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12 episodes with garry ridge
5 episodes with garry ridge
3 episodes with garry ridge
3 episodes with garry ridge
3 episodes with garry ridge
3 episodes with garry ridge
2 episodes with garry ridge
2 episodes with garry ridge
2 episodes with garry ridge
Do you want to bring out the best in your people while also maximizing your bottom line? In this episode, former WD-40 Company CEO Garry Ridge explains how leaders can build dedicated teams and drive phenomenal success by following Aristotle's principle, “Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.” YOU WILL LEARN:· The ‘dumbass' leadership philosophy.· The 4 pillars of a fearless tribe.· The impact of values on organizational success. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: thelearningmoment.net “Any Dumbass Can Do It,” by Garry Ridge “Helping People Win at Work,” by Ken Blanchard and Garry Ridge “To Be Honest,” by Ron A. Carucci “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten,” by Robert FulghumNOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE: “Anything of value comes from learning.” – Garry Ridge “People are happy when they know they're making a difference and they're respected for doing that.” – Garry Ridge “Dumbassery is a superpower, and the dumbassery really is you as the leader deflating your ego and making sure your role is to bring out the best of everybody else.” – Garry Ridge “Let's get rid of the word failure, and let's talk about ‘We don't make mistakes in our organization. We have learning moments.'” – Garry Ridge “It's not about you; it's about the people you have the privilege to lead.” – Garry Ridge itsagoodlife.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Once named one of Inc. magazine's 10 most admired CEOs, Garry led WD-40 for 25 years. At that time, his leadership and positive corporate culture grew WD-40 into one of the world's most recognized and well-loved brands. In this episode, Garry discusses how he achieved this and why he detailed it in his book, Any Dumbass Can Do It. Many thanks to our excellent sponsors ZipRecruiter.com/Rowe to try ZipIntro for FREE. PureTalk.com/Rowe Switch to a qualifying plan and claim your FREE Samsung Galaxy K12.com/ROWE to find a tuition-free K12-powered school near you. KnobelSpirits.com Use code Carl and spend $100 to get FREE Orange Bitter Sugar Cubes.
Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.In today's brain snack, Garry Ridge shares with us the WD40 secret in achieving a 98% employee engagement rate, and how coaching your employees can radically shift how they view their job.For more, check out the full conversation with Garry Ridge right here https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/humancentredleaderFor now, enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Any Dumbass Can Build a Great Culture: Leadership Lessons from WD-40's Garry RidgeEpisode DescriptionIn this compelling episode of the Relentless Customer Leader podcast, host Dr. Chris Brown sits down with Garry Ridge, former CEO of WD-40 Company and author of "Any Dumbass Can Do It." During his remarkable 25-year tenure as CEO, Garry transformed a simple product into a global powerhouse spanning 176 countries, growing the company's market cap from $300 million to $3.6 billion.Garry reveals the leadership philosophy that drove this success: creating a tribal culture where people feel they belong, matter, and can make choices without fear. Discover how reframing "failures" as "learning moments" and transforming "managers" into "coaches" helped build an organization where 98% of employees globally said they loved to tell people they worked for the company.Whether you're leading a small team or a multinational corporation, you'll gain practical insights on balancing compassion with accountability, measuring cultural health in today's dispersed workforce, and creating environments where people can deliver their "personal magnificence." This episode delivers a masterclass in customer-centric leadership that drives both cultural and financial results.Show NotesKey Topics Covered00:46 - The origin story of WD-40 and how it got its iconic name02:19 - WD-40's unfair market advantages and unique positioning strategy04:14 - Garry's new book "Any Dumbass Can Do It" and its provocative message06:30 - Building a "tribe" versus a traditional workforce09:43 - Transforming failures into "learning moments" to eliminate fear12:12 - Balancing being "tough-minded and tender-hearted" in leadership14:08 - How culture directly impacts financial results and business performance18:03 - Measuring cultural health in modern, dispersed workforces22:09 - The story of Garry riding a horse in armor into Times Square24:46 - Maintaining humility in leadership ("Even the queen sits down to pee")27:22 - Navigating cultural differences in global business33:26 - The four corners of CEO responsibility and the loneliness of leadership36:00 - Personal leadership development and embracing "dumbassery"39:56 - Building psychological safety through trust and reducing fearNotable Quotes"Life is about maximizing learning moments. Failures turn into successes if we look at them that way.""Great leadership is a balance between being tough-minded and tender-hearted.""Culture is not a microwaveable event. It takes a crockpot approach.""A great economic outcome is the will of the people times the strategy.""In organizations, most people don't lie. They fake and hide. And the reason they fake and hide is because of fear.""Have a heart of gold and a backbone of steel.""Even the queen sits down to pee." (On staying humble as a leader)Resources MentionedBook: "Any Dumbass Can Do It" by Garry RidgeWD-40 CompanyAbout Garry RidgeGarry Ridge served as CEO of WD-40 Company for 25 years, growing the market cap from $300 million to $3.6 billion. An Australian native who relocated to the US, Garry transformed WD-40's organizational culture by focusing on creating a tribal environment where people feel they belong, matter, and can learn without fear. He currently coaches CEOs and is dedicated to helping leaders build cultures of belonging "where love, forgiveness, and learning inspire a happier, more connected world."Connect With UsWebsite: https://relentlesscustomerleader.transistor.fm/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherlbrown/Twitter/X: https://x.com/marketculture Subscribe to the Relentless Customer Leader podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
In this powerful conversation, Garry Ridge, Chairman Emeritus of WD-40 Company and author of Any Dumb Ass Can Do It, shares timeless leadership lessons, the truth about culture, and why servant leadership isn't soft—it's strong. From the roots of WD-40's success to building a workplace people escape to, not from, this episode is packed with actionable insights.00:40 - About Garry RidgeGarry is the Chairman Emeritus of the WD 40 company. He's also called the culture coach.He's the author of a book titled Any Dumb Ass Can Do It.
In this episode of 'The Wisdom Of' Show, host Simon Bowen speaks with Garry Ridge, Chairman Emeritus of WD-40 Company and founder of The Learning Moment. From transforming a single-product company into a global powerhouse to achieving remarkable employee engagement, Garry shares his philosophy of human-centered leadership that drives both business success and personal fulfillment. Discover his insights on creating a "tribe of learning," the power of reframing mistakes, practicing servant leadership, and building organizational cultures where people can truly thrive, learn, and contribute to something greater.Ready to elevate your leadership approach? Join Simon's exclusive masterclass on The Models Method. Learn how to articulate your unique value and create scalable impact: https://thesimonbowen.com/masterclassEpisode Breakdown00:00 Introduction and Garry's leadership philosophy05:18 The concept of "learning moments" instead of mistakes12:36 Creating a tribe of belonging through shared purpose18:52 Servant leadership principles in action at WD-4025:44 Measuring success through employee engagement33:29 Values as effective decision-making tools38:22 Translating cultural principles into business results45:36 Building human-centered systems that support growth52:12 The future of leadership and continuous learning58:43 Legacy and creating a sustainable impact beyond oneselfAbout Garry RidgeGarry Ridge is the Chairman Emeritus of WD-40 Company and founder of The Learning Moment. During his 25-year tenure as CEO, Garry transformed WD-40 from a single-product company into a global powerhouse, growing its market value from $250 million to $2.5 billion while achieving an extraordinary 93% employee engagement rate.Passionate about creating workplace cultures where people can thrive, Garry has developed and refined a leadership approach centered on learning, belonging, and purpose. His expertise in building human-centered organizations has made him a sought-after advisor for forward-thinking companies worldwide.As a dynamic global keynote speaker and educator, Garry teaches "Culture at Work: Putting Principles into Practice" in the Master of Science in Executive Leadership program at the University of San Diego. His mission is to make the world a happier place by fostering environments where people feel valued, connected, and inspired to contribute their best.Garry's forthcoming book, "Any Dumbass Can Do It", distills his leadership wisdom into actionable principles that any leader can implement to create extraordinary organizational cultures.Connect with Garry LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garryridge/X: https://x.com/LearningMomentYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPogAomneEkNNFKJ_PLaX3gWebsite: https://thelearningmoment.net/About Simon BowenSimon has spent over two decades working with influential leaders across complex industries. His focus is on elevating thinking in organizations, recognizing that success is directly proportional to the quality of thinking and ideas within a business. Simon leads the renaissance of thinking through his work with global leaders and organizations.Connect with SimonLinkedIn:
Real leadership isn't being the smartest person in the room. It's creating the kind of culture where people feel safe enough to say, “I don't know.” In this episode, Alex Raymond talks with Garry Ridge, the former CEO of WD-40 and the author of “Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It.” Garry shares how a moment of “jumping in to fix it” early in his career completely reshaped his approach to leadership. That shift, from problem-solver to coach, set the foundation for one of the most admired cultures in business, with 93% employee engagement and a company-wide commitment to learning and accountability. Garry explains why admitting what you don't know isn't weakness but the beginning of trust. He unpacks the idea of “dumbassery” as a leadership superpower, and why removing fear in the workplace creates room for growth, innovation, and genuine connection. What can happen when you stop calling things failures and start treating them as learning moments? What will change when your company values are more than just words on a wall? This episode offers ideas for leaders who want to build purpose-driven companies without losing their people, or themselves, in the process. From the power of clearly ranked values to the surprisingly effective “Maniac Pledge,” Garry provides a framework for creating a workplace where people feel safe, supported, and proud to contribute. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction 03:13 Learning Moments and Redefining Failure 05:25 “I Don't Know” as a Leadership Superpower 07:28 Psychological Safety and People-First Cultures 14:16 Purpose, Values, and the Will of the People 21:44 Purpose Beyond Product and Real Accountability 33:19 Leading with Love Links Connect with Garry Ridge: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garryridge/ Website: https://thelearningmoment.net/ Website Quiz: https://thelearningmoment.net/quiz/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://amplifyam.com/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
In this engaging conversation, Ed Hart and Garry Ridge explore the essence of leadership and the importance of creating a positive organizational culture. They discuss the significance of belonging, the concept of 'tribe', and the four pillars of a friction-free culture. Garry shares insights from his experiences as CEO at WD-40, emphasizing the value of learning moments, curiosity, and the need for leaders to foster environments where employees feel safe and valued. The discussion also touches on the challenges of leadership during uncertain times and the importance of maintaining core values in organizational structures. Garry's unique perspective as the 'Dean of Dumbassery' highlights that effective leadership is accessible to anyone willing to learn and grow.
In the dynamic world of leadership, fostering a robust organizational culture is paramount. Leaders are increasingly recognizing the importance of creating environments where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired. This episode explores the foundational elements of a "friction-free culture," a concept rooted in nurturing a workplace that prioritizes care, candor, accountability, and responsibility. These pillars are essential for leaders aiming to enhance team performance, engagement, and satisfaction. By implementing these concepts, leaders can cultivate a culture that not only drives success but also contributes to a happier, more fulfilled workforce. This episode provides actionable insights into building and sustaining such an empowering culture, essential for any leader committed to peak performance. Timestamped Overview [00:06:17] Garry's Journey to Leadership: Garry shares his path from Australia to leading a global company, and the experiences that shaped his leadership style.[00:08:29] The Importance of Culture in Organizational Success: How creating a sense of belonging and mattering contributes to a successful business.[00:10:13] The Four Pillars of a Friction-Free Organization: Garry introduces care, candor, accountability, and responsibility as central to corporate culture.[00:14:45] Practical Implementation of Cultural Pillars: Strategies for leaders to implement care and candor within their teams.[00:18:46] Overcoming Communication Barriers: Ensuring clarity and reducing miscommunications in leadership roles.[00:21:58] Shifting Mindsets in Leadership: How redefining expectations can lead to improved team performance.[00:28:12] The Concept of Coaching vs. Managing: Transitioning to a coaching mindset for empowered leadership.[00:31:09] Responsibility and Ownership: Encouraging team members to take initiative and lead with accountability.[00:32:56] Refilling Your Energy as a Leader: Ensuring leaders bring their best selves to every interaction.[00:34:47] Continuous Learning and Personal Growth: The necessity of lifelong learning in maintaining leadership relevance. For the complete show notes be sure to check out our website: https://leaddontboss.com/341
Garry Ridge is the former CEO of WD-40 and the co-author of Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It, a book about building high-performance cultures through servant leadership, emotional safety, and consistent values. In this conversation, Garry shares not just what he learned during his 25+ years at WD-40, but how he lived it—and how other leaders can too.We talked about what it means to lead with a heart of gold and a backbone of steel, how culture can't be microwaved (spoiler: it's a crockpot), and why being a "dumbass" is actually a leadership superpower.Garry tells stories about turning fear into learning, eliminating the word "manager," and why clarity around values—especially in a hierarchy—gives everyone the confidence to make the right decision, no matter their title.We also explore:Why psychological safety isn't fluff, it's foundationalHow “the soul-sucking CEO” lives in all of us, and what to do about thatWhat happened when Garry went back to school as a CEOHow WD-40 went global using three simple marketing questionsWhy organizations should replace “failure” with “learning moments”The real-world power of love and belonging at workThe “Maniac Pledge” and how it eliminates finger-pointingHow even during COVID, WD-40's engagement scores stayed sky-highThis episode is a warm bath of wisdom, humor, and hope for anyone who wants to lead—at work or in life—with integrity, humility, and heart.LinksGarry Ridge's website: thelearningmoment.netTake the Dumbass Proficiency Quiz hereConnect with Garry on LinkedInJoin the School of Dumb-Assery on LinkedInGarry's book: Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It
In this enlightening conversation with Garry Ridge, former CEO of WD-40 Company, you'll discover powerful leadership insights that transformed an ordinary product into an extraordinary company. Here's what to expect: How values create freedom - Gary explains his hierarchical value system that empowered employees to make independent decisions anywhere in the world without "quacking up the hierarchy." Embracing "learning moments" rather than failures - Learn how reframing mistakes revolutionized WD-40's culture and encouraged innovation without fear. The ego-empathy balance - Discover why letting "empathy eat your ego" instead of the reverse is crucial for effective leadership. The power of authentic humility - Gary shares his mother's wisdom: "Even the Queen sits down to pee" and how staying grounded shaped his leadership style. Why "coach" should replace "manager" - Understand the fundamental difference between managing and coaching that transformed WD-40's organizational structure. The "Maniac Pledge" for accountability - Learn about Gary's antidote to the "Na-Na-Na Disease" of finger-pointing that builds true responsibility. Not ignoring your "alarm bells" - A personal story illustrates the importance of paying attention to warning signs in both business and life. The interview offers a masterclass in building cultures where people feel they belong, know they matter, and can contribute meaningfully - all proven through 25 years of leadership without a single layoff.
The Dean of Dumbassery Returns to The Leadership Enigma In this energising episode, Garry Ridge, former Chairman & CEO of WD-40 (yep, that iconic blue and yellow can with a red top), returns to the Leadership Enigma – flying in from the West Coast to London just for this chat!
