The Wow Factor

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

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's Story

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 Jordan serves as President and Chief Executive Officer at Southwest Airlines. Bob is a 35-year Southwest veteran and began his career as a programmer in Information Technology. During his more than three decades at Southwest, the airline grew from a regional presence with around 7,000 people and 90 airplanes to a beloved national brand with more than 71,000 people and 126 million customers carried in 2022. Bob is a passionate advocate of "The Southwest Way," which refers to the company's core values and people-centric culture. Bob and his wife, Kelly, are members of the Texas A&M University Legacy Society and are active in charitable organizations, including Cross Timbers Community Church, Compassion International, SOS International, and the Metropolitan Opera. They have two grown children and two grandsons.

On the show this week, I'm thrilled to welcome Bob Jordan of Southwest Airlines to talk about the warrior spirit, servant's heart, and fun-loving philosophy. We learn about Bob's educational journey and how he met Herb Kelleher, co-founder of Southwest, while working at Hewlett Packard and took the leap to move to Southwest. Bob also highlights the impact of Southwest's unique company culture, which is rooted in treating teammates like family. We also discuss the unique ways in how Southwest serves their customers and how this has had an impact on the success of the business.

"Southwest is a cause, and I joined this wonderful company to further the cause." - Bob Jordan

"Do your values come to life in the hard decisions you make in the moment?" - Bob Jordan

"It comes down to 'do the right thing'." - Bob Jordan

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• More about Herb Kelleher's vision to liberate the American flying public by making air travel accessible and affordable
• How perseverance and warrior spirit overcame regulatory obstacles and lawsuits to launch Southwest Airlines
• Why Southwest Airlines is such a caring, family-oriented company
• The value Southwest places on serving their customers and making them feel valued
• What kind of people they like to hire at Southwest, and how they make sure they recruit the right staff
• Why a commitment to doing the right thing is an absolute golden rule at Southwest
• How Southwest overcame the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic
• Why they chose the heart as the emblem of Southwest during their brand refresh
• What they did to make things right when they had to seriously disrupt their schedule and why Bob is so proud of how the staff and leaders handled it

Bob Jordan's Words of Wisdom:

Work hard and be yourself because it's hard to be a leader when you're trying to model somebody else you think you need to be. Leadership can be a challenge, so remember to take time for other things that are important to you. I'm a huge believer that you're a better leader if you're rounded.

Connect with Bob Jordan:

• Southwest Airlines Newsroom
• Bob Jordan 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