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Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It: Learning Moments from an Everyday CEO of a Multi-Billion-Dollar Company
Can you create a successful company culture where people joyfully do meaningful work they believe in, within a tribe of supportive, positive, enthusiastic colleagues? Yes—it all starts with you!
From the former CEO of WD-40 Company, this guide will show you how to make this vision a reality—and how to become a true leader along the way.
In his book, Any Dumb-Ass Can Do Learning Moments from an Everyday CEO of a Multi-Billion-Dollar Company, Chairman Emeritus Garry Ridge tells the story of how he helped grow WD-40 Company into one of the world’s most recognized and beloved brands. How did he do it? By following the wisdom of “Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.”
In his trademark Aussie storytelling fashion, Garry shares stories from his life that combine to create a deep well of leadership wisdom. You’ll
How a letter from the father of a young girl forever changed Garry’s thinking around the legacy of positive, lasting memories How to transform any workplace into a community where everyone thrives in psychological safety The humbling importance of never getting too impressed with yourself The number one responsibility of every leader, regardless of position in the org chart What Garry learned when he thought he was smarter than a hotel fire alarm on a cold, rainy London night What Garry learned from the time he rode a horse to Wall Street, dressed in full knight’s armor What makes a soul-sucking CEO (and how not to be one)
Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It is the story of Garry’s grand adventure in his own words, broken down into lessons he learned along the way, which he calls learning moments. In 26 short lessons, Garry shares stories from his career—those flashes of insight that have made all the difference in the world.
From the former CEO of WD-40 Company, this guide will show you how to make this vision a reality—and how to become a true leader along the way.
In his book, Any Dumb-Ass Can Do Learning Moments from an Everyday CEO of a Multi-Billion-Dollar Company, Chairman Emeritus Garry Ridge tells the story of how he helped grow WD-40 Company into one of the world’s most recognized and beloved brands. How did he do it? By following the wisdom of “Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.”
In his trademark Aussie storytelling fashion, Garry shares stories from his life that combine to create a deep well of leadership wisdom. You’ll
How a letter from the father of a young girl forever changed Garry’s thinking around the legacy of positive, lasting memories How to transform any workplace into a community where everyone thrives in psychological safety The humbling importance of never getting too impressed with yourself The number one responsibility of every leader, regardless of position in the org chart What Garry learned when he thought he was smarter than a hotel fire alarm on a cold, rainy London night What Garry learned from the time he rode a horse to Wall Street, dressed in full knight’s armor What makes a soul-sucking CEO (and how not to be one)
Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It is the story of Garry’s grand adventure in his own words, broken down into lessons he learned along the way, which he calls learning moments. In 26 short lessons, Garry shares stories from his career—those flashes of insight that have made all the difference in the world.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published March 11, 2025
70 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 23, 2025
The book is a delightful and insightful exploration into the mind of one of the business world’s most beloved leaders. As the former CEO of WD-40 Company, Ridge has lived through experiences that not only shaped him as a leader but also transformed an entire company culture. This book is a treasure trove of practical leadership wisdom, wrapped in his signature Aussie storytelling style.
What makes this book stand out is Ridge's unique approach to leadership—one that emphasizes psychological safety, personal growth, and a deep connection to the people around you. Through anecdotes, reflections, and life lessons, Ridge shows that leadership is about more than just making decisions; it’s about creating an environment where everyone can thrive. His view is simple yet profound: Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work, a lesson that becomes the backbone of his leadership philosophy.
The chapters are filled with "learning moments"—quick yet impactful life lessons that will resonate with readers, especially those in leadership positions or aspiring to be. Whether it’s how to foster a thriving company culture, avoid becoming a "soul-sucking CEO," or the importance of never getting too impressed with yourself, Ridge brings refreshing perspectives to the table.
One of the most heartwarming sections of the book comes from a letter Ridge received from his father, which inspired him to think about the legacy of positive memories he wanted to leave behind. It’s a beautiful reminder of the personal side of leadership, which is often overlooked in business narratives.
Ridge’s storytelling is both humorous and engaging, making it easy for readers to connect with him. The book isn’t just about corporate strategies; it’s about the human side of leadership, making it a must-read for anyone interested in business, leadership, or personal development.
Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It is a celebration of humility, kindness, and the belief that leadership is about serving others. Ridge proves that with the right mindset, anyone—yes, even a "dumb-ass"—can lead with greatness. Highly recommended for anyone looking to grow as a leader and leave a lasting positive impact.
What makes this book stand out is Ridge's unique approach to leadership—one that emphasizes psychological safety, personal growth, and a deep connection to the people around you. Through anecdotes, reflections, and life lessons, Ridge shows that leadership is about more than just making decisions; it’s about creating an environment where everyone can thrive. His view is simple yet profound: Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work, a lesson that becomes the backbone of his leadership philosophy.
The chapters are filled with "learning moments"—quick yet impactful life lessons that will resonate with readers, especially those in leadership positions or aspiring to be. Whether it’s how to foster a thriving company culture, avoid becoming a "soul-sucking CEO," or the importance of never getting too impressed with yourself, Ridge brings refreshing perspectives to the table.
One of the most heartwarming sections of the book comes from a letter Ridge received from his father, which inspired him to think about the legacy of positive memories he wanted to leave behind. It’s a beautiful reminder of the personal side of leadership, which is often overlooked in business narratives.
Ridge’s storytelling is both humorous and engaging, making it easy for readers to connect with him. The book isn’t just about corporate strategies; it’s about the human side of leadership, making it a must-read for anyone interested in business, leadership, or personal development.
Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It is a celebration of humility, kindness, and the belief that leadership is about serving others. Ridge proves that with the right mindset, anyone—yes, even a "dumb-ass"—can lead with greatness. Highly recommended for anyone looking to grow as a leader and leave a lasting positive impact.
June 3, 2025
This book is one of the most honest and practical leadership books I’ve read. Garry Ridge, the legendary former CEO of WD-40, shares lessons that are both deeply human and immediately applicable. His insights on trust, accountability, and creating a culture where people thrive are rooted in real executive experience, not theory. It's witty, wise, and written with humility. Highly recommend for anyone who leads, wants to lead, or wants to work for a better leader.
April 5, 2025
A veces podría ser más claro, pero los consejos al final de cada capítulo son invaluables
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews