
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


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, three Navy Distinguished Service Medals, and three Legions of Merit. Following his retirement, he was further recognized with the Eisenhower Award from the Business Executives of North America, the Distinguished Sea Service Award from the Naval Order of the United States, and the Distinguished Service Medal from the Military Order of the World Wars.
He holds an undergraduate degree from Evangel College in Springfield, Missouri, and an MBA from the University of Arkansas. He has also received honorary doctorates from the University of Toledo, Old Dominion University, Northwest University, and Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Today, Admiral Clark continues to share the leadership insights gained throughout his Navy career. He reflects on major challenges—such as the Navy's high attrition rates when he became Chief—and the steps he took to address them. He unpacks what "alignment" means in a leadership context and why it became one of his top priorities. He also discusses the importance of vision in leadership, and how that principle shaped his actions in the aftermath of 9/11.
"It's been said before that I bring a little bit of passion to the game." - Admiral Vern Clark
"Alignment is really about communication." - Admiral Vern Clark
"More is caught than taught." - Admiral Vern Clark
This Week on The Wow Factor:
Admiral Vern Clark's Word of Wisdom:
Having a strategic communications plan that moves you forward as a team or organization is vital.
Connect with Admiral Vern Clark:
Connect with The Wow Factor:
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 Navy Distinguished Medals, and three awards of the Legion of Merit. Since his retirement, he has been honored with the Eisenhower Award from the Business Executives of North America, the Distinguished Sea Service Award from the Naval Order of the United States, and the Distinguished Service Medal of the Military Order of the World Wars.
Admiral Vern Clark earned his undergraduate degree from Evangel College in Springfield, Missouri, and later completed an MBA at the University of Arkansas. He has also been awarded honorary doctorates from the University of Toledo, Old Dominion University, Northwest University, and Palm Beach Atlantic University.
This week on The Wow Factor podcast, Admiral Vern Clark shares key lessons from his distinguished career in the U.S. Navy. He discusses his commitment to covenant leadership—what it means and how he aimed to live it out in practice. Admiral Clark also breaks down the five priorities he focused on as Chief of Naval Operations: manpower, current readiness, future readiness, quality of service, and alignment—and explains how those priorities shaped his decisions and leadership approach.
"I was raised in a home where we constantly heard about God's plan for our life - and that really framed my background in a very important way.." - Admiral Vern Clark
"Our actions are screaming so loud, they can't hear a word we say, so if we're not living it and walking it, it doesn't matter what all the words are." - Admiral Vern Clark
Leadership is a position of servanthood. First, we say—or do we say this last—we can go through anything because Jesus goes before us. - Admiral Vern Clark
This Week on The Wow Factor:
Admiral Vern's experience of growing up the son of a Pastor in the central section of the USA
His early experiences of leadership, including on a kids baseball team
The experience of gaining an MBA at the University of Arkansas against the backdrop of the Vietnam war
How he came to find his life's path as a Commissioned Officer in the US Navy and why he was convinced he would be staying in for only three years only
What convinced Admiral Vern to rejoin the Navy and the career that followed
Why he believes that leadership is a two-way relationship
Resources that Admiral Vern has used in his commitment to being a lifelong learner
The questions that the term 'heart of covenant' bring up
How Admiral Vern's strong faith has helped him in his role as a leader
Admiral Vern Clark's Word of Wisdom:
Having a strategic communications plan that moves you forward as a team or organization is vital.
Connect with Admiral Vern Clark:
Any questions for Admiral Clark can be sent to Brad
Connect with The Wow Factor:
WOW Factor Website
Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
Brad Formsma on Instagram
Brad Formsma on Facebook
X (formerly Twitter)
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 of Open the Eyes of My Heart went viral, launching his career as a motivational speaker and singer. Today, Christopher shares his story worldwide, proving that with faith, determination, and the right support system, anything is possible.
