Today, I’m joined by Garry Ridge—beloved leadership coach, former CEO and Chairman of WD-40 Company, bestselling author, and passionate advocate for people-first workplace cultures.In this candid and energizing conversation, Garry and I dig into what it truly means to foster a workplace where people feel safe, valued, and connected—a space where anyone, with the right approach, can build an extraordinary culture. Drawing from his 25 years at the helm of a global brand and his latest book, Any Dumbass Can Do It, Garry shares his hard-earned wisdom, favorite behaviors of great coaches, and the core values that made WD-40 a beacon of trust, belonging, and performance.Subscribe to our weekly updates and monthly talent development newsletter here. Order Own Your Career Own Your Life on AmazonApply to Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!This episode is sponsored by LearnIt, which is offering a FREE trial of their TeamPass membership for you and up to 20 team members of your team. Check it out here.Also iSpring Suite, an eLearning authoring tool that offers thousands of assets, quizes, and role play simulations. They are offering our listeners a free trial here. Connect with Andy here: Website | LinkedInConnect with Garry Ridge here: LinkedInIn this episode, Garry shares:His simple yet powerful philosophy: when people feel safe, valued, and connected, they do their best work—and go home happier.The critical distinction between managers and coaches, and why WD-40 replaced “manager” with “coach” in every job title.A breakdown of “soul-sucking” leadership behaviors—from ego and micromanagement to fear-based cultures—and the transformation that comes with self-awareness.Strategies for equipping new leaders, including the necessity of teaching fundamental coaching skills, not just promoting top performers.The power of psychological safety, learning moments, and openly sharing mistakes for creating a culture of innovation and growth.WD-40’s unique “Maniac Pledge” and how it eliminates blame, sparks accountability, and puts people in the driver’s seat of their own learning.Why feedback, authenticity, and vulnerability are non-negotiable for today’s leaders—and how to ask for help as a superpower, not a weakness.Insights on maintaining strong cultures in remote/hybrid work environments, plus the evolving opportunity of AI to free up creativity and connection.Practical lessons from Garry’s own “dumbass” moments, and why leaders must intentionally center themselves to avoid “bringing leftovers” to their teams.Whether you’re...

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