Podcasts about 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)     

The WOW Factor Marketing MastermindOn this episode of the Move Swiftly Podcast, we're joined by John Dwyer, a marketing powerhouse whose unconventional strategies have helped global giants like Disney, KFC, 7-Eleven, and even Rupert Murdoch's media empire achieve remarkable success.John is best known for pioneering "WOW Factor" marketing — a bold, incentive-driven approach that cuts through the noise and grabs attention. His legendary campaign featuring Jerry Seinfeld for an Australian bank shattered industry norms by offering free vacations with home loans, setting a new benchmark in direct response marketing.From high-converting customer acquisition tactics to done-for-you loyalty programs, John's marketing playbook is packed with real-world results. He doesn't just talk theory — he delivers actionable insights that make a tangible difference for businesses looking to rise above the competition.In this episode, John breaks down what it takes to stand out in today's crowded marketplace and shares powerful lessons from his TV show "Dreams Can Come True", where he teamed up with icons like Michael Jordan, Meat Loaf, and Paul Hogan to change lives.Get ready to take notes — this is marketing wisdom you don't want to miss.

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: From Challenge to Calling: How Christopher's early struggles with blindness and autism led him to a life of purpose and inspiration. A Mother's Love: The incredible story of how Christine fought to bring Christopher into their family and help him reach his full potential. Viral Moment to Mission: How Christopher's viral performance of Open the Eyes of My Heart launched his journey as a speaker and musician. Faith and Resilience: Why 2 Corinthians 5:7 – “For we walk by faith, not by sight” is Christopher's life verse. Assistive Technology: How tools like the Be My Eyes app and screen readers empower Christopher to navigate the world independently. Overcoming the Employment Gap: The staggering statistic that 70% of blind people are unemployed and how Christopher is breaking barriers. Mission Possible: How Christopher and his family are redefining what's possible through advocacy, music, and motivational speaking. 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 Christopher's Website Mission Possible Podcast Christopher's YouTube Christopher's Instagram Connect with The Wow Factor:  WOW Factor Website  Brad Formsma on LinkedIn   Brad Formsma on Instagram   Brad Formsma on Facebook   X (formerly Twitter)    

Sandra Yancey is the Founder and CEO of eWomenNetwork, the Premier Success System for women entrepreneurs. Her award-winning, multi-million dollar organization connects over 500,000 women through 118 chapters across the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK.  Sandra is committed to helping a million women to each reach a million in business revenue. Today, she speaks … The post Sandra Yancey Founder and CEO of eWomenNetwork: The WOW Factor of Customer Experience (Ep. # 366F) first appeared on TRANSLEADERSHIP, INC®.

In this high-energy episode of the Practical Wealth Show, Curtis May sits down with John Dwyer, founder of The Institute of WOW, to uncover game-changing marketing strategies that help businesses stand out, attract clients, and skyrocket sales. John has worked with some of the biggest brands and businesses, applying direct response marketing, WOW factor branding, and customer experience strategies that deliver real, measurable results. Today, he shares practical and proven strategies that business owners—whether in financial services, real estate, or e-commerce—can implement immediately to increase revenue and build a magnetic brand. Highlights What the WOW Factor is and how to use it to differentiate your business Why emotional direct response marketing outperforms traditional branding The biggest marketing mistakes small business owners make—and how to fix them How to create a subscription-based model for recurring revenue Leveraging endorsements, influencers, and partnerships without breaking the bank The power of building a personal brand to attract high-value clients Actionable "Disney-like" customer experience tactics to keep customers coming back Links and Resources from this Episode https://www.practicalwealthadvisors.com https://www.practicalwealthsolutions.net/ Email Curtis for a free report - curtmay@gmail.com Call his office - 610-622-3121 ERC Tax Credit - https://ercspecialists.com?fpr=curtis75 Schedule a call with Curtis: https://aptwithcurtis.as.me/Strategysession CashFlow Mapping: https://practicalwealth.cashflowmapping.com/lp/PWbudgetsstink Connect with John Dwyer: Podcast Info: https://jdpodcastguest.com/ Website: https://theinstituteofwow.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/instituteofwow/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinstituteofwow Special Listener Gift Schedule a 15-Minute Call with Curtis: https://aptwithcurtis.as.me/Strategysession  Review, Subscribe and Share If you like what you hear please leave a review by clicking here Make sure you're subscribed to the podcast so you get the latest episodes. Click here to subscribe with Apple Podcasts Click here to subscribe with Spotify Click here to subscribe with RSS

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: A Life Shaped by Generosity: How Dave's childhood tragedy and the kindness of others inspired his mission to serve. The Birth of Convoy of Hope and CityServe: The journey from feeding families to creating a global network of churches engaged in transformative outreach. The Power of the Local Church: Why Dave believes that churches are the most effective organizations for meeting community needs. Faith in Action: How CityServe equips churches with resources like food, furniture, and mentorship programs to serve their neighbors. Competing for Influence: Why faith-based organizations should engage in public policy and funding opportunities to maximize their reach. Generosity as a Lifestyle: Dave's firsthand experiences of how radical generosity leads to life-changing miracles. Overcoming Compassion Fatigue: How to stay engaged and continue making an impact despite the overwhelming needs in the world. 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: CityServe Website CityServe Facebook The Influencers Podcast CityServe Instagram Connect with Convoy of Hope: Convoy of Hope Website 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:  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: 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)    

Today's guest is Meg Hutchinson, owner of The Florista, a floral and event business based in Nashville, TN. Meg is known for specializing and creating custom floral designs, bringing her client's vision to life. Her focus is delivering the “Wow Factor” through bespoke floral experiences that exceed expectations. In this episode we had a great time discussing several aspects of Meg's business. Never underestimate the importance in investing in yourself and mastering basic mechanics. Don't be afraid to take on projects that push you out of your comfort zone. It might be time to rebrand your business. Knowing the story you want to bring your clients will help you define your look and direction with your brand. We chat about how she budgets and shops for her events. And a whole lot more…… Learn more about Meg Hutchinson and all of our past guests by visiting TheFlowerPodcast.com. Subscribe to The Flower Podcast on your favorite podcast platform. We are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and many more! You can also watch our conversations on Youtube, in addition to tip filled videos, and educational Lives. Be sure to Subscribe to our channel so you don't miss a minute. We're grateful to have the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers as a sponsor for this episode. Feel free to learn more about them and all benefits of being a member as ASCFG.org. If you're trying to source local flower farmers in your area visit LocalFlowers.org.

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: How Mark and Rabbi Erica met and built a life centered around faith and generosity The role that faith plays in their approach to giving and making a difference The founding of African Mission Healthcare and how it partners with missionary doctors to provide critical medical care Why giving isn't just for the wealthy and how everyone can develop a spirit of generosity The strategic approach Mark and Rabbi Erica take to generosity, ensuring every dollar makes the greatest impact The importance of engaging children in giving from a young age and how they involve their own kids in generosity The power of long-term generosity vs. one-time giving How small financial contributions can have life-changing effects, such as funding surgeries for people in Africa Why business success and generosity should go hand in hand 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: African Mission Healthcare Website African Mission Healthcare Facebook African Mission Healthcare on X African Mission Healthcare Instagram Connect with Rabbi Erica and Mark Gerson: Mark's LinkedIn Rabbi Erica Gerson Connect with The Wow Factor:  WOW Factor Website  Brad Formsma on LinkedIn   Brad Formsma on Instagram   Brad Formsma on Facebook   X (formerly Twitter)  

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: Why Dr. Cooper is still working 10-12 hours a day and seeing patients at the age of 90 How Dr. Cooper spent his 13 years in the military  The moment that Dr. Cooper realized he was out of shape and desperately needed to do something about it What the research at the Cooper Clinic focuses on Dr. Cooper's opinion on the COVID-19 vaccination The problems of the worldwide obesity epidemic Dr. Cooper's relationship with God and why he wrote Faith Based Fitness 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: The Cooper Institute Website The Cooper Institute on Facebook The Cooper Institute on Instagram The Cooper Institute on X (formerly Twitter) Connect with The Wow Factor: WOW Factor Website   Brad Formsma on LinkedIn    Brad Formsma on Instagram    Brad Formsma on Facebook    X (formerly Twitter)   

Episode SummaryIn Part 2 of I Like Giving!, Brad Formsma returns to discuss the heart of generosity—why it matters, how it transforms lives, and how we can pass it on to the next generation. Brad shares stories about his WOW Factor Podcast, lessons from Admiral Vern Clark, and the Generous Kids Book Club. Plus, Dick shares a moving story about unexpected kindness right in his own driveway.Key topics: The power of giving, leadership wisdom, building a culture of generosity, and practical ways to live a generous life every day.

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: “The Pucker Factor” The journey from infancy to mastery in life and business Transforming earthly wealth into Kingdom impact From salvation to sacrifice to eternal rewards Noah's Master's Program and the pursuit of excellence Identifying and embracing your unique gifts Serving orphans diagnosed with AIDS overseas Living a life of stewardship and purpose The importance of going all in on your business and calling Noah Elias' Words of Wisdom: Use the gift given to you by God to help the world around you. Connect with Noah Elias: Noah's Website  Noah's Facebook  Noah'sInstagram  Noah's X Support Acres of Love: Acres of Love Connect with The Wow Factor: WOW Factor Website  Brad Formsma on LinkedIn  Brad Formsma on Instagram  Brad Formsma on Facebook  X (formerly Twitter) 

In this throwback episode, Chris dives into the art of delivering exceptional service to current clients to naturally attract new ones. From setting clear expectations to thoughtful gift-giving, Chris outlines actionable strategies that not only enhance the client experience but also foster trust, loyalty, and referrals. Key TakeawaysProactive Communication: Avoid “open loops” by calling clients before they call you and setting clear timelines for updates.Anticipate Needs: Learn to recognize what clients need before they even ask, creating an unforgettable customer experience.Set Expectations Early: Transparency about processes like appraisals or showings prevents miscommunication and builds trust.The Power of Gifts: Choose gifts that create lasting impressions and keep you top-of-mind, like branded items or experiences.Leverage Reciprocity: Simple gestures of generosity can leave a powerful, positive impression that leads to repeat and referral business.Connect with ChrisInstagram: @craddrockFacebook: Uncommon Real EstateRESOURCES: 

Scotch whisky has long been celebrated for its complexity, craftsmanship, and unforgettable flavors. But in a world of endless releases and evolving trends, has the magic started to fade? Join us for a lively discussion as we explore whether Scotch whisky has lost its "wow factor." We'll dive into topics like market saturation, innovation (or lack thereof), and how modern tastes are shaping the industry. Plus, we'll share our thoughts on some whiskies that still blow us away and take your live questions and comments. Grab a dram and join the conversation—this is one show you won't want to miss!

