# WD-40 Wisdom: Bravery, Blunders & Breakthroughs

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/workplace-weirdness-7112271/wd-40-wisdom-bravery-blunders-breakthroughs
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/workplace-weirdness-7112271/wd-40-wisdom-bravery-blunders-breakthroughs.md
Podcast: [Workplace Weirdness™](https://stenobird.com/podcast/workplace-weirdness-7112271)
Published: 2025-08-06T09:42:00+00:00
Episode link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/PDY7061886634.mp3
Audio file: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/PDY7061886634.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/workplace-weirdness-7112271/episodes/wd-40-wisdom-bravery-blunders-breakthroughs
Duration seconds: 2773

## Resource

In this episode of Workplace Weirdness, host Maya Kadar Kovalsky chats with Garry Ridge, former CEO of WD-40, about leadership, learning from failure, and why “dumbassery” might just be the secret ingredient to great leadership. Gary explains how embracing vulnerability, admitting you don’t have all the answers, and messing up a few times along the way can actually make you a stronger leader. Gary opens up about his time at WD-40, the iconic blue-and-yellow can that’s been fixing squeaky hinges and rusting parts for decades. He explains how building a culture of learning and being okay with failure helped the company thrive. They also tackle listener questions about navigating awkward workplace situations, like surviving a gratitude circle after layoffs, handling the micromanagement label, and escaping an unexpected weekend shift at a trampoline park. Tune in, you might just look at leadership a little differently after this one. Key Takeaways Embracing mistakes and vulnerability can unlock authentic leadership. Great leaders don’t just manage, they coach and support their team through change. Recognizing the power of asking “I don’t know” can create a more open, collaborative work environment. Transparency and humility are key to gaining trust after tough situations like layoffs. In leadership, authenticity outweighs trying to look like you have all the answers. Setting clear boundaries, even with a boss, is essential for maintaining professional integrity. In This Episode [00:00] What is WD-40? [01:01] Meet Garry Ridge [02:59] Why “Dumbassery” Is a Leadership Superpower [07:25] Coach vs. Manager: What’s the Difference? [09:18] Turning Mistakes into Learning Moments at WD-40 [16:01] Weirdest Workplace Moments [19:01] Week in Work: Why Fear-Based Leadership Backfires […

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## Transcript

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