, a vehicle remanufacturing company, came about and how it aligns with his experience at Christian Brothers Automotive The Christian Brothers Automotive Foundation's mission to give 10% of the company's gross profit to ministries and nonprofits The importance of customer service and the impact of a well-trained team on the business's success Mark Carr’s Words of Wisdom: Be honest with yourself, examine yourself, look at your weaknesses, and surround yourself with people who are good in the areas that you're not.  Connect with Jonathan Carr:  Vehicle Reman  The Hub Garage Jonathan Carr on LinkedIn Connect with Mark Carr: Christian Brothers Automotive 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. OCT 2

    Terry Williams | CEO of City of Faith  | Servant Leadership in Action

    Terry Williams is the CEO of City of Faith, a nationally respected, non-profit reentry center for federal offenders. She is dedicated to successfully assisting offenders with transitioning back into their communities by providing housing, preparing them for the workforce, helping them reestablish ties with family, counseling, and much more. A passionate believer in prison reform, locally, Williams was the first to establish a community relations board to increase communication between Residential Reentry and the Little Rock community.   Terry Williams joins me on the show this week to share the inspiring story of how her family's spiritual transformation led to the founding of City of Faith by her sister Kathy in 1983. She discusses City of Faith's innovative use of electronic monitoring technology to help inmates reintegrate into society with more dignity and freedom. Terry also shares her personal leadership philosophy, the importance of servant leadership, continuous learning, and making the most of every opportunity to positively impact the lives of the people you serve. “I want to be a servant leader.” - Terry Williams “The most successful people that we have are those who have the strongest family ties.” - Terry Williams  “Live your life wisely and make the most of every opportunity.” -  Terry Williams This Week on The Wow Factor: How City of Faith provides transitional services for federal prison inmates, such as job placement and reintegration Challenges inmates face upon release, such as adjusting to modern life and societal norms Terry’s leadership philosophy, why she aims to be a servant leader and model Jesus' leadership style Why it’s so important to continue learning and investing in knowledge to lead effectively Terry describes the growth of the organization, including the acquisition of the Baton Rouge contract and the implementation of electronic monitoring technology Terry explains the electronic monitoring technology, which replaced the traditional ankle tether with a cell phone, providing inmates with more dignity and freedom Why staying current with technology better serves the mission and the inmates City of Faith’s future goals, including expanding their contracts and services Why they prioritize community engagement and the positive impact of volunteer work on the organization and the inmates The value of teamwork and the support of his leadership team in achieving success Terry Williams’ Words of Wisdom: Live your life wisely and make the most of every opportunity.  Connect with Terry Williams:  City of Faith  Terry Williams 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

    43 min

  7. SEP 25

    Honoring John Ruhlin | Founder of The Ruhlin Group  | Creating Positive Experiences to Build Business Relationships

    John Ruhlin is the late founder of The Ruhlin Group, a gift logistics company that helps clients like the Chicago Cubs, Wells Fargo, Caesar’s Entertainment, Miami Dolphins, Morgan Stanley, and The John Maxwell Company execute year-round gifting strategies. John’s unique approach to relationships led him to become the #1 salesman for a $250 Million direct sales company by the time he was 23 (out of 1.5 Million reps). Prior to his passing, he spoke widely about strategic gifting and relationship building and helps CEOs and sales teams drive referrals and open doors to elusive decision-makers. I’m so honored to share my conversation with the late John Ruhlin with you this week; our discussion is all about the importance of generosity and relationship-building in business. John started by sharing his experiences growing up in a small town, how he came to pursue entrepreneurship, and shares stories of a mentor he had as a young man who taught him the value of building genuine relationships with clients, employees, and their families, and how it led to his business success. He also dives into the importance of giving without expectations and being thoughtful and intentional to foster meaningful connections.  “Show up generously in all areas.” - John Ruhlin “A physical gift is a representation of the value you place on a relationship.” - John Ruhlin  “It's so unusual for somebody to send something to another person, not because they wanted something needed something did something but just to based upon the relationship.” -  John Ruhlin This Week on The Wow Factor: How John learned that generosity and relationship-building are key to success in business Why John used Cutco knives to build relationships and generate leads to become the number one rep in the company's history How John's unique approach of combining thoughtful gifts and personalized notes helped him secure meetings with CEOs at the beginning of his career The mentor that John had as a young man who modeled generosity and thoughtfulness The concept of Giftology and how you can serve businesses of all sizes by modeling generosity and thoughtfulness towards employees, spouses, and suppliers Why it’s important to show gratitude and appreciation in business relationships rather than tying it to specific transactions or milestones The methodology John used for surprising and delighting clients and employees through planned random acts of kindness Why the worst gifts to give include logoed clothing and gift cards because they lack emotional connection and depth John emphasizes the value of creating positive experiences for clients' inner circles The importance of understanding human needs and desires when giving gifts, especially when you’re giving at scale John Ruhlin’s Words of Wisdom: Always give more than is reasonable without the expectation of receiving anything in return. Connect with John Ruhlin’s team:  Giftology Group  “Referals Without Asking” (A premier, NO COST mini-course. Learn our pillar methods.) 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

    59 min

  8. SEP 18

    Dr. John Stahl-Wert |Founder of the Center for Serving Leadership  | The Joy and Responsibility of Serving Leadership

    Dr. John Stahl-Wert is the Founder of the Center for Serving Leadership. He has pioneered training solutions for thirty years, working with organizations worldwide that want to produce outstanding results by investing in their people. He has written eight books, including the international best-sellers The Serving Leader and Ten Thousand Horses. John has coached executives in hundreds of other businesses in the U.S., Singapore, and Hong Kong. John has been married to Milonica, his business partner, for 44 years. They enjoy designing and building things, traveling, going to church, and loving and being with their family, friends, neighbors, and Serving Leader colleagues from around the world. This week on the show, John and I discuss the concept of servant leadership and how John’s strategic thinking and activator personality still guide his approach to problem-solving and decision-making. He shares the significance of clear values for leaders, why learning from failures is important, and how to practice effective delegation so the next generation can take over. John also discusses the traits of successful leaders and the importance of humility and vulnerability in leadership.  “The serving leader is the only kind of leader.” - Dr. John Stahl-Wert “You need to lead by values.” - Dr. John Stahl-Wert  “Suffering builds perseverance; perseverance builds character. We have to be willing, as leaders, to hurt.” -  Dr. John Stahl-Wert This Week on The Wow Factor: John’s upbringing as a conservative Mennonite in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, with a mix of Amish and Mennonite influences John shares his leadership experience in high school, understanding that deferring leadership led to regret and a lack of inclusivity Why leaders across the globe share the traits of being teachable and willing to learn from their experiences How John's strategic thinking and activator personality guides his approach to problem-solving and decision-making Why company values must be clear and specific for others to understand and follow How to make small, incremental changes in leadership practice Why delegation involves extending trust and authority, but incorrect delegation can do more damage than good Why it’s so important to bake goodness into a company for future generations, and how value is destroyed when companies are sold without a strong cultural foundation Dr. John Stahl-Wert’s Words of Wisdom: In servant leadership, we serve our people, standards, and values. If we serve ourselves primarily, we destroy value. Laying yourself down for something more important than yourself is not an easy path, but it’s worth it. Connect with Dr. John Stahl-Wert:  Center for Serving Leadership John Stahl-Wert's Podcast John Stahl-Wert on LinkedIn World Serving Leaders 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 Other Ways to Connect: Helmwise

    44 min
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4.9
out of 5
163 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Brad Formsma
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2024
  • Episodes
    256
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    The Wow Factor

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