HT2104 - The Fleeting Wow Factor Sometime in the last couple of years (I can't remember when) I saw that a photographer was doing a workshop on how to increase "the wow factor" of your images. I worry that wow factor has become an overriding concern for photographers, but I understand why it has done so. Relying on the wow factor to catch the attention of your audience can be like telling the same joke over and over and over again. Once the punchline is known, the joke loses its appeal.

On today's episode of the Wow Factor, we are joined by Denny Fitzpatrick, general manager of the Willows Lodge. Denny has dedicated his life to transforming hotel industry, working with some of the world's top hospitality companies throughout his career and inspiring accountability and world-class service.  Prior to his work at the Willows Lodge, he was general manager at the premier luxury destination Hotel 1000, where he led the Hotel 1000 team to many accolades on a variety of Best Hotel lists, as well as the #1 Trip Advisor ranking in Seattle.  In this episode, you'll hear Denny talk about the hospitality industry, why giving love and attention to employees creates tremendous positive change, his “Five I's”, and how he is overcoming health challenges with bravery and grace.  "You have to put your time in because at that time, I was going to start looking for another job that paid a little bit more, that appreciated me a little bit more. And literally that one statement, ‘you have to put your time in,' became a reality." - Denny Fitzpatrick “I will focus more on me than we” - Denny Fitzpatrick “Inspect What You Expect” - Denny Fitzpatrick This Week on The Wow Factor: Denny's father and impact his integrity and reputation  “A dream died.” And figuring out what to do next Words of Wisdom: you have to change, you have to your time in, if it gets in your blood you'll never want to get out.  The power of handwritten notes “We long for connection and attention.”  Progress towards healing.  Handling business during the Great Recession  What needs to change? “The Five I's” Overcoming Parkinson's and facing the struggle with bravery Denny Fitzpatrick's Words of Wisdom: Leadership is about modeling the standards you set. If you expect excellence, embody it. If you value respect, show it. True influence comes from living the example you want others to follow.  Connect with The Willows Lodge: Website Instagram Facebook Connect with The Wow Factor: Brad's Website Email Brad Formsma LinkedIn Instagram Facebook X    

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Thanks to special guest Chandeep Chhabra.   QotW:  What's your show off / wow factor demo / trick?  Main Topic: How to think about Power BI and DAX and the transition from Excel Power BI?   Hosts Wyn Hopkins,  Mark Proctor, Sue Bayes, Giles Male.   Watch https://www.youtube.com/@Unpivot #Excel #PowerBI

  Susannah Schaefer is the President and CEO of Smile Train, a global nonprofit that empowers local medical professionals to provide free cleft repair surgery and comprehensive cleft care in their communities. Under her leadership, Smile Train has grown into the world's largest cleft-focused organization, celebrating over two million cleft surgeries and making life-changing impacts in more than 90 countries.  Susannah joins me on the show to share her incredible journey to Smile Train, her passion for sustainable healthcare solutions, and the story of the organization's visionary founder, Charles B. Wang. We discuss the importance of building capacity through training local surgeons, the transformational power of cleft surgery, and how Smile Train fosters health system strengthening in underserved regions. Susannah also reflects on the global partnerships that have driven Smile Train's remarkable success and the culture of generosity that fuels its mission.  "We go farther together." - Susannah Schaefer   "Generosity isn't just financial—it's about time, care, and connection."  - Susannah Schaefer   "Be confident, be present, and be adaptable." - Susannah Schaefer    This Week on The Wow Factor:  How Smile Train's sustainable model trains local surgeons to treat cleft lip and palate, ensuring long-term impact.  The origin story of Smile Train and its founder Charles B. Wang's vision to replace mission-based care with a sustainable approach.  Why cleft is the most common facial birth difference worldwide, affecting one in 700 births.  The life-changing impact of early cleft surgery and comprehensive cleft care.  How Smile Train has performed over two million surgeries in 25 years and continues to address the backlog of untreated clefts.  The role of partnerships, like Smile Train's collaboration with Kids Operating Room (Kids OR), in strengthening healthcare systems across Africa.  How generosity, in all its forms, drives Smile Train's mission and inspires supporters worldwide.  Why nonprofits must remain relevant and advocate for their causes in an ever-changing, competitive environment.    Susannah Schaefer's Words of Wisdom: Be confident, be present, be a good listener, and be adaptable. As leaders, we have the ability to make a meaningful impact, but that requires learning and staying relevant in a rapidly changing world.  Connect with Susannah Schaefer and Smile Train:  Smile Train Website  Smile Train on Facebook  Smile Train on Instagram  Smile Train on X (formerly Twitter)  Susannah Schaefer's Bio  Susannah Schaefer's LinkedIn  Connect with The Wow Factor:  Brad's Website  Email Brad Formsma  LinkedIn  Instagram  Facebook  X   

Welcome back to Season 7 of the Recovering Perfectionist Podcast in partnership with the Dance Wellness Community! In this episode, Christine chats with DWC practitioner, Louis Bar, seven-time World Champion Ballroom Dancer and acclaimed coach and choreographer. Louis Bar, invites you to join his extraordinary journey of rhythm and elegance. The Visionary Co-Founder of Wow Anyone Featured on Las Vegas News and Named One of the Top Men in Vegas. Let me tell you about the WOW FACTOR that Louis Bar brings to the table. As a renowned choreographer, he has lent his expertise to Olympic ice skaters, Vegas shows, and numerous ballroom dancers worldwide. Louis's charismatic personality exudes joy and fun, leaving a lasting impact wherever he goes. His expertise in developing a personal brand speaks volumes and can help you expand your opportunities in and out of the dance industry. DANCE WELLNESS COMMUNITY: Join us in the INNER CIRCLE: ⁠⁠⁠https://dancewellnesscommunity.com/⁠⁠⁠innercircle  CONNECT WITH LOUIS: ⁠https://meetlouisbar.com/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/louisbardance CHRISTINE BAR NOEL: All The Things! ⁠⁠⁠https://beacons.ai/christinebarnoel⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/recoveringperfectionistpodcast⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dancewellnesscommunity --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/recoveringperfectionist/support

Mark Batterson is the lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C., a thriving congregation with multiple locations dedicated to fostering community and supporting Kingdom causes. The church operates various initiatives, including Ebenezers Coffeehouse, The Miracle Theatre, and the DC Dream Center, which serve as hubs for community engagement and generosity. Mark is also a bestselling author of 24 books, including The Circle Maker and his latest work, A Million Little Miracles, which explores how faith, prayer, and purpose reveal the miraculous in the mundane. Mark joins me on the show to dive into the themes of his new book and share his perspective on living a life filled with purpose and gratitude. He emphasizes the importance of prayer, the power of faith in overcoming fear, and the value of leaving a legacy for future generations. We also discuss the significance of community, the idea that miracles often come through life's challenges, and the beauty of embracing the unique gifts each person brings to the world. This Week on The Wow Factor: How Mark's latest book, A Million Little Miracles, encourages readers to see miracles in everyday life. Why prayer is one of the most powerful tools for communication with God and has no expiration date. The importance of recognizing the extraordinary in the people around us. Why the fear of failure isn't cured by success but by faith. How gratitude and recognizing the work of those who came before us—“drinking from wells we didn't dig”—fosters a sense of legacy. The way God often delivers miracles through challenges, not just by removing them. How each person's uniqueness is a divine gift and a reminder of our individual purposes. "There are no ordinary people. There are no ordinary things. There are no ordinary days. Everything is more miraculous than we can imagine." "Sometimes God delivers from, but sometimes God delivers through." "There is no expiration date on prayer. The prayers of my grandfather are being answered in my life right now." Mark Batterson's Words of Wisdom: Everything in life is a miracle, and recognizing the miraculous in the mundane is key to embracing purpose, faith, and gratitude in our daily lives. Connect with Mark Batterson: Mark Batterson's Website Mark Batterson on Facebook Mark Batterson on X (formerly Twitter) Mark Batterson on Instagram A Million Little Miracles 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 Coleman is an investor, writer, and public speaker. A frequent contributor to Harvard Business Review, John and his work has been featured in Forbes, the Washington Post, the New York Times, the Financial Times, and the LA Times, among other publications. He previously published Passion & Purpose (HBP, 2011) and How to Argue Like Jesus (Crossway, 2009). John is a frequent public speaker who has addressed hundreds of audiences on college campuses, at conferences, and for corporations and non-profits. I'm thrilled to have John with me on The Wow Factor to discuss his leadership philosophy and approach to helping his team flourish. John digs into his approach to focusing on excellence, aggressive delegation, and accountability. He emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and finding a balance that works for individual needs and responsibilities. John also touches on the creative experience of writing his books and his plans for the future.  “Excellence is something we should all aspire to.” - John Coleman “People learn by getting responsibilities that they're not yet equipped for.” - John Coleman  “People are often able to accomplish much greater things than we give them credit for.” -  John Coleman This Week on The Wow Factor: John's educational pathway and how these experiences shaped his career Challenges and lessons learned from his time as a quantitative energy trader Why John finds writing cathartic and a way to learn about new topics The inspiration behind John's first book, How to Argue Like Jesus  Why John wrote "Miracles," which explores the concept of miracles through a narrative about a series of events in Atlanta John's leadership style of creating opportunities for others to flourish  The importance of delegating aggressively and giving people responsibilities that challenge them to grow Why we need to hold people accountable and encourage them to ask questions and seek help when needed The challenge of balancing work and personal life, especially in a digital age The importance of storytelling and the impact of books on shaping values and perspectives John Coleman's Words of Wisdom: Do your job, but stretch yourself. Always ask questions if you don't know the answer to something, and don't be afraid to raise your hand. Always ask the question. Never be afraid to look dumb. Connect with John Coleman:  John William Coleman's Website  How to Argue Like Jesus: Learning Persuasion from History's Greatest Communicator by Joe Carte and  John Coleman  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 today's episode, Sergei discusses his approach to performing technically challenging pieces. Emphasized is the challenge of evoking an emotional response from the audience rather than impressing them with mere technical skill alone. Sergei shares personal experiences of abandoning certain arrangements that compromise musical integrity, specifically citing his father's adaptation of Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto. Additionally, the discussion highlights notable young trumpet talents like Floris Onstwedder and Lucien Renaud Darvary, with reflections on the importance of proper musical guidance and the merit of playing original repertoire. **Mastery Is Within Reach! Follow Brass Mastery and stay updated via email every time a new episode is released at https://brassmastery.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brassmastery.substack.com

  Dr. Tyler Groves is the current Head of School at Valor Christian Academy in Alpharetta, Georgia. With a background in Christian education, Tyler has brought his expertise in integrating faith-based learning into the school's academic programs. Tyler has also co-authored "Growing with One Another: A Christian Approach to Social and Emotional Learning," which combines contemporary educational research with a Christian perspective to address the growing need for social and emotional learning (SEL) in schools. It serves as a resource for educators seeking to integrate faith-based principles into SEL programs, equipping students with the skills needed to navigate relationships and mental well-being effectively.  I'm thrilled to have Tyler on the show with me today to discuss Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and how it can help students develop essential life skills. He shares examples of how SEL can be integrated into the classroom and how it can impact students' behavior and attitudes. Tyler also digs into the five core competencies of SEL and explains how these competencies can be grounded in biblical principles and how they differ from secular approaches. In our conversation, we also discuss the powerful role of mentors and how they can help you create significant personal and professional growth.   “As parents, is that it starts with us.” - Tyler Groves  “The very best way to live life is in accordance with how God has designed you.” - Tyler Groves    “God designed you to live generously.” -  Tyler Grove  This Week on The Wow Factor:    The value of mentorship and how it can lead to significant personal and professional growth  Tyler explains Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) 's origins and core competencies, emphasizing the need for a Christian perspective  Tyler outlines the five core competencies of SEL: self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, relationship skills, and social awareness  Challenges of integrating SEL into Christian schools and the importance of addressing preconceived notions  Why it's so important for Christian educators to model the behaviors they want to see in their students  How educators can start implementing SEL in their classrooms and how to address administrative concerns  The importance of partnership between schools and parents in fostering a culture of generosity and SEL  How Tyler and his team are working to develop and refine the program to meet the needs of students and educators  Broader implications of their work and its potential to create a generation of generous students  Tyler Groves' Words of Wisdom:  As Christian educators, it starts with us. Take the lead and live the biblical truths of self-awareness, self-management, and responsible decision-making out. By practicing these biblical, social, and emotional truths, you can set an example and create a culture of generosity.    Connect with Tyler Groves:   Dr. Tyler Groves on LinkedIn   Growing with One Another: Social AND Emotional Learning in Christian Perspective by Tyler Groves and Kenneth Coley   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  

Jonathan Carr is the President of Vehicle Reman, a premier fleet vehicle remanufacturing company based in Jarrell, Texas. Jonathan has driven the company's growth by transforming old fleet vehicles into like-new condition, offering a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to buying new. Influenced by the teachings of C.S. Lewis, particularly on prayer, Jonathan integrates his faith into his leadership style, fostering a company culture of integrity and respect.  Mark Carr is the visionary founder of Christian Brothers Automotive (CBA), a company with nearly 300 locations that stands out for its excellent automotive services and strong foundation in Christian faith. This outlook has led CBA to win the JD Power Award for Best Customer Service for the past four years. Since its inception, Mark has been dedicated to creating a business that operates with integrity, honesty, and a commitment to serving others, reflecting his deep faith and values.  Mark Carr and Jonathan Carr are on The Wow Factor this week to share a fascinating look into the origins and growth of Christian Brothers Automotive. Mark shares the inspiring story of how he started the business through a divine calling, overcoming early financial challenges to grow it into a successful franchise model. We spend time discussing the company's charitable initiatives, such as the Hub Garage program that provides free car repairs for single mothers. Jonathan also discusses Vehicle Reman and how it gives new life to fleet vehicles sustainably and cost-effectively.  “Honesty is everything.” - Mark Carr “Treating customers as I want to be treated is everything.” - Mark Carr  “The reason for our success is 100% the fruits of the Spirit.” -  Jonathan Carr  This Week on The Wow Factor: The moment Mark's prayer for a business opportunity was answered  The origin of the business name, Christian Brothers Automotive, and the simplicity of the naming process Why they decided to franchise the business and the challenges of managing multiple locations Why honesty is so important in business and how it differentiates Christian Brothers Automotive from competitors How Mark learned to handle difficult situations by treating others as he would want to be treated Jonathan describes how the Hub Garage works to provide free car repairs for single moms Jonathan discusses how the idea for Vehicle Reman, a vehicle remanufacturing company, came about and how it aligns with his experience at Christian Brothers Automotive The Christian Brothers Automotive Foundation's mission to give 10% of the company's gross profit to ministries and nonprofits The importance of customer service and the impact of a well-trained team on the business's success Mark Carr's Words of Wisdom: Be honest with yourself, examine yourself, look at your weaknesses, and surround yourself with people who are good in the areas that you're not.  Connect with Jonathan Carr:  Vehicle Reman  The Hub Garage Jonathan Carr on LinkedIn Connect with Mark Carr: Christian Brothers Automotive 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  

GSfMO #352 October 9, 2012 Barney Adams, founder of Adams Golf, starts part 2 talking about his book “The WOW Factor” based on how he became a successful entrepreneur. For him, every business is a service business. Then he slides into the mission of Adams Golf when he was in charge. We get into a heated conversation on golf equipment and the state of the industry. Golf club makers have 2 concerns; “A&F; Air-born and Forward”. His primary reason for coming onto our podcast was to discuss the Tee It Forward Program that he originated before presenting it to the PGA and USGA. Fred hates the name and lets him know, so we brainstorm new ideas. https://pdf.pgalinks.com/p-g-a/Tee_It_Forward_Guidelines.pdfFollow @golfsmarter on Instagram, X, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube for daily highlights and helpful insights from our interviews on the podcast. We also post articles and video shorts on LinkedIn @FredGreene (from Novato, CA).    This episode is sponsored by Indeed. Please visit indeed.com/GOLFSMARTER and get a $75 SPONSORED JOB CREDIT. Terms and conditions apply.This episode is brought to you by ONE Bar. Find all ONE bars at a retailer near you or on Amazon.com

Martin and his wife, Gay, started Martin Dingman in 1990 to build a company on the foundation of quality, integrity, and the "Refined Country Life." They have created World Class Leathergoods for the stylish man and enjoyed the honor of being recognized by nationally known publications, including the Robb Report as "America's Best Of The Best, and Forbes magazine as one of "America's 50 Best Companies.” Martin and his son and Sales Manager, Avery Dingman, join us on The Wow Factor podcast to discuss the importance of kindness, quality, and faith in business. We dig into the challenges of running a family business, including blurred boundaries and how the Dingman family is planning for the future of the business. Martin also shares why they never remove the inspirational Scripture tags from their belts before shipment, no matter who asks them.  “We put people before profits.” - Martin Dingman “If you can help somebody, then it's all worth it.” - Martin Dingman  “Keep growing and learning every single day.” -  Avery Dingman This Week on The Wow Factor: Martin reflects on his career, including mentorship from CEO Fred Wilson, and the importance of quality and integrity in business Why Martin decided to create a unique, high-quality clothing line for aspirational men Martin and Avery discuss their brand's unique approach to product development, emphasizing individuality and avoiding conformity Martin emphasizes the importance of integrity and honoring God in business, even if it means sacrificing profits Why they never remove inspirational tags from their belts before shipment, highlighting the company's commitment to integrity The potential challenges of working with family members and how Martin Dingman blends family and business Martin shares a story of a Wisconsin state senator who preferred Martin Dingman belts over other brands because of their high quality and longevity Why they use Proverbs without scripture references  The challenges of producing high-quality goods in the US due to cost and availability of skilled labor Martin Dingman's Words of Wisdom: I have three mission steps for my business. My first goal is to shine a light on Jesus Christ, who is the reason for everything. My second is to reward our employees as best we can because, in reality, they're the ones who are making it happen. The third is to make a profit so we can care for our people.  Avery Dingman's Words of Wisdom: Try to learn and soak up other people's words of wisdom rather than being the guy who acts like he knows everything. Keep learning and growing every single day. Connect with Martin Dingman:  Martin Dingman Website  Martin Dingman on Instagram 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  

Ready to create a visual masterpiece in your Airbnb or short-term rental? Join me as I sit down with Janelle Lawrence, a creative powerhouse, who reveals her secrets to making properties truly unforgettable.  From eye-catching focal points to creating a space that tells a story, Janelle's approach goes beyond aesthetics—it's about crafting experiences for her guests. Discover the power of focusing on what matters and learn how to turn your Airbnb's unique personality into its biggest selling point.  Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or considering bringing in a pro, this conversation is packed with inspiration and actionable tips to elevate your listing to the next level.  Don't miss out on this fun-filled, tip-packed conversation! Listen now! HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [04:29] A short introduction about our guest Janelle Lawrence [06:40] Janelle shares her journey as a DIYer and ​​to realizing the need to bring in professionals [11:41] Transitioning as a graphic designer and wedding photographer into short-term rental designing [16:39] Janelle's approach in uncovering and highlighting a property's unique personality [20:52] Tips on crafting unique ideas without the Cheese Factor [26:01] How Janelle and her husband's complementary skills and shared personality traits contribute to their successful collaboration in their short-term rental  [29:54] Helping others design unique, impactful spaces for short-term rental properties [36:58] When to call in the Pros to avoid costly DIY mistakes in design [39:33] The importance of strategic investment in short-term rental design, branding, and marketing [47:34] The importance of both design and guest experience in short-term rentals and the need for a cohesive approach [54:17] The lightning round Golden Nuggets: “If you're out shopping for a car and you can't tell the difference between a Hyundai and a Rolls Royce, it's not in your best interest to buy the Rolls Royce, even if you could afford it, right? Because you don't appreciate it, it doesn't mean a lot to you, and there's something else you could use that money for.” “If you are honest with yourself, and you like, flip through Airbnb for the ones that are in your area, and you can't tell which ones are the superstars, or you can tell, but you aren't quite sure what elements get it there, then that's probably when you need to bring someone in to pay, to pay for it, because it's affecting your business, a business decision at that time.” “I think that there are so many hosts to at least, that I've come across Not, not in our Facebook community or the Accelerator, or anything like that, but just in in the industry that have this mentality that, well, I'm buying a property and it's turnkey, and it's already renting, so I don't need to do anything to it, right? And I look at that as a lost opportunity.” “There are ways to delegate the money to make the most impact.” “There's a community out there that will help, and it is so much easier to do things with other people and to bounce ideas off of each other.” “70% of your great ideas come to you when you're not actually sitting down to do work” Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share! Let's Connect! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100055882757757 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/gather.and.host/

"In my mind, you don't design golf clubs, you design clubs for hitting a particular shot"... Barney Adams, Founder of Adams Golf Tight Lies Fairway Woods and CEO, Breakthrough Golf Technology We are joined by golf industry icon and entrepreneurial legend Barney Adams, who shares the trials, tribulations and successes he has encountered over his career that spans more than five decades. This episodes provides you with lessons learned, key takeaways and nuggets of wisdom from one of golf's most successful entrepreneurs. Enjoy! https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/4xdMJZ5C.jpg (https://www.youtube.com/@modgolfpodcast/videos) Join our mission to make golf more innovative, inclusive and fun... and WIN some awesome golf gear! As the creator and host of The ModGolf Podcast and YouTube channel I've been telling golf entrepreneurship and innovation stories since May 2017 and I love the community of ModGolfers that we are building. I recently launched our ModGolf Patreon page to bring together our close-knit community of golf-loving people! By joining you will get access to exclusive live weekly interactive shows where you can participate, ask-me-anything video events, bonus content, golf product discounts and entry in members-only ModGolf Giveaway contests. I'm offering two monthly membership tiers at $5 and $15 USD, but you can also join for free. Your subscription will ensure that The ModGolf Podcast continues to grow so that I can focus on creating unique and impactful stories that support and celebrate the future of golf. Click to join >> https://patreon.com/Modgolf I look forward to seeing you during an upcoming live show!... Colin https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/q_IZwlpO.jpg (https://patreon.com/Modgolf) "I had made the decision: "I'm all in!" We inherited desks with the company purchase and we owned this metal building in a field. So I grabbed a desk, opened the lower left-hand drawer and it was full of paper. The top page was a Demand Notice and it turned out that the employees had not paid any bills and had squandered all the income. Not only did I not have the money I thought I had to get started, I was six figures in the hole at 5:30 in the morning. That was my opening day. And I tell people that story because if you're not a nut case, passionate, over the top, you've got no chance. Then I thought "okay, how do we get a handle on this?" I'm going to write a letter to the people I owe money to tell them what happened and that I'm going to pay them but just not now. That was the first week of starting my own business." ... Barney Adams, Founder of Adams Golf and CEO, Breakthrough Golf Technology A Bit About Barney Barney started Adams Golf in 1988. He specialized in custom fitted golf clubs. The company rapidly expanded after the explosive success of the Tight Lies Fairway Woods. Adams Golf was selected as Manufacturing Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young. Barney also received the Ernie Sabayrac Award for lifetime contribution to the golf industry by the PGA of America. Barney served as Chairman of the Board of Adams Golf until June 2012 when Taylor Made purchased the company. He an avid golfer and fisherman and active with two charities, The Ryan Foundation and Folds of Honor. Adams book, The WOW Factor, is an insiders look at the golf industry and offers business advice to entrepreneurs. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/wajhoe0M.jpg (https://books.google.ca/books?id=OIcsTQXHj8sC&pg=PR4&lpg=PR4&dq=ISBN+978-1-60239-248-9) Barney has always had the unique ability to see what is missing in golf equipment. He started Breakthrough Golf Technology after seeing that no significant innovation has been made putter shafts for decades. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/fagIodWJ.jpg (https://www.adamsgolf.com/home?lang=en_US) You can also find out more about Barney on his bio page (https://modgolf.fireside.fm/guests/barney-adams). Want to learn about Breakthrough Golf Technology and their innovative shaft designs? Have a look at the BGT website (https://breakthroughgolftech.com/) for more. https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads-2024/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/E7Q10NxV.jpg (https://breakthroughgolftech.com/) We want to thank our partner British Columbia Golf for presenting this episode of The ModGolf Podcast! https://files.fireside.fm/file/fireside-uploads/images/1/1ea879c1-a4a2-4e10-bea4-e5d8368a3c7a/lDkT7bRv.png (https://britishcolumbiagolf.org) British Columbia Golf's main goal is to create a sport that is accessible and inclusive. They strive to create a golf environment that is respectful of participant's personal goals and is free from all forms of maltreatment. As a provincial arm of Golf Canada, British Columbia Golf supports women golfers and players of all ages and abilities, while continually working to improve partner relationships to increase participation in the sport. If you're looking to plan your next amazing golf trip, British Columbia Golf is the place to explore and book from the over 300 golf courses they support across our beautiful province. To learn about the impact they are making and to discover your next golf adventure, check out their website at www.britishcolumbiagolf.org (https://britishcolumbiagolf.org). Special Guest: Barney Adams, Founder of Adams Golf and CEO, Breakthrough Golf Technology.

Introduction to Amber Renae: Amber Renae, a Civil Engineer, serial entrepreneur, and TV star, inspires women to discover their ‘Wow' factor. She focuses on building dream digital businesses, personal branding, and self-love. Online Business Expertise: Amber Renae is Australia's leading voice in online business. She educates thousands of students globally on topics such as entrepreneurship, digital marketing, influencer marketing, and the power of personal branding. Reality TV Star and Author: Amber Renae stars in the hit US reality show “Dream Life,” which documents the creation of her latest e-learning project. She is also the author of “Dream Life: The Book.” Feel free to explore more about Amber Renae on her YouTube channel and listen to her insights on entrepreneurship in this podcast episode.

