The Wow Factor

Brad Formsma
  • 4.9 (172)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

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. 13h ago

    Lee Greenwood | Grammy Award-Winning Artist and Creator of "God Bless the USA" | How Faith, Hard Work, and Gratitude Shape a Life of Purpose

    Lee Greenwood is an award-winning recording artist, songwriter, and American icon best known for writing and performing "God Bless the USA," one of the most recognized patriotic songs in American history. With a career spanning decades, Lee has earned numerous industry honors, including multiple Male Vocalist of the Year awards, while using his platform to celebrate faith, family, freedom, and service. From his early days growing up on a sharecropper's farm to performing for presidents and supporting America's military families, Lee's journey is a testament to perseverance, gratitude, and the power of staying faithful to your calling. Lee joins me today to discuss his early years growing up in California, finding his passion for music, and the hard work that eventually led him to Nashville. He shares the story behind writing "God Bless the USA," how his faith became a guiding force in his life, and why he believes America continues to be a place of opportunity and redemption. Lee also reflects on the importance of giving back, supporting veterans, and living in a way that positively influences others. "You'll never be disappointed in hard work." - Lee Greenwood "When you live life as a Christian, I believe you influence others even if they didn't ask for it. It's how you live, not how you tell people you live." - Lee Greenwood "I wasn't about the money. I wasn't about fame. I was about existing. And this is a free country." - Lee Greenwood This week on The Wow Factor: How Lee's childhood on a sharecropper's farm shaped his work ethic Why faith and music became such important parts of Lee's life The journey from playing piano in Las Vegas to becoming a Nashville recording artist The divine appointments that helped guide Lee's career The story behind writing "God Bless the USA" and why the message continues to resonate Lee's experiences performing for and building relationships with U.S. presidents Why generosity, service, and supporting others remain central to Lee's mission Lee Greenwood's Words of Wisdom: You'll never be disappointed by hard work. Use your gifts, stay productive, be wise with what you've been given, and always look for opportunities to help others. Connect with Lee Greenwood: Lee Greenwood's Website Lee Greenwood's Tour Schedule Lee Greenwood's YouTube Lee Greenwood's Music on Spotify God Bless The USA Bibles Connect With Brad Formsma: WOW Factor Website   Brad Formsma on LinkedIn   Brad Formsma on Instagram   Brad Formsma on Facebook

    32 min

  2. Jun 10

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

    In honor of the life and legacy of Bob Woodson, we are re-airing this special conversation. Bob, Founder and President of the Woodson Center and 1776 Unites, dedicated his life to poverty alleviation and empowering disadvantaged communities to become agents of their own uplift. His decades of service, wisdom, and commitment to helping communities discover their own solutions left a lasting impact on countless lives. Bob Woodson was an influential leader on issues of poverty alleviation and empowering disadvantaged communities to become agents of their own uplift. Woodson was a frequent advisor to local, state and federal government officials as well as business and philanthropic organizations. His social activism dated 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. As Founder and President of The Woodson Center, Bob was 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 Woodson's 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: The Woodson Center The Woodson Center Facebook The Woodson Center LinkedIn The Woodson Center Instagram The Woodson Center YouTube 1776 Unites Connect With Brad Formsma: WOW Factor Website   Brad Formsma on LinkedIn   Brad Formsma on Instagram   Brad Formsma on Facebook

    48 min

  3. Jun 3

    Reigniting the American Dream Through Faith, Family, and Leadership | Governor Kevin Stitt on Hope, Service, and Building a Stronger Future

    Governor Kevin Stitt is the 28th Governor of Oklahoma, entrepreneur, business leader, husband, and father of six. Before entering public service, Governor Stitt founded Gateway Mortgage with just $1,000 and a computer, growing it into a nationwide financial services company with more than 1,000 employees. Guided by his faith, commitment to family, and belief in the American Dream, Governor Stitt has focused his leadership on creating opportunity, strengthening communities, and encouraging the next generation to pursue their God-given potential. In this episode, Brad and Governor Kevin Stitt explore the connection between faith, leadership, generosity, and creating lasting change. Governor Stitt shares his journey from building a business to stepping into public service, the role prayer played in his decision to run for governor, and the lessons he has learned while leading Oklahoma. The conversation dives into family values, fostering hope in young people, the importance of gratitude and generosity, restoring opportunity through community involvement, and why strong families and personal responsibility are foundational to a thriving culture. "When God puts a dream or desire in your heart, I think it was there from a long time ago." – Governor Kevin Stitt "Your future can be better than your present because we can get you with mentors and we can say, 'Hey, here's how you step forward." – Governor Kevin Stitt "If you set out to be the best version you can, that's success. I think everybody can be successful in whatever God has put in front of them." – Governor Kevin Stitt This Week on The Wow Factor: Governor Stitt's upbringing in Oklahoma and the faith foundation that shaped his leadership How he started a company with $1,000 and grew it into a national business The role prayer, calling, and courage played in his decision to run for governor Why hope is a powerful tool for helping young people create a better future The importance of faith, family, churches, and communities working together How gratitude and generosity shift our focus away from ourselves and toward others Why Governor Stitt believes the American Dream is still alive for the next generation Governor Kevin Stitt's Word of Wisdom: Do not underestimate the dreams and opportunities God places in front of you. Your circumstances do not define your future, and success is not measured only by wealth, status, or recognition.  Connect With Governor Kevin Stitt: Governor Kevin Stitt Official Website Governor Kevin Stitt Facebook Governor Kevin Stitt X Account Governor Kevin Stitt YouTube Connect With Brad Formsma: WOW Factor Website   Brad Formsma on LinkedIn   Brad Formsma on Instagram   Brad Formsma on Facebook

    46 min

  4. May 27

    From Brokenness to Blessing in a Blended Family | Ines Franklin on Healing, Grace, and Redemption

    Ines Franklin is a teaching pastor, speaker, and author of Blended and Blessed and Uncharted: Navigating Your Unique Journey of Faith. Originally from Puerto Rico, Ines has experienced firsthand the complexities of brokenness, blended family life, redemption, and restoration. Through her writing and ministry, she helps families navigate difficult seasons with honesty, grace, and a faith-centered perspective rooted in the teachings of Jesus. In this episode, Brad and Ines Franklin explore the realities of blended family life, the emotional weight of divorce and rebuilding trust, and the ways God brings healing through vulnerability, empathy, and perseverance. Ines shares her personal story of abuse, addiction, divorce, and restoration, along with how she and her husband Jim built a unified family rooted in grace and faith. The conversation dives into the Beatitudes, emotional healing, family dynamics, forgiveness, leadership within the home, and how blended families can become powerful examples of redemption and hope. "Jesus does not turn away from messy situations. He steps into them with grace and redemption." – Ines Franklin "Blended families are not second-class families. God can bring healing, unity, and purpose even through brokenness." – Ines Franklin "Every family has dysfunction somewhere. The goal is not perfection. The goal is movement toward healing, wholeness, and unity." – Ines Franklin This Week on The Wow Factor: Ines' journey from Puerto Rico to California and learning English as a teenager Her experiences with abuse, divorce, addiction, and hitting rock bottom How faith and church became the turning point in her healing journey The meaning behind blended families and the hidden grief many families carry Why the Beatitudes became the framework for Blended and Blessed The importance of vulnerability, empathy, and keeping short accounts in family relationships How blended families can reflect God's redemption and become a light for others Ines Franklin's Word of Wisdom: Do not let shame, brokenness, or past mistakes convince you that your family cannot heal. God works through imperfect people and messy situations. Healing often happens one step at a time through honesty, grace, forgiveness, and a willingness to keep moving toward unity even when it feels difficult. Connect With Ines Franklin: Ines Franklin Website Ines Franklin on Instagram Ines Franklin on Facebook Ines Franklin on LinkedIn Buy Ines Franklins Books The Journey We Share | Faith and Life Uncharted Podcast Connect With Brad Formsma: WOW Factor Website   Brad Formsma on LinkedIn   Brad Formsma on Instagram   Brad Formsma on Facebook   Brad Formsma on X

    41 min

  5. May 13

    Leading With Grace Through Prison Fellowship | Heather Rice-Minus on Justice, Purpose, and Restoring Hope

    Heather Rice-Minus is the President and CEO of Prison Fellowship, the nation's largest ministry serving those impacted by incarceration. With a background in law, public policy, and justice reform, Heather has dedicated her career to helping people encounter hope, dignity, and restoration through faith and community. Through her leadership, Prison Fellowship continues to expand its mission of supporting incarcerated individuals, their families, and the churches and volunteers who walk alongside them. In this episode, Brad and Heather Rice-Minus explore the mission and impact of Prison Fellowship, the organization founded by Chuck Colson after his experience in prison following Watergate. Heather shares her journey from seeing herself as a secondary leader to stepping into the role of CEO, along with the importance of mentorship, vision, and empowering others. The conversation dives into prison ministry, Angel Tree, justice reform, leadership development, generosity, and the powerful ways lives can be transformed through faith, presence, and purpose. "Sometimes the people you least expect to teach you about grace are the very people who understand it most deeply." – Heather Rice-Minus "Leadership is not about doing everything yourself. It is about equipping others to thrive and succeed." – Heather Rice-Minus "We are not just serving people impacted by incarceration. We are witnessing God transform lives both inside and outside prison walls." – Heather Rice-Minus This Week on The Wow Factor: Heather's journey from policy work and law school to leading Prison Fellowship How mentorship and encouragement helped Heather step into leadership The origin story of Prison Fellowship and Chuck Colson's transformation after Watergate The impact of Angel Tree and supporting children with incarcerated parents Why prison ministry is about presence, dignity, and restoration The role churches play in serving families impacted by incarceration Heather's vision for the future of Prison Fellowship and the next generation of leaders Heather Rice-Minus' Word of Wisdom: Do not underestimate the power of vision, encouragement, and showing up consistently for people. Leadership is about helping others discover their purpose, staying faithful to the mission in front of you, and continuing to point people toward hope, restoration, and lasting impact. Connect With Prison Fellowship: Prison Fellowship Website Prison Fellowship Facebook Prison Fellowship Instagram Prison Fellowship YouTube Connect With Heather Rice-Minus: Heather Rice-Minus on LinkedIn Connect With Brad Formsma: WOW Factor Website   Brad Formsma on LinkedIn   Brad Formsma on Instagram   Brad Formsma on Facebook   Brad Formsma on X

    39 min

  6. Apr 29

    Building Wealth Beyond Retirement | Derek Coburn on Purpose, Planning, and Redefining the Future

    Derek Coburn is a financial advisor, entrepreneur, and author of Let's Retire Retirement, a book that challenges the traditional idea of retirement and encourages people to think more intentionally about wealth, work, purpose, and the future. Through his work, Derek helps leaders and families rethink what it means to plan well, live generously, and build a meaningful life beyond financial success. In this episode, Brad and Derek Coburn explore why the old model of retirement may no longer serve people well and how a more purposeful approach can lead to greater fulfillment. Derek shares his perspective on financial planning, stewardship, entrepreneurship, and designing a life that is not centered on simply stopping work, but on continuing to grow, contribute, and make an impact. The conversation dives into legacy, generosity, long-term thinking, and the importance of aligning money with values. "Retirement should not be the goal. A meaningful life should be the goal." – Derek Coburn "Money is a tool, but purpose is what gives it direction." – Derek Coburn "The future is not just something we prepare for financially, it is something we design intentionally." – Derek Coburn This Week on The Wow Factor: Why Derek believes it is time to rethink the traditional idea of retirement The message behind Let's Retire Retirement How financial planning changes when purpose becomes the focus Why wealth should be connected to values, stewardship, and impact The importance of designing a life you do not want to retire from How leaders can think differently about legacy and long-term contribution The role of generosity in building a meaningful financial future Practical ways to align money, purpose, and everyday decisions Derek Coburn's Word of Wisdom: Do not make retirement the finish line. Build a life with so much purpose, meaning, and impact that you are not simply waiting to step away from it. Use your resources wisely, stay connected to what matters most, and think intentionally about the kind of future you are creating. Connect With Derek Coburn: Derek Coburn Website Let's Retire Retirement Derek Coburn on LinkedIn Derek Coburn on Facebook Connect With Cadre: Cadre Website Connect With Brad Formsma: WOW Factor Website   Brad Formsma on LinkedIn   Brad Formsma on Instagram   Brad Formsma on Facebook   Brad Formsma on X

    39 min

  7. Apr 15

    From Dairy Farm Roots to Purpose-Driven Business | Jennie Groff on Entrepreneurship, Community, and Impact

    Jennie Groff is a co-founder and leader behind Stroopies, a purpose-driven business rooted in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, that creates handcrafted stroopwafels while providing meaningful employment opportunities for resettled refugee women. Raised on a dairy farm, Jennie's journey into entrepreneurship wasn't traditional, but through faith, persistence, and a deep commitment to community, she and her husband transformed a simple idea into a growing business that blends quality products with real human impact. In this episode, Brad and Jennie Groff explore the story behind Stroopies beginnings, from humble roots and early uncertainty to building a thriving operation that now produces tens of thousands of stroopwafels each month. Jennie shares how the business evolved from a small, faith-led idea into a scalable model that supports women from around the world. The conversation dives into entrepreneurship, leadership, cultural diversity in the workplace, and the lessons learned through trial, faith, and steady progress. Jennie also reflects on gratitude, community, and the deeper purpose behind building something that serves others. "Life is better if we share what we have." – Jennie Groff "Sometimes you just don't know. You try things, some work, some don't." – Jennie Groff "Just don't bury the seed, keep going, even if it's not perfect." – Jennie Groff This Week on The Wow Factor: Jennie's upbringing on a dairy farm and early entrepreneurial instincts The origin story of Stroopies and its mission to support refugee communities Turning a European treat into a scalable, purpose-driven business The challenges and uncertainty of building a business from the ground up Creating a workplace that bridges cultures, languages, and backgrounds The role of faith, prayer, and persistence in decision-making and growth How small moments and "sign markers" helped guide the business forward Jennie Groff's Word of Wisdom: Don't bury the gifts you've been given. You don't have to do things perfectly to move forward, what matters is that you keep going. Growth comes through trying, learning, and staying committed, even when the path isn't clear. Keep planting, keep working, and trust that progress happens over time. Connect with Stroopies: Stroopies Website Stroopies Instagram Stroopies Facebook Place a Stroopies Order   Connect With Brad Formsma: WOW Factor Website   Brad Formsma on LinkedIn   Brad Formsma on Instagram   Brad Formsma on Facebook   Brad Formsma on X

    26 min

  8. Apr 1

    From Rock Bottom to Rewriting Health | Steve Hochman on Purpose, Discipline, and Reversing Diabetes

    Steve Hochman is a fitness entrepreneur, coach, and international bestselling author of The 3, known for helping thousands achieve lasting fat loss and improved health without restrictive dieting. As the founder of OC Fit Body, a multi-location fitness and coaching business, Steve has spent over two decades helping clients transform their bodies and reverse chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes through simple, science-backed methods. In this episode, Brad and Steve Hochman unpack a powerful journey of adversity, breakthrough, and purpose-driven work. Steve shares his early struggles with Tourette Syndrome, homelessness, and severe anxiety, along with the defining moment that forced him to change the trajectory of his life. The conversation dives deep into the science behind the glycemic index and why most people are unknowingly working against their bodies when it comes to fat loss and health. Steve also breaks down the philosophy behind his book The 3: How To Shred Fat, Get Healthy, and Be Fit Without Counting Calories, Calculating Macros, or Starving—and Keep Eating the Delicious Foods You Love, a system designed to simplify nutrition while delivering real, sustainable results. From building a global fitness business to stepping away and rediscovering his purpose, Steve shares lessons on discipline, identity, and what it really takes to create lasting change. "Every problem you solve with yourself, you now have a solution to give to others." - Steve Hochman "You can't give what you don't have. Solving your own problems is how you serve other people." - Steve Hochman "Stop focusing on what you want. Appreciate what you've been given, and just do the work." - Steve Hochman This Week on The Wow Factor: Steve's early life challenges, including Tourette Syndrome and social isolation The turning point that pulled him out of homelessness and into purpose How the glycemic index works—and why it matters more than calories The truth about "healthy" foods and misleading nutrition labels Building and scaling a global fitness franchise—and the lessons learned Why purpose—not money—became the foundation for his life and work How simple ingredient swaps can lead to fat loss and diabetes reversal The role of strength training, fasting, and consistency in long-term health Steve Hochman's Word of Wisdom: Your purpose has to be bigger than yourself. When your life is anchored to something greater; serving others, giving value, or making an impact, you stay aligned even when things get difficult. Pair that with gratitude, and you create a foundation that keeps you grounded, focused, and moving forward. Connect with Steve Hochman: OC FIT Steve's LinkedIn Steve's Instagram Steve's Book -  The 3: How To Shred Fat, Get Healthy, and Be Fit Without Counting Calories, Calculating Macros, or Starving and Keep Eating the Delicious Foods You Love   Connect With Brad Formsma: WOW Factor Website   Brad Formsma on LinkedIn   Brad Formsma on Instagram   Brad Formsma on Facebook   Brad Formsma on X

    48 min
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4.9
out of 5
172 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 - 2026
  • Episodes
    318
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    The Wow Factor

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