Hear Garry Ridge explain how to build a company culture where people joyfully do meaningful work, alongside supportive, positive, enthusiastic colleagues. He shares stories from his experience as the CEO of WD-40, and describes how learning moments helped him become a better leader and build a positive corporate culture, from his new book, Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It. For more about Garry Ridge, connect with him on LinkedIn or visit www.thelearningmoment.net and take the free quiz
What happens when an organization fails to define its core values, allowing them to become mere decorative words on a wall rather than the guiding principles they are meant to be? Join me as I draw inspiration from my recent conversation with Garry Ridge, the Chairman Emeritus and former CEO of the iconic WD-40 Company. While the terms are often used interchangeably, I talk about the crucial distinction between values and beliefs and use real-world scenarios where lack of clarity leads to confusion and inconsistency. Together, we'll explore how to translate values into actionable behaviors that serve as anchors and navigational compasses for individuals and teams alike. Last but not least, we examine why organizations benefit from having a values hierarchy. What You'll Learn:• How to transform organizational values into actionable strategies.• The impact of core values on effective decision-making.• Ways to enhance integrity within the organization.• Strategies to improve team cohesion through shared values.• The power of a values hierarchy.Podcast Timestamps:(00:00) The Power of Organizational Values(12:37) Prioritizing Organizational Values for Clarity(19:30) Maximizing Values Alignment: The Role of IntentionKey Topics Discussed:Organizational Values, Translating Values Into Action Garry Ridge, WD-40 Company, Prioritizing Values, Maximizing Clarity, Ensuring Alignment, Values-Based Decision-Making, Increasing Trust, Creating A Culture of Integrity, Building Cohesion, Doing the Right Thing, Fostering Empowerment, Positive Team Dynamics, CEO SuccessMore of Do Good to Lead Well:Website: https://craigdowden.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/
Garry Ridge served as Chairman and CEO of WD-40 Company for 25 years. He is also an adjunct professor at the University of San Diego, where he teaches the principles and practices of corporate culture in the Master of Science in Executive Leadership program. His newest book is “Any Dumbass Can Do It.”Garry's philosophy on company culture is based on Aristotle's quote – “Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.” Turning that into action, he believes that all leaders can create a workplace where you go to work each day, make a contribution to something bigger than yourself, learn something new, feel safe, are protected, and are provided freedom by a set of values and go home happy!He is passionate about the learning and empowering organizational culture he has helped establish at the WD-40 Company. In 2009, he co-authored a book with Ken Blanchard outlining his effective leadership techniques, titled “Helping People Win at Work: A Business Philosophy Called ‘Don't Mark My Paper, Help Me Get an A.” A native of Australia, Mr. Ridge holds a certificate in Modern Retailing and a Master of Science in Executive Leadership from the University of San Diego. www.thelearningmoment.net
More of Garry:Garry Ridge is a leadership coach, author, and culture expert dedicated to helping organizations build workplaces where people feel valued, connected, and inspired. As Chairman Emeritus of the WD-40 Company, he spent over 35 years leading, growing, and transforming global businesses, fostering a culture of innovation and engagement. Now, he coaches executives, advises organizations, and speaks worldwide on the power of workplace culture. A board member for The Gorilla Glue Company and Eastridge Workforce Solutions, Garry also taught leadership principles as an adjunct professor at the University of San Diego. His book, Any Dumb Ass Can Do It (2025), distills his leadership philosophy—emphasizing clarity, consistency, and culture. Passionate about creating high-trust environments, he believes in putting people first, prioritizing learning over ego, and leading with values like love, care, and accountability.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garryridge/Mentions:Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It: Learning Moments from an Everyday CEO of a Multi-Billion-Dollar Company by Garry RidgeMore of Do Good to Lead Well:Website: https://craigdowden.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/
In this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, I sit down with Garry Ridge, former CEO and Chairman Emeritus of WD-40 Company and author of the newly released book, Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It. Garry spent 25 years leading WD-40, turning it into a globally recognized company with a legendary workplace culture. Now, through his work at The Learning Moment, he's helping leaders build thriving organizations rooted in trust, learning, and purpose.During our conversation, Garry shares insights from his book and leadership philosophy, challenging the traditional notion that leadership is reserved for a select few. We dive into the importance of psychological safety, how to create a tribal workplace culture, and why great leadership is about learning, not knowing. Garry also opens up about some of his biggest leadership lessons, including mistakes that turned into "Learning Moments" and how vulnerability can be a superpower in leadership.If you're a leader—or aspire to be one—this episode is packed with actionable insights on how to create a culture of trust, empower your team, and rethink leadership in a modern world. Don't miss it! Now on The Kara Goldin Show. Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @KaraGoldin on all networks. To learn more about Garry Ridge and Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It:https://www.instagram.com/auzridge/https://www.linkedin.com/in/garryridgehttps://www.thelearningmoment.net/ Sponsored By:Nutrafol - For a limited time get ten dollars off your first month's subscription and free shipping when you go to Nutrafol.com and enter the promo code KARAGOLDINStrawberry.me - Visit Strawberry.me/Kara for 20% off your first month's membershipAncient Nutrition - Get 25% off your first order at AncientNutrition.com/KARAGOLDINOpen Phone - OpenPhone is offering 20% off your first 6 months! Just go to OpenPhone.com/KaraGoldin Check out our website to view this episode's show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/656
Send us a textIn this episode, Paul McCarthy, An executive advisor and best-selling author of "The F.I.R.E.D. Leader: Reinventing the Future of Leadership, shares his fascinating journey through leadership, highlighting the challenges and triumphs along the way. We'll dive into his book, 'The Fired Leader: Reinventing the Future of Leadership,' and explore the essential qualities needed for upcoming leaders. More information:Website: Paul Mac - Finding the Future of LeadershipOne-hour introductory program: Embracing Tomorrow's Leader, Today. Access code: CanHRPod for 50% offPaul's book: The FIRED Leader: Reinventing the Future of LeadershipAbout Paul McCarthy:An executive advisor and best-selling author of "The F.I.R.E.D. Leader: Reinventing the Future of Leadership," Paul challenges traditional and outdated leadership paradigms through his groundbreaking work in leadership. He has earned endorsements and support from world-renowned leadership, HR, and industry experts including Marshall Goldsmith, Whitney Johnson, John Spence, Garry Ridge, Professor Gary Hamel and many others.Paul has a proven track record supporting major global organizations through transformations, across multiple industries including technology, energy to public sector. As an executive coach with over 3,000 hours of coaching experience, he also brings practical insights to leaders, C-suite executives, and boards navigating complex transformations. His work with over 100 global clients (including many Fortune 500) demonstrates his ability to enhance organizational and leadership capacity and capability while delivering measurable results.Paul is reshaping how organizations create sustainable leadership pipelines by creating the conditions for identifying and developing the disruptive leadership capabilities needed to equip these organizations and their talent/leaders to navigate ongoing disruption, transformation, and tomorrow's business challenges. His previous podcast ranked in the global top 1% of Management and Leadership content, making him a trusted voice in the future of work conversation and supporting organizations to rethink how they identify and develop future-ready leaders.
Join Scott Shute, Founder of Changing Work, in a compelling conversation with Gary Ridge, former Chairman and CEO of WD-40 Company, and a passionate advocate of servant leadership. Gary shares his journey, insights, and practical strategies on building successful company cultures that emphasize connectivity, celebration, and learning. Discover how servant leadership can transform organizations and drive both employee engagement and business success. Learn about the transformative power of reframing productivity to focus on connection, and find out how any leader can create a positive impact within their sphere of influence. Don't miss out on this inspiring and practical episode perfect for leaders looking to make a meaningful change.Chapters:00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:11 Meet Gary Ridge: Background and Achievements01:29 The Importance of Connection in the Workplace02:37 Reframing Remote Work Challenges05:48 The Journey to Servant Leadership10:04 Implementing Servant Leadership at WD-4011:53 The Impact of a People-First Culture16:00 Practical Advice for Managers and Leaders17:27 The Role of Systems in Sustaining Culture22:51 Challenges and Advice for CEOs25:25 Gary Ridge's New Book and Future Vision29:55 Global Perspectives on Servant Leadership33:16 Final Thoughts and How to Connect with GaryLinks and Resources:Gary Ridge on LinkedInChanging WorkScott Shute on LinkedInNicholas Whitaker on LinkedInAimee Serene on LinkedInThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Changing Work? Have some feedback you'd like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube to leave us a review!
Garry Ridge spent 25 years as CEO building one of the world's most beloved and recognized branded companies – WD-40 Company – starting with creating a culture of leaders and individual contributors who are genuinely joyful in their work. He refers to this time of his career as his apprenticeship. And now, he fulfills his life's purpose by transforming his learnings into teachings, extending his guidance as a coach to companies and executives worldwide. Garry co-authored Helping People Win at Work with Ken Blanchard and contributed a chapter to the Marshall Goldsmith/Frances Hesselbein book Work is Love Made Visible. His forthcoming book, Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It, is scheduled for release in 2025. As part of his lifelong commitment to helping others develop, Garry is an Adjunct Professor at The University of San Diego. He is also on the Gorilla Glue Company and Eastridge Workforce Solutions boards. Episode Insight: How would you feel if every one of your employees loved their job at your company? It's a worthy goal and one that's attainable. Background: I love this inspiring conversation with Garry Ridge, former CEO of WD-40 Company. During this week's episode of Reflect Forward, Garry shares insights from his 25-year journey, discussing his evolution into a people-focused leader influenced by thought leaders like Ken Blanchard. Garry shares that if he can accomplish one thing, it would be to help companies create a workplace where people can go to work every day knowing that their efforts make a contribution to a cause bigger than themselves, where they feel safe, protected, and set free every day by a compelling set of values, learn something new, and try new things without fear. This makes happy people. And happy people create happy families and communities. Happy communities create a happy world. And we need a happy world. We also explore building a positive company culture, empowering employees, and the critical role of feedback in growth. Garry discusses how transparency, courage, and humility can transform leadership and drive organizational success. Tune it to gain practical strategies for creating engaged work environments and invaluable leadership lessons from Garry's personal anecdotes and career experiences. Episode Time Stamps 00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction 01:40 Garry Ridge's Leadership Journey 02:00 Transformational Leadership Insights 02:46 Building a Global Brand 03:53 Learning from Influential Figures 05:38 Embracing Humility in Leadership 07:50 Creating a Coaching Culture 11:11 Ingredients for a Great Culture 15:24 Handling Toxic High Performers 18:06 The Traits of Effective Leaders 18:42 The Ripple Effect of Happy Employees 20:09 The Importance of Courage in Leadership 22:33 Learning from Bold Decisions 24:30 The Value of Transparency 26:20 Embracing Feedback as a Leader 30:32 Reflecting on Leadership and Introducing the Book 32:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts How to find Garry: Website: www.thelearningmoment.net LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garryridge/ Order my book, The Ownership Mindset, on Amazon or Barnes and Noble Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn. Subscribe to my podcast Reflect Forward on iTunes Or check out my new YouTube Channel, where you can watch full-length episodes of Advice From a CEO! And if you are looking for a keynote speaker or a podcast guest, click here to book a meeting with me to discuss what you are looking for!
In this bonus solo episode, I explore why it pays to make failure your teacher, with highlights from past guests Amy Edmondson and Garry Ridge.
1st ANNIVERSARY SHOW! I'm rebroadcasting our three anniversary shows! This is our first one from March 2022.I started the podcast in March 2021. It was the depths of the pandemic. Musicians like me could neither perform nor even rehearse. I needed to find a creative outlet and someone suggested that I should look into starting a podcast. I had no idea what a podcast was; I had never even listened to one. But the more that I looked into it the more I became convinced that a podcast could provide a much deeper level of engagement than ordinary social media. Plus I felt that I had an interesting and inspiring story to tell. So I began the podcast.This 1st Anniversary episode features vignettes from a number of my first year guests: “Cousin Brucie” Morrow, America's most famous radio personality; Jim Peterik of the Ides of March and formerly with Survivor; Mark Farner of Grand Funk Railroad fame; John Lodge of the Moody Blues; Joey Dee of “Peppermint Twist” fame; and English classical composer Sarah Class. Plus several other guests including budding Egyptologist Sarah Kotlova; Garry Ridge, CEO of WD 40; David Bedford, Beatles Liverpool Tour Guide; Debbie Greenberg of The Cavern Club in Liverpool; podcasting star John Lee Dumas; and Reena Friedman's Better Call Daddy podcast. ---------------------------------------------The Follow Your Dream Podcast:Top 1% of all podcasts with Listeners in 200 countries!For more information and other episodes of the podcast click here. To subscribe to the podcast click here .To subscribe to our weekly Follow Your Dream Podcast email click here.To Rate and Review the podcast click here.“Dream With Robert”. Click here.—----------------------------------------“THE GIFT” is Robert's new single featuring his song arranged by Grammy winning arranger Michael Abene. Praised by David Amram, John Helliwell, Joe La Barbera, Tony Carey, Fay Claassen, Antonio Farao, Danny Gottlieb and Leslie Mandoki.Click HERE for all links.—-------------------------------------“LOU'S BLUES” is Robert's recent single. Called “Fantastic! Great playing and production!” (Mark Egan - Pat Metheny Group/Elements) and “Digging it!” (Peter Erskine - Weather Report)!Click HERE for all links.—----------------------------------------“THE RICH ONES”. Robert's recent single. With guest artist Randy Brecker (Blood Sweat & Tears) on flugelhorn. Click HERE for all links.—---------------------------------------“MILES BEHIND”, Robert's debut album, recorded in 1994, was “lost” for the last 30 years. It's now been released for streaming. Featuring Randy Brecker (Blood Sweat & Tears), Anton Fig (The David Letterman Show), Al Foster (Miles Davis), Tim Ries (The Rolling Stones), Jon Lucien and many more. Called “Hip, Tight and Edgy!” Click here for all links.—--------------------------------------“IT'S ALIVE!” is Robert's latest Project Grand Slam album. Featuring 13 of the band's Greatest Hits performed “live” at festivals in Pennsylvania and Serbia.Reviews:"An instant classic!" (Melody Maker)"Amazing record...Another win for the one and only Robert Miller!" (Hollywood Digest)"Close to perfect!" (Pop Icon)"A Masterpiece!" (Big Celebrity Buzz)"Sterling effort!" (Indie Pulse)"Another fusion wonder for Project Grand Slam!" (MobYorkCity)Click here for all links.Click here for song videos—-----------------------------------------Audio production:Jimmy RavenscroftKymera Films Connect with the Follow Your Dream Podcast:Website - www.followyourdreampodcast.comEmail Robert - robert@followyourdreampodcast.com Follow Robert's band, Project Grand Slam, and his music:Website - www.projectgrandslam.comYouTubeSpotify MusicApple MusicEmail - pgs@projectgrandslam.com
Joel continues his conversation with Garry Ridge, Former CEO and Chairman Emeritus of WD-40 as Garry tells his story of transitioning from "smart Alec" to servant leader, how to make the workplace a mental health refuge, the power of genuine "How Are You?" questions, and his hopes of continuing to make a difference in the latter stages of his career.
Joel sits down to chat with Garry Ridge, Former CEO and Chairman Emeritus of WD-40. Known the world-over for their incredible company culture, WD-40 has done what some find impossible…created a community of passionate employees who daily go to work with purpose, a purpose that motivates the company in a way that pursuing profits alone never will.
This week on The Future of Teamwork podcast, we are revisiting Dane's interview with Garry Ridge, former chairman of WD-40 Company and founder of The Learning Moment. They discuss Garry's journey from Australia to leading a U.S. public company for 25 years, and his philosophy on leadership and culture. Garry emphasizes the importance of an 'abundance of worthwhile work' mindset and details the four pillars of building a strong organization: care, candor, accountability, and responsibility. He shares insights on how these values have driven innovation, engagement, and success at WD-40, and highlights the importance of aligning partners and employees with these values. Original air date: January 3, 2023Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction to the Future of Teamwork Podcast01:15 Meet Garry Ridge: Leadership and Culture Expert02:09 Garry Ridge's Journey with WD-4004:44 The 25-Year Apprenticeship in Leadership10:20 The Four Pillars of Strong Culture18:31 Implementing Values in Business Decisions21:07 Innovation from the Fringes21:25 Celebrating Field Innovations22:14 Smart Straw and Flexi Tube Innovations24:24 Ethnology and Spray and Stay Gel25:24 Collaborating with External Partners26:55 Aligning Values with Partners28:21 Celebrating Values and Behaviors30:38 Impact of a Highly Engaged Workforce33:28 Addressing ESG and Industry Challenges35:13 Technology and Human Connection38:54 Empowering Employees for Success43:03 Conclusion and Contact Information
In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli speaks with Garry Ridge, former CEO and Chairman of WD-40. In the conversation, Garry Ridge shared his origin story and how a quote from the Dalai Lama helped him focus on organizational purpose. Next, Garry explained his why and the how behind making WD-40 an organization where people can contribute, learn something new, and ultimately go home happy. Then, Garry Ridge shared the leadership wisdom he has gained from Ken Blanchard and Marshall Goldsmith and his focus on creating a ripple effect of happiness. Garry Ridge also laid out the leadership practices and approaches that led employee engagement at WD-40 to reach 93.5%, with 98% of the people working at the company loving to tell people they work there and 97% trusting or respecting their boss. Finally, Garry Ridge talked about the importance of strategy and the most critical element in leading an organization to achieve its strategy and succeed.Some highlights:- How Garry Ridge ended up as CEO of WD-40 - The importance of authentic purpose in building a global brand- Creating a culture of engagement and accountability at WD-40- The role of coaching in the organization- Garry Ridge on leading WD-40 from a market cap of $300 million to over $2.5 billion.Timestamps- Hierarchy of values and how best to use them in decision making- How to embed organizational values- Garry Ridge on his approach to succession planning at WD-40- Building a culture that outlasts you- The difference made by leadershipMentioned:Partnering Leadership conversation with Dr. Ken Blanchard on Simple Truths of Leadership Connect with Garry RidgeGarry Ridge Website Garry Ridge on LinkedIn Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website
Imagine unlocking the secret sauce to a thriving workplace culture. That's exactly what Garry Ridge, chairman emeritus of WD-40 Company, unveils in our latest episode of Real Life Real Leaders. With Garry's remarkable journey from a humble Aussie fax machine to the helm of a global brand, we uncover how the heart of WD-40's success lies in its culture—a culture that makes coming to work feel like contributing to a grander mission, learning, and heading home fulfilled. “Culture is a competitive advantage and that we, as leaders, have a real responsibility, and that is to create a place where people go to work every day, they make a contribution to something bigger than themselves, they learn something new, they're protected and they're set free by a compelling set of values, and they go home happy – Garry Ridge This isn't just about business; it's about fostering joy in families and communities worldwide. This is a a masterclass in nurturing a work environment that is not just a place of employment, but a source of happiness and growth. Further key points throughout include: Learn about Garry Ridge's "crockpot approach" to building a strong corporate culture, which led WD-40 to global success with a 98% employee satisfaction rate. Find out how WD-40 maintained its workforce during the pandemic due to a resilient culture. Benefit from Dr. Rebecca Homkus's "Survive, Reset, Thrive" strategy for achieving growth during volatile times. Understand Garry Ridge's belief that a supportive workplace contributes to happier families and communities, leading to a more joyful world. Hear about Garry's upcoming book “Any Dumb Ass Can Do It”. “If I can do this, anybody can do it, because I'm consciously incompetent and probably wrong and roughly right in most circumstances.” – Garry Ridge Real Life Real Leaders is dedicated to exploring the real stories behind some of the world's most outstanding inspirational leaders. Each new episode teaches the highs and lows of building a successful business and uncovers the attributes that make a great leader. Resources: Get connected socially with Garry Ridge: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garryridge/ https://thelearningmoment.net/ Get connected socially with host Dave Komar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davekomar/ https://edainc.io/ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/real-life-real-leaders-podcast/ This podcast is proudly produced in partnership with podlad.com
Welcome back to the Purpose Summit Series on Stories from the River! In the fourth episode of the series, host Charlie Malouf welcomes Garry Ridge, the former president and CEO of WD-40 company for 25 years. Garry shares insights into his leadership journey, beginning with how he got the attention of the CEO of WD-40 after singing a song during a memorable bus tour, which he, unfortunately, didn't sing on the pod! He reflects on his approach to leadership, emphasizing the importance of creating a workplace where employees feel they belong, matter, and can make choices. Garry discusses his philosophy on learning from mistakes, building a positive culture, and the core values of WD-40, including the unique approach to employee engagement and long-term company sustainability. Garry Ridge also shares details about his books, such as Helping People Win at Work, The Unexpected Learning Moment, and Tribe Culture, which focus on coaching, learning moments, and fostering a tribe-like culture within organizations. He discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as an unexpected learning moment and highlights the importance of real-time employee feedback through platforms like HeartCount to create a positive work environment. Garry's message revolves around the power of leadership in shaping company culture, encouraging leaders to prioritize creating a workplace where employees thrive and feel valued, ultimately contributing to the organization's success. Book 1: Helping People Win at Work–Co Author: Ken Blanchard - https://www.amazon.com/Helping-People-Win-Work-Philosophy/dp/0137011717 Book 2: The Unexpected Learning Moment - Lessons in Leading a Thriving Culture Through Lockdown 2020 - https://www.amazon.com/UNEXPECTED-LEARNING-MOMENT-Thriving-Lockdown/dp/1951744799 Book 3: Tribe Culture: How It Shaped WD-40 Company - https://www.amazon.com/TRIBE-CULTURE-Shaped-WD-40-Company/dp/1951744071 Book 4: Any Dumbass Can Do It – Coming Soon March 2025 Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging by Sebastian Junger - https://www.amazon.com/Tribe-Homecoming-Belonging-Sebastian-Junger/dp/1455566381 W-D 40 Website – “Our Culture” - https://www.wd40company.com/our-tribe/tribal-culture/ Garry Ridge's Website: The Learning Moment - https://thelearningmoment.net/ HeartCount - An Employee Experience Platform You Can Count On - https://heartcount.com/ Linkedin: Garry Ridge | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/authwall?trk=bf&trkInfo=AQFVA1NUiaOLuAAAAY_IRXf4KmVdhBPX6yF5hl7xONReZzLWWDN5v82FAnhE6ENCJwFNI9umxSaFrAXfFNm0op4d2ql2H9pcKRGU_TC3ysLHHWGiFGqz7Ug_h4Bmr8n2x5MGhjU=&original_referer=&sessionRedirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fgarryridge%2F This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IzkC6c_xpgM Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes. This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
Welcome back to the Purpose Summit Series on Stories from the River! In the fourth episode of the series, host Charlie Malouf welcomes Garry Ridge, the former president and CEO of WD-40 company for 25 years. Garry shares insights into his leadership journey, beginning with how he got the attention of the CEO of WD-40 after singing a song during a memorable bus tour, which he, unfortunately, didn't sing on the pod! He reflects on his approach to leadership, emphasizing the importance of creating a workplace where employees feel they belong, matter, and can make choices. Garry discusses his philosophy on learning from mistakes, building a positive culture, and the core values of WD-40, including the unique approach to employee engagement and long-term company sustainability. Garry Ridge also shares details about his books, such as Helping People Win at Work, The Unexpected Learning Moment, and Tribe Culture, which focus on coaching, learning moments, and fostering a tribe-like culture within organizations. He discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as an unexpected learning moment and highlights the importance of real-time employee feedback through platforms like HeartCount to create a positive work environment. Garry's message revolves around the power of leadership in shaping company culture, encouraging leaders to prioritize creating a workplace where employees thrive and feel valued, ultimately contributing to the organization's success. Book 1: Helping People Win at Work–Co Author: Ken Blanchard - https://www.amazon.com/Helping-People-Win-Work-Philosophy/dp/0137011717 Book 2: The Unexpected Learning Moment - Lessons in Leading a Thriving Culture Through Lockdown 2020 - https://www.amazon.com/UNEXPECTED-LEARNING-MOMENT-Thriving-Lockdown/dp/1951744799 Book 3: Tribe Culture: How It Shaped WD-40 Company - https://www.amazon.com/TRIBE-CULTURE-Shaped-WD-40-Company/dp/1951744071 Book 4: Any Dumbass Can Do It – Coming Soon March 2025 Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging by Sebastian Junger - https://www.amazon.com/Tribe-Homecoming-Belonging-Sebastian-Junger/dp/1455566381 W-D 40 Website – “Our Culture” - https://www.wd40company.com/our-tribe/tribal-culture/ Garry Ridge's Website: The Learning Moment - https://thelearningmoment.net/ HeartCount - An Employee Experience Platform You Can Count On - https://heartcount.com/ Linkedin: Garry Ridge | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/authwall?trk=bf&trkInfo=AQFVA1NUiaOLuAAAAY_IRXf4KmVdhBPX6yF5hl7xONReZzLWWDN5v82FAnhE6ENCJwFNI9umxSaFrAXfFNm0op4d2ql2H9pcKRGU_TC3ysLHHWGiFGqz7Ug_h4Bmr8n2x5MGhjU=&original_referer=&sessionRedirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fgarryridge%2F This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IzkC6c_xpgM Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes. This show is brought to you by Broad River Retail. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail
In 1997, after 10 years at the company - Garry Ridge became CEO of WD-40, and began the transformation of the organization into a truly global company. Garry's big bet? That focusing relentlessly on the people inside WD-40 would drive outsized results. In this fascinating interview, Garry describes the journey of his organization, the processes that were instituted inside WD-40 to create a thriving culture, and how he continues this work today as Chairman Emeritus of WD-40 and the founder of The Learning Moment. Resources mentioned in this episode: The Learning Moment - https://thelearningmoment.net/ Garry's book with Ken Blanchard (Helping People Win at Work) - https://www.amazon.com/Helping-People-Win-Work-Philosophy/dp/0137011717Humanity Working is brought to you by BillionMinds - the company that makes employees ready for the Future of Work.BillionMinds helps companies be ready for the future of work by developing adaptable, resilient employees. You can learn more about them on LinkedIn or by visiting billionminds.com.
Garry Ridge, in addition to being an accomplished leader, has committed to being a lifelong learner. He is the CEO of WD-40 Company, a global corporation that, despite its size and scope, has fostered a 93 percent employee engagement rate. Garry was named Igniter of the Year by Simon Sinek in 2016 and is a world-famous author, speaker and executive coach. On this classic episode of the Elevate Podcast, Garry joined host Robert Glazer to talk about transforming WD-40's culture by building an environment of learning, collaboration and accountability. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of In The Growth Space, David is joined by the former Chairman and CEO of WD-40 Company, Garry Ridge. He is also an author, and adjunct professor at the University of San Diego, where he teaches the principles and practices of corporate culture in the Master of Science in Executive Leadership program. Garry is passionate about the learning and empowering organizational culture he has helped establish at the WD-40 Company. In this episode, you'll hear Garry & David discuss: Garry's hands-on experience shaping culture at WD-40 Practical, long-lasting methods for nurturing culture and enhancing company performance The foundational principles crucial for fostering thriving cultures Real-world strategies for building trust and accountability within teams Connect with Garry here. We have a Q&A episode coming up! To leave a voicemail with your question, call into this number - (412) 475-9288 Click here for access to my free ebook Check out https://www.davidmcglennen.com/podcasts/in-the-growth-space-2 for links, transcript, and more details
In this episode, Vivian Blade talks with guest Garry Ridge, chairman emeritus of WD-40 Company and founder of The Learning Moment, about the importance of company culture in today's workplace. They discuss the impact of culture on employee engagement and retention, the essential role of purpose and values, and the ongoing evolution of work in the wake of future workplace trends. They also address the critical need for human connection in the age of technology and the importance of focusing on people alongside business strategy. Join Vivian and Gary for an engaging and insightful conversation about building better leaders and better workplaces. 3 key takeaways from our conversation: 1. **Purpose and Values**: Clearly defined purpose and values are vital in creating a positive work environment. Employees want to be part of something bigger than themselves. 2. **Culture Ownership**: Culture is not just the responsibility of HR; it's everyone's responsibility. Each individual in the organization either contributes positively or negatively to the culture. 3. **The Human Connection**: In the wake of the future of work, one of the most concerning trends is isolation. Even with technological advancements, the need for human connection remains imperative for engagement and productivity. Connect with Garry Ridge: Website: https://thelearningmoment.net LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garryridge/ Virtual Fireside Chat with Garry Ridge, Wednesday, April 24, 12:00 p.m. ET. Register for live event or recording Connect with Vivian: Email: vivian@vivianblade.com Vivian's website Connect with Vivian on LinkedIn
Relationships at Work - the Employee Experience and Workplace Culture Podcast
(Originally released: April 24, 2023)In this episode of Relationships at Work, Russel chats with author, consultant and former WD-40 CEO Garry Ridge on how learning moments for leadership are integral to the success of culture change.Garry shares his thoughts, stories and experience with...What a learning moment is for leaders.What change looks when implementing new policies in a large organization.The ingredients in properly changing a culture. The four pillars for successfully shepherding an organizationWhat leaders are getting wrong right nowHow Garry motivates his own leadershipIf you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and share with others.And connect with me for more great content! Sign Up for R@W Notes Subscribe on Youtube Follow on Linkedin Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Email me anytime
Karin counts the extraordinary Garry Ridge, Bob Chapman, and Jason Lippert in her circle of leaders who passionately share and implement her belief that businesses can be a force for good, and who have created thriving cultures that produce extraordinary commercial outcomes. Karin shares her journey with a serious health issue and how it inspired her to create the Living Your Best Life program. The conversation highlights the need for connection, vulnerability, and psychological safety in the workplace. Overall, the conversation explores the key elements of creating thriving cultures and the importance of caring leadership. Takeaways Trust and culture are essential in creating thriving organizations. Caring leaders create psychological safety and inspire their teams to perform at their best. Purpose-driven cultures attract and retain top talent. How to mange the current "return to the office" challenge Vulnerability and transparency build trust and foster deeper connections in the workplace. Businesses have the potential to bring positive change to the world. Watch the episode on YouTube hereBuy Karin's books here Connect with Karin on LinkedIn here Connect with the Gary Ryan on LinkedIn here Access Yes For Success: How to Achieve Life Harmony and Fulfillment here If you would like support in creating a high-performance culture based on treating people as human beings, please click here to contact Gary Ryan
IN EPISODE 160: WD-40 created a company culture where people can make a contribution, learn something new, feel safe and protected, and go home happy. Do you wish that your company culture looked the same? Garry Ridge, who spent two decades as WD-40's CEO and chairman, explains why "learning moments" drive the culture, how leaders can balance candor with caring, and why ego is the #1 culture killer. ABOUT GARRY RIDGE: Garry Ridge has 25 years of experience as Chairman and CEO of WD-40 Company. He is also an adjunct professor at the University of San Diego, where he teaches the principles and practices of corporate culture in the Master of Science in Executive Leadership program. In 2009, he co-authored a book with Ken Blanchard outlining his effective leadership techniques, Helping People Win at Work: A Business Philosophy Called ‘Don't Mark My Paper, Help Me Get an A. A native of Australia, Garry holds a certificate in Modern Retailing and a Master of Science in Executive Leadership from the University of San Diego. www.thelearningmoment.net https://www.linkedin.com/in/garryridge/
Overview: In this episode, Garry Ridge discusses the importance of servant leadership and tribal engagement in achieving success. He talks about the attributes of tribalism, such as learning and teaching, belonging, values, and specialization, and how these can be applied in modern organizations. He also shares his thoughts on the role of a tribal leader and the values he looks for in hiring people. Highlights: "I am committed to the task of servant leadership in that I am here to help others succeed." "One of the biggest desires we have as human beings is to belong." "Tribes had values. What are the values there for? To help protect people and set them free?" "Some tribe members are better warriors, and others are better builders, and others are better sales people, and some are even good customer service people." "Doing the right thing is most important." Links: WD-40 careers page: https://wd40company.com/careers/current-opportunities/ Call to action: If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more about servant leadership and tribal engagement, check out the WD-40 careers page and see if there are any opportunities that align with your values and skills. ABOUT NICK GLIMSDAHL Subscribe to my bi-monthly newsletter Find Press 1 For Nick on YouTube Find me on Twitter Find me on LinkedIn LISTENER SUPPORT Purchase Nick's books: Reasons NOT to Focus on Employee Experience: A Comprehensive Guide Apparel: https://www.teepublic.com/user/press-1-for-nick Support this show through Buy Me A Coffee BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS: Learn about all the guests' book recommendations here: https://press1fornick.com/books/ BROUGHT TO YOU BY: VDS: They are a client-first consulting firm focused on strategy, business outcomes, and technology. They provide holistic consulting services to optimize your customer contact center, inspiring and designing transformational change to modernize and prepare your business for the future. Learn more: https://www.govds.com/ This podcast is under the umbrella of CX of M Radio: https://cxofm.org/Podcast-Shows/ SPONSORING OPPORTUNITIES: Interested in partnering with the Press 1 For Nick podcast? Click here: https://press1fornick.com/lets-talk/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/press1fornick/message
Patrick Leddin welcomes Scott Osman, CEO of 100 Coaches Agency, and President Jacquelyn Lane, for an engaging discussion on their latest book, "Becoming Coachable." Co-authored with the 100 Coaches founder, Marshall Goldsmith, this insightful work dives into the transformative power of executive coaching in reshaping leadership in life. Scott and Jacquelyn unravel the essence of their book, emphasizing the need to be open to feedback, accountability, and change. how becoming coachable isn't just about absorbing feedback but about a profound readiness for change and accountability. The trio also delves into a critical aspect often overlooked in leadership – the focus on helping others flourish. They explore practical strategies and real-world examples from their experiences, illustrating how leaders can effectively inspire and uplift their teams, ultimately creating a ripple effect of positive transformation in both personal and professional realms. In the conversation, Patrick mentions that numerous coaches from the 100 Coaches Agency have been on the Leadership Lab podcast. Here is the list of 20 guests (Liz Wiseman appeared twice) from the 100 Coaches who have been in the lab with Patrick. Episode 001: Clean up Your Management Mess with WSJ Bestselling Author Scott Miller Episode 003: Exploring the Power of a Multiplier with NYT bestselling author Liz Wiseman Episode 027: See Around Corners With Bestselling Author Rita McGrath Episode 024: Be Humble, Stay Curious, & Change How You Lead with Bestselling Author Michael Bungay Stanier Episode 036: Lead with candor, competence, and coaching in tough times with Dr. Marshall Goldsmith Episode 064: Reflect on How Attachment and Judgement Shape You with Prakash Raman Episode 068: Explore Networking, Transparency, Purpose, and More with Bestselling Author David Burkus Episode 075: Help Others To Win With Northwestern University Professor Paul Corona Episode 094: Lead With Purpose and Grace Featuring John Baldoni Episode 101: Realize the Benefits of Self-Awareness With NYT Bestselling Author Tascha Eurich Episode 112: Revisit and Learn with Bestselling Author and Coach Dorie Clark Episode 115: Build a Team of Impact Players With NYT Best Selling Author Liz Wiseman Episode 117: Revisit the Power of Gratitude with Bestselling Author Chester Elton Episode 122: Discover the Perfect Coach with Eddie Turner Episode 125: Learn the Rules of Power with Dr. Jeffrey Pfeffer Episode 127: Tap into the Success Factor with Dr. Ruth Gotian Episode 130: Go from start-up to grown-up with bestselling author Alisa Cohn Episode 131: Help people see what you're thinking with author Todd Cherches Episode 134: Grow yourself and your people with bestselling author Whitney Johnson Episode 156: Discover and Live Out Your Core Purpose with Leonora Zilkha Williamson Episode 187: Help Your People Win with Garry Ridge, Chairman Emeritus WD-40 Company Episode 198: Embrace the Seismic Shift in Leadership with Dr. Michelle Johnston Episode 200: Become a Great Mentor with WSJ Bestselling Author Scott Miller
In the first part of the four parth Elevate Your Purpose series, Charlie welcomes Davin Salvagno, his longtime friend and the founder of PurposePoint. Davin shares the journey of how PurposePoint evolved from a consulting company to a conceptual flag that brings together speakers, consultants, and authors under a common vision. He reflects on the transformational power of purpose and its impact on his own life. Davin recounts the story of the inaugural Purpose Summit, where he gave the opening keynote. He discusses his life in Michigan, his family, and his career journey from Costco to Macy's and eventually to CVS. Davin emphasizes the importance of finding purpose at work and discusses his book, "Finding Purpose at Work," which explores inspiring purpose stories. The episode also highlights the transformative work of organizations like Life Remodeled, which repurposes and revitalizes Detroit's blighted neighborhoods. Davin's website: https://www.davinsalvagno.com/ Books mentioned in this episode: Finding Purpose at Work by Davin Salvagno - https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Purpose-Work-Davin-Salvagno-ebook/dp/B08LFMSM81/ Halftime: Moving from Success to Significance by Bob Buford - https://www.amazon.com/Halftime-Significance-Bob-P-Buford/dp/0310344441/ Anything by Ken Blanchard - https://www.blanchard.com/ The Advantage: Why Organizational Health Trumps Everything Else In Business by Patrick M. Lencioni - https://www.amazon.com/Advantage-Organizational-Health-Everything-Business/dp/0470941529/ Leading from Purpose: Clarity and the Confidence to Act When It Matters Most by Nick Craig - https://www.amazon.com/Leading-Purpose-Clarity-Confidence-Matters/dp/031641624X/ To Be Honest: Lead with the Power of Truth, Justice and Purpose by Ron A. Carucci - https://www.amazon.com/Be-Honest-Power-Justice-Purpose/dp/1398600660/ Helping People Win at Work: A Business Philosophy Called "Don't Mark My Paper, Help Me Get an A" by Ken Blanchard and Garry Ridge - https://www.amazon.com/Helping-People-Win-Work-Philosophy/dp/0137011717/ The Invisible Leader: Transform Your Life, Work, and Organization with the Power of Authentic Purpose by Zach Mercurio - https://www.amazon.com/Invisible-Leader-Transform-Organization-Authentic/dp/1599328518/ Win the Day: 7 Daily Habits to Help You Stress Less & Accomplish More by Mark Batterson - https://www.amazon.com/Win-Day-Habits-Stress-Accomplish/dp/0593192761/ Life Remodeled is a Detroit based organization whose goal is to repurpose vacant properties into one-stop hubs of opportunities for entire families to thrive by filling them with the best and brightest nonprofits. https://liferemodeled.org/ This episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/q1T2U7Q_xQM We hope you enjoy this episode, and subscribe to our podcast for a new story each week. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.
If you've ever doubted the ability of a Culture First company to have their delicious Culture cake and eat it, too - Garry Ridge is about to lay down a 20-minute Master Class on exactly how he made it possible.Our guest today was one of the very first CEO's that Simon Sinek recognised as putting his Golden Circle into practice and in this episode, you'll hear Garry talk about his relationship with Simon Sinek and he lets us in on the tweaks he made to Simon's own formula for creating a Culture First company.Garry Ridge's leadership style is unique, bold and a balance of his Australian upbringing and his time on the road as a travelling salesperson. All this combined with his infinite mindset saw him become the longest serving Australian chief of a listed US company - a company that sells one of the most recognisable household items in the world - WD40!This conversation was recorded back in 2020, but we never released it in full. We want to honor Garry's incredible legacy of 25 years as CEO of WD40 with this extended version!If you've enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow and leave a review.Learn more about Culture Amp at www.cultureamp.com or @cultureamp on InstagramLearn more about Garry at thelearningmoment.net and on Twitter @LearningMomentSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Say It Skillfully® is a show that helps you to benefit from Molly Tschang's expert guidance on the best possible ways to speak your mind at work in a positive and productive manner. Episode 191 is a juicy one: handling when leaders bad mouth one another and won't embrace change in themselves, and a candid conversation re: big corporate communication blunders—is the pendulum on inclusion swinging too far … anything the rank and file might do? Molly's first caller Mary is a clear example of “being part of the solution”. Prioritizing creating 1:1 connections, no surprise she's trusted by folks senior and junior—they tell it like it is to her. She shares her frustration with the authoritative/directive style of a leader (that's not serving him or the team), and flagrant “bad behaviors” of leaders that everyone knows don't get along! Molly offers options to take this head on. Then Phyllis calls in with how she can approach her CEO and co-founder, who unapologetically treats junior staff in ways where they don't feel respected. She and Molly discuss how to ascertain what drives the CEO, enabling Phyllis to confront the situation and serve both the organization's culture and its ability to deliver both financial results and social impact (23:50). Next Gary bravely raises the elephant on the table—when a big corporate campaign intended to advocate for greater inclusion falls completely flat, so much so that the fall-out results in *very bad* PR, brand damage and plummeting sales. The conversation turns to how such “catastrophes” happen and what brave souls can do to potentially avoid such impending train crashes. They get real about understandable fear “white males” have about using their voices and how to settle the pendulum swing to perhaps less extremes (33:50). Molly's thought for the week: You will continue to suffer if you have an emotional reaction to everything that is said to you. True power is sitting back and observing things with logic. True power is restraint. If words control you that means everyone else can control you. Breathe and allow things to pass. —Warren Buffet (Thanks to the culture coach, the brilliant Garry Ridge, for sharing)
Say It Skillfully® is a show that helps you to benefit from Molly Tschang's expert guidance on the best possible ways to speak your mind at work in a positive and productive manner. Episode 191 is a juicy one: handling when leaders bad mouth one another and won't embrace change in themselves, and a candid conversation re: big corporate communication blunders—is the pendulum on inclusion swinging too far … anything the rank and file might do? Molly's first caller Mary is a clear example of “being part of the solution”. Prioritizing creating 1:1 connections, no surprise she's trusted by folks senior and junior—they tell it like it is to her. She shares her frustration with the authoritative/directive style of a leader (that's not serving him or the team), and flagrant “bad behaviors” of leaders that everyone knows don't get along! Molly offers options to take this head on. Then Phyllis calls in with how she can approach her CEO and co-founder, who unapologetically treats junior staff in ways where they don't feel respected. She and Molly discuss how to ascertain what drives the CEO, enabling Phyllis to confront the situation and serve both the organization's culture and its ability to deliver both financial results and social impact (23:50). Next Gary bravely raises the elephant on the table—when a big corporate campaign intended to advocate for greater inclusion falls completely flat, so much so that the fall-out results in *very bad* PR, brand damage and plummeting sales. The conversation turns to how such “catastrophes” happen and what brave souls can do to potentially avoid such impending train crashes. They get real about understandable fear “white males” have about using their voices and how to settle the pendulum swing to perhaps less extremes (33:50). Molly's thought for the week: You will continue to suffer if you have an emotional reaction to everything that is said to you. True power is sitting back and observing things with logic. True power is restraint. If words control you that means everyone else can control you. Breathe and allow things to pass. —Warren Buffet (Thanks to the culture coach, the brilliant Garry Ridge, for sharing)
Say It Skillfully® is a show that helps you to benefit from Molly Tschang's expert guidance on the best possible ways to speak your mind at work in a positive and productive manner. Episode 190 professionals who know their boundaries call in with how they're willing to “say no” when something is not ok and to make career transitions to stay true to themselves! Working in IT, Alex calls in about a dodgy situation in which his boss and boss's boss are at odds—with Alex in the middle (sigh). “Transparency is our friend” proves again to be the answer. Hear how transparency of both bosses' “radio silence” also helped Alex make a brave, and right, call to leave a culture that wasn't consistent with his values. Hear how he let one door close to open an unexpected new one, and has not looked back! Then Mary, who has worked in many aspects of healthcare, takes us through her own epiphany working for an executive who seemed to have two very different personalities (warm and harsh). Crediting her foray into studying (and teaching) mindfulness, she shares how she was able to deliberately step back—with an open heart— and pivot her approach with this leader to create a dramatically different relationship, both 1:1 and in group meetings. Mary also shares how she made the call to leave a “bad boss” (22:40). Finally, Tony, who works in the public sector, opens up about his own journey as he's a “leader of leaders” and developing what that looks like. He's candid about his areas of growth—ceding control, setting expectations and engendering trust. In building Tony's team, he and Molly talk about vulnerability as a must for trust, and connecting as human beings (all with strengths and weaknesses) to support each other's success. “Measuring” our degree of connection/relationship also came up, and Molly offers ways to consider this both quantitatively and qualitatively (39:20). Enjoy these thought-provoking conversations—learn how to navigate work while being invaluable and true to yourself. Molly's thought for the week: “Mindset is everything. The way you look at the world is the way it appears. Telling yourself you are capable, confident and going to crush the day with kindness not only lets you change your world but the world of everyone around you..” —Garry Ridge
Say It Skillfully® is a show that helps you to benefit from Molly Tschang's expert guidance on the best possible ways to speak your mind at work in a positive and productive manner. Episode 190 professionals who know their boundaries call in with how they're willing to “say no” when something is not ok and to make career transitions to stay true to themselves! Working in IT, Alex calls in about a dodgy situation in which his boss and boss's boss are at odds—with Alex in the middle (sigh). “Transparency is our friend” proves again to be the answer. Hear how transparency of both bosses' “radio silence” also helped Alex make a brave, and right, call to leave a culture that wasn't consistent with his values. Hear how he let one door close to open an unexpected new one, and has not looked back! Then Mary, who has worked in many aspects of healthcare, takes us through her own epiphany working for an executive who seemed to have two very different personalities (warm and harsh). Crediting her foray into studying (and teaching) mindfulness, she shares how she was able to deliberately step back—with an open heart— and pivot her approach with this leader to create a dramatically different relationship, both 1:1 and in group meetings. Mary also shares how she made the call to leave a “bad boss” (22:40). Finally, Tony, who works in the public sector, opens up about his own journey as he's a “leader of leaders” and developing what that looks like. He's candid about his areas of growth—ceding control, setting expectations and engendering trust. In building Tony's team, he and Molly talk about vulnerability as a must for trust, and connecting as human beings (all with strengths and weaknesses) to support each other's success. “Measuring” our degree of connection/relationship also came up, and Molly offers ways to consider this both quantitatively and qualitatively (39:20). Enjoy these thought-provoking conversations—learn how to navigate work while being invaluable and true to yourself. Molly's thought for the week: “Mindset is everything. The way you look at the world is the way it appears. Telling yourself you are capable, confident and going to crush the day with kindness not only lets you change your world but the world of everyone around you..” —Garry Ridge
How do you establish a positive work culture? Where does an organization's values arise from? In this episode, Garry answers these questions and more. What You'll Learn: 1. The Petri dish analogy of growing culture at your company 2. Addressing toxic behavior from high performers 3. Five lessons from tribal communities 4. Identifying if you're an accidental soul sucking CEO 5. Replacing your managers with coaches 6. Defining your organization's values and distributing authority 7. The three most important words to learn in your life are I don't know 8. Flying through turbulence as the captain of the plane 9. What constitutes accountability and how to command it as a leader 10. Taking the Maniac Pledge Who is Garry Ridge? Garry Ridge is the Chairman Emeritus at the WD-40 Company. Under his leadership, WD-40 Company grew their market cap from $250 million to nearly $2.5 billion. He's also a bestselling author and adjunct professor at the University of San Diego, where he teaches the principles and practices of corporate culture and the master of science and executive leadership. He further delves into these principles in his three books: The Unexpected Learning Moment: Lessons in Leading a Thriving Culture through Lockdown 2020, Tribe Culture: How it Shaped WD-40 Company, and the co-authored, Helping People Win at Work: A Business Philosophy called Don't Mark My Paper, Help Me Get an A. He's been named one of the top 10 most admired CEOs in the world by Inc. Magazine. Simon Sinek has called him Igniter of the Year, Global Gurus in 2021. Now, Garry is busy writing a new book called Any Dumb Ass Can Do It. Mentions: Helping People Win at Work: A Business Philosophy called Don't Mark My Paper, Help Me Get an A: https://www.amazon.com/Helping-People-Win-Work-Philosophy/dp/0137011717/ref=sr_1_2?qid=1684957917&refinements=p_27%3AGarry+Ridge&s=books&sr=1-2 Tribe Culture: How it Shaped WD-40 Company: https://www.amazon.com/TRIBE-CULTURE-Shaped-WD-40-Company-ebook/dp/B08DJBZKDP/ref=sr_1_3?qid=1684957917&refinements=p_27%3AGarry+Ridge&s=books&sr=1-3 The Unexpected Learning Moment: Lessons in Leading a Thriving Culture through Lockdown 2020: https://www.amazon.com/UNEXPECTED-LEARNING-MOMENT-Thriving-Lockdown-ebook/dp/B09649CDTM/ref=sr_1_4?qid=1684957917&refinements=p_27%3AGarry+Ridge&s=books&sr=1-4 Follow Garry: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garryridge/ More of Do Good to Lead Well: Website: https://craigdowden.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/craig-dowden/message
No matter where you are in business, you will have to face disruptions one way or another. Garry Ridge, the Chairman and CEO of WD-40 Company, understood this, especially with the challenges brought by the pandemic. In this episode, he joins Adam Markel to share how they have built resilience in the company by learning to embrace uncertainty. He tells us the lessons they came to know around fear and worry and why creating a culture of belongingness can help overcome pressing organizational issues. The world has undeniably changed since COVID-19. We either sink or swim. Tune in to this conversation as Garry helps us see the light out of the tunnel, taking care not only of our business but our people as well.
In our time, PeopleForward Network has produced thousands of podcast episodes designed to educate, guide, and inspire fellow leaders. Today we're featuring one of our favorite conversations from one of our outstanding shows. After 25 years at the helm of the WD-40 Company, Garry Ridge is completing what he calls his “leadership apprenticeship” and stepping down as CEO. WD-40 famously has what they call a “tribe culture” rooted in the idea that people work together to improve each other's lives at home and at work. In this episode, Garry gives us a dose of mentorship on building culture and maintaining it during times of transition. As you listen, you'll learn how to clearly define executable values strong enough to support change and hear the three most powerful words a leader can use.
Patrick talks to Garry Ridge, Chairman Emeritus of WD-40 Company, in this episode. Garry served for over 20 years as WD-40's CEO and President. As the leader of the global company, he built a people-first culture that brought purpose and values to life in day-to-day operations and team member interactions. Garry shares powerful examples and analogies with Patrick to teach you how culture, values, and purpose create amazing results. If you are looking to build a winning culture or want to join a company that has one, don't miss Garry's insights and ideas.
In this episode I welcome back Garry Ridge, former CEO at WD40, who gives a mini-masterclass in leadership and shows us what it's like to "refire" rather than "retire." https://thelearningmoment.net/
On this episode, Jake and Gino are with Garry Ridge, Chairman & CEO at WD-40. He has co-authored the book “Helping People Win at Work”. Garry puts some light on ways to uplift the culture of any organization and help people to love their job and do the work. He differentiates between the toxic culture and the productive environment. He discusses techniques for engagement and commitment with employees and what is required at leadership level to make cultural changes besides explaining goals of the company. Garry teaches leadership development, talent management & succession planning in the Master of Science in Executive Leadership program. He is also known as ‘Culture & Leadership Architect, #1 Coach in Culture Creation' Key Insights 00:35 Introduction 02:00 Starting with WD-40 08:07 How to make people love their job? 14:07 Soul-sucking leader lets ego eat the empathy instead of empathy eating that ego 19:00 We need to remind ourselves often of what we want to become 23:52 Lets get rid of words ‘mistakes' and ‘failure' 25:30 Pledge of responsibility 30:32 Best practices to make people feel the belongingness 34:00 Practices for staying organized 36:15 Wrap-up Check out Garry's best-selling books on Amazon: https://amz.run/645Z If you are ready for a breakthrough in your life ⚡ MULTIFAMILY MASTERY 5 is for you! Attend Jake & Gino's flagship annual conference with 1,000+ like-minded individuals, entrepreneurs and investors!
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