The Power of Empathy in Business: Lessons from Garry Ridge (Rerelease)

This week on The Future of Teamwork podcast, we are revisiting Dane’s interview with Garry Ridge, former chairman of WD-40 Company and founder of The Learning Moment. They discuss Garry's journey from Australia to leading a U.S. public company for 25 years, and his philosophy on leadership and culture. Garry emphasizes the importance of an 'abundance of worthwhile work' mindset and details the four pillars of building a strong organization: care, candor, accountability, and responsibility. He shares insights on how these values have driven innovation, engagement, and success at WD-40, and highlights the importance of aligning partners and employees with these values. Original air date: January 3, 2023Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction to the Future of Teamwork Podcast01:15 Meet Garry Ridge: Leadership and Culture Expert02:09 Garry Ridge's Journey with WD-4004:44 The 25-Year Apprenticeship in Leadership10:20 The Four Pillars of Strong Culture18:31 Implementing Values in Business Decisions21:07 Innovation from the Fringes21:25 Celebrating Field Innovations22:14 Smart Straw and Flexi Tube Innovations24:24 Ethnology and Spray and Stay Gel25:24 Collaborating with External Partners26:55 Aligning Values with Partners28:21 Celebrating Values and Behaviors30:38 Impact of a Highly Engaged Workforce33:28 Addressing ESG and Industry Challenges35:13 Technology and Human Connection38:54 Empowering Employees for Success43:03 Conclusion and Contact Information