We’re thrilled to welcome back Garry Ridge, Chairman Emeritus of WD-40 Company and author of Any Dumb Ass Can Do It. Known for his bold authenticity and signature Aussie wisdom, Garry dives into how embracing “dumbassery” is actually the key to unlocking great leadership, building cultures of belonging, and sending people home happy.
With stories ranging from riding a horse in a suit of armor through Times Square to redefining what it means to coach a team, this episode is packed with insight, heart, and humor.
🔑 4 Key Takeaways You Won’t Want to Miss:
02:18 — Vulnerability in Action: Yes, Garry really rode a horse through Times Square. But more importantly, he explains how showing up authentically—even making a spectacle of yourself—can build connection and trust within your team.
06:37 — Dumb Assery as a Superpower: Why the phrase “I don’t know” is one of the most powerful leadership tools—and how embracing your inner “dumb ass” can unlock collective brilliance.
08:52 — From Mistakes to Learning Moments: WD-40’s culture pivoted when they replaced the word “failure” with “learning moments”—creating psychological safety and sparking innovation company-wide.
12:49 — From Boss to Coach: What happens when you ditch the word “manager” and start coaching your people to play their best game? Garry shares how that mindset changed everything at WD-40.
💡 This Episode Is for:
Leaders, HR professionals, and anyone looking to lead with more empathy, humility, and results.
🔗 Where to Learn More: