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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 love of music and gratitude. He reflects on the grind of New York theater life, how faith transformed his approach to performance, and why leading from a place of humility—not ego—is his guiding principle. You'll hear about the unexpected audition that changed his career, a powerful 22-year collaboration with legendary composer Marvin Hamlisch, and how he's now channeling his talents into helping the next generation discover their gifts.
Through music, mentorship, and ministry, J. Mark shows what it means to perform for an audience of one—and how living with intention creates lasting ripple effects far beyond the spotlight.
"You're either going to step on people on the way up—or you're going to help them climb." – J. Mark McVey
"At the end of my life, I want to hear 'Well done, good and faithful servant.' That's the only audience I'm focused on." – J. Mark McVey
"A great leader doesn't end up on the mountaintop alone. That's not a leader—that's a hiker." – J. Mark McVey
This Week on The Wow Factor:
J. Mark McVey's Word of Wisdom:
A great leader is always in a supportive role. Leadership isn't about being at the front—it's about listening well, serving others, and keeping your hand out to help the next person up the ladder. You don't climb alone, and you don't perform alone. The best impact comes from giving, not taking.
Connect with J. Mark McVey:Visit jmarkmcvey.com to learn more about upcoming concerts, speaking events, and his work with schools and ministries.
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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 this episode, Paul reflects on how growing up with strong family values and working in every position in the restaurant world prepared him for a life of entrepreneurship. He shares how his oil business pivoted into hospitality, why working alongside people he respects keeps him energized, and how staying close to the customer is still his greatest advantage.
From building cultures of generosity to investing in the next generation of food innovators, Paul's insights are equal parts practical and inspiring. You'll hear how he chooses the right time to exit a business, why he's never looked back, and how values-based leadership has shaped his lasting impact.
"People are everything—and they're expensive when you get them wrong." – Paul Fleming
"We pay our vendors like slot machines—and we get the best product because of it." – Paul Fleming
"I've never looked back on a business I sold. The timing was right, and there's always another great concept to build." – Paul Fleming
This Week on The Wow Factor:
Paul Fleming's Word of Wisdom:
You've got to work your butt off in a business you're good at and enjoy—for 25 years. Focus, commit, and trust that effort over time creates impact. The real legacy is built when you invest in people, treat vendors with respect, and lead with consistency. There's no shortcut—just sustained effort, community, and doing what's right.
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You can experience Paul's legacy at restaurants across the country including:
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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 sought-after speaker, content creator, and the author of Leveling Up and Chasing Failure, Ryan's newest book How to Work With Complicated People offers a deeply practical roadmap for thriving in diverse workplaces. Drawing from personal stories, biblical principles, and years of executive coaching, Ryan helps us rethink how we view conflict, collaboration, and character.
Whether you're leading a team, navigating difficult relationships, or trying to grow in self-awareness, Ryan's wisdom will shift your mindset and challenge your assumptions about leadership, giving, and grace.
"If everybody else doesn't change, it doesn't mean I can't." – Ryan Leak
"Nobody believes they're the toxic one. But the truth is, we're all complicated." – Ryan Leak
"If you make your life about giving more than getting, you'll always have the life you actually want." – Ryan Leak
This Week on The Wow Factor:
Ryan Leak's Word of Wisdom:
If you make your life about giving more than getting, you'll always have the life you actually want.
Whether it's your time, resources, encouragement, or presence—when you walk into every room looking to give rather than receive, you shift not only the environment but your own fulfillment. Giving isn't about keeping score. It's about creating impact that outlives you.
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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 efforts and remained dedicated to helping organizations thrive in an ever-changing global marketplace until his passing on April 7, 2025.
This week on The Wow Factor, we honor Dr. John Rooney, who shared his insights from his book, "Geography of American Sport," which explores the development of various sports, including wrestling, volleyball, and women's sports, emphasizing the impact of coach movements and the role of geography in shaping sporting culture. He talked about the creation of Patriot Golf Days, an event that raises funds for Folds of Honor scholarships, and how the organization gained corporate partnerships to better support military families and first responders. John also shared more about the origins of Folds of Honor, which supports fallen or disabled service members and first responders by providing education opportunities for their children.
"Every sport has an origin." - John Rooney
"You've got to look out there and figure out what you want to do and how to get there." - John Rooney
"Go before you're ready." - John Rooney
This Week on The Wow Factor:
John Rooney's Word of Wisdom:
Go before you're ready. Take risks.
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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 Roger Staubach, and eventually leading people operations at one of America's most beloved airlines.
Jeff unpacks how the intentionality behind career choices, culture building, and investing in people created lasting impact across companies. He also shares how his current role at Lionheart Academy brings together business excellence and faith-based mission—creating a scalable model for transformational early childhood education in partnership with churches.
Whether you're leading a team, thinking through your next big move, or looking to build a values-driven organization, Jeff's story will inspire you to think differently about leadership, influence, and legacy.
"Boone Pickens told me, 'You can coach in the corporate world.' That changed my life." - Jeff Lamb
"If everyone's telling you the same thing, you don't need seven of them. The ability to respectfully disagree is a mark of real leadership." - Jeff Lamb
"At Southwest, when it came down to choosing between the customer and the employee—we chose the employee. And the financial results followed." - Jeff Lamb
This Week on The Wow Factor:
Jeff Lamb's Word of Wisdom:Pick a word. Pick a focus. Communicate clarity around it. For Jeff, that word this year is Unity—rooted in Philippians 2:1–2. In leadership and in life, clarity breeds direction. When everything's important, nothing is. Choose wisely.
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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 letting go, and what it looks like to enter a new season of life with faith, purpose, and generosity.
Whether you're leading a business, a family, or facing a major transition, Jerry's story will challenge you to reflect on your mission, your relationships, and your definition of success.
Jerry Foster is the founder of Foster Group, a Des Moines-based financial planning and investment firm managing nearly $4 billion in assets. His path into finance was anything but conventional—no business degree, no formal training, and a rocky financial start in his early marriage. But that moment became a turning point, sparking a mission to help others pursue meaningful living and generous giving. Jerry is also the author of Life Focus: Achieving a Life of Purpose and Influence, a sought-after speaker on legacy and generosity, and a cancer survivor who lives what he teaches.
"That was the genesis of Foster Group—my wife tossing the checkbook at me in the driveway saying, 'You need to learn this.'" - Jerry Foster
"Wealthy is a person who has great relationships, peace with God, good health. Money was always last on the list." - Jerry Foster
" It seems crazy that a financial planner would stand in front of his clients and tell them that early in his marriage he nearly went broke and couldn't balance his checkbook. But for me, I'm not ashamed, because that is part of my story." - Jerry Foster
This Week on The Wow Factor:
Jerry Foster's Word of Wisdom
The most influential season of your life might come after you stop chasing titles. Be present, listen deeply, and build a culture of meaningful conversations—first in your home, then in your work.
Connect with Jerry Foster and Foster Group
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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 heart for people and community has spilled over into her amazing company and Rustic Cuff has been able to give hundreds of thousands of dollars to communities and charitable causes over the years. Jill is a sought-after motivational speaker who encourages people to pursue their passions, fulfill their God-given purpose, and always pay it forward!
On the Wow Factor today Jill describes her passion for kindness and generosity and the ways in which she has put that into practice from the age of 10 until today. She shares why she didn't initially want to pursue leadership opportunities or become an entrepreneur and how God gently led her in the right direction to best use her talents. Jill also shares why it's so important in her life to start her day by checking in with God in quiet and peace and asking for direction and instruction for that day.
"When God speaks and you don't listen, he'll speak again and keep tapping." - Jill Donovan
"I realized when you give people the opportunity to give when they might not have otherwise done so it opens up a whole new world for them." - Jill Donovan
"The more you immediately start saying yes to when your 'knower' knows - it becomes habitual." - Jill Donovan
This Week on The Wow Factor:
Jill Donovan's Words of Wisdom:
Just because you can doesn't mean you should - there's a lot you can do when you're leading a company and it's growing, and you have all kinds of people. But just because you have the ability or capability to do something doesn't mean you're called to do that particular thing.