The 16:9 PODCAST IS SPONSORED BY SCREENFEED – DIGITAL SIGNAGE CONTENT Dubai, Qatar and more recently Saudi Arabia have developed a reputation in digital signage for bankrolling projects that seem mainly focused on sizzle and scale. But there's a lot more going on in the region than work that's just about Wow Factor. It's a busy, high opportunity part of the world for companies delivering big visual display projects, but also one that presents a lot of challenges in how things work - everything from regulations and timelines to cultural differences. I've got to know a Dubai-based company called Blue Rhine Industries through its strategy director, Nita Odedra, who I first met at an ISE conference. I'd already been impressed by how the integrator actually produces useful marketing - tight, explanatory videos that do the job of explaining what was done and why. It seems sensible, but is remarkably rare in this sector. I see a LOT of it, so I know. Nita and I had a great chat about the company's roots as a traditional sign company, and how and why it expanded into digital. We spend a lot of time talking about what's happening in the region, what customers want, and how business is done. If your own company is thinking the Gulf region presents a lot of opportunity for expansion, that is indeed true. But like a lot of things, it looks easier that it appears. Local knowledge and experience are invaluable. Subscribe from wherever you pick up new podcasts. TRANSCRIPT Thank you for joining me. For those people who don't know Blue Rhine Industries, can you give me a rundown of what the company does?  Nita Odedra: Yeah. So we're a digital signage system integrator headquartered in Dubai, in the UAE, and we are working across the entire GCC on various projects. That includes additional screens, software, and interactive solutions, across a range of industries. That's us in a nutshell.  What are the roots of the company?  Nita Odedra: So we formed in 2006 by a gentleman called John V. Joseph, who still runs the company now, and he started the company as a static signage fabricator. So very humble beginnings where we were fabricators for static signs and shop signs. So it could be a Starbucks sign or a Cartier sign. Then inside the retail stores, it would be the category signage, light boxes, and menu boards in F&B, and that's how we started the business.  And you went to digital, was it because there was an opportunity or it was one of those things where you looked at it and realized, okay, we have to go this way? Nita Odedra: Yeah, it was the latter. It was that we identified that there was a shift happening, in retail, in F&B. So where we felt this the most was the quick-serve restaurants where they were changing their traditional lightbox menu boards to LCD screens, and that was a big business for us, lightboxes, menu boards, keeping those menu boards updated. So at that point, we realized that there was a shift happening and we were going to start losing the lightbox kind of offering that we had we formed a relationship and exclusivity with Phillips Professional Panels, Professional Displays at the time, and we were their exclusive distributor here in the UAE for a number of years and that's where the digital signage business began.  And what does that represent for Blue Rhine now? Is it like a big part of their business or like a sideline?  Nita Odedra: More than half the business now is digital signage or some type of static signage, which incorporates digital signage into it. So we have fully dedicated teams. It's like the business is almost split into two and digital signage is where we're seeing the most growth.  I suspect the two are complimentary still in that if you come across a job that involves something more than hanging a screen on a wall, there are a lot of solutions providers that don't really have the expertise on the engineering side, don't have the man lifts or any of these things to do the more aggressive or complicated work. Nita Odedra: Absolutely. So that's really our differentiator in the market here is that because the company grew from being a fabricator. So we have four factories. We have facilities for large steel structures, both indoor and outdoor large totems. So we're doing canopies for gas stations as part of our static business, which allows us to be able to do those large unipoles for the out-of-home media agencies, for example, down the highway.  So the ability to manage that whole project from technical drawings on steel structures and, the housing and all that type of stuff, all the way through to fabricating in our facility, installing it in-house, having the digital signage arm of the business, the software, the content, we're able to provide that full end to end solution and that means that when we're doing these installations, especially indoor environments, where we're doing the secondary structure, every millimeter counts when it comes to that perfection of LED screens, for example, and having that beautiful screen housing structure, that's all done by us. Lord knows we've seen around the world, large format display projects that have been done by companies who probably don't know what they are doing because things fall over or fall on people and everything else.  Nita Odedra: Yeah, we've seen that recently, but, we've got in-house engineers. We've got those project managers in-house. We've got guys doing BIM in-house as well.  So we have that technical capability all the way from the drawings. Then we've got the fabrication facility with skilled workers. We have multiple HSC kinds of offices that are going on-site. Most recently we did quite a complex project, from beginning to end, which was the Dubai Mall Aquarium, which was a long installation. That was six months. Because it's a fully operational mall, we had a very short window at night time to go in to put all the access equipment up and work. we had to take out the existing screen, which was an OLED LG display, and then replace that with the infrared screen that we put in and that took six months and we're very proud of that installation because we had zero HSC violations over six months and our team just did a fantastic job there.  Is that an anomaly or is that kind of the work you do?  Nita Odedra: That's very much the kind of work we do. So it is these large screens, it is custom fabrication. It will be complex sites. So we're doing one at the moment, which is a very large outdoor screen on the corner of a building, which is also still in construction. So this is very typical, especially when we're looking at those large format screens.  Those are jobs that don't come along that often, even in your region. A lot of companies would rely more on the, use a term I use quite a bit, meat and potatoes kind of work where it's conventional flat panel LCDs for menu displays. Nita Odedra: So here the market is a little bit different because we've got so many projects, new developments, they're trying to do things differently. We've got cylinder LCDs, we've got pillars being clad, etc. But yeah, you're right there. Our bread and butter and the fast-moving business that keeps the lights on is the retail business. That is the LED screens, the LCD video walls, and interactive displays in retail environments.  When we get those orders in, they turn around pretty quickly, within a couple of months, the payments are pretty good on those because you're delivering in a shorter time frame, and on the larger projects, that's where, sometimes we can get our money stuck, projects get delayed. An example would be Abu Dhabi Airport, Terminal A, where that project was delayed over a couple of years and we had that stock ready, and then COVID came, the project got delayed, and that became from what should have been two years became five years. You just have to sit on that stuff.  Nita Odedra: You're sitting on it or you install it and then the airport's still not open. You've got a screen up there that's not ready for any content yet. But it's just the way it is, especially in this region, projects sometimes do get delayed and we just have to be prepared for that when we're resourcing the company and now we're at over 750 people, almost 800 across the region. So it's managing those resources and making sure that the installation or the fabrication that we're aligned internally on manages everything.  So from a distance, I look at the GCC region and I see these mega projects being announced and I always wonder how many of them are actually going to be built and how long does it take?  Nita Odedra: So these are ambitious projects, right? So we're looking at projects in NEOM, like The Line, we've got several projects in and around Medina, and they are very ambitious when you look at them on paper. They are happening, but some of them are being scaled back. So you may have heard Neom The Line that was scaled back from, hundreds of kilometers down to just a couple of kilometers.  But it's still one of the largest building projects in the world, even at that scale-down size, right? Nita Odedra: Absolutely, and we are seeing that these projects are now coming to life. So things that were announced, what, five years ago, probably like 2018 when they set the 2030 vision for Saudi Arabia specifically. A lot of those projects are now happening, the hotels are opening, the resorts are opening, so we look at places like the Red Sea Development, which has luxury resorts. It's going to be a tourist destination. They're already accepting guests there now. They've got Qadir, which is picking up pace. We've got King Salman Park, which will be the largest urban park in the world. When you're in the city, work is happening and it's happening at a very fast pace. Who is largely funding these? Are you in a better position to see them actually happen if they're coming through a big fund like PIF in Saudi Arabia?  Nita Odedra: Yeah. So a lot of the work that we're doing and the projects, they are being funded by the government, by the public investment funds. So those are the ones that are picking up speed, but of course, other private companies are coming up with their developments and they're turning the round very fast. There are out-of-home media agencies that are doing phenomenally well. They're companies like Al Arabiya who are sweeping up these new developments for their network. Is it very competitive in your region? I'm familiar with three or four companies who do what you guys do, different routes, and everything else. But I suspect because of the money that's going into the region, there's all kinds of other companies in the region and in Europe and even in North America are looking at it and thinking we need to be there. Nita Odedra: There is competition. There are system integrators, smaller ones that we're having to compete with quite aggressively in the retail space, but where we're different is we've been in this game a lot longer. So perhaps we've lost some clients in retail for a year or two, they've experimented with perhaps other system integrators. Some have been successful, some when it comes to those retail projects, a little bit more complex where, the fabrication element comes back in again, experienced project management that comes back in again, HSC, when these elements are not supported by a competitor, they end up coming back to us and we're able to maintain that retail business. But absolutely in retail, we have a lot of competition. But there is a lot of work here. There are lots of malls still opening, whether that's the UAE or in Saudi, where there's a huge number of malls opening up, there is business there.  Does it feel at all like a bubble?  Nita Odedra: It feels like a bubble when I look at politics internationally and how we don't have that here and we're a little bit in a little happy bubble here. So yeah, it does feel like it sometimes. And it's easy to forget that this region is an anomaly. We are a region where there are a lot of ambitious projects with speed happening. There is work. There's a very positive attitude towards these projects that are being developed. There's a very positive attitude towards the hosting of sporting events in the region. People are excited about it. They welcome it. It's something new, right?  So it can feel like a bit of a bubble sometimes when we have so much regional excitement that, perhaps globally, it's not the same landscape.  Yeah, you mentioned shopping malls going up, and I've been to Dubai, it's been a number of years, but I thought even at that time, okay, there's enough shopping malls here now. But they just keep coming.  Nita Odedra: I'm shocked as well. So every time there's a new mall, I was like, surely they're not gonna be busy, and then you go, and they're packed. This is low season right now. So the school holidays started last week and we don't get much tourism in the summer, but the mall was absolutely packed. It's very much a small culture here. We don't have historical high streets or historical villages. Everything is new. Everything's flashy and people want to go to the mall. That's the only place that they can go to for F&B, for entertainment, picking up their groceries, and doing their usual high street shop. There's a practical reason behind that too, just that it's, so crazy hot there that malls are air-conditioned. So the dwell time, I gather, is not measured in minutes and hours.  Nita Odedra: Yeah, it is not unusual to be in the mall for six to seven hours. You'd perhaps do two meals there, watch a movie, go shopping, and then leave after doing your grocery shop. So it's high dwell times.  It's incredibly hot here. So I even have friends who go to the mall In the summer, just to get their step count in. So they'll go, grab a coffee, do their step count, pop in, run some errands, whether it's dry cleaning, or whatever it is that they've got to do, but they'll do that step count inside the mall, as opposed to a park, or the town pavements. Does that make it a better media environment?  Nita Odedra: Absolutely, So for the out-of-home media agencies, they've got a good captive audience there. It's all indoor. So I think it works really well for the media networks and or the out of their media agencies.  We've chatted a few times in the past. I'm always curious about the impact of the wow factor on Projects over there and how important it is  Nita Odedra: culturally, I think we've got a bit of history here with Dubai because it's been established a little bit longer in terms of these, ambitious developments, but they want to be the biggest and the best, whether it's building the tallest building in the world, the Burj Al Arab, the largest mall in the world, maybe the busiest mall, the busiest airport terminals. They do have this pride in trying to put developments out there that are new, and ambitious. Something that is the largest, and what that means is sometimes it comes with a bit of flash and you've got all bells, all whistles installations for screens. Dubai Mall is an example where I think that's the largest indoor screen in Dubai Mall and you'll have other ones coming up in the next couple of years trying to beat that I'm sure. Now, as somebody whose role involves strategy. I suspect it's a bit of a delicate dance for you in that you're hearing about these ambitions of being the biggest, the best, and so on and you have to sit there and think, monetarily, that could be great for us, but strategy-wise, I'm not sure that's the right move. Nita Odedra: Exactly. So we have to be really careful about which projects we take, how many projects we take, and when we take on new partners and new product lines. When we dive first, we're adding more software with, we're providing content now. So we've got to be really careful about what our strengths are and stay true to who we are. We get asked all the time to do things that are, outside of our scope, but we really have to say no, scale it back, and just stick to our objectives, our strategy as a business, the direction we want to go in, and that's very much customer experiences, passenger experiences. So we're one of the verticals that we're, growing at quite a fast pace is transport. So airports. There are a number of domestic airport openings in Saudi, we've got new airports opening in Dubai and, across the region. So that's an area that we strategically know that we can take on large projects, we're capable and we're going to see good business.  Airports, I talk about a lot as being, if you want to see the state-of-the-art and digital signage, look at a refurbished or newly built airport because it just covers the waterfront in terms of digital out-of-home, conventional signage, wayfinding, everything.  Nita Odedra: An airport is a perfect example of where you could probably take somebody for a site visit and show them every single type of installation for a digital screen possible and software and integration. Airports are the perfect vertical for us to really penetrate and all our complete offerings can be in an airport because we're taking our experience within malls for travel retail. We're taking our experience from mixed-use developments, and all our experience from all the other verticals can now be applied within transport and airports specifically. Yeah, I'm curious if you work with the large engineering and architecture companies, like, all the way up to Populous who I think is involved in the Qiddiya project.  Nita Odedra: So we work very often from concept all the way through to delivery, and that would mean the contractors, the architects, the cost consultants, the design consultants, these are all stakeholders that are involved quite early on in the conversations and remain in those conversations almost through to delivery.  What about on the services side? Obviously you're doing the front end, you're, deploying, you're, designing, fabricating everything else. Are you doing ongoing aftercare? And you mentioned content before?  Nita Odedra: Yeah. So services are part of the complete solution, right? So we've got to offer the AMC afterward, and that can be anything from servicing the screens to maintaining them in this region. You've got LEDs outdoors and they need to be maintained, and cleaned of dust. That's very much part of the AMC. There's remote content management where we're providing content management solutions for retailers and that's for outside of the region as well. So retail operators who are not just in the GCC, but all the way through to Malaysia, Europe, travel retailers who are in Norway. So managing their content from Dubai, and then, more recently providing the content creation piece as well. So that's where we will have partners. We've got our preferred content partners who are delivering fantastic work globally, and we're transparent with our clients as well that, this is our partner, but we're offering the complete solution under our canopy.  You're managing screens in Norway from Dubai?  Nita Odedra: Yeah, we're managing the content for screens in Norway, all the way through to Malaysia, and Indonesia, I think even in London, so it's becoming global now. So even though we're delivering work within the Middle East region and our direct offices and fabrication facilities, warehouses are all in the GCC, so those are the Gulf countries, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi, and UAE. We are also in Egypt. We're delivering into North Africa and the wider Middle East area.  Do you have a preferred list or go to a set of partners on the display hardware and software side, or do you take it project by project?  Nita Odedra: Yeah, that's a great question, actually. So as I spoke about earlier we started this journey with Philips Professional Displays that was for a short period of time when we were starting out. We then realized that distribution wasn't for us. We want to be a system integrator. We were shooting ourselves in the foot there. So that was handed over to another business within our group of companies. So our owner has a trading division. So that was handed over to them and they are now the distributor. And we fully threw ourselves into being a system integrator where we were able to develop relationships with a number of different vendors and partners, and we remain agnostic. So it's dependent on the project. What is right for that project? And yes, there'll be periods of time where sometimes we're getting great pricing from Samsung and we'll deliver a number of Samsung LCD screens, and then LG. The next day that changes and that's very much price driven if I'm honest Based on the availability of the screens then when it comes to the LED screens, that's far more complex and that is a problem based on the project and the requirements, and that can be very different from project to project. We have a fantastic Head of Digital, Neeraj Vyas, who's been with us since the beginning, been with us for over 11 years now, and he is in China almost every month going and doing that quality control, really getting into the details of the screen, and he's the one very often who will spec out which, the hardware we're going to use for those big projects. Do you find that the customers or the specifiers, if they're an engineering firm or an architecture firm, do they know what they need and what they want to use? Or are they saying, yeah, we want to use COB here, or it needs to be this pitch or whatever, or are they relying on you?  Nita Odedra: Yeah. So that does happen. They are informed and there are lots of great resources available for them to have a vague idea of what they want. But just yesterday I was on a call with our head of tech and a design firm where they loosely knew what they wanted and what they needed. But when we were drilling down into the requirements and the structure of these screens where they're going, and is it facing daylight? Is it not? We then realized that there was a support that they needed and some guidance on the specification of the screen.  So there was one specific screen that they mentioned, and we said, actually we have used that screen in an outdoor environment. We probably wouldn't recommend it for X, Y, or Z reasons. They understood the reasons. Because we're also the fabricator and we've got all this experience in indoor outdoor environments in this regio, we know the ventilation we know how to design those structures with ventilation, what type of provisions have to be made so we're able to get in quite early with these guys and educate them guide them on considerations that they may not have made  The heat in your region obviously tough on humans, and I know that any display technology company has to worry about getting that heat out of the enclosure or whatever, but do you really have to think about it there? Nita Odedra: Yes. We really do have to think about it. There are the manufacturers there who are saying, of course, that it will withstand heat to 50-60 degrees, even beyond some of them, but having done this for over 12 years.  But having installation throughout, the peak summer period for testing. We do have to make provisions for ventilation, for AC, for cooling. These are all provisions that we do have to make for outdoor screens, especially the LCD screens, mainly the outdoor LCD screens here, but for LED screens, of course, we still have to account for ventilation. Yeah. With them, you have to worry about blowing off all the dust and everything, and the sand that gets in.  Nita Odedra: Exactly. maintaining those, making sure that the sand, making sure the structure as well isn't capturing all that kind of dust floating around. So yeah, even simple things like, when you've got touch screens inside malls and stuff and the IR frame back in the days, there's dust captures in there or sensors. These are all things that we have to consider quite early.  I first got an idea of your company on LinkedIn by seeing a video that I believe was for the Dubai Mall, the project you were talking about before and what struck me is, Oh my God, there's an integrator who actually gets marketing.  Nita Odedra: Funnily, the John who I spoke about earlier, my boss, his background is marketing. So I think his degree was in marketing. So he's very passionate about our marketing. He's very hands-on and I'm getting WhatsApp messages in the night saying, let's try this. Let's do something different, and he's the gentleman probably on the video that you saw, and we're a bunch of passionate people. We've all been in the company for a while. He's been there since the beginning. over 17 years, I've been there for almost eight, or nine years now. So we were passionate about the business. We've grown with the business. We've seen the business grow and we're so excited about these projects that we're delivering. We're excited about what's happening in the region, not just for us, but we love to talk about other things that are happening in the region as well. So yeah, I think, we're doing the marketing justice and he's great on camera as well.  Yeah, I mentioned that just because I so often see reports about projects and I'm lucky if they even provide decent photos. So to come across videos that explain this is what we did, this is what we use, this is where it is, this is how it works without overwhelming you with Euro disco music or whatever, just the facts, it was almost stunning. Oh my God, somebody got it.  Nita Odedra: Yeah. So he really came up with a decision very early on, probably about six years ago, seven years ago, actually, that everything needs to be video content. He wasn't even happy with just images. He was like people are digesting content in videos and this was like the days, early days of, videos being on Instagram or LinkedIn. So we started churning out a lot more videos, to begin with, which were just the videos of the projects, and then that evolved to us giving kind of explainers, educating the audience and just making them short and snappy. We're making more data-driven decisions on the type of marketing we're doing, where are we getting the most engagement? What are people enjoying? What are they engaging with and sharing? And it seems to be that the ones where we're explaining in a very short space of time, like you said, within 30 seconds, get straight to the point. “This is a pixel pitch, 1.2, the size of it. What have we delivered? How did we do it?” And just get straight to it. That's what people want to know. They want to see the screen. They want to know how you did it and what did you do? Keep it simple.  Yeah, we were collectively on a panel a couple of months ago now in Munich at the Digital Signage Summit, and it was about doing business in your region and what I asked the group was how easy or hard it is because it is different, right?  You can't just drop your company into this region and expect to start getting the business rolling in.  Nita Odedra: Yeah, we've got 17 years of experience, but still monthly, there are new regulations. There are new challenges, whether that's employing locals. So in Saudi, we've got Saudinization where a set quota has to be local employees. Resourcing regionally as well can be a challenge, just licensing and all that paperwork for us still is a challenge. So I know how daunting it is for system integrators, and vendors trying to enter into this region and there are certain cultural sensitivities that we've got to keep in mind, there are a lot of different cultures working together as well.  So the culture here is very different from European culture and American culture, even more so. There's that consideration to have as well when you're entering into the market. But I would say to anybody that wants to enter into this market, partner up with somebody, to begin with, find the opportunities, find some local partners, get started, have your hand held a bit before you make any decisions, and jump straight into the deep end.  Now, for a company that's from Europe or from North America or elsewhere, looking at going into that region and saying, okay, I agree, let's partner. They're probably going to be intimidated that this partner may result in us losing the larger business because now we have a partner instead of doing this solo.  Nita Odedra: Yeah, I do personally believe that there's enough in the piece of the pie for everybody, especially in this region. But, we look at long-term partnerships. So we're quite selective with who we work with and how we work with them, and we do believe in honest, transparent partnerships. We will make sure that we've got contracts in place to protect them more than we even. So if they have, because we are looking long term, if they've brought a client, they've got a client who is from the US or Europe and they're looking to support them here regionally and they need a partner. We'll ring fence that client. We'll put contracts in place, it's a ring fence for them. It's only them. We won't touch them directly and just make sure everything's covered legally for them and honor that as well, so making sure that even from the top down, you've got that commitment. So we always make sure on all of our partnerships that from right at the top of management, I'm getting them in conversations with those partners and getting that commitment on what we will be delivering on, and also not creating any exclusivity either too early. Sometimes getting exclusive with a partner straight away and it's not good for them. It's not good for us, to allow them the flexibility to go out to other system integrators. They don't have to work exclusively with us.  And just finally, on the cultural side, I would say the common perception is it's very different over there and challenging to work in and everything else, but in talking with you and speaking with other people who work in the region, they've said, yeah, it's different, but it's perhaps not what you think. It's not as challenging and things have relaxed, particularly in areas like Saudi quite a bit.  Nita Odedra: I've seen a shift here. So I've been in the Middle East now for almost 10 years, and I'm originally from the UK. I'm just outside of London. I worked in London and across Europe and America in terms of my territories. So I'm familiar with the European market, familiar with the North American market, and the way of working.  There is a different culture and pace here, but the projects are happening at such a speed that things do materialize. They do happen quite quickly. So it's not that much of a culture shock. You've just got to be prepared, the professionalism, should we say, is different. It's there, but it's just different. All right. Leave me hanging on that one.  Nita Odedra: Timelines, deadlines, all that kind of stuff. Those get pushed back a lot in this region, adhering to timelines. So most of our projects that get delayed, get delayed by the client side, approvals for drawings, client.  One of the biggest challenges we have is site conditions. They'll push for us to have, I don't know, let's just say 300 outdoor interactive kiosks ready. They'll pay a premium just to have them turned around faster because they're not willing to wait nine months. They want them delivered in four months, and then there's no data or power, and we're sitting on 300-plus outdoor kiosks and charging them for the storage, and that is not uncommon.  Interesting. Great to catch up with you. We see each other here and there at trade shows, but we're obviously many hours apart. So it's not a routine thing.  Nita Odedra: Thank you for taking the time out, it's been a great conversation and I look forward to seeing you hopefully at ISE. Absolutely.  Nita Odedra: Thank you.

