The Wow Factor

Stephen Auth is the Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of Equities at  Federated Hermes in New York City, overseeing more than $85 billion in assets. A Princeton graduate with a lifelong interest in both finance and art, Stephen is known for his strategic leadership on Wall Street and his bold work as an author, missionary, and Catholic lay leader. Alongside his wife, Evelyn, he...

Father Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., is a Jesuit priest, philosopher, educator, author, and the President of the  Magis Center of Reason and Faith . Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, he went on to study at Gonzaga University, the Gregorian University in Rome, and the Catholic University of America, where he earned a PhD in philosophy. He later served as President of Gonzaga University, where he beca...

Father Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., is a Jesuit priest, philosopher, educator, author, and the President of the  Magis Center of Reason and Faith . Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, he went on to study at Gonzaga University, the Gregorian University in Rome, and the Catholic University of America, where he earned a PhD in philosophy. He later served as President of Gonzaga University, where he beca...

Jimmy Mellado leads  Compassion International , a global, church-driven ministry serving children in poverty across 29 countries. Born in El Salvador (full name: Santiago "Jimmy" Mellado), he grew up across Latin America and Asia, ran decathlon at SMU, and later represented El Salvador in the 1988 Seoul Olympics. His life and leadership are anchored in faith, family, and a deep conviction that tru...

Ricky Dickson is the former President and CEO of Blue Bell Creameries , one of America's most beloved ice cream brands. After 43 years with the company, Ricky's leadership legacy is steeped in faith, humility, and an unwavering commitment to people and product integrity. From a young territory manager trying to conquer a new market to leading the company through one of its biggest crises, Ricky's...

Ari Sacher has spent more than three decades working at  Rafael Advanced Defense Systems , Israel's premier developer of missile technology, where he played key roles in the creation of the Iron Dome and David's Sling missile defense systems. Originally from Wilmington, Delaware, Ari's journey took him from upstate New York and Toronto to Israel in 1982—and he never looked back. An electrical engi...

Jim Towey is the former lawyer for Mother Teresa and the founder of Aging with Dignity , a nonprofit based in Falls Church, Virginia. He is the creator of the widely used Five Wishes advance directive. His story is as unique as it is powerful—marked by a journey from Capitol Hill to Calcutta, from chasing influence in Washington to walking alongside Mother Teresa and advocating for those society o...

Ralph Stayer, is the founder of  Johnsonville Sausage , one of America's most beloved family-owned food companies. From humble beginnings in a small Wisconsin town of just 65 people, Ralph helped grow Johnsonville from an 8-person operation into a global brand by radically rethinking leadership, purpose, Capitalism, and what it means to build a business with heart. In this episode, Brad sits down...

From the stages of Broadway to school classrooms and men's ministries, J. Mark McVey's journey is one of persistence, transformation, and service. Best known for his role as Jean Valjean in  Les Misérables , J. Mark brings not only vocal talent but also deep wisdom on living a life with purpose and impact. In this episode, J. Mark shares how his upbringing in Huntington, West Virginia, shaped his...

From a humble start in South Louisiana to building restaurant empires across America, Paul Fleming's journey is a story of grit, hospitality, and vision. As the founder and force behind beloved brands like Ruth's Chris (West Coast expansion), PF Chang's, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse, Paul Martin's, Lake Park Diner, and Paulita's Tacos—Paul has helped define American dining for over three decades. In...

From receiving life-altering generosity in his youth to helping global audiences navigate complicated people and personal growth— Ryan Leak's journey is one of resilience, faith, and intentional leadership. In this episode, Ryan shares the early experiences that shaped his calling, how generosity became a family legacy, and why working well with others starts with owning your own complexities. A s...

Today we honor Dr. John Rooney, formerly the President of Rooney and Associates, Inc. John provided strategic guidance and innovative solutions to numerous organizations over the years. John's expertise in strategic planning, business development, and organizational management earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor in the business community. John was also actively involved in philanthropic e...

From the racquetball courts of junior college to the C-suite at Southwest Airlines—and now as CEO of  Lionheart Children's Academy - Jeff Lamb's journey is a masterclass in unexpected opportunity, bold conviction, and servant leadership. In this episode, Jeff recounts pivotal moments that shaped his career—from working in the mailroom at Mesa Petroleum under T. Boone Pickens, to being mentored by...

In this heartfelt and personal episode, Brad reconnects with long-time friend and returning guest Jerry Foster, founder of  Foster Group . Jerry opens up about his journey—from early financial and marital struggles to building a thriving business and redefining what it means to live a wealthy life. Together, they explore how meaningful conversations shape families, how true leadership often means...

Founder of  Rustic Cuff and author of The Kindness Effect: Experience the Power of Irrational Giving , Jill Donovan graduated from Oral Roberts University and went on to earn her law degree from the University of Tulsa.   She was a practicing attorney and adjunct law professor at TU when her passion for cuff bracelets, and her need to refill her 'gift closet' led her to begin Rustic Cuff. Jill's h...

Susan Hollern is the Founder and President of  Hope Haven Rwanda , a transformative educational initiative that empowers students and families in post-genocide Rwanda. Based in Sedalia, Colorado, Susan brings a background in entrepreneurship, real estate, finance, and deep faith to her work—driven by a personal calling to serve others through bold obedience and a surrendered life. Her leadership h...

William Vanderbloemen is the CEO and Founder of Vanderbloemen Search Group, an executive search firm that serves faith-based organizations, churches, schools, and nonprofits around the world. With over 15 years of experience in executive search and leadership consulting, William and his team have conducted over 30,000 interviews and helped thousands of organizations find mission-aligned leaders. B...

Peter Greer is the President and CEO of  HOPE International , a global Christ-centered economic development organization that operates in 27 countries. Under Peter's leadership, HOPE has grown significantly in scope and influence, investing in the dreams of underserved entrepreneurs around the world. He's also a prolific author with more than 15 books to his name, including Mission Drift , Rooting...

Admiral Vernon Eugene Clark is a retired four-star admiral who served as Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) for the United States Navy. He retired on July 22, 2005, after five years in the role—making him the second-longest serving CNO in history, after Arleigh Burke. During his distinguished military career, Admiral Clark received numerous awards, including four Defense Distinguished Service Medals,...

  Admiral Vernon Eugene Clark is a retired four-star admiral who served as the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) of the United States Navy. He retired on July 22, 2005, making his tenure of five years the second-longest serving CNO behind Arleigh Burke. Admiral Clark has received numerous military decorations for his service, including four awards of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, three Na...

Christopher Duffley is an inspiring speaker, musician, and advocate who has overcome immense challenges to spread a message of faith, perseverance, and hope. Born prematurely at just 1 pound 12 ounces, Christopher lost his sight due to retinopathy of prematurity and was later diagnosed with autism. Despite these obstacles, he discovered his love for music, and at just 10 years old, his rendition o...

Dave Donaldson is a visionary leader dedicated to mobilizing churches and communities to serve those in need. As a co-founder of CityServe and Convoy of Hope, he has spent decades working on the front lines of disaster relief, social impact, and faith-driven community outreach. His journey was shaped by personal tragedy—losing his father and debilitating his mother in a devastating accident at the...

  Britt Harris is a legendary figure in finance, having served as CIO for top-five investment funds across Endowments, Public Funds, Private Funds, and Hedge Funds—an achievement unmatched in the industry. Currently, he leads On Eagles Wings Advisors and has previously served as CIO for UTIMCO, the largest endowment for public education in the U.S. He also led Bridgewater Associates and Verizon. D...

Britt Harris is a legendary figure in finance, having served as CIO for top-five investment funds across Endowments, Public Funds, Private Funds, and Hedge Funds—an achievement unmatched in the industry. Currently, he leads On Eagles Wings Advisors and has previously served as CIO for UTIMCO, the largest endowment for public education in the U.S. He also led Bridgewater Associates and Verizon. Des...

Mark and Rabbi Erica Gerson are a dynamic duo known for their deep commitment to generosity and their innovative approach to giving. Mark is a successful entrepreneur and co-founder of  African Mission Healthcare , an organization dedicated to providing life-saving medical care in Africa. Rabbi Erica is a Jewish leader who brings profound wisdom and insight into the intersection of faith and gener...