Your Leadership Legacy

CEO of WD40, Garry Ridge. Garry is a certified coach, author, mentor and one dynamic leader. It was a pleasure to interview Garry and learn about his commitment to his people and the WD-40 culture.

Learn how Garry has created a culture where people feel safe and do their best work.

In this conversation…

• How to use "I don't know" in a powerful way
• Why intentional leader labs and collision zones are useful
• Empowering your team through clear understanding with accountability

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director As chief executive officer and a member of the board of directors of WD-40 Company, Garry Ridge is responsible for developing and implementing high-level strategies, all operations, and the oversight of all relationships and partnerships for the company. Garry is passionate about the learning and empowering organizational culture he has helped establish at the WD-40Company, and his vision and leadership have positively impacted the WD-40 Company in both measurable and immeasurable ways.

Garry joined WD-40 Company in 1987 and has held various management positions in the company, including executive vice president and chief operating officer, and vice president of international. He has worked directly with WD-40 Company in over 50 countries. In 1997, he was appointed president and chief executive officer of WD40 Company. A native of Australia, Garry served in advisory roles for the Australian Marketing Institute and the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association.

Currently, he serves as a member of the board of governors of The San Diego Foundation, and the University of San Diego's School of Business Administration. Garry is an adjunct professor at the University of San Diego where he teaches leadership development, talent management, and succession planning in the Master of Science in Executive Leadership program.

In 2009, he co-authored a book with Ken Blanchard outlining his effective leadership techniques, titled "Helping People Win at Work: A Business Philosophy called 'Don't Mark My Paper, Help Me Get an A.' " Garry holds a certificate in Modern Retailing and wholesale distribution and a Master of Science in Executive Leadership from the University of San Diego.

Anne is an exceptionally talented leader and one of the best collaborators and promotors of people out there.

Find out how vulnerability + authenticity = power!

In this conversation…

• Discover how to lean into your values
• How to notice when you are getting advice that doesn't align
• Awareness of beliefs and assumptions you hold and why they can be dangerous

Anne Norman is an executive marketer who is passionate about building strong brands and leveraging them for good. She has contributed to the growth of three of Wisconsin's most iconic brands: Culver's, American Family Insurance, and now UW Credit Union as Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. Because of that midwestern DNA they share, these organizations proudly embrace important values: putting people first, believing in a better tomorrow, investing in their communities, and doing the right thing, even if it's the hard thing.

In addition to her experience as a passionate brand steward, Anne brings a host of educational experiences, all from the University of Wisconsin: a BA in Journalism and English, an MBA, and a certified professional coach credential. One thing this has led Anne to discover is her true purpose: finding people and brands with big dreams and creating big, bold visionary plans for pursuing them.

In this conversation…

• Discover how to shift from being stuck to moving forward
• What redefining busy looks like
• How to design a winnable game

Michael Hahn is a Culture Catalyst and author of Hero Habits: The Guide to Thriving in Corporate America and in Life. His articles have been featured in Inc. Magazine, Chicago Business Journal, StartUp Magazine, Chicago Business Journal and Chicago Tribune. Michael specializes in creating leadership experiences that 'Level Up' your leaders. In 2015, he won the Public Relations Society of American Award for Brand Management and Reputation for his work with Allstate Insurance. Looking to boost the confidence and effectiveness of your most talented people? Michael provides the perfect mix of practical application, tangible take-away's and relevant stories to unleash their inner HERO!!!

Next up in the Your Leadership Legacy online series, Tim McMurtry!

This is a fascinating interview you do not want to miss!!

Learn about current workforce development trends changing everything.

In this conversation…

• Changing the narrative
• Finding balance and being firm with a velvet glove
• Giving opportunities to lead

Sina Azari is extremely influential in the insurance and real estate space and is creating a notable leadership legacy through his Millennial Leadership Network.

Find out how everyone can chose to be a great leader!

In this conversation…

• How leadership has evolved from individual to team
• Why ego is the #1 breakdown to becoming a great leader
• How Millennials are becoming the most significant and strongest generation

Social Media Mastermind – This is an invite to plug in to one complimentary session with an elite group of entrepreneurs, all social media strategist who have built companies in various industries leveraging social media to prospect, recruit and distribute product and services.

Azari serves on the Leadership Advisory board for the National Association of Realtors and is an active member of the California Association of Realtors contributing to the Global Real Estate Forum, Investment Housing Forum and the Young Professionals Network committees. He earned a degree from SFSU, launching his profession in the Bay Area in the early 2000's. In addition to his real estate brokers license, he holds a California insurance license and is the Vice President of Present Financial Partners.

Azari is also the founder of the Millennials Leadership Network, a research, learning and development organization bringing together opportunities for Millennials and those aspiring to become stronger leaders in the workforce. You can also catch him on iTunes as the host of the All Mindset podcast.

Jared Bull transformational coach and speaker. If something scares Jared, he says he knows that is exactly the direction he needs to go! With a military and leadership background, Jared Bull shares with us how not being aligned to self required some tough decisions.

In this conversation…

• How to create perfect alignment to self
• Setting up systems and safe space to focus on vision
• Everything in life starts and ends with you

Jared Bull is a transformational coach and speaker. He works with other coaches, executives, artists, and solopreneurs from around the world both online and offline to give them the inner tools and external resources to help them bring inner visions to life.

Nicholas Dillan has had his share of health challenges since birth. At age 15, he made the most important decision of his life to change his circumstances by pouring himself into self development.

Learn why personal development is the competitive edge today in business.

In this conversation…

• How to create higher levels of consciousness throughout the organization
• Understanding influence and the difference between a leader and a manager
• Fostering inclusiveness at all levels of the organization

Inspirational, Innovative, and Empowering are but a few words to define the character of Nicholas Dillon. An entrepreneur in his own right, Dillon is on a mission to pursue his passion and build a legacy of influence.

​The Milwaukee native possesses a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and a Masters in Adult Education. He also holds a Master of Science in Counseling and has completed post graduate work in behavioral Psychology. Dillon's career has placed him in front of business professionals all over the world, including appearances on National Television. This experience and growth has allowed him to join the John C. Maxwell Team of professional Speakers & Leadership Trainers. Now, an Author, Professional Coach, Consultant and Radio Personality, Dillon has a limitless future and is a mogul in the making.

Josh Kosnick is the Managing Partner at Northwestern Mutual Middleton - Kosnick Financial Group. He is also a motivational speaker and founder of the Inspire People Impact Lives podcast.

Find out how your ego is holding you back from being your best self!

In this conversation…

• Why you should be obsessed with self development
• How vulnerability leads to better results
• Directive vs Collaborative Leadership

Josh began his career at Northwestern Mutual in 2005. He quickly began his track in management by becoming the College Unit Director in 2006, Recruiting Field Director in 2008, Managing Director in 2011 and the Managing Partner in 2016. Though Josh has accomplished much as an individual producer for the organization, his leadership skills are what separates Josh as one of a kind.

Josh believes there is always room for improvement and understands that to be the best for his team, clients and community, a dedication to continued education is key. More importantly, Josh is adamant about sharing knowledge with as many people as possible. He lives by a moto to inspire people and impact lives in all areas of his life, personally and professionally. Recently, Josh is most excited about his podcast Inspire People, Impact Lives which has proven to be an excellent vehicle to serve out his mission.

Dr. Gannon, Co-founder and Director of Entrepreneur Development for Doyenne, a Madison-based organization advancing women's entrepreneurship in Madison and beyond by transforming ecosystems to be more inclusive. With more than 10 years experience working with startup businesses, Dr. Gannon has expertise moving entrepreneurs through the idea validation, launch and growth stages.

Ashley Quinto Powell, is a Speaker and Founder of The Bossy, an online community for executive moms.

Learn how failing forward is growing. Ashley is trailblazing the way for women by breaking rules and redefining "normal".

Ashley Quinto Powell is the Director of Business Development at Table XI. She speaks nationally on Salary Negotiation, and most recently presented at Disrupt Madison and the Madison Speaker Crawl.

Quinto Powell is the founder of the Madison Boss Moms and Bossy newsletter, a community of women actively advancing their careers while raising children.