The Wow Factor Brad Formsma

Flip is the Chairman and Founder of Flippen Group, one of North America's fastest-growing educator training, corporate talent, and team development companies. Flippen associates give themselves relentlessly each day to “Building relationships and processes that bring out the best in people.” Flip and his wife Susan, CEO, were named Ernst & Young Entrepreneurs of the Year in 2011, the only couple ever to receive this prestigious award. Founded in 1990, Flippen Group was chosen by Texas Monthly magazine as #2 in the listing of Best Companies to Work For in Texas. The company’s breakthrough educational curricula and processes are used in thousands of schools nationwide, and their business division works with multinational and global companies worldwide, enhancing performance and outcomes. He is the best-selling author of The Flip Side: Break Free of the Behaviors That Hold You Back and Your Third Story: Author the Life You Were Meant to Live.
Flip reflects on positive influences and mentors in his life, including his Scoutmaster and baseball coach, who helped instill values of hard work and integrity. He shares more about the challenges faced by at-risk youth and the importance of loving and supporting them to overcome their struggles, and discusses the 16 years he spent as a psychotherapist and how he has supported hundreds of boys over the years. Flip also discusses the importance of understanding one's constraints and how it will help you achieve success. 
“Anybody who does anything with their life can show you people who wrote on their soul” - Flip Flippen
“I always want everybody to be better!” - Flip Flippen 
“Your heart is the most powerful thing you could ever give anybody, so give it freely.” -  Flip Flippen 
This Week on The Wow Factor:
Flip shares more about his life growing up in Texas and some of the amazing mentors he had The power of words, as told in many old proverbs, can stick with a person, potentially causing harm if they are negative or hurtful Why constraints hinder performance and how to create significant improvement The importance of changing behaviors to achieve personal growth and reach one's potential. How leaders can show their team members they care and respect them and why it’s so important The value of extending kindness and care beyond the workplace, even if it's not directly related to the company's core business When teachers capture children's hearts, their minds will follow  Some of the challenges faced by educators in today's society, including the impact of social and political issues on their work How we can understand the neuroscience behind building relationships with students and why it creates a comfortable and secure environment for learning How The Flippen Group trains teachers on how to build meaningful relationships with their students, with a focus on creating a supportive and inclusive classroom environment Flip Flippen’s Words of Wisdom:
I wish that leaders would let their team know who they are, that they care for them, respect them, and love them if they can. Your heart is the most powerful thing you could ever give anybody, so give it freely and love more. 
Connect with Flip Flippen: 
Flip Flippen Website  Flip Flippen on LinkedIn  The Flip Side: Break Free of the Behaviors That Hold You Back by Flip Flippen  Your Third Story: Author the Life You Were Meant to Live by Flip Flippen and Dr. Chris J. White 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  

David  Olaricksiri founded Royal Kingdom Industry in 1990 with the vision of exporting Thai goods throughout the world. The business supplies and exports high-quality coolers all over the world. 
David joins me on the show to share the reason behind the name of his company and why he chose it to honor the Kingdom of Heaven. He credits God with leading him to start a business and his continued gratitude for God’s daily guidance and shares his personal experience of facing giants in business with God's grace, and how his faith has sustained and supported him throughout his life. David also shares more about specific changes he made in his business after listening to God’s advice and how they have made his company more successful. 
“God has a purpose in every human life.” - David Olaricksiri 
“I believe in excellency.” - David Olaricksiri 
“Don't wait to give when you are rich; you can learn to give, even when you have little.” 
-  David Olaricksiri 
This Week on The Wow Factor:
David shares his spiritual journey, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's purpose and guidance in his life The reason why David refuses to use recycled materials from Thailand in his plastic products to ensure safety and quality How David drew on God’s wisdom to save freight costs during export What happened when David discovered a monopoly in the Thai battery market, and why he felt called to start a new business How David turned his business around by following the Lord's advice to change the color of his product The importance of listening and trusting God's unique answers to prayer David’s inspiration and role models throughout his career David Olaricksiri’s Words of Wisdom:
Go beyond yourself. Don't wait to give when you are rich; you can learn to give, even when you have little. When you do that, the Lord will give you even more. 
Connect with David Olaricksiri: 
Cooper Thai 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  

