# Leading Change Without a Burning Platform: How Bret Snyder is Reigniting Growth at W. L. Gore & Associates

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Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/lean-focus-podcast-7471577/leading-change-without-a-burning-platform-how-bret-snyder-is-reigniting-growth-at-w-l-gore-associates.md
Podcast: [Lean Focus Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/lean-focus-podcast-7471577)
Published: 2025-10-06T15:59:00+00:00
Episode link: https://leanfocus.com
Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/ffa2fbcc-3bad-401a-ad49-3c091aadca36/Lean_Focus_Podcast_100725-Bret_Snyder-WL_Gore_v3.mp3?dest-id=5097720
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Duration seconds: 3365

## Resource

How do you create a sense of urgency when there's no crisis? In this episode of the Lean Focus Podcast , Damon Baker sits down with Bret Snyder , CEO of W. L. Gore & Associates , to explore what it takes to lead transformation inside one of the world's most admired companies — when everything looks fine from the outside. For decades, Gore thrived on its legendary innovations like GORE-TEX® Fabric and built a culture admired around the world — nimble, accountable, and deeply customer-focused. But by 2020, growth was slowing, decision-making had become cumbersome, and Gore was over-reliant on one materials set while lagging behind U.S. GDP growth. There wasn't a consistent downward trend — just a slow drift and a growing concern from leadership about future relevance. Bret shares how he stepped into his first CEO role, embraced humility, and led Gore's transformation by: Recognizing the dangers of success when it breeds complacency, Reconnecting the organization to its roots of innovation, agility, and customer obsession, Addressing over-dependence on a single material science capability and unlocking new growth engines, Introducing the Gore Business System — lean principles tailored to Gore's unique culture, Building alignment without tearing down the company's proud legacy This is a story of stewardship, courage, and leadership at the highest level — driving change, restoring focus, and painting a bold picture of the future when there's no obvious burning platform. If you're a CEO, senior leader, or business strategist, this episode is a must-listen. Listen now and learn how Bret Snyder is redefining what transformation looks like when "good" just isn't good enough. Full Transcript: https://leanfocus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Lean-Focus-Pocast_Episode-02_Bret-Snyd…

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