{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Dr. Rick Lytle | President & CEO of CEO Forum | Shaping Spiritual Leaders in the Marketplace","description":"   Dr. Rick Lytle is the President and CEO of the CEO Forum, a ministry organization that mentors and disciples Christian CEOs and senior executives leading companies with $100M+ in revenue. With a background in academia and a Ph.D. in marketing, Rick spent years as a professor and business school dean before stepping into his role at the CEO Forum. His mission? To support leaders in building lives and legacies marked by character, competence, and calling\u2014both at work and at home.  In this episode of The Wow Factor, Brad sits down with Dr. Rick at the home studio in Irvine, California for an in-depth conversation about how faith intersects with leadership at the highest levels of business. Rick shares his personal journey from growing up in the Detroit suburbs to launching a nationally accredited business program at Abilene Christian University, where he served as dean. He opens up about the founding of the CEO Forum, his research on what shapes great leaders, and how he\u2019s equipping the next generation through programs like Entrust and the Leadership Summit. With warmth and candor, Dr. Rick unpacks what it means to live and lead with \u201chigher intent\u201d\u2014and why the marketplace might just be the front line of spiritual renewal.  \u201cDon\u2019t be cheap with God\u2014because He\u2019s never been cheap with you.\u201d - Dr. Rick Lytle  \u201cWe\u2019ve raised this generation to be exactly who they are. If we want something different, we\u2019ve got to step up.\u201d - Dr. Rick Lytle  \u201cYou can\u2019t move with God and stay where you are.\u201d  - Dr. Rick Lytle  This Week on The Wow Factor:  How Rick\u2019s early career at Volkswagen led to a pivot into academia   What it took to transform ACU\u2019s business school into an accredited, nationally ranked program   Raising $35 million and recruiting top faculty in the face of skepticism   The vision behind CEO Forum and its mission to disciple Christian CEOs   How spiritual leadership looks different in the marketplace   What Rick\u2019s research reveals about the upbringing and values of top Christian leaders   The importance of family, faith, and hard work in shaping leadership   A deep dive into CEO Forum\u2019s flagship training programs: Spiritual Leadership Institute and Entrust   Preparing the next generation of leaders to steward influence and wealth with integrity   How retired CEOs are mentoring young executives through Encore   Why Rick believes revival isn\u2019t just for churches\u2014it\u2019s happening in the marketplace  Rick Lytle\u2019s Word of Wisdom:  Live with higher intent. Ask not just what you want to do, but what God wants to do through you.  About CEO Forum:  CEO Forum is a membership community built to serve the distinct needs of Christ-following CEOs and senior executives leading major enterprises. Through trusted peer-based communities, personal pastoral care, and intentional spiritual formation, CEO Forum helps leaders live the way of Jesus in every sphere of life. Learn more at theceoforum.org or contact Mark Meador, VP of Member Advancement, at mark@theceoforum.org to explore membership or refer a leader.  CEO Forum also serves emerging leaders through the ENTRUST Summit, a next-generation mentoring gathering on February 26\u201327, 2026. WOW Factor podcast listeners are invited to nominate or register qualified participants.  Connect with CEO Forum:   CEO Forum  Dr. Rick Lytle\u2019s LinkedIn  Connect with The Wow Factor:   WOW Factor Website   Brad Formsma on LinkedIn   Brad Formsma on Instagram   Brad Formsma on Facebook   Brad Formsma on X     ","author_name":"The Wow Factor","author_url":"https:\/\/www.thewowfactorpodcast.com","html":"