Jim Towey Founder of Aging with Dignity Episode 287
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Jim Towey is the founder of Aging with Dignity, a nonprofit based in Falls Church, Virginia, and the creator of the widely used Five Wishes advance directive. His story is as unique as it is powerful—marked by a journey from Capitol Hill to Calcutta, from chasing influence in Washington to walking alongside Mother Teresa and advocating for those society often forgets. As a former lawyer to Mother Teresa, White House staffer, and spiritual seeker, Jim has seen the best and worst of power, and ultimately chose a path of service, faith, and purpose.
In this episode of The Wow Factor, Brad sits down with Jim for a moving conversation about transformation—from a young man caught up in ambition and worldly success to a servant of the poor and advocate for dignified end-of-life care. Jim opens up about his early struggles, his encounters with the allure of political power, and the life-altering moment he met Mother Teresa. Through that relationship, Jim discovered a deeper faith and a calling to live a life not for himself, but for others. The conversation explores themes of spiritual poverty, humility, leadership, and what it truly means to be prepared for both life and death.
“I learned that a life not lived for others is not worth living.” – Jim Towey
“Mother Teresa saw Jesus in his distressing disguise of the poor.” – Jim Towey
“She used to say that If you're too busy to pray, you're too busy.” – Jim Towey
This Week on The Wow Factor:
Jim’s early years in Jacksonville, Florida, and how basketball, ambition, and family challenges shaped his character
The emotional spiral after achieving “success” on Capitol Hill—and how it left him feeling empty and morally lost
His first encounter with Mother Teresa and the moment that changed everything at her Home for the Dying
What it means to move from “gathering” to “giving,” and how Mother Teresa invited him into a life of self-sacrifice
Why even Mother Teresa needed a lawyer—and how Jim helped her open AIDS homes, fend off fraud, and navigate immigration issues
The spiritual darkness Mother Teresa experienced and what it taught Jim about faith, suffering, and perseverance
Jim’s creation of Five Wishes and how it helps millions of families plan for end-of-life care with dignity, clarity, and compassion
Why acknowledging mortality and spiritual legacy is one of the most generous things you can do for loved ones
Jim Towey’s Word of Wisdom:
Look at what you have—and be grateful. Gratitude is a choice. You can focus on what you’re missing, or you can give thanks for the opportunities you've been given to enrich the lives of others. Leaders are led, and the greatest leaders live with humility and gratitude at the center.
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