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

• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn

• Brad Formsma on Instagram

• Brad Formsma on Facebook

• Brad Formsma on X

Brent and Tracey McKee are the visionary founders behind McKee & Company, a luxury furniture and interior design business that's been redefining the Southern California design landscape for over 26 years. Known for their thoughtful, timeless style and deep commitment to quality and service, the McKees have built more than a business, they've built a trusted, relationship-driven brand. Now, they're stepping into a new chapter with a reimagined space that blends elevated design, hands-on collaboration, and a curated client experience like no other.

In this episode of The Wow Factor, Brad visits Brent and Tracey at their new location in Costa Mesa to unpack the remarkable story behind McKee & Company and their custom furniture line, Sparrow & Sage. From a career pivot sparked by an unexpected exit from a family business, to weathering the 2008 recession with grit and faith, the McKees share candid lessons from their journey. Tracey opens up about what it means to design spaces that truly transform how people feel in their homes, while Brent offers business insights on scaling with purpose and resilience. Together, they reflect on leading a values-driven company and the joy of passing their knowledge on to the next generation.

"I think what I've always felt my gift is helping people come home, feel energized, and go do what they're meant to do." — Tracey McKee

"We inspire and we guide—and when you put inspiration in front of people and help them get there, they're generally appreciative." — Brent McKee

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• How a career setback with family launched McKee & Company
• Lessons from surviving the 2008 recession with a 70% revenue drop
• Why McKee & Company pivoted to a new showroom model that's by design—not just design
• How Tracey's deep furniture knowledge and retail roots shaped their curated design approach
• What inspired the couple to launch their own line: Sparrow & Sage
• Behind the scenes of furniture design: from kitchen table sketches to national sales
• How McKee & Company serves professional designers and trades in their new space
• Building a brand that's high-touch, faith-infused, and made to last

Brent and Tracey McKee's Word of Wisdom:

Tracey: "Just keep showing up and keep asking the Lord for what you need."

Brent: "Do what you love and build something where people enjoy the journey."

Connect with McKee & Company:

• McKee & Company Website
• Sparrow and Sage Website
• McKee & Company on Instagram
• Sparrow & Sage on Instagram
• McKee & Company on Facebook

Connect with The Wow Factor:

• WOW Factor Website
• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
• Brad Formsma on Instagram
• Brad Formsma on Facebook
• Brad Formsma on X

Tia Newcomer is the CEO of CaringBridge, a nonprofit providing a vital digital platform where families can communicate, receive support, and rally their communities during health journeys. With a career that spans Revlon, PepsiCo., Hewlett-Packard, and multiple health tech ventures, Tia brings a rich background from the for-profit world into the heart of the nonprofit sector, or as she prefers to call it, the for-impact space.

In this episode of The Wow Factor, Brad sits down with Tia to unpack her career journey across four pivotal pillars, from consumer goods to tech, healthcare, and now mission-driven leadership. She shares how personal experiences, including her husband's fight with cancer and her own sense of purpose, led her to take a surprising leap into nonprofit leadership. Tia discusses the real-world impact of CaringBridge on hundreds of thousands of families every day, the technology powering it, and how "ministry pace" just won't cut it when the stakes are this high. She also dives deep into why entrepreneurial thinking, business rigor, and cross-sector collaboration are essential in the nonprofit space.

"The difference between nonprofit and for-profit is a tax status. The skillset? It's the same." – Tia Newcomer

"In moments of crisis, people don't need 'let me know how I can help.' They need tangible action." – Tia Newcomer

"If I'm spending the majority of my time working, it better be fulfilling. That's the leap I made." – Tia Newcomer

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• Tia's four career pillars: Consumer Goods, Technology, Women's Health, and Nonprofit

• Why leaving HP was her wake-up call to find purpose in her work

• Her perspective on for-impact vs. nonprofit leadership

• How CaringBridge grew to 300,000 daily users with only 40 employees

• The real story behind the CaringBridge platform and its founder

• Why technology for good is more essential than ever

• The burden of "just let me know how I can help" and what to say instead

• The power of one person raising their hand to share updates and mobilize care

• Partnering with GoFundMe to raise over $10M directly for patients and families

• The role of generosity, from emotional support to meals, transportation, and funds

Tia Newcomer's Word of Wisdom:

Leadership is about building something that matters and having the courage to follow the nudge, even when it's outside your comfort zone.

