Building People-Centric Cultures and Coaching Leaders with Garry Ridge, Former CEO of WD40

Today, I’m joined by Garry Ridge—beloved leadership coach, former CEO and Chairman of WD-40 Company, bestselling author, and passionate advocate for people-first workplace cultures.In this candid and energizing conversation, Garry and I dig into what it truly means to foster a workplace where people feel safe, valued, and connected—a space where anyone, with the right approach, can build an extraordinary culture. Drawing from his 25 years at the helm of a global brand and his latest book, Any Dumbass Can Do It, Garry shares his hard-earned wisdom, favorite behaviors of great coaches, and the core values that made WD-40 a beacon of trust, belonging, and performance.Subscribe to our weekly updates and monthly talent development newsletter here. Order Own Your Career Own Your Life on AmazonApply to Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!This episode is sponsored by LearnIt, which is offering a FREE trial of their TeamPass membership for you and up to 20 team members of your team. Check it out here.Also iSpring Suite, an eLearning authoring tool that offers thousands of assets, quizes, and role play simulations. They are offering our listeners a free trial here. Connect with Andy here: Website | LinkedInConnect with Garry Ridge here: LinkedInIn this episode, Garry shares:His simple yet powerful philosophy: when people feel safe, valued, and connected, they do their best work—and go home happier.The critical distinction between managers and coaches, and why WD-40 replaced “manager” with “coach” in every job title.A breakdown of “soul-sucking” leadership behaviors—from ego and micromanagement to fear-based cultures—and the transformation that comes with self-awareness.Strategies for equipping new leaders, including the necessity of teaching fundamental coaching skills, not just promoting top performers.The power of psychological safety, learning moments, and openly sharing mistakes for creating a culture of innovation and growth.WD-40’s unique “Maniac Pledge” and how it eliminates blame, sparks accountability, and puts people in the driver’s seat of their own learning.Why feedback, authenticity, and vulnerability are non-negotiable for today’s leaders—and how to ask for help as a superpower, not a weakness.Insights on maintaining strong cultures in remote/hybrid work environments, plus the evolving opportunity of AI to free up creativity and connection.Practical lessons from Garry’s own “dumbass” moments, and why leaders must intentionally center themselves to avoid “bringing leftovers” to their teams.Whether you’re...

Today, I’m talking with Brittany Honor—a dynamic leader with more than 12 years of experience spanning the medical device and consumer packaged goods industries. In this inspiring and practical conversation, Brittany and I dig into the realities of learning and development, change management, and field enablement—particularly in fast-paced and high-performing sales-driven organizations. Through candid stories, tactical strategies, and reflections on her own journey, Brittany equips L&D and talent professionals to navigate change, support teams, and elevate their careers with authenticity and impact.Subscribe to our weekly updates and monthly talent development newsletter here. Order Own Your Career Own Your Life on AmazonApply to Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!This episode is sponsored by LearnIt, which is offering a FREE trial of their TeamPass membership for you and up to 20 team members of your team. Check it out here.Also iSpring Suite, an eLearning authoring tool that offers thousands of assets, quizes, and role play simulations. They are offering our listeners a free trial here. Connect with Andy here: Website | LinkedInConnect with Brittany Honor here: LinkedInIn this episode, Brittany shares:How she “fell into” L&D, moving from sales and leadership roles into developing future leaders.Why promoting top sales performers into management isn’t always the answer—and the value of focusing on transferable leadership skills.The critical mindset shift from “super salesperson” to effective leader.Communication pitfalls in change management and why messaging must start with the most impacted groups.The importance of listening and needs assessments for successful technology and training rollouts.How to handle requests for training—often uncovering root causes like trust, not just surface skills.Why authenticity, vulnerability, and ownership are essential for leaders.The role of clarifying personal values in driving career satisfaction and growth.Practical ways to build your personal brand alongside a corporate L&D career.How networking (especially on social media) can open doors and boost your professional impact.Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe and share with your colleagues and friends.

Today, I am talking with Kelsey Kelly who is Manager of Learning and Employee Experience at Point B, a small professional services firm. In this conversation Kelsey and I dive into the real-world challenges and opportunities of building impactful learning cultures—especially within professional services firms that demand both continuous client value and employee growth. With experience spanning HR, military service, banking, and consulting, Kelsey shares lessons from her journey and how she’s driving holistic learning, employee experience, and leadership development with a lean team and limited resources.Subscribe to our weekly updates and monthly talent development newsletter here. Order Own Your Career Own Your Life on AmazonApply to Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!This episode is sponsored by LearnIt, which is offering a FREE trial of their TeamPass membership for you and up to 20 team members of your team. Check it out here.Also iSpring Suite, an eLearning authoring tool that offers thousands of assets, quizes, and role play simulations. They are offering our listeners a free trial here. Connect with Andy here: Website | LinkedInConnect with Kelsey Kelly here: LinkedInIn this episode, Kelsey shares:Her winding path from accounting to HR to becoming an L&D champion—with key moments that revealed the "fun side of HR" and her passion for helping people grow.Why learning in professional services is both rewarding and tricky, with experts who love billable work—and how to position learning as both a personal and business imperative.How she scaled L&D at Point B with a drastically reduced team—leveraging partnerships (like Learnit), learning ecosystems, and creative problem-solving to provide meaningful development at scale.Strategies for shaping employee experience: building manager communities, creating branded programs (like the Empower Manager Exchange), and amplifying leadership through hubs and local adaptation.The pivotal role of onboarding, integrating with talent acquisition, and working cross-functionally to deliver welcoming, effective experiences for every new hire—no matter where they are.Practical leadership development tactics: focusing on relevance, adaptability, and community; supporting both current and next-generation leaders; and embracing constant change—even if it means pivoting or retiring programs.On measuring impact: Why authentic conversations, continuous feedback, and genuine connection with employees matter as much as hard metrics—and how being “human-centered” means...