Cutting through the hype around AI is one thing, but leveraging AI when your entire job is truth-telling is quite another! On this week's episode, your host Ruth Zive speaks with Dom Nicastro, Editor in Chief at Simpler Media Group, who shares insights drawn from his career as a journalist observing and reporting on AI's role in customer service, marketing, and personalization. While he's still waiting for the “wow”-worthy use case for AI in CX, Dom dives into the areas where AI is truly making a positive impact today, as well as the areas where enterprises need to step up to set standards for innovation.Join us as we discuss:The mixed perceptions around AI personalization in customer interactionsHow AI can mitigate the issue of high turnover among contact center agentsThe need to set standards for AI innovation (rather than bow to pressure to just take action)

In this episode, Maurie and Jim discuss what it takes to WOW someone about AI. What impresses one person may not impress the other.

Send us a Text Message.Landscape photographer, Lizzie Shepherd shares her journey into photography and how she moved from being a hobbyist to becoming a professional. She discusses the challenges and joys of running workshops and one-to-one tuition, as well as the importance of printing her own photographs. Lizzie also talks about the impact of social media on the photography industry and the need for photographers to find their own direction. Lizzie discusses her experience of exhibiting her photography and judging photography competitions. She mentions the challenges of finding local galleries that are a good fit for her work and the importance of selling prints through her website. Lizzie also shares her approach to judging photography competitions, emphasising the need for a balance between initial impact and deeper emotional connection. She talks about her favourite places to photograph, her bucket list destinations and her preference for responding to the conditions rather than planning her images. She also provides tips on processing colours to achieve a balanced and calming tone in landscape photographs.TakeawaysTransitioning from a hobbyist to a professional photographer takes time and confidence.Running workshops and one-to-one tuition can be rewarding but it's important to understand the needs and motivations of the participants.Printing photographs allows for greater control and a more tactile experience compared to viewing images on a screen.Social media has changed the landscape of photography, but it's important for photographers to stay true to their own vision.Exhibitions and selling prints can be a fulfilling way to share and showcase one's work. However, it can be challenging to find local galleries that are a good fit for your work. Selling prints through a website can be a successful alternative.When judging photography competitions, look for images that have an initial impact and evoke an emotional response.Lizzie's favourite places to photograph include the highlands and islands of Scotland, Harris and Lewis, and local woodland areas.Her bucket list destinations include New Zealand, Tasmania and Greenland.Lizzie's approach to processing colours involves lifting shadows, reducing clarity and shooting in gentle light to create soft and calming tones.She prefers to respond to the conditions rather than planning her images, allowing for spontaneity and exploration in her photography.Connect with LizzieWebsiteInstagramFacebookSupport the Show.