Connect With CaringBridge:

• Tia Newcomer

• CaringBridge Website

• CaringBridge LinkedIn

• CaringBridge on Facebook

• CaringBridge on Instagram

Connect with The Wow Factor:

• WOW Factor Website

• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn

• Brad Formsma on Instagram

• Brad Formsma on Facebook

• Brad Formsma on X

In 1987, John O'Leary was a curious nine-year-old boy. Playing with fire and gasoline, John created a massive explosion in his home and was burned on 100% of his body. He was given a 1% chance to live.

This epic story of survival was first showcased in his parents' book, Overwhelming Odds, in 2006. It was this book that first invited John to embrace his miraculous recovery and share it with the world. John inspires nearly 75,000 people at 100+ events each year. John's first book, ON FIRE: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life, was an instant #1 National Bestseller; his Live Inspired Podcast is a top 20 for business on iTunes & Inc. Magazine. His online community is 200,000 strong. John considers his greatest success to be his marriage to his wife, Beth, their four children, and his relationships with friends and family.

I'm so honored to welcome John to the show to share his journey from near death to striving to multiply his talents and repay the generosity of others. He discusses his path to becoming a speaker and how saying yes to opportunities led to speaking in 50 states, dozens of countries, and at over 2,500 events. John also shares lessons from his own life to encourage leaders to be grounded and not worry too much about life's setbacks, as they will inevitably pass.

"Generosity is not only about money. It's about time and attention." - John O'Leary

"Seeds are taking deeper root, the right next steps are happening, and God's Will be lived out." - John O'Leary

"The cool thing about generosity is it's never one plus one is two, it's a multiple." - John O'Leary

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• The shocking fire that burned 100% of 9-year-old John's body and his long process of recovery
• John's memory of lying in a hospital bed wrapped in bandages and hearing the voice of his hero Jack Buck and how his daily visits inspired John in his recovery
• How Jack, by speaking life and challenge over John, helped support his wider family
• How John managed to earn 60 signed baseballs and learn how to write again from his hospital bed
• The importance of being interruptible in life and making time for people who need us
• How John became a speaker, and he shares his experience of his first speaking engagement for an audience of three Girl Scouts
• John discusses the upcoming movie production for the film inspired by his story, with director Sean McNamara
• How John was able to finally help his parents in return when they suffered a second fire in their home

John O'Leary's Words of Wisdom:

My reminder to you is that this too shall pass. Almost everything on this side of eternity, the good and the bad, will eventually pass.

Connect with John O'Leary:

• John O' Leary Website
• John O' Leary YouTube
• John O' Leary Instagram
• John O' Leary LinkedIn
• John O' Leary 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

Bill Johnson serves as the Senior Leader of Bethel Church in Redding, California. Known globally for his teaching on revival, faith, and the Kingdom of God, Bill's ministry has been marked by a consistent focus on gratitude, generosity, and living a life shaped by God's presence. Through decades of leadership, he has taught that generosity is more than financial giving—it's a lifestyle of humility, kindness, and service that reflects God's design for humanity.

In this episode, Brad sits down with Bill to talk about gratitude, generosity, and why the two are inseparably linked. Bill shares stories from his own journey and ministry, including how generosity builds cultures, changes atmospheres, and even serves as a "weapon" against division and despair. He also unpacks why generosity is evidence of repentance, how repeated acts form culture, and why we are never more like Christ than when we are generous. Along the way, Bill offers practical wisdom on cultivating a grateful heart, modeling generosity across generations, and trusting God even in seasons of delay.

"To live without thankfulness is the most self-centered way to live." – Bill Johnson

"If you're actually giving, you're not trying to get a response. If you're trying to get a response, you're buying—you're not giving." – Bill Johnson

"You're no more like Jesus than when you're generous." – Bill Johnson

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• Gratitude as the foundation for humility, mental health, and healthy relationships
• Why generosity is more than money—it's a posture of life and service
• The story of "Generous Students" and teaching gratitude with no carry-forwards
• Why repeated acts of giving form a true culture of generosity
• The three kinds of givers: no giver, grumpy giver, cheerful giver
• How small, intentional acts—like tipping hotel staff or thanking baristas—shift atmospheres
• Why generosity is evidence of repentance and a renewed mind
• How encouraging words can be one of the most powerful forms of giving
• Modeling generosity across generations and why Bill gives gifts on his own birthday
• The importance of living in trust when God's answers are delayed
• Serving communities quietly: Bethel's behind-the-scenes generosity toward their city
• Why generosity must move from an action to a lifestyle that can't be switched off

Bill Johnson's Word of Wisdom:

Faith is spelled R-I-S-K. Start somewhere, even if it's small. Sacrifice means going one step beyond comfort, and that's where growth begins. Yesterday's sacrifice is today's convenience—so keep pressing into new steps of generosity.