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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 has turned a humble school under a tree into a thriving institution that now educates over 2,000 students annually, with a vision of raising up the next generation of Christian world leaders.
Susan joins us on The Wow Factor to walk us through her personal and spiritual journey—from growing up in Ohio with a strong work ethic and independent spirit, to experiencing a full surrender to God that changed her life's trajectory. She shares how a mission trip to the Philippines and a divine encounter at a Rwanda fundraiser set her on a path to found Hope Haven. Susan's story is full of wisdom, perseverance, and vision. Her mission isn't just to educate students but to support entire families and communities so every child has the chance to thrive—spiritually, emotionally, and academically.
"I kept praying, 'Use me.' But when you say that, be ready. Your life will not look the same—but I promise, it'll be better." – Susan Hollern
"Hope Haven started under a tree with 97 kids. Now we serve over 2,000 students. That's a miracle only God could write." – Susan Hollern
"I had to fully surrender—not just me, but my whole family. Once I did, I saw how much I'd been holding back from God." – Susan Hollern
This Week on The Wow Factor:
Susan Hollern's Word of Wisdom:
If you want to live a truly meaningful life, don't just give part of yourself—surrender everything. It's not always easy, but it's the only way to live in full partnership with God's purpose. When you let go of control, you make space for miracles.
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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. Before launching Vanderbloemen, he served as a senior pastor and worked in the corporate HR space at a Fortune 200 company. He's also the author of several books, including his latest, Be the Unicorn: 12 Data-Driven Habits That Separate the Best from the Rest, which is rooted in insights gleaned from decades of leadership and hiring experience.
William joins us on The Wow Factor to discuss his entrepreneurial journey, from paperboy to pastor to founder of a top-tier executive search firm. He shares the story behind starting Vanderbloemen, how he navigated the 2008 financial crisis while launching the company, and why responsiveness, authenticity, and purpose are key markers of top-performing leaders. We also dive into his new book and explore a few of the 12 habits that define "unicorn" candidates—those rare individuals who leave a lasting impression and drive long-term success.
"Speed wins. You get back to people, you win. It's the lowest-hanging fruit, and hardly anyone's picking it." – William Vanderbloemen
"If you want to be interesting, be interested. Turn the conversation back to the person you're talking to." – William Vanderbloemen
"The higher and nobler the North Star, the farther that person goes in accomplishing their mission." – William Vanderbloemen
This Week on The Wow Factor:
William Vanderbloemen's Word of Wisdom:
If you want to lead well, stop giving directions and start asking better questions. Great leaders don't just provide answers—they develop the next generation of leaders who do.
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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 for Rivals, and his latest, Lead with Prayer. A Harvard Kennedy School grad and a sought-after speaker, Peter combines nonprofit leadership with business insights to fuel a global movement of Christ-centered empowerment and economic justice.
Peter joins us to discuss the importance of prayer in leadership and life—especially in light of the wisdom he's gathered in co-authoring Lead with Prayer alongside Cameron Doolittle and Ryan Skoog. In this transparent conversation, Peter reflects on how his own spiritual practices have changed over the years, the challenges of truly collaborative leadership, and why prayer isn't something to squeeze into our schedules—it should be the foundation.
"Most leaders today must think they're busier than Jesus—because most are spending less time in prayer, not more." - Peter Greer
"Not organization building, but movement making—that's where the exciting work is happening right now." - Peter Greer
"I've written everything not as an expert, but as a practitioner still learning what it means to live open-handed." - Peter Greer
This Week on The Wow Factor:
Peter Greer's Word of Wisdom:
Try new things. Let go of what doesn't serve you and hold tight to the prayer rhythms that draw you closer to God. The goal isn't perfection—it's presence.
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