In this episode of The Wow Factor, Christopher and his mother, Christine, share his extraordinary journey—from being adopted into a loving family to becoming an advocate for accessibility, independence, and inclusion. They discuss the role of faith in Christopher's life, how technology helps him navigate the world, and why he is passionate about encouraging others to embrace their own mission possible.
This conversation is filled with lessons on resilience, faith, and making an impact, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to overcome challenges and live with purpose.
"With God, all things are possible." – Matthew 19:26 - Christopher Duffley
"I don't have sight, but I walk by faith. You don't have to see everything to believe in what's possible." - Christopher Duffley
"I want to inspire others, but I also want to break barriers. The world isn't built for people like me, but that won't stop me." - Christopher Duffley
This Week on The Wow Factor:
Christopher Duffley's Words of Wisdom:
Life's challenges do not define you—your faith, mindset, and perseverance do. Christopher's journey reminds us that obstacles can be stepping stones to greater purpose and impact. His mission is to inspire others to believe that anything is possible with faith, resilience, and community support.
Connect with Christopher Duffley
Connect with The Wow Factor:
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 age of nine. The generosity and compassion he experienced from others in his time of need ignited a lifelong passion for helping vulnerable populations. Today, CityServe is transforming lives through initiatives addressing foster care, adoption, homelessness, human trafficking, and disaster response.
In this episode of The Wow Factor, Dave shares his powerful story of resilience, faith, and service. From co-founding Convoy of Hope to leading CityServe, he reveals how the church can be a driving force in meeting tangible needs and strengthening communities. He also discusses the role of faith-based organizations in shaping public policy, how CityServe collaborates with churches, businesses and the government to maximize impact, and why generosity is at the core of lasting change. This conversation is packed with insights on responsible compassion, faith-driven leadership, and making a real difference in the world.
"If God can get it through you, He'll give it to you." – Dave Donaldson
"Serving the poor is not just an act of obedience—it's an act of faith. Give, and you will see how God multiplies." – Dave Donaldson
"There is no greater infrastructure than Jesus and his Church." - Dave Donaldson
This Week on The Wow Factor:
Dave Donaldson's Words of Wisdom:
Generosity isn't just about giving—it's about transformation. When you step into the lives of others with compassion, you not only change their world, but you also change your own. True leadership is about action, and true faith is about serving.
Connect with CityServe:
Connect with Convoy of Hope:
Connect with The Wow Factor:
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. Despite his remarkable career, Britt's journey is defined by his commitment to significance over success, inspired by his faith and the mentorship of Bob Buford.
In this episode of The Wow Factor, Britt Harris shares his life story from his roots as a fourth-generation Aggie to becoming one of the most influential investors in the world. He discusses how Bob Buford's teachings helped him see that life's highest calling is significance, not just success. He also opens up about the importance of faith, family, and generosity, and how he and his wife, Julia, set a financial finish line that has guided their life of purpose and impact for over 43 years.
This conversation is filled with lessons on leadership, decision-making, and living a life of impact and purpose, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to balance career success with meaningful contributions to others.
"This is a generation that desperately wants to be taught. They want to be mentored. They're unmoored. They really want to be successful. They've got the technical parts down, but they don't have the relational parts." — Britt Harris
"Success is not the top of the ladder. Significance is." — Britt Harris
"Every great company has a defined culture that is extreme. It's not just something on the wall or something people hear about once a year. It permeates the company. When you walk in as an employee, you either love it or you don't." — Britt Harris
This Week on The Wow Factor:
Success vs. Significance: How Bob Buford's mentorship taught Britt that life's highest calling is significance, not just success.
Financial Finish Line: Why Britt and Julia set a financial finish line at age 45 and how it shaped their life of generosity and purpose.
The Titans of Investing: How Britt's passion for teaching and mentorship led to the creation of a program that's shaped over a thousand future leaders at Texas A&M and the University of Texas.
Leadership and Influence: Lessons from managing some of the world's largest endowment funds and leading eight major companies.
Faith and Family: How Britt prioritizes his faith, family, and friendships, juggling the 'glass and rubber balls' of life to maintain balance and purpose.
Decision-Making Framework: The five Fs—Faith, Family, Friends, Fitness, and Finance—that guide Brit's decisions in life and business.
Living Generously: Insights on why generosity is a discipline that needs to be developed early in life.
Work-Life Balance Myth: Why Britt believes true work-life balance doesn't exist but living a life of purpose and passion does.
Britt Harris's Words of Wisdom:
Life's true purpose lies in pursuing significance over success by living generously, staying grounded in faith, and impacting others through leadership and mentorship. His philosophy centers on balancing faith, family, and purpose to create a meaningful legacy.
Connect with Britt Harris:
Email Britt
The Titans of Investing
Connect with The Wow Factor:
WOW Factor Website
Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
Brad Formsma on Instagram
Brad Formsma on Facebook
X (formerly Twitter)
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. Despite his remarkable career, Britt's journey is defined by his commitment to significance over success, inspired by his faith and the mentorship of Bob Buford.
In this episode of The Wow Factor, Britt Harris shares his life story from his roots as a fourth-generation Aggie to becoming one of the most influential investors in the world. He discusses how Bob Buford's teachings helped him see that life's highest calling is significance, not just success. He also opens up about the importance of faith, family, and generosity, and how he and his wife, Julia, set a financial finish line that has guided their life of purpose and impact for over 43 years.
This conversation is filled with lessons on leadership, decision-making, and living a life of impact and purpose, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to balance career success with meaningful contributions to others.
"This is a generation that desperately wants to be taught. They want to be mentored. They're unmoored. They really want to be successful. They've got the technical parts down, but they don't have the relational parts." — Britt Harris
"Success is not the top of the ladder. Significance is." — Britt Harris
"Every great company has a defined culture that is extreme. It's not just something on the wall or something people hear about once a year. It permeates the company. When you walk in as an employee, you either love it or you don't." — Britt Harris
This Week on The Wow Factor:
Britt Harris's Words of Wisdom:
Life's true purpose lies in pursuing significance over success by living generously, staying grounded in faith, and impacting others through leadership and mentorship. His philosophy centers on balancing faith, family, and purpose to create a meaningful legacy.
Connect with Britt Harris:
Connect with The Wow Factor:
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 generosity. Together, they have dedicated their lives to making a tangible impact by supporting missionary doctors and healthcare initiatives that serve those most in need.
In this episode, Rabbi Erica and Mark share their journey of giving, how their faith informs their vision for generosity, and the incredible work being done through African Mission Healthcare. They discuss the importance of generosity at every stage of life, the strategic approach they take to giving, and why they believe business and faith should work hand in hand to create meaningful change. Their story is a powerful example of how anyone, regardless of financial status, can cultivate a generous mindset and make a lasting difference.
"People who know how to give are those who've given for a long time. They give when they have a little, they give when they have a lot—they just give." - Mark Gerson
"Giving should be a clarification of your values." - Rabbi Erica Gerson
"If you say, 'I'll give after my next deal,' you never will. There will always be another deal."
- Mark Gerson
This Week on The Wow Factor:
Rabbi Erica and Mark Gerson's Words of Wisdom:
Giving isn't just about money—it's about mindset. The most generous people aren't just those with wealth; they're those who build generosity into their everyday lives. Whether through financial giving, time, or influence, find ways to contribute and make a difference.
Connect with African Mission Healthcare:
Connect with Rabbi Erica and Mark Gerson:
Connect with The Wow Factor:
Dr. Kenneth Cooper is the Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Trustees that oversees The Cooper Institute's strategic direction and educational and research initiatives. He founded The Cooper Institute, a nonprofit foundation, in 1970 and later established the Cooper Clinic, Cooper Fitness Center, Cooper Hotel & Conference Center, Cooper Spa, Cooper Wellness, Cooper Consulting Partners, and Cooper Complete. Dr. Cooper is the author of the best-selling book, Aerobics and has written several subsequent health and fitness books.