Adam is an accomplished comedian, speaker, and entertainer with a passion for making people laugh and bringing joy to audiences worldwide. With over 30 years of experience, Adam has performed for thousands of corporate clients, including Fortune 500 companies, non-profits, and more. In 2021, he received the “Best of Los Angeles Award” as the #1 Event Master of Ceremonies. He has appeared on over 100 radio and TV shows, including CNN, Fox News, Entertainment Tonight, and NBC Nightly News. Adam has also been featured in national magazines and newspapers, including USA Today, FORTUNE, and The New York Times.
Adam joins me on the show to share his journey from a suburb in Southern California to auditioning as a junior member at the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, where he discovered his passion for combining magic and laughter. We discuss why comedy is inherently shocking, but why clean comedy is the new shocking thing, because comedians have to read the audience moment by moment and be on their toes. Adam also shares more about how he incorporates humor into events to engage and impact his audience. 
“We serve our audiences better when we tap into the power of silence.” - Adam Christing
“Treat clients as under your protection. Delight them, and they'll keep coming back.” - Adam Christing
“Some of the brightest comedians are also some of the deepest thinkers. They don’t just reflect on what's going to make someone laugh, but what's going to take them on a journey through story.” 
-  Adam Christing
This Week on The Wow Factor:
Adam emphasizes the importance of finding your unique sense of humor and style rather than simply relying on jokes or impressions Why Adam loves calling people onto stage, creating the potential for unexpected interactions in live events The importance of knowing the audience to create moments of comedy and why observational humor works so well Adam shares how he used humor as a tool for effective communication in his work as a youth pastor Why comedy is inherently shocking, but working clean is the new shocking thing! Why clean comedians have to read the audience moment by moment and be on their toes Adam talks about the importance of listening in comedy, citing an example of a difficult situation where he had to adjust his approach due to a tragic event The power of silence when connecting with your audience via humor How to use humor to build trust and community, then to highlight the organization's impact Why Adam prioritizes storytelling and emotional resonance in his comedy, reflecting on the importance of handling heavy topics with care and sensitivity How to manage events, keep things on track, and handle difficult situations with grace and professionalism The importance of considering the audience's perspective and providing value to them, whether on stage or in other aspects of life Why failing to provide a clear direction or purpose can lead to a lack of engagement and interest from the audience Why Adam shares personal stories and vulnerabilities to connect with the audience, revealing the power of intimacy in communication Adam Christing’s Words of Wisdom:
The word client originally goes back to a Latin root, and it means to come under the protection of another. So when I have a client I think of it as an opportunity to delight. I want to make them look good and I want to help them get the results that they want. When you start treating customers, vendors, and employees like clients under your care, lots of great things will happen.
Connect with Adam Christing: 
Adam Christing's Website  Clean Comedians Website Adam Christing 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

Carolyn Sakstrup is Executive Vice President and Chief Growth & Generosity Officer of Thrivent, a Fortune 500 diversified financial services organization. Carolyn is responsible for building the organization’s brand, delivering an exceptional, integrated client experience, and enhancing generosity offerings. She previously was Target’s Senior Vice President of Insights, Strategy, and Innovation, and prior to her 12 years at Target, Carolyn spent seven years at McKinsey & Company as a strategy consultant focused on marketing and organizational strategy for clients. Carolyn serves as Chair for the Board of the YMCA of the North in Minnesota, where she lives with her husband, Kai, and their sons. 
I’m with Carolyn today to dig into what her role as Chief Growth & Generosity Officer involves and how Thrivent promotes the ‘Live Generously’ message across the globe. She shares how they support their clients to be philanthropists and donate their time to great causes in their communities through their Thrivent Action Teams. Carolyn also shares why leaders need to first get clarity on their situation, then be courageous enough to step into a space, and then bring people along with them. 
“Our clients are so wired to serve, are plugged in within their communities, and have causes that they care about deeply.” - Carolyn Sakstrup
“Generosity should be democratized.” - Carolyn Sakstrup
“Being courageous, step into a space where you don't know the answers, and bring people along.”
 -  Carolyn Sakstrup
This Week on The Wow Factor:
Carolyn’s introduction to the world of leadership as a young girl How her leadership training started with the YMCA and continued to Harvard Business School Carolyn’s experience at Target and why it was such an incredible place of learning for her as a leader and to learn what it means for an organization to truly center on those they serve Why she made the move to Thrivent after 12 years at Target What it means to be a purpose-based company and how Thrivent differs from other companies in its focus on both financial and generosity goals How Thrivent recognizes clients' desire to serve and how they utilize Thrivent Action Teams to enable clients to serve their communities more easily Why generosity is not limited to those with wealth, and how anyone can live a life of service and find joy in giving, regardless of their financial situation The benefits of donor-advised funds, including no minimum balance requirement and tax advantages for growth How the ‘Live Generously’ statement printed on 13 million t-shirts sparks conversations and inspires even more people to serve Carolyn Sakstrup’s Words of Wisdom:
As a leader, you have to step into the opportunity and the moment,  and be comfortable creating a plan, even if it’s not perfect. 
Connect with Carolyn Sakstrup: 
Carolyn Sakstrup on LinkedIn  Connect with Thrivent:
Thrivent Website Thrivent on LinkedIn Thrivent on Instagram Thrivent 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

