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 foundational
• How “the soul-sucking CEO” lives in all of us, and what to do about that
• What happened when Garry went back to school as a CEO
• How WD-40 went global using three simple marketing questions
• Why organizations should replace “failure” with “learning moments”
• The real-world power of love and belonging at work
• The “Maniac Pledge” and how it eliminates finger-pointing
• How even during COVID, WD-40’s engagement scores stayed sky-high

This 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.

• Garry Ridge's website: thelearningmoment.net
• Take the Dumbass Proficiency Quiz here
• Connect with Garry on LinkedIn
• Join the School of Dumb-Assery on LinkedIn
• Garry’s book: Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It

DEI is under serious threat in a "post-Woke" world.

Is it still relevant? Does it have to lead to shame?

Can we promote diversity without creating zero-sum dynamics of winners and losers?

Today's guest, Winitha Bonney, takes on DEI challenges with a clear and compassionate worldview grounded in empathy.

Which, in her telling, is what DEI is all about.

Ms Bonney helps me understand the importance of cultural context, the challenges of navigating discomfort and shame, and the ethical obligations of organizations to create a more just and inclusive world.

AI Thinks These are the Key Takeaways, and Who am I to Argue?

• There's a lot of work to do in DEI.
• Cultural context is crucial in understanding DEI.
• DEI is often oversimplified in corporate settings.
• Navigating discomfort and shame is essential for progress.
• Corporate responsibility must align with ethical obligations.
• The future of DEI holds both challenges and hopes.
• Understanding different cultural perspectives enriches DEI efforts.
• Shame and guilt can hinder effective DEI work.
• Inclusion should focus on equitable resource distribution.
• The evolution of DEI is a response to societal changes.

Winitha.com (cool URL, no?)

Stephen Baxter lives in Tasmania, which has Tasmanian devils which sadly are nothing like the one that gave me nightmares as a little kid watching Looney Tunes cartoons on Saturday mornings.

He’s a leadership mentor who promotes a style of leadership very different from the stereotypical command-and-control style of celebrated CEOs and generals: a humble, relational, and community-centered style of leadership rooted in influence, story, and service.

Drawing from his diverse experience—as a former pastor, mentor to political leaders, and grassroots organizer—Stephen explains the power of "leading leaders" rather than followers, and how narrative, self-awareness, and collaboration shape a more human and sustainable model of leadership.

He shows us how it’s possible to lead without ego and create culture without control. These qualities can foster change in local communities and global systems.

From church pews to parliament halls, from jazz bands to ultimate Frisbee teams, this conversation unpacks how leadership shows up in ordinary places—and why that's where it matters most.

• The unique leadership ecosystem of Tasmania
• How leadership is different when people come voluntarily (vs. for a paycheck)
• The myth of the "alpha" leader and the power of facilitation
• Leadership as storytelling, not status
• Cultivating leadership in community, not in hierarchy
• How fear and unmet needs distort leadership
• The hidden leadership potential in all of us
• Tips for stepping into leadership in your family, workplace, or community