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://consciousentrepreneur.us/
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