Dr. Rick Lytle is the President and CEO of the CEO Forum, a ministry organization that mentors and disciples Christian CEOs and senior executives leading companies with $100M+ in revenue. With a background in academia and a Ph.D. in marketing, Rick spent years as a professor and business school dean before stepping into his role at the CEO Forum. His mission? To support leaders in building lives and legacies marked by character, competence, and calling—both at work and at home.

In this episode of The Wow Factor, Brad sits down with Dr. Rick at the home studio in Irvine, California for an in-depth conversation about how faith intersects with leadership at the highest levels of business. Rick shares his personal journey from growing up in the Detroit suburbs to launching a nationally accredited business program at Abilene Christian University, where he served as dean. He opens up about the founding of the CEO Forum, his research on what shapes great leaders, and how he's equipping the next generation through programs like Entrust and the Leadership Summit. With warmth and candor, Dr. Rick unpacks what it means to live and lead with "higher intent"—and why the marketplace might just be the front line of spiritual renewal.

"Don't be cheap with God—because He's never been cheap with you." - Dr. Rick Lytle

"We've raised this generation to be exactly who they are. If we want something different, we've got to step up." - Dr. Rick Lytle

"You can't move with God and stay where you are." - Dr. Rick Lytle

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• How Rick's early career at Volkswagen led to a pivot into academia

• What it took to transform ACU's business school into an accredited, nationally ranked program

• Raising $35 million and recruiting top faculty in the face of skepticism

• The vision behind CEO Forum and its mission to disciple Christian CEOs

• How spiritual leadership looks different in the marketplace

• What Rick's research reveals about the upbringing and values of top Christian leaders

• The importance of family, faith, and hard work in shaping leadership

• A deep dive into CEO Forum's flagship training programs: Spiritual Leadership Institute and Entrust

• Preparing the next generation of leaders to steward influence and wealth with integrity

• How retired CEOs are mentoring young executives through Encore

• Why Rick believes revival isn't just for churches—it's happening in the marketplace

Rick Lytle's Word of Wisdom:

Live with higher intent. Ask not just what you want to do, but what God wants to do through you.

About CEO Forum:

CEO Forum is a membership community built to serve the distinct needs of Christ-following CEOs and senior executives leading major enterprises. Through trusted peer-based communities, personal pastoral care, and intentional spiritual formation, CEO Forum helps leaders live the way of Jesus in every sphere of life. Learn more at theceoforum.org or contact Mark Meador, VP of Member Advancement, at [email protected] to explore membership or refer a leader.

CEO Forum also serves emerging leaders through the ENTRUST Summit, a next-generation mentoring gathering on February 26–27, 2026. WOW Factor podcast listeners are invited to nominate or register qualified participants.

Connect with CEO Forum:

• CEO Forum

• Dr. Rick Lytle's LinkedIn

Connect with The Wow Factor:

• WOW Factor Website

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