Brent has held many roles with Nussbaum, a seventy-eight-year-old family-owned and operated company founded by his father in 1945. Under Brent’s leadership, Nussbaum has enjoyed record growth and has been recognized with multiple accolades within the transportation industry for its innovative spirit and commitment to integrity. From designing solutions for customers to developing and implementing groundbreaking equipment modifications for fuel efficiency, Nussbaum lives its motto of “Setting New Ideas in Motion.” Also recognized is Nussbaum’s driver retention rate which far exceeds industry benchmarks, a true testament to the company's culture. 
Brent is on the podcast today to talk to us about why Nussbaum Transportation prioritizes generous giving and biblical stewardship and finds joy in giving and focusing on others rather than themselves. He shares the story of going in and out and back into a family business and how God guided his family through those big life decisions. We also dig into the importance of hiring for long-term success and a positive work environment. We discuss why prioritizing character over paycheck leads to better financial stability and a sense of purpose in work. 
“Persevere through the difficult times.” - Brent Nussbaum
“Your employees are your greatest asset. They also belong to God, so take care of them and nurture them, love on them and their families, and grow them.” - Brent Nussbaum
“I get up every morning, and I invite God into my day.” -  Brent Nussbaum
This Week on The Wow Factor:
How Brent began his career in Operations after having his Class D truck driving license revoked  The sad death of Brent’s father when he was 23 and how that led to a decision to give his life to Christ Brent describes his experience with a unionized family business, mentioning the challenges of being tied to a union and the desire to escape and start his own business  Brent describes a moment of spiritual awakening where God shared the message that he needed to go back to school and how this lead to a personal transformation and a new path forward What happened when Brent found he was working for a company that was unethical and was asking him to do things that went against his moral beliefs How Brent jumped back into the family business and the direction in which God guided him to go Why Nussbaum Transportation made the decision to install full wrap graphics on the sides of trailers with messaging as to what God holds as important How John Beckett's book "Loving Monday" inspired Brent to make Nussbaum a ministry The emotional decision to sell the company to employees through an ESOP and how it felt to let go of a family legacy after 73 years How Brent invites God into his life every day and is guided through that day, no matter what comes Brent Nussbaum’s Words of Wisdom:
Our lives and possessions are not our own; they’re God’s. Ultimately, if we surrender what we think is ours and watch how He works, we will receive a huge blessing. 
Connect with Brent Nussbaum: 
Nussbaum Transportation Brent Nussbaum on LinkedIn Connect with Nussbaum Transportation:
Nussbaum Transportation on Facebook Nussbaum Transportation on LinkedIn Nussbaum Transportation on YouTube Nussbaum Transportation on Instagram Nussbaum Transportation on X/Twitter 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

Hanna Skandera joined the Daniels Fund as a Board member in 2019 and was subsequently selected as president and CEO in 2020 due to her proven track record of transformative leadership and impact in both public and private sector organizations. Hanna is nationally recognized for her expertise in education, with significant improvements in student achievement during her leadership in New Mexico, where she served as secretary of education under Governor Susana Martinez. Hanna has founded multiple education initiatives and leadership programs and has been a visiting professor of Education Policy and Impact at the Pepperdine School of Public Policy, Distinguished Teaching Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School, and a research fellow with the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. Additionally, Hanna currently serves on the boards of Academic Partnerships, Daniels Fund, Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, MGT, Newsela, and Philanthropy Roundtable.
I’m so excited to have Hanna join me on The Wow Factor this week, sharing her journey from secretary of education in New Mexico to President and CEO at The Daniels Fund. She encourages being bold and inspiring generational impact. We discuss why transparency inspires others to be transparent and how Bill Daniels' approach to relationships was rooted in his understanding of the value of sharing oneself to help others. She shares the eight key giving areas of The Daniels Fund and gives an insight into the stories behind them. Hanna also digs into the value of personal relationships, how mentors have helped her move forward in life, and how working with the people around you can help you change and shape the world for generations.
“Everyone is made with a purpose and has the opportunity to give back.” - Hanna Skandera
“When you believe that things are not possible, you'll deliver on that belief. When you believe that they are, you will deliver on that.” - Hanna Skandera
“You are sowing seeds that can last not just for your life, but for lifetimes to come.” -  Hanna Skandera
This Week on The Wow Factor:
How Hanna’s involvement in running a nonprofit in her senior year at school shifted her career trajectory from business to full-time nonprofit work Why mentors are so valuable and how her mentor has provided wise advice and guidance throughout her career Hanna’s experience of the mentorship program at  Stanford University, some of the inspirational leaders she met, and how it led to an invitation to join California Governor Schwarzenegger’s administration Why Hanna was so honored to join Governor Martinez as her secretary for education, helping to improve education in the state The importance of changing beliefs and mindsets to achieve success, particularly for marginalized communities Why we need leaders to challenge existing thought patterns and inspire others to believe in the possibility of change Hanna shares her journey with the Daniels Fund, a private charitable foundation dedicated to making life better through its grants program, scholarship program, and ethics initiative.  How Bill Daniels' legacy lives on through his commitment to giving back to communities and individuals, inspiring others to do the same.   
Hanna Skandera’s Words of Wisdom:
Be bold and courageous. You only live once, but live like it lasts for generations to come. 
 
Connect with Hanna Skandera:
● Hanna Skandera on LinkedIn
● Hanna Skandera on X/Twitter
 
Connect with the Daniels Fund:
● Daniels Fund Website
● Daniels Fund on LinkedIn
● Daniels Fund on Instagram
● Daniels Fund on Facebook
● Daniels Fund on X/Twitter
 
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