Share:
Image
Event Details
When:
November 14, 2025 7 AM - 9 AM CST
Where:
Location Name
Oracle Cerner Innovations Campus
Add to Calendar
Event Secondary Body
Culture as a Competitive Advantage:
A Conversation with Garry Ridge, former CEO of WD-40
Join us for an inspiring and practical conversation with Garry Ridge, former CEO of WD-40 Company, a multi-billion dollar global organization known for its iconic blue and yellow can—and its exceptional workplace culture.
Under Garry’s leadership, WD-40 delivered consistent organic growth and strategically acquired complementary brands, all while maintaining a strong, people-first culture. He’ll share how culture became WD-40’s greatest competitive advantage and how it fueled long-term growth and shareholder value.
November 14
7:00 - 9:00 am
Oracle Innovation Campus
8779 Hillcrest Road
Kansas City, MO 64138
Registration
| Member | FREE |
| Associate Member | FREE |
| Member of Other Chapters | $25 |
| Non-Member | $25 |
Hosted by: ACG
Chapter
Kansas City
Event Materials
Event Materials
Image
Garry Ridge
The Culture Coach | Chairman Emeritus & Former CEO, WD-40 Company | Best-selling Author of Any Dumb Ass Can Do It
Garry has 25 years of experience as Chairman and CEO of WD-40 Company, where he transformed leadership and workplace culture. He is the founder of The Learning Moment (thelearningmoment.net) and an adjunct professor at the University of San Diego, where he teaches the principles and practices of corporate culture in the Master of Science in Executive Leadership program.
Garry’s philosophy on company culture is based on Aristotle’s quote – “Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.” Turning that into action, he believes that all leaders can create a workplace where you go to work each day, make a contribution to something bigger than yourself, learn something new, feel safe, are protected, and are provided freedom by a set of values, and go home happy!
He is passionate about the learning and empowering organizational culture he has helped establish at the WD-40 Company. In 2009, he co-authored a book with Ken Blanchard outlining his effective leadership techniques, titled “Helping People Win at Work: A Business Philosophy Called ‘Don’t Mark My Paper, Help Me Get an A.” A native of Australia, Mr. Ridge holds a certificate in Modern Retailing and a Master of Science in Executive Leadership from the University of San Diego.
