Garry Ridge on Leadership, Culture & Belonging | Former CEO of WD-40 (Ep. 89)

Garry Ridge on Leadership, Culture & Belonging | Former CEO of WD-40 (Ep. 89)

Author: Dustin Sutton September 9, 2025 Duration: 29:32

In this episode of Tools, Talents & Techniques, Dustin Sutton sits down with Garry Ridge, former CEO of WD-40, to discuss what it really takes to build a thriving workplace culture.

Garry shares his leadership journey, the principles of servant leadership, and why values and behaviors must be aligned to create a culture where people feel they truly belong. He opens up about lessons from mentors, the importance of psychological safety, and how leaders can create “learning moments” that drive innovation and engagement.

💡 Key Takeaways:

  • Leadership is about coaching, not managing.
  • Servant leadership helps people succeed and feel valued.
  • Culture is the CEO’s #1 responsibility.
  • Psychological safety fuels innovation.
  • Reflection and accountability strengthen leadership.
  • Values + behavior consistency build trust and long-term success.

🗣️ Sound Bites:

  • “Anyone can do it.”
  • “You have to be deliberate.”
  • “Fish rot from the head.”

⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Garry Ridge and WD-40 03:09 – Leadership Journey and Servant Leadership 06:54 – Creating a Positive Organizational Culture 12:31 – Reflection and Personal Growth 18:08 – Responsibility and Accountability 23:44 – Creativity and Learning Moments in Leadership 29:24 – Final Thoughts and Life Lessons

🌐 Connect with Garry Ridge: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garryridge

🌐 Connect & Learn More: Website ➜ https://www.toolstalentstechniques.com

📺 Listen & Subscribe: YouTube ➜ https://youtube.com/@DustinCSutton Apple Podcasts ➜ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tools-talents-and-techniques-with-dustin-sutton/id1692838507 Spotify ➜ https://open.spotify.com/show/7pQZ551Ct4jVRQ2BqB7Zr2

🎶 Music by C€$ ➜ https://open.spotify.com/artist/21zXwxV9nWaiE6iAleU6ww

© Sutton Enterprises LLC — all rights reserved.

📌 SEO Tags: Garry Ridge, WD-40 CEO, servant leadership, leadership culture, employee engagement, positive workplace, organizational behavior, coaching leadership, culture of belonging, Tools Talents & Techniques, Dustin Sutton, The3TPod


Dustin Sutton hosts TOOLS TALENTS AND TECHNIQUES, a podcast built on the idea that success in any field is a blend of the right resources, innate abilities, and learned methods. The conversations here roam across a wide landscape, from the concrete strategies of real estate and business to the evolving dynamics of technology and the revealing parallels found in sports. Rather than offering quick tips, each episode settles into a detailed discussion with a genuine leader or innovator, unpacking the specifics of their path. You’ll hear how they’ve scaled ventures, managed personal evolution, and applied financial insights, all framed by their unique experiences. This isn't about abstract theory; it's about the tangible, often hard-won lessons that actually move the needle. The result is a collection of dialogues that feel both broad in scope and deeply practical, whether you're building a company, honing a skill, or simply curious about the mechanics of achievement. Tune into this podcast for those unscripted moments where real strategy and personal insight intersect, providing a useful perspective no matter your own professional arena.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

TOOLS TALENTS AND TECHNIQUES with Dustin Sutton
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