In this episode of The Steward Chair, Garry Ridge, Culture Coach and Former Chairman and CEO of WD-40 Company, shares their journey of transitioning from a "command and control" leader to a servant leader, exploring how "the will of the people" drives meaningful, long-term success.

We discuss the specific algorithm Garry used to grow WD-40's market cap from $300M to $3.5B, the defining moments of cultural safety during global crises, and why a leader's number one responsibility is to be a learner and a teacher. This conversation provides actionable takeaways for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and impact.

Key Takeaways

• The Algorithm for Culture: Sustainable success is built through the formula of Values + Behavior x Consistency. Consistency is the "magic word" that prevents cultural toxins from eroding the organization.
• Profit as Applause: Shift the focus from the bottom line to the people; profit is the natural "applause" that follows when employees feel safe, seen, and empowered to do their best work.
• Leading Like a "Donkey": Effective stewardship requires the humility and reliability of a donkey—carrying the load and helping others reach their destination rather than seeking the spotlight.

Resources Mentioned

• Visit https://thelearningmoment.net/
• Follow The Learning Moment on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-learning-moment/
• Visit https://www.wd40.com/
• Follow WD-40 on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wd-40-company/
• Follow Garry Ridge on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/garryridge/

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