Dr. Cooper joins me on the Wow Factor to share how the work and research that the Cooper Clinic does helps people to live longer, more active lives and square off the curve in terms of physical capacity and longevity. He discusses the importance of eating a balanced diet and taking the appropriate vitamins in addition to exercising to protect your future health. Dr. Cooper also gives his perspective on the health benefits of living a generous life and focusing on others.
"Preventive medicine is the Cinderella of the medical specialties because there's no profit in health." - Kenneth Cooper
"People that are coming back to us regularly are living these longer lives. And they're not just living longer lives, but they're squaring off the curve, living a long life to the fullest." - Kenneth Cooper
"Our whole goal here with our research is to look at things physiologically. What can we do for ourselves that can prolong lives?" - Kenneth Cooper
This Week on The Wow Factor:
Dr. Kenneth Cooper's Words of Wisdom:
You don't solve problems by changing the government. You solve problems by changing the people.
Connect with Dr. Kenneth Cooper:
Connect with The Wow Factor:
Susan Flippen is the CEO of The Flippen Group, a company dedicated to improving leadership, education, and personal development through research-backed strategies. Under her leadership, The Flippen Group has impacted thousands of educators and students across the country, helping to build stronger school cultures and improve student outcomes. Susan's passion for creating environments where individuals can thrive has made her a leading voice in the education and leadership space.
In this episode, Susan shares the story behind The Flippen Group, from its humble beginnings to becoming a transformative force in education and leadership. She discusses the importance of building relational capacity in schools, how Capturing Kids' Hearts is helping teachers reconnect with their passion, and the power of generosity in leadership. Susan also reveals how she and her husband, Flip, built an organization focused on developing people, equipping teachers, and inspiring future generations.
"The most important person in the world is the one right in front of you." – Susan Flippen
"Love well, and build the kind of relationships that create real change." – Susan Flippen
"Forgiveness is the greatest gift you can give—whether the other person asks for it or not." – Susan Flippen
This Week on The Wow Factor:
Susan Flippen's Words of Wisdom:
"Forgiveness is one of the greatest gifts you can give—whether or not it's asked for. True leadership starts with looking inward, learning from challenges, and moving forward with love and grace."
Connect with Susan Flippen and The Flippen Group:
Connect with The Wow Factor:
On today's episode of The Wow Factor, we're joined by creative entrepreneur, mentor, and author Noah Elias. At just nine years old, Noah made a life-changing decision to give his life to Christ, a choice that fueled his passion for both art and entrepreneurship. Long before the rise of social media and modern digital tools, Noah built his brand from the ground up, combining artistic talent with business acumen. His work has been featured by major brands like Disney and Costco, and he has collaborated with top artists such as Pink and ZZ Top. However, Noah's greatest mission extends beyond business—his true success is measured not in financial gains, but in his relentless commitment to spreading the Gospel and using his gifts to serve others.
In this episode, Brad and Noah discuss the importance of staying hungry to learn new skills, embracing technology in business, and how passion fuels perseverance through tough times. They also explore why collaboration can accelerate success and why, at the end of the day, all business achievements pale in comparison to living out your true purpose in faith.
"I had a self-awareness at a young age and later on, I realized in life it was a superhero power or a gift that God gave." - Noah Elias
"If your dreams aren't big enough, if your dreams don't scare you, they're most likely insulting to God. They gotta be flippin' huge, man." - Noah Elias
"It's not about building my empire. I want to build His." - Noah Elias
This Week on The Wow Factor:
Noah Elias' Words of Wisdom:
Use the gift given to you by God to help the world around you.
Connect with Noah Elias:
Support Acres of Love:
Connect with The Wow Factor:
From the publisher's feed

15,998 Listeners

8,591 Listeners

10,753 Listeners

1,376 Listeners

4,758 Listeners

1,878 Listeners

1,696 Listeners

7,109 Listeners

35,891 Listeners

65,350 Listeners

1,563 Listeners

1,052 Listeners

31 Listeners

374 Listeners

1,408 Listeners