Connect With Bill Johnson:

• Bethel Church Website
• Bethel Church Facebook
• Bethel Church Instagram
• Bethel Church YouTube
• Bethel Church Podcasts
• Pastor Bill Johnson Facebook
• Pastor Bill Johnson's Books

Connect with The Wow Factor:

• WOW Factor Website
• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
• Brad Formsma on Instagram
• Brad Formsma on Facebook
• X (formerly Twitter)

Bill Johnson serves as the Senior Leader of Bethel Church in Redding, California. Known globally for his teaching on revival, faith, and the Kingdom of God, Bill's ministry has been marked by a consistent focus on gratitude, generosity, and living a life shaped by God's presence. Through decades of leadership, he has taught that generosity is more than financial giving—it's a lifestyle of humility, kindness, and service that reflects God's design for humanity.

In this episode, Brad sits down with Bill to talk about gratitude, generosity, and why the two are inseparably linked. Bill shares stories from his own journey and ministry, including how generosity builds cultures, changes atmospheres, and even serves as a "weapon" against division and despair. He also unpacks why generosity is evidence of repentance, how repeated acts form culture, and why we are never more like Christ than when we are generous. Along the way, Bill offers practical wisdom on cultivating a grateful heart, modeling generosity across generations, and trusting God even in seasons of delay.

"To live without thankfulness is the most self-centered way to live." – Bill Johnson

"If you're actually giving, you're not trying to get a response. If you're trying to get a response, you're buying—you're not giving." – Bill Johnson

"You're no more like Jesus than when you're generous." – Bill Johnson

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• Gratitude as the foundation for humility, mental health, and healthy relationships
• Why generosity is more than money—it's a posture of life and service
• The story of "Generous Students" and teaching gratitude with no carry-forwards
• Why repeated acts of giving form a true culture of generosity
• The three kinds of givers: no giver, grumpy giver, cheerful giver
• How small, intentional acts—like tipping hotel staff or thanking baristas—shift atmospheres
• Why generosity is evidence of repentance and a renewed mind
• How encouraging words can be one of the most powerful forms of giving
• Modeling generosity across generations and why Bill gives gifts on his own birthday
• The importance of living in trust when God's answers are delayed
• Serving communities quietly: Bethel's behind-the-scenes generosity toward their city
• Why generosity must move from an action to a lifestyle that can't be switched off

Bill Johnson's Word of Wisdom:

Faith is spelled R-I-S-K. Start somewhere, even if it's small. Sacrifice means going one step beyond comfort, and that's where growth begins. Yesterday's sacrifice is today's convenience—so keep pressing into new steps of generosity.

Connect With Bill Johnson:

• Bethel Church Website
• Bethel Church Facebook
• Bethel Church Instagram
• Bethel Church YouTube
• Bethel Church Podcasts
• Pastor Bill Johnson Facebook
• Pastor Bill Johnson's Books

Connect with The Wow Factor:

• WOW Factor Website
• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
• Brad Formsma on Instagram
• Brad Formsma on Facebook
• X (formerly Twitter)

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 has written books including The Missionary of Wall Street and Pilgrimage to the Museum, blending faith, story, and culture to point people toward Christ.

In this episode, Brad sits down with Stephen to talk about his journey from a working-class upbringing in Newark to Princeton, Wall Street, and ultimately to street-corner missionary work in New York City. Stephen shares how a near-death heart condition in 2002 became a turning point for his faith, leading him to deeper service and evangelization. He recounts dramatic stories from the streets of New York, the founding of the Lumen Institute, and how his eye for art became a tool for evangelization at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Along the way, Stephen offers insights on integrating faith and work, the importance of generosity, and the timeless values that anchor both investing and discipleship.