Parade of Techniques: 1. I visited a new dentist and learned the value of a WOW factor 2. The word “lawsuit” has become part of the conversation. How about we just stop using it? Ask The Experts: 1. My #1 Goal is to get my buyers, who are family friends, to stop making lowball offers, but because they are family friends I feel like I'm letting them down when they don't get the house. 2. My #1 Goal is to make myself make the calls I know I need to make, and my biggest challenge is the thought that my mother put in my head about women in real estate, and I don't want to come across as money-hungry.

Like many other orthodontists, I've long admired the work of Dr. Tom Pitts. So I am thrilled to have the opportunity to sit down with him for a second time to discuss his approach to creating exceptional smiles.Dr. Pitts explains that the Wow Factor goes beyond just straight teeth. It's about creating smiles with full incisal display, a harmonious smile arc that follows the curve of the lower lip, and an arch form that is wide and free of buccal corridors.But it's also about the proper inclination of teeth with upright incisors, cuspids, and molars that come together in a beautiful, natural-looking bite.Dr. Pitts has found that achieving the wow smile can be challenging in some cases. These include those with deep bites, short lower facial heights, and prominent facial features.This is where Dr. Pitts' Pitts 21 system helps. With precise bracket positioning and following specific wire protocols, you can achieve optimal results.Dr. Pitts' passion for pushing the boundaries of what's possible in orthodontics is inspiring to all of us. Tune in to learn more from the legend himself. Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Wow smile characteristics (02:58)Challenges in achieving wow smiles (05:18)Importance of bracket and wire protocols (09:15)Archwire expansion techniques (15:20)Impact of orthodontics on airway (20:27)Details on the upcoming Dr. Pitts course in Dallas (28:05)Additional Resources"Discover the WOW Factor in Orthodontics" Course by Dr. Tom Pitts: https://web.orthopreneurs.com/pitts-opu24Pitts21 System: https://www.oc-orthodontics.com/about-pitts21—-- Register for the OrthoPreneurs Summit at Sea (2024): https://opsummitatsea.com/- For more information, visit: https://orthopreneurs.com/- Join our FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OrthoPreneurs

MLB Rivalries l College Football Brands l Wow Factor l Summer Activities l Gatherings l Fancy Clothes.

In episode #264, we had the honor of being joined by Gardiner MacDougall, live and in person at last week's TCS Live coaching conference. MacDougall presented on "Creating the "WOW" Factor from Your First Team Meeting" and also stopped by our Overtime event at the Circ Bar in downtown Ann Arbor. He is coming off an unprecedented 3 year run, which saw him capture back to back USports National Championships with the UNB Varsity Reds, the second of which included an undefeated 43-0 season, a Gold Medal leading Canada at the U18 Championships, a Gold Medal at the FISU World University Games and a Memorial Cup Championship with the Saint John Sea Dogs.  After 24 seasons leading the University of New Brunswick, which included 9 National Championships, Gardiner is moving on to coach the QMJHL's Moncton Wildcats. He'll be working alongside his son Taylor, who will be the club's General Manager. Listen as he shares why losing can be necessary for overall team success, how to build a players confidence, and why simplicity is key to an effective practice plan.

Tom Monaghan is the Founder of Domino's Pizza and Founder, Chancellor and Member of the Board of Trustees for Ave Maria University. He is known as a wildly successful entrepreneur, the founder of Domino's Pizza, an avid collector of Frank Lloyd Wright items and the former owner of the Detroit Tigers. If his story stopped there, he might seem to fit in with other savvy entrepreneurs whose hard work and ingenuity paid off. But his greatest personal achievements came later in life, when Tom decided to fully immerse himself in charitable works, Catholic philanthropy and the call to help restore Catholic higher education. This week on The Wow Factor, we're welcoming Tom Monaghan to share his personal journey of accumulating wealth, but finding no lasting joy. He shares what helped him understand the sin of pride and find a more meaningful life. Tom also discusses why he feels called to use his wealth and resources to help others through education and philanthropy and emphasizes the importance of faith in his personal and collective leadership journey. “I want to do the will of God.” - Tom Monaghan “Get to heaven and take as many people with you as possible.” - Tom Monaghan   “The best thing I can do for my fellow man is help them get to heaven.” -  Tom Monaghan This Week on The Wow Factor: Why Tom joined the Marine Corps How he revolutionized pizza delivery with innovations like cardboard boxes and conveyor ovens Tom recounts some of the challenges of running a pizza business, particularly in cooking the volume of pizzas ordered How Tom dealt with the threat of the business failing, and why he felt he was the man who should be in the driving seat Tom shares his five rules for life, which include prioritizing what's important and avoiding distractions as a way to maintain focus and discipline in leadership How Tom prioritizes spiritual, social, mental, physical, and financial well-being, and why that helped him turn around a huge company in 5 years More about Tom's spiritual journey and why he sold his business to devote his full time to Catholic philanthropy Why Tom decided to start a university to promote excellence and faithfulness in Catholic education Tom's insights on giving away money and time, encouraging younger people to read books on generosity and find joy in giving Tom Monaghan's Words of Wisdom: Aim to get to heaven and take as many people with you as possible. More about Tom Monaghan:  Ave Maria University  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

We Talk:What creates a WOW! factor when a buyer sees the home for the first time?Not all $50,000 kitchens are worth $50,000 and what if you spend the $$ the wrong way?We talk passionately about the ever changing real estate market!Music by:9-5 Dolly PartonRoni- Bobby BrownThe Captain of Her Heart - DoubleDay After Day - BadfingerLove Child - The SupremesDreamweaver - Gary WrightFind more episodes on:www.pattysplayhouse.comIf you want to search for a home in Tallahassee, www.PattyandScott.comPatty's Playhouse we talk about real estate and life in the small southern town.The conversations are consumer driven inviting entrepreneurs, real estate professionals and interesting people who make up our world of real estate. We talk real estate with some interesting and fun facts... Its like house porn! We talk lifestyle, staging tips, home buying selling and investing... all with a happy ending...House Talk with a Happy Ending... Each & Every Time! Get bonus content on Patreon Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/pattysplayhouse https://plus.acast.com/s/pattysplayhouse. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Goeglein is Vice President of External and Government Relations for Focus on the Family. Formerly, he served as a special assistant to President George W. Bush and as a deputy director of the White House Office of Public Liaison. He was the President's principal outreach contact for conservative and faith-based groups. Tim's extensive resumé includes serving as a senior fellow at The Heritage Foundation and as a communications director for U.S. Senator Dan Coats of Indiana and Gary Bauer at the Campaign for Working Families. Tim has authored a memoir, “The Man in the Middle: Faith and Politics in the George W. Bush Era,” and his latest book is titled “American Restoration.”  Tim joins me on The Wow Factor podcast to discuss the intersection of faith and politics, sharing his personal experiences and perspectives. Tim shares how his faith informs his political views, the significance of remembering and understanding American history and religion, and the importance of literacy and critical thinking in maintaining a constitutional republic. Tim also talks more about why he feels so positive about the future of the USA and explains a little about why the least likely heroes can play a significant role in restoration and renewal.  “History is ultimately fact-based. It's not it's not opinionated narrative.” - Tim Goeglein “Millions of Americans want something better.” - Tim Goeglein   “The absolute best days for the United States of America are ahead of us, not behind us.” -  Tim Goeglein This Week on The Wow Factor: Tim shares his unexpected journey from intern to press secretary in the U.S. Senate for ten years How Thomas Jefferson and James Madison became key figures in the country's founding and the influence of God in the Constitutional Convention The importance of civic literacy and involvement in maintaining a truly constitutional republic The importance of teaching American history and God's word to our young people, and why Tim thinks there is currently a lack of knowledge among students about biblical figures and historical documents Why the Founding Fathers emphasized virtue, integrity, and character as the key to building a constitutional republic Why Tim is an optimist who sees seedlings of restoration and regeneration in homeschooling's booming popularity Why we should prioritize teaching children generosity and the impact it will have on their lives More about Tim's new book "Stumbling Toward Utopia" and how it explores 1960s ideas and their impact on current society, offering solutions for progress Tim Goeglein's Words of Wisdom: The least likely men and women, the ones that you think are the least likely ones to be at the forefront of restoration, renewal, and regeneration, are very often the ones God himself uses to move forward.  Connect with Tim Goeglein:  Focus on the Family Website Toward a More Perfect Union: The Moral and Cultural Case for Teaching the Great American Story by Tim Goeglein  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

Two failing businesses, bankruptcy, mental health issues, and cancer… these are all things that today's guest has overcome and grown beyond to create a $10 Million business teaching 40k+ students worldwide. What helped her do this? Discovering her WOW factors—embracing who she really is and using skills from each phase of her life to create a dream business.In this episode, you'll learn:Amber's entrepreneurial journey of resilience and passionWhat it takes to create a business that lights you upWhere you are is a stepping stone to where you're meant to beHow to know it's time to let go of your businessWhat WOW factors are all aboutA quick and easy way to learn your skin toneHow to figure out your WOW and develop your confidenceSharing your story in the way that resonates the most with youCivil Engineer, serial entrepreneur, and TV star Amber Renae inspires women to discover their 'Wow' factors by building their dream digital business, personal branding, and self-love. Australia's leading voice in online business, Amber educates thousands of students in all corners of the globe on a range of topics, including entrepreneurship, digital marketing, influencer marketing, and the power of personal branding. She's the star of the hit US reality show Dream Life, which documents the creation of her latest e-learning project and is the author of Dream Life The Book.Resources from this episodeFoundations for Getting Out of Your Head - a FREE 5-day private podcast experience. During this 5-day private podcast experience, I will cut through the noise and be your guide to breaking free from what is holding you back - your thoughts.Find Amber's book Dream Life at amberrenae.com/dream Connect with Amber RenaeFacebook: @theamberrenae Instagram: @theamberrenae Website: amberrenae.comConnect with LauraAuraFacebook: @thatlauraauraTikTok:  @thatlauraauraInstagram: @thatlauraauraWebsite: LauraAura.comSupport the Show.THANK YOU, GUTSY TRIBE!We love, love, love to read your comments, feedback, and reviews. If you haven't yet, drop us one below! Your review might even get highlighted within one of our gutsy love posts or on our website.https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-gutsy-podcast/id1445481970

In this episode of RightOffTrack with Anya Smith, we have an enlightening conversation with Amy Lau about the entrepreneurial journey and the invaluable lessons learned from being a first-generation immigrant. Amy shares her insights on turning hurdles into victories, the critical role of sales in business success, and the importance of building genuine connections and trust. We delve into how her experiences as a first-generation immigrant shaped her entrepreneurial path, the challenges of conforming to cultural expectations, and the significance of staying true to oneself. Amy also introduces her innovative three-legged approach to business success with her company, The Wau Factor. Tune in for actionable advice, inspiring stories, and a roadmap to following your own path to success.   Takeaways: Approach relationships without an agenda and focus on building genuine connections and trust. Embrace the challenges and lessons learned from being a first-generation immigrant. Stay true to yourself and follow your own path, even if it goes against cultural expectations. Build resilience and adaptability to overcome obstacles in entrepreneurship.   Chapters: 00:00 Preview 01:16 Introduction   02:42 Approaching Successful Relationships that Drive Sales   06:35 Lessons from Being a First-Generation Immigrant   08:06 Challenges and Reflections on Pleasing Others   13:04 Finding the Path to Entrepreneurship   24:21 Resilience and the Inner Journey of Entrepreneurship   30:35 The Wow Factor and the Three-Legged Approach to Business   35:39 Rapid Fire Questions   41:09 Conclusion    

In episode #259, we welcome Ben Syer, who was recently named Head Coach of Princeton University's men's program. Previously, he spent eight seasons as an assistant with Quinnipiac University and 13 with Cornell University. During that time, Cornell won an ECAC Championship and made 6 trips to the NCAA tournament. Based on the outpouring of support he's received from his peers, there is no doubt that Syer is deserving of this new position and is set up to have success leading the Tigers. Listen as he shares why positive peer pressure is the key to creating a competitive environment, finding the "wow" factor in a player's game, and the importance of improving the situation you're in, rather than jumping ship.

Are you ready for a mind-bending revelation that will challenge everything you thought you knew? This conversation with esteemed guest Alan Steinfeld explores mysteries of consciousness and unveils the limitless possibilities of our universe. Expand your understanding of reality in ways you never imagined and embrace the excitement of exploring another level of existence. Join in the groundbreaking discoveries that are reshaping our perception of the world. This episode will take you on a journey of discovery, where the unknown becomes your new frontier.  If you're like me, you feel like the deeper you go, the more you learn, the more you experience, and the less you feel like you actually know anything! It's like we're all on a journey of discovery in this vast universe, where endless possibilities await us. Isn't that exciting? It's like we're all exploring uncharted territory together, each with our own unique perspectives and insights, trying to make sense of the unknown. So, let's dive in and embrace the mystery and complexity of it all, together! In this episode, you will be able to: Gain insights into the benefits of meditation for spiritual awakening and personal growth. Explore the intriguing world of UFO phenomena and ET contact for a broader understanding of the universe. Understand the profound impact of consciousness in ET encounters and how it shapes our experiences. Learn about remote viewing to tap into the power of the mind and expand perception beyond the physical realm. Discover the fascinating role of light in spiritual experiences and its significance in connecting with higher dimensions. Alan Steinfeld is a prominent figure in the realm of ufology, renowned for his deep understanding of UFO phenomena and ET contact. With a wealth of experience as a writer, producer, and speaker in the fields of human potential, metaphysics, and consciousness, Alan brings a fresh and thought-provoking perspective to the table. Having interviewed numerous influential individuals and delved into the enigmatic realms of the unexplained, his insights offer a fascinating journey into the world of extraterrestrial contact. For anyone captivated by the mysteries beyond our terrestrial realm, Alan's expertise and experiences is invaluable, enriching the exploration of limitless possibilities and expanding the understanding of consciousness. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:06 - Introduction and Alan's Background 00:08:09 - Consciousness and Remote Viewing 00:13:28 - Impact of ET Contact on Culture 00:15:01 - Finesse of Consciousness and Meeting Others 00:17:26 - The Earth's Vibrational Shift 00:20:01 - The "Wow Factor" and Perception 00:24:26 - Natives' Perception of Ships 00:27:16 - Science vs. Speculation 00:33:40 - Eclipse's Effect on Consciousness 00:34:24 - The Influence of Light on Consciousness 00:35:52 - Observing Changes in Light and Consciousness 00:39:25 - Curiosity about ET Phenomenon  00:45:47 - Trauma and Conscious Awareness 00:49:03 - Suspended Animation and Time Mold 00:50:15 - Encountering friendly beings behind the van 00:52:46 - Effects of abduction experiences 00:56:39 - Writing "Making Contact" and insights from top researchers 01:00:58 - Quantum experiences and activations 01:05:48 - Integration of other realities and the future of humanity 01:06:18 - Government's Secrecy and Whistleblowers 01:07:42 - Trusting Personal Experiences 01:09:43 - Lucid Experiences and Reality 01:11:57 - Recalling Portal Experience 01:16:32 - Childhood Meditation and Unique Perspective 01:21:27 - Exploring Consciousness and Contact with Beings 01:22:17 - Beyond Imagination 01:23:54 - Dreamtime and Quantum Consciousness 01:24:44 - Embracing the Unknown 01:25:59 - Gratitude and Sharing The resources mentioned in this episode are (may contain affiliate links):  Check out Alan's YouTube channel, New Realities: https://www.youtube.com/user/newrealities Read Making Contact Check out artsoldier77 on Instagram for interdimensional ET beings with light language, colors, and portals.   Read Paul Selig's book I Am the Word for activations and higher consciousness experiences.   Look into Suzanne Spooner's QHHT sessions for exploring starseed connections and past life recall.   Explore Linda Moulton Howe's work for in-depth knowledge about the UFO phenomenon and alien contact experiences. Consider attending conferences and events related to UFOs and alien contact to connect with experts and gain deeper insights into the subject matter. 

Dallen Peterson is the Founder of Merry Maids and author of an amazing business book, titled “Rags, Riches & Real Success.” In his book, he shares his remarkable true story and success principles based on personal faith. He shares the story of the founding of Merry Maids, its phenomenal growth, and how it eventually became part of the ServiceMaster family. Dallen's book also shares the seven principles for real success, all life truths that come from serving God. Dallen joins me on The Wow Factor podcast to share his thoughts on the importance of hard work, perseverance, and humility in achieving success. He highlights how his upbringing instilled a strong work ethic and a commitment to serving others, including providing shelter to those in need. Dallen discusses his professional milestones, including his experience of founding and growing Merry Maids on the principles of honoring God and pursuing excellence. “Our first corporate objective was to honor God in all we do” - Dallen Peterson “It was my dream to be in business” - Dallen Peterson  “It was God's timing and God's plan, and for that, I am forever grateful.” -  Dallen Peterson  This Week on The Wow Factor: Dallen reflects on his experience starting KAPS Foods, including the challenges they faced during that time, including high-interest rates and commodity prices, and how they overcame those challenges through prayer and perseverance How Dallen and his family grew Merry Maids by emphasizing faith and excellence. The importance of honoring God in the company's operations and pursuing excellence, and why that attracted franchisees How Dallen and Chuck Colson joined forces in prison ministry after meeting at a mayor's prayer breakfast in 1976 Dallen shares stories of some of the 100 prisons worldwide he has visited, including prisons in Bulgaria and Uganda, with poor living conditions The $25 million sale of Merry Maids and its impact on Dallen and his family's lives The challenges of growing a business and the importance of connecting with franchisees How Dallen became involved in various ministry boards and corporate boards after "retiring" at 51 years old Stories of Dallen's generosity and family ministry, including opening their home to homeless people  Dallen Peterson's Words of Wisdom: I thank God every day. The first thing I do every morning is say, “Thank you, Jesus.” Connect with Dallen Peterson:  Rags, Riches, and Real Success by Dallen Peterson  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  

Porter graduated from Texas A&M in 1979 with a BBA in marketing. He joined The Association of Former Students as Field Director in 1981. Over the last 23 years as President and CEO, he has inspired innovation and led initiatives to achieve The Association's vision to become the premier alumni organization. Porter serves on the board of Baylor Scott & White Hospital – College Station Region, and he and his wife, Lisa '91, are Endowed Century Club donors to The Association of Former Students, Eppright Distinguished Donors, and members of the Texas A&M Legacy Society.  Porter shares insights on generosity, positivity, and living a great life today on The Wow Factor podcast. He discusses how he has felt the power of generosity in his life and career and why he thinks there is a link between giving and happiness. In our conversation, Porter discusses the development of Texas A&M University's core values and the importance of these values for Aggies, past and present, and their families. Porter also digs into leadership qualities and why you gain so much insight into character when you look at their actions rather than words.  “We developed a sense of humility and appreciation for the opportunities that students are given here.”  - Porter Garner “I see young people aligning with our core values.” - Porter Garner  “When vision and philanthropy come together, it inspires future generations of Aggies to indeed do what they've done.” -  Porter Garner  This Week on The Wow Factor: How Porter got his role at The Association of Former Students at Texas A&M University Porter reflects on his 42-year association with Texas A&M, including the unique aspects of the school's history and culture The history of the Association of Former Students at Texas A&M University The association's inclusive approach today, 23 years after the launch of the Aggie Network, that allows for the recognition of non-graduates and graduates alike Why Aggies value humility, selfless service, and camaraderie, with a strong sense of tradition and reputation Porter discusses the development of Texas A&M University's core values and the importance of these values for Aggies, including the comfort they provide to parents and the sense of belonging they foster among students The importance of integrity and ethical leadership, and inspiring others as a leader The importance of Aggie Park, built exclusively by private philanthropy, as a place where legacy is alive and future generations of Aggies can have the same experiences as past students Why it's so vital to give with a cheerful attitude Porter's strong belief in treating everyone with respect and kindness, regardless of their position or role Porter Garner's Words of Wisdom: You learn a lot about people when you watch how they treat other people —it's perhaps the greatest insight to character that there is. You can learn a lot about somebody going out to dinner with them, walking down the street with them, attending an event with them, and just watching how they treat people.  Connect with Porter Garner:  Porter Garner on The Association's website Porter Garner on Facebook Porter Garner on LinkedIn Connect with The Association of Former Students: The Association of Former Students on X The Association of Former Students on Instagram 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

An unplanned part TWO means this year's Global Pet Expo was THAT good! In this episode, Candace and Amanda welcome you back for the next part of their Global Pet Expo 2024 major takeaways. They couldn't cover everything in the first episode and have even MORE juicy insights to share!  In this episode, they're diving into:  

In this episode, I'm delving into the secret sauce of crafting wow factor images that not only capture attention but also resonate with luxury photography clients. Hit play! CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES NOTE: This episode originally aired on Sep 14, 2023.