Today, Andy Storch welcomes Damon Lembi—CEO of Learn It, host of the Learn It All Podcast, and two-time bestselling author—back to the Talent Development Hot Seat Podcast for a deep dive into building world-class learning cultures.In this candid conversation, Andy and Damon explore what separates “learn it all” organizations from “know it all” cultures, and why curiosity, humility, and action are the keys to thriving in today’s fast-changing landscape. Damon shares lessons drawn from his unique journey from aspiring Major League Baseball player to L&D leader, plus actionable strategies for making learning stick—especially when budgets and headcount are tight.A must-listen for L&D professionals, HR leaders, and anyone passionate about upskilling teams and building resilient learning organizations.In this episode, Damon shares:How his path from professional baseball dreams to receptionist at Learn It shaped his approach to leadership and lifelong learning.The difference between “learn it all” and “know it all” cultures—and why modeling curiosity, courage, and humility at the top makes all the difference.Why learning without action is “treason,” and how real transformation happens when people apply what they learn.The biggest trends reshaping talent development, including upskilling after layoffs, leveraging AI, and adapting to constant uncertainty.How the best organizations create space and psychological safety for learning—backed by intentional programs, strategic business unit partnerships, and executive role modeling.Why investing in people—even on a tight budget—yields massive ROI through retention, engagement, and competitive advantage.Lessons from evolving Learn It from in-person Excel classes to live, virtual, and AI-supported human skills development serving 2 million+ learners.Best practices for marketing learning programs internally, building buy-in, and encouraging participation—even when everyone feels too busy.Insights on building holistic development programs that mix live, on-demand, and coaching elements tailored to each learner’s needs.Plus, anecdotes from co-host Lucy Storch, discussion of Eurovision, and an exclusive offer for podcast listeners to try Learn It’s “Team Pass” for six months.Tune in for practical inspiration and expert tips on creating learning cultures that enable people—and companies—to thrive through any challenge.Thanks to our sponsor, Learnit, you can get a free 45-day trial to help your people build more skills that drive success Learn more.Connect with Andy Storch here:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Connect with Damon Lembi here:LinkedIn

Today, Andy Storch welcomes Keith Ferrazzi—#1 New York Times bestselling author, renowned management thinker, and founder of Ferrazzi Greenlight—to the Talent Development Hot Seat Podcast.In this energizing episode, Andy and Keith go deep into the future of work, the enduring power of connection, and how leaders and talent professionals can navigate the disruptive rise of AI. Drawing on research from his latest book, Never Lead Alone: 10 Shifts from Leadership to Teamship, Keith shares practical tools for fostering high-performing teams, building organizational cultures of candor and accountability, and future-proofing your career in an AI-enabled world.A must-listen for talent development professionals, people leaders, and anyone seeking to amplify impact through relationships, collaboration, and bold innovation.In this episode, Keith shares:How the principles from Never Eat Alone remain timeless—even as networking tools and remote work reshape the landscape.Why talent pros must go beyond individual engagement and focus on unleashing high-performing teams (teamship) to drive organizational results.What “flash teams” are—and how cross-silo collaboration is the new currency for solving tough business challenges.How to create a culture of candor, stress-testing, and mutual accountability, so teams help each other succeed (not just play it safe).The reality of AI: 70% of recruitment tasks may soon be automated, and why only proactive, curious, and tech-savvy professionals will thrive.Practical “culture hacks” talent professionals can use—like candor breaks and energy checks—to make teamwork more inclusive, resilient, and effective.The importance of “meeting shifting” and why real collaboration should happen before you get in the room.Why leaders of the future are those who build teams without waiting for permission or relying on org charts.How purposeful relationship-building—inside and outside your organization—is essential for both personal and company growth in the age of AI.Insights on skills-based organizations, the shift away from rigid hierarchies, and how pixelating roles helps reimagine work with AI.Tune in to discover how you and your teams can move from old models of leadership to a bold, collaborative future—where no one ever leads (or learns) alone.Thanks to our sponsor, Learnit, you can get a free 45-day trial to help your people build more skills that drive success Learn more.Connect with Andy Storch here:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Connect with Keith Ferrazzi here:LinkedInMentioned in this episode:Learnit.com/hotseatVisit learnit.com/hotseat to start your free 45-day trial of their Team Pass which includes unlimited classes for up to 20 people. It's a no brainer!

Today, Andy Storch welcomes Eric DiCenzo-Crotallo—Vice President of Talent, Learning, and Communication at Din Tai Fung and former Director of Talent and Learning Development at Chipotle—to the Talent Development Hot Seat Podcast.In this value-packed episode, Andy and Eric explore what it really takes to build world-class talent development for hourly, frontline teams—and why the best talent programs blend operational know-how with authentic care for people. Eric shares candid stories and practical advice from his journey pivoting from operations to HR, launching large-scale leadership development initiatives, and driