The Wow Factor

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:

● Hanna Skandera on LinkedIn

● Hanna Skandera on X/Twitter

Connect with the Daniels Fund:

● Daniels Fund Website

● Daniels Fund on LinkedIn

● Daniels Fund on Instagram

● Daniels Fund on Facebook

● Daniels Fund on X/Twitter

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

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: 

• Will Guidara on LinkedIn 
• Unreasonable Hospitality 
• Will Guidara on Instagram

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

General Krulak is a former commandant of the U.S. Marines Corps and a deputy director of the White House Military Office, and he has served by presidential appointment as chairman of the U.S. Naval Academy Board of Visitors, 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 MBNA Europe Bank in England, where he oversaw the financial turnaround for the credit card provider. He subsequently joined MBNA America Bank as vice chairman and chief administrative officer, where he was responsible for corporate and personnel development and education. General Krulak served as president of Birmingham-Southern College 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 US Israel Education Association 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:

• Hope for the Warriors website
• US Israel Education Association website
• Human Rights First website

Connect with The WOW Factor:

• Website
• I Like Giving: The Transforming Power of a Generous Life book by Brad Forsma
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter

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 Love and Respect Marriage Conference, 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 Love and Respect Ministries.

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:

• Love and Respect Website
• Love and Respect Podcast

Connect with The WOW Factor:

• I Like Giving: The Transforming Power of a Generous Life by Brad Formsma
• Words of Wisdom Website
• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
• Brad Formsma on Instagram
• Brad Formsma on Facebook
• Brad Formsma on Twitter

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: 

• Habitat for Humanity Website 
• Jonathan T.M. Reckford 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

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: 

• Dr. Henry Cloud's Website 

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

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:

• The Woodson Center

• Bob Woodson’s Twitter

• 1776 Unites

• Bob Woodson’s Books

 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 

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:

• 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

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: 

• NFC Giving - Alabama 

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

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: 

• Col. Littleton Website 

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

In this special episode of the WOW Factor, we’re joined by Drew Formsma. Drew is the Creative Director at I Like Giving. 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:

• LinkedIn
• Email

Connect With I Like Giving:

• Website
• Generous Kids Book Club

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

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: 

• Joseph James Slawek 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

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: 

• Hope For The Heart Website 

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

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: 

• Clare DeGraaf's Website 

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

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.: 

• John Knox on LinkedIn 
• I Am That Kid Website
• Adoption is an Option Website 

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

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: 

• Laura Gardner on LinkedIn 
• Joni and Friends Website

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

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: 

• Breakpoint Podcasts
• John Stonestreet - Breakpoint 
• Practical Guide to Culture: Helping the Next Generation Navigate Today’s World by John Stonestreet

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

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: 

• Foster’s Outriders on Instagram
• Foster’s Outriders on Facebook

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