ABOUT THIS EPISODE
📘 Get Jeff Dudan's book Discernment: https://podcast.homefrontbrands.com/en-us/discernment
What happens when a CEO decides that culture isn't an HR initiative—it's the engine of the business? In this episode of Unemployable, Jeff Dudan sits down with Garry Ridge, former CEO of WD-40 Company, who spent 25 years leading one of the most recognizable brands in the world. During his tenure, WD-40 grew from roughly a $300 million market cap to $3.6 billion, expanded its iconic blue-and-yellow can around the world, and built a culture centered around belonging, trust, learning, and servant leadership. Garry and Jeff break down why leaders should coach instead of manage, why culture requires a "crock pot approach," how WD-40 empowered employees to make decisions through hierarchical values, why Garry refused to manage the company around 90-day Wall Street expectations, and how WD-40 made it through 25 years without laying off a single employee. They also get into servant leadership, handling conflict, giving difficult feedback, building trust, developing people, creating an enduring organization, and one question Garry has carried with him for decades: "Am I being the person I want to be right now?" If you're an entrepreneur, CEO, franchise owner, or leader responsible for other people, this conversation will challenge the way you think about what leadership is actually supposed to accomplish.
🌐 Garry Ridge: https://garryridge.com
🎓 The Learning Moment: https://thelearningmoment.net
🌐 HomeFront Brands: https://homefrontbrands.com
🌐 Jeff Dudan: https://jeffdudan.com
📘 Get Jeff Dudan's book Discernment: https://podcast.homefrontbrands.com/en-us/discernment
#JeffDudan #GarryRidge #WD40 #Leadership #CompanyCulture #Entrepreneurship #BusinessLeadership #ServantLeadership #UnemployablePodcast