"Humility at the highs, confidence at the lows, integrity always." – Stephen Auth

"If you got run over by a truck tonight, do you really think you'd be ready to meet the Lord? Whatever you're doing, you don't think you can go into the church with it—how can you go into heaven with it?" – Stephen Auth

"My problem was simple: God had given me many talents, but I had been using them for my own purposes, not His." – Stephen Auth

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• Growing up in Newark, New Jersey, and earning a scholarship to Princeton University
• Balancing economics and art history, and how art became a lifelong passion
• Rising to Chief Investment Officer of Equities at Federated Hermes and navigating financial crises
• The heart condition in 2002 that became a spiritual wake-up call
• Confession after 20 years away and the moment of clarity: talents used for God, not self
• Founding the Lumen Institute to form Catholic business leaders
• Launching the Mission in New York City and encountering resistance, hostility, and surprising conversions
• Stories from The Missionary of Wall Street — including "Sox," an ex-con on a drug run who stopped to pray the rosary
• Lessons from objections on the street: loneliness, unforgiveness, and the lie that "I'm not welcome back"
• Turning art tours into pilgrimages and discovering the search for God in the history of Western art
• Why faith integration makes him both a better investor and a more joyful leader

Stephen Auth's Word of Wisdom:

Humility at the highs. Confidence at the lows. Integrity always. Those principles work on Wall Street and they work in faith and life, too.

Connect With Stephen Auth:

• Federated Hermes
• Stephen Auth's Website
• Stephen Auth's Books
• Stephen's Instagram
• Stephens Facebook

Connect with The Wow Factor:

• WOW Factor Website
• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
• Brad Formsma on Instagram
• Brad Formsma on Facebook
• X (formerly Twitter)

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 became known for blending academic excellence with faith formation. Today, Father Spitzer leads the Magis Center, which produces resources on the intersection of faith, science, and reason, and he continues to write and speak globally on subjects ranging from metaphysics to moral theology to spiritual warfare.

In this episode, Brad sits down with Father Spitzer at Christ Cathedral in Garden Grove, California, for a candid conversation about his book Christ vs. Satan in Our Daily Lives and the reality of spiritual battle. Father Spitzer shares formative stories from his upbringing in Hawaii, his Jesuit formation, and the pivotal moments when challenges like vision loss became turning points for deeper faith. He unpacks the eight deadly sins, the tactics of the evil one, and the role of prayer, confession, and the Eucharist in resisting temptation. Along the way, he offers practical wisdom on discernment, the power of gratitude, and why the rosary remains one of the strongest weapons in spiritual life.

"To live without thankfulness is the most self-centered way to live." – Father Spitzer

"Lord, you are the just judge. You take care of it." – Father Spitzer

"Nip temptation in the bud early. Don't wait until it grows into something that can destroy you." – Father Spitzer

This Week on The Wow Factor

• Growing up in Honolulu and how his parents shaped his faith and values
• Discovering proofs of God's existence in philosophy and science during college
• How his mother's prayers and wisdom steadied him in seasons of doubt
• The diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa and how it reshaped his calling
• Discernment of spirits: learning to reject the "rhetoric of damaged goods"
• Why the devil's greatest lie is convincing people he doesn't exist
• The eight deadly sins, their tentacles in modern life, and how to resist them
• Practical tools for spiritual resilience: Eucharist, confession, daily prayer, and the rosary
• Why 90% of the fruit of prayer comes outside of prayer
• Encouragement for parents: the power of modeling prayer and faith for their children

Father Spitzer's Word of Wisdom

Bring every temptation and struggle to God. Don't fight it in your own strength. Dependence on Him, daily prayer, and trust in His unconditional love are the surest path to freedom and joy.

Connect With Father Spitzer:

• Magis Center Instagram
• Magis Center YouTube
• Magis Center LinkedIn
• Magis Center Facebook
• Fr. Spitzer Facebook

Connect with The Wow Factor:

• WOW Factor Website
• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
• Brad Formsma on Instagram
• Brad Formsma on Facebook
• X (formerly Twitter)

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 became known for blending academic excellence with faith formation. Today, Father Spitzer leads the Magis Center, which produces resources on the intersection of faith, science, and reason, and he continues to write and speak globally on subjects ranging from metaphysics to moral theology to spiritual warfare.

In this episode, Brad sits down with Father Spitzer at Christ Cathedral in Garden Grove, California, for a candid conversation about his book Christ vs. Satan in Our Daily Lives and the reality of spiritual battle. Father Spitzer shares formative stories from his upbringing in Hawaii, his Jesuit formation, and the pivotal moments when challenges like vision loss became turning points for deeper faith. He unpacks the eight deadly sins, the tactics of the evil one, and the role of prayer, confession, and the Eucharist in resisting temptation. Along the way, he offers practical wisdom on discernment, the power of gratitude, and why the rosary remains one of the strongest weapons in spiritual life.

"To live without thankfulness is the most self-centered way to live." – Father Spitzer

"Lord, you are the just judge. You take care of it." – Father Spitzer

"Nip temptation in the bud early. Don't wait until it grows into something that can destroy you." – Father Spitzer

This Week on The Wow Factor

• Growing up in Honolulu and how his parents shaped his faith and values
• Discovering proofs of God's existence in philosophy and science during college
• How his mother's prayers and wisdom steadied him in seasons of doubt
• The diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa and how it reshaped his calling
• Discernment of spirits: learning to reject the "rhetoric of damaged goods"
• Why the devil's greatest lie is convincing people he doesn't exist
• The eight deadly sins, their tentacles in modern life, and how to resist them
• Practical tools for spiritual resilience: Eucharist, confession, daily prayer, and the rosary
• Why 90% of the fruit of prayer comes outside of prayer
• Encouragement for parents: the power of modeling prayer and faith for their children

Father Spitzer's Word of Wisdom

Bring every temptation and struggle to God. Don't fight it in your own strength. Dependence on Him, daily prayer, and trust in His unconditional love are the surest path to freedom and joy.

Connect With Father Spitzer:

• Magis Center Instagram
• Magis Center YouTube
• Magis Center LinkedIn
• Magis Center Facebook
• Fr. Spitzer Facebook

Connect with The Wow Factor:

• WOW Factor Website
• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
• Brad Formsma on Instagram
• Brad Formsma on Facebook
• X (formerly Twitter)

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 true impact starts with who we're becoming—then flows into what we do.

In this episode, Brad sits down with Jimmy at Compassion's global ministry center in Colorado Springs for a candid conversation about identity, calling, technology, and the local church. Jimmy shares formative stories from his childhood and athletic journey, the moment he sensed a calling to serve the church after the Olympics, and the identity wake-up that led him to embrace his heritage.

He talks about following Wess Stafford as CEO, why Compassion is first a church-equipping child discipleship organization (sponsorship is the funding mechanism, not the identity), and how the ministry is modernizing—moving to the cloud, piloting secure, real-time communication, and using AI to protect children online. Along the way, Jimmy offers grounded wisdom on leadership burdens, character, and doing God's work without sacrificing God's work in you.

"Let's not do God's work in ways that hurt His work in us." – Jimmy Mellado

"His yoke is easy and His burden is light—so if it's heavy, who made it heavy?" – Jimmy Mellado

"Special gifts can take a leader places where the absence of character won't let them stay." – Jimmy Mellado

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• Jimmy's upbringing: born in El Salvador, moving 40+ times as his engineer father built infrastructure across the developing world
• Early faith formation: parents as his "first pastors," family as his first church while on the move
• Track to the Olympics: SMU scholarship and competing for El Salvador at the 1988 Seoul Olympics
• A calling in Seoul: witnessing church revival in South Korea and returning with a mission to serve the church
• Identity moment: embracing "Santiago" and his Latino heritage after being told "you don't count"—and how God used it to realign his calling
• Friendship with Wess Stafford and the path to leading Compassion
• What Compassion is: a church-equipping, child-discipleship ministry (sponsorship fuels the work but doesn't define it)
• The need right now: millions registered, hundreds of thousands awaiting sponsors—why the gap matters at the child level
• Modernizing at scale: retiring custom code, moving to cloud platforms, and building for quality, security, and growth
• Pilots in Peru and Ghana: secure, real-time communication among sponsors, children, and local church leaders
• Safety by design: using AI to flag inappropriate content and grooming language to protect kids
• A pastor's six-hour drive in Togo to make the plea: "Let me thank our sponsors and tell the story of impact."
• Leadership and soul care: trading anxiety for gratitude, resisting the urge to carry what only God can carry
• Being vs. doing: why who you're becoming is the most important contribution you'll ever make

Jimmy Mellado's Word of Wisdom:

Become first, then do. Stay rooted in Christ, invite trusted voices to speak truth, and steward your assignment without making it heavy. The most enduring impact isn't what you accomplish—it's the person you're becoming as you walk with God.

Connect With Compassion

• Compassion's Website
• Compassion's YouTube
• Compassion's Facebook
• Compassion's Instagram
• Compassion's LinkedIn
• Jimmy's LinkedIn

Connect with The Wow Factor:

• WOW Factor Website
• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
• Brad Formsma on Instagram
• Brad Formsma on Facebook
• X (formerly Twitter)