Encouraging Leaders

Garry Ridge, former CEO of WD-40, believes leadership is about trust, learning, and helping people grow. In his new book, Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It, he shares real stories—some funny, some profound—about building a culture where people love what they do and feel safe being themselves.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why psychological safety and trust are the foundation of strong leadership.

• How to turn mistakes into valuable learning moments.

• The importance of hierarchical values in guiding decision-making.

• How a coaching approach fuels engagement and performance.

• The role of business leaders in shaping a happier world.

Check it out.

If you are the kind of dumb-ass who’s ready to lead, you can grab your copy of Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It: https://a.co/d/bjQISmYP.S. To explore how we can support your leadership journey, book a free, 15-minute call here: http://encouragingleaders.com/marc15minutevirtual

Joel Goldberg, Emmy-winning broadcaster and author, shares his journey from aspiring sports reporter to a storyteller dedicated to uncovering the human side of leadership, resilience, and dreams. With a deep-rooted curiosity and passion for people, he emphasizes the power of relationships, trust, and small, consistent actions—what he calls "small ball"—in achieving long-term success. His insights remind us that true leadership isn’t about going it alone but about embracing the stories and lessons of those around us.

In this episode, we discuss:

- How Joel's career evolved from sports reporting to storytelling

- The impact of curiosity and human connection in leadership

- Why small, daily actions build lasting success

- The power of sharing your own story authentically

If you want to dig deeper into Joel’s mindset, his book "Small Ball, Big Dreams" is a great place to start: https://a.co/d/5IPC7hq

Check it out.

P.S. To explore how we can support your leadership journey, book a free, 15-minute call here: http://encouragingleaders.com/marc15minutevirtual

Brian Osborne, CEO of Christy Industrial Holdings, shares how he transitioned from a control-driven leader to one who empowers others to succeed beyond him. He discusses pivotal moments that reshaped his leadership, the power of feedback, and why alignment with ownership is key to long-term success. His story proves that letting go of control and building strong teams leads to greater business and personal growth. Brian’s journey is a powerful reminder that true leadership isn’t about control—it’s about trust, development, and building a team that can thrive without you.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Learning to lead without being the bottleneck
• The value of feedback and having the courage to listen
• Why alignment with ownership drives business success
• Building a thriving workplace culture rooted in trust
• Coaching and developing leaders to step up

Check it out.

P.S. To explore how we can support your leadership journey, book a free, 15-minute call here: http://encouragingleaders.com/marc15minutevirtual

Tom LaMantia, former CEO and current Chairman of the Board at Clemco Holdings, explores the transformative power of humility, the bravery required to accept and act on feedback, and the profound impact of leadership that values people over personal accolades. By shifting his mindset from personal achievement to servant leadership, he cultivated a workplace culture rooted in trust, alignment, and shared purpose. After all, true success isn’t measured by being the best in the world, but by striving to be the best for the world.

In this episode, we discuss:

- How embracing servant leadership transformed Tom’s career

- The role of feedback as a gift in leadership growth

- Building a strong workplace culture through values, principles, and behaviors

- Why alignment and engagement drive long-term success

- The importance of leading with courage, trust, and purpose

Check it out.

P.S. To explore how we can support your leadership journey, book a free, 15-minute call here: http://encouragingleaders.com/marc15minutevirtual

Chris Kerckhoff, President and CEO of Plancorp, joins the show to share how breaking conventional leadership norms and embracing innovation have fueled his company’s success. By challenging traditional thinking, fostering a culture of accountability, and continuously improving processes, Chris has led Plancorp’s expansion from managing $1 billion to over $7.5 billion in assets. He highlights why questioning the status quo, trusting your team, and making strategic adjustments are key to sustainable leadership growth.

In this episode, we discuss:

- Why breaking traditional leadership rules sparks innovation and drives success

- How small, continuous improvements lead to lasting transformation

- The power of questioning industry norms to uncover better solutions

- How trusting and empowering your team leads to smarter decision-making

- Lessons from an 11-year journey in strategic succession planning

Check it out.

P.S. To explore how we can support your leadership journey, book a free, 15-minute call here: http://encouragingleaders.com/marc15minutevirtual

Gary Peterson, Executive Vice President of Manufacturing and Supply Chain at OC Tanner, joins the show to share how reimagining workflows and empowering employees transformed his organization. Gary and his team reduced lead times from 28 days to just 20 minutes—while fostering a culture of engagement and continuous improvement. Through his journey, he highlights the power of listening, embracing humility, and leading with trust.

In this episode, we discuss:

- How restructuring workflows can dramatically improve efficiency and quality

- The role of humility and vulnerability in leadership growth

- Why listening to employees fosters innovation and problem-solving

- The impact of continuous improvement on workplace culture

Check it out.

P.S. To explore how we can support your leadership journey, book a free, 15-minute call here: http://encouragingleaders.com/marc15minutevirtual

What would you tell your younger self if you could go back in time?

In this special episode, we’ve compiled wisdom from past guests who share the lessons they wish they had known earlier. From trusting your gut to embracing failure and leading with confidence, these insights will make you rethink your own journey.

Featuring Guests (In Order of Appearance):

- John Jennings - President & Chief Strategist of the St. Louis Trust & Family Office

- Todd Brand - President & CEO of Brand Asset Management Group in St. Louis

- Jon Spiesman - CEO & Founder of One Better Leader

- Alaina Macia - CEO of MTM

- Joe McKee - Chairman, Paric Holdings

- Susan Conrad - Founder & President of Eicon Partners

- Marc Reifenrath - CEO of Spinutech

- Lisa Nichols - CEO of Technology Partners

- Orv Kimbrough - Chairman & CEO of Midwest BankCentre

- Steve Shifman - Executive Chairman at Michelman

Check it out.

P.S. To find out how we can support your leadership journey, book a free, 15-minute call here: http://encouragingleaders.com/marc15minutevirtual

Susan Conrad, founder of Eicon Partners, is a seasoned executive and entrepreneur. She shares her leadership journey and insights into building thriving organizational cultures. With a focus on intentionality and authenticity, she emphasizes how culture is shaped through daily actions and interactions.In this episode, we discuss:• How leaders can create culture through intentional actions and honest feedback.• The role of non-judgment in fostering trust, innovation, and inclusivity.• The value of aligning personal and organizational goals through frameworks like ‘Building Career Equity.’• Balancing ambition with the responsibility of empowering and developing teams.

Check it out.

P.S. To explore how we can support your leadership journey, book a free, 15-minute call here: http://encouragingleaders.com/marc15minutevirtual

Orvin Kimbrough, CEO of Midwest BankCentre, shares his remarkable journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a transformative leader. Through vulnerability and authenticity, Orvin emphasizes the importance of building community, embracing life’s challenges as “gold,” and confidently owning your unique identity. His insights, drawn from his life and memoir 'Twice Over a Man,' inspire leaders to embrace their whole selves, cultivate meaningful relationships, and lead with courage and conviction.In this episode, we discuss:- The transformative power of embracing vulnerability in leadership- The importance of curating supportive communities for personal and professional growth- How reframing challenges into opportunities fosters resilience and learning- The value of authenticity and owning your space as a leaderCheck it out.P.S. To explore how we can support your leadership journey, book a free, 15-minute call here: http://encouragingleaders.com/marc15minutevirtual

Jon Spiesman is the CEO and founder of 1% Better Leader. With over 30 years of leadership experience at Monsanto and other agricultural industries and over three years as an executive coach, Jon emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, coaching, and respect in leadership. He shares personal and professional insights, demonstrating how thoughtful leadership can transform both organizations and individuals.

In this episode, we delve into:

- The pivotal moment when he realized effective leadership requires collaboration.

- Early challenges that taught him the importance of emotional intelligence and connecting with others under pressure.

- His transformation into a coaching-focused leader, emphasizing the value of vulnerability and mutual learning.

- How involving team members in growth efforts can lead to transformative leadership development.

- Key insights on embracing failure, fostering respect, and cultivating a growth mindset to inspire others.

Check it out.

P.S. To explore how we can support your leadership journey, book a free, 15-minute call here: http://encouragingleaders.com/marc15minutevirtual