P R A I S E FOR

The WOW Factor Workplace

 “Anyone tasked with helping an organization create an irresistible experience for its employees will find this an insightful read. Pages are chock-full of stories, experiences, and tips from well-known executives in corporate America who helped create and nurture workplaces that have the ‘WOW factor.’ Soak it all in!”

—LINDA RUTHERFORD
SVP & Chief Communications Officer, Southwest Airlines

 
“As I learned in combat, success depends on unleashing available talent and resources. Current leadership models are failing miserably to meet this goal. The WOW Factor Workplace is a powerful springboard to replace outdated thinking and find a better way that lasts.”

— COLONEL DEBRA M. LEWIS (US ARMY, RETIRED)
and Founder of Mentally Tough Women

“The WOW Factor Workplace is filled with lessons learned from strong leaders, lessons of what to do and what not to do (sometimes even more important!). I encourage young leaders looking to catapult their careers to digest every word, soak in more than just what the words say … look beyond the ink. Adjust your sails and benchmark from history and your future colleagues!”

—DONALD W. STAMETS
General Manager, Flagship Solage – An Auberge Resorts Collection

“The WOW Factor Workplace is full of engaging stories about best in class organizations with amazing cultures. I was inspired by the valuable leadership lessons in this impactful book.”

— RUTH BRAJEVICH
Vice President, Strategic Intiatives, Ware Malcomb

“In this book you’ll find invaluable insights to how people in different industries, coming from different backgrounds, have used the following principles to create successful WOW factor workplaces: Respect each person as an individual and as a member of the team; encourage positive communication with and among members; listen to understand what is being said; speak with clarity when giving guidance and direction; and follow-up … it’s the real breakfast of champions.”

—LIEUTENANT GENERAL BENNETT L. LEWIS
(US ARMY, RETIRED)

“I LOVED THIS BOOK! In my prior senior leadership roles, I welcomed a 360 review on two occasions and thought we had a WOW entity. In hindsight, and with the assistance of the examples in this book, I can see that we were delivering on expectations and providing the service we promised, but were not achieving the WOW across the board for employees or customers. As this book articulates so well, the challenge I once found so exciting shifted to frustration. Our team leaders were providing inconsistent messages, a tolerance for mediocracy existed in the field, and some felt I and other executives had unrealistic expectations. The environment eventually grew toxic until one day I moved on, much to their relief as well as mine.”

—CARYN SIEBERT, JD
former President and CEO
(Risk and insurance claims executive and independent board member)

“While you may be able to realize your full leadership potential on your own, why take the chance? Deb Boelkes has distilled the wisdom of her long and varied career into a punchy book full of wit, insight and easy-to-apply lessons for a highly successful business life.”

—NEAL FREEMAN
Author, Skirmishes