In this episode of Winning Through Culture, hosts Tim Flanagan and Amanda Kramer sit down with Garry Ridge, Chairman Emeritus of WD-40 Company, bestselling author, and founder of The Learning Moment. Known globally as The Culture Coach and affectionately as The Dean of Dumbassery, Garry shares timeless lessons on leadership, learning, and creating workplaces where people feel safe, valued, and inspired to do their best work.

Garry explores how great leadership is simple—but never easy. From the meaning behind his book Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It to his “Maniac Pledge” for accountability, he emphasizes that effective leaders balance courage with care and toughness with tenderness. His approach to leadership centers on trust, curiosity, and continual learning—what he calls “learning moments.”

Through engaging stories and practical wisdom, Garry outlines the four cultural pillars every organization needs: care, candor, accountability, and responsibility. He reminds us that when leaders build cultures of trust and openness, people not only perform better—they go home happy, and that happiness ripples out into families and communities.

Garry Ridge is the Chairman Emeritus of WD-40 Company and recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from National University, recognized for his lifetime contribution to leadership, organizational culture, and workplace transformation. He also holds a Master of Science in Executive Leadership from the University of San Diego.

Known globally as The Culture Coach, Garry helps leaders design workplaces where people feel safe, valued, and inspired to do their best work. Through his firm, The Learning Moment, he partners with executives to create cultures of trust, collaboration, and purpose-driven performance. He also serves on the boards of The Gorilla Glue Company and Eastridge Workforce Solutions, where he brings decades of global leadership expertise.

Affectionately known as The Dean of Dumbassery, Garry champions the idea of “learning moments,” encouraging leaders to turn mistakes into opportunities for growth. His core philosophy is clear: when people feel safe, valued, and connected, they do their best work—and go home happy. That ripple effect strengthens families, communities, and ultimately, the world.

Related Content: Braving the Workplace: Building Belonging and Leadership with Dr. Beth Kaplan | How to Build and Fuel a Healthy Company Culture

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