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I Wish They Knew

I Wish They Knew

Written by: Joe Hirsch
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Joe Hirsch hosts I Wish They Knew, a podcast where some of the world’s brightest thinkers share big ideas that deserve more attention… in about the time it takes to enjoy a cup of coffee.

In these short-form conversations, we explore everything from learning to loss, giving to goal-setting, work to wellbeing, and career to compassion. Our guests include bestselling authors, top-rated business professors, CEOs of Fortune 100 companies, media personalities, and the occasional car enthusiast, NFL player, and CIA officer.

New episodes air each Tuesday

2026 Joe Hirsch Careers Economics Personal Success
Episodes
  • (Ep. 263) Garry Ridge: Culture makers and breakers

    (Ep. 263) Garry Ridge: Culture makers and breakers
    Feb 25 2026

    WD-40 created a company culture where people can make a contribution, learn something new, feel safe and protected, and go home happy. Do you wish that your company culture looked just like that?

    In Episode #263, who spent two decades as WD-40's CEO and chairman, explains why "learning moments" drive the culture, how leaders can balance candor with caring, and why ego is the #1 culture killer.
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    16 mins
  • (Ep. 262) Natalie Pickering: Your leader identity

    (Ep. 262) Natalie Pickering: Your leader identity
    Feb 18 2026

    IN EPISODE 262:

    Leadership is uncomfortable. Finding your leader identity doesn't have to be. In Episode 262, Natalie Pickering

    explains how leaders can develop their inside game and amplify their impact. We discuss how personal narratives influence leadership style, how to become more comfortable with discomfort, and how to take feedback with more grace. Good leaders operate from the inside out -- and after listening to Natalie, you'll know how to bring out your leadership best.

    ABOUT NATALIE PICKERING:

    Natalie Pickering, PhD, is a TEDx speaker, organizational psychologist, and executive coach who helps leaders trade performance pressure for authentic influence. For more than two decades, she's helped executives, founders, and teams navigate change, strengthen culture, and lead with courage. She is the author of Leading Becomes You: A Real-World Framework for Leading from Inside Out.
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    15 mins
  • (Ep. 143) Sara Canaday: Unlock your inner coach

    (Ep. 143) Sara Canaday: Unlock your inner coach
    Aug 1 2023
    IN EPISODE 143: We know that coaches help us do better. But did you know that anyone can become better at coaching? In Episode 143, Sara Canaday helps us hone our coach approach. We discuss why people have more coaching chops than they think, the difference between performance and developmental coaching, and five steps we can take to improve our coaching skillset. There's a coach inside each of us...and after listening to Sara, you'll unlock your inner coach to maximize better results and relationships. ABOUT SARAH CANADAY: Sara Canaday is a leadership consultant, speaker and author of three books. Her work has appeared in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and The Wall Street Journal, and she's a popular instructor for LinkedIn Learning and a member of the National Speakers Association. Sara's latest book is "Essential Coaching Skills for Managers: The Tools You Need to Ignite Greatness in Each Employee."
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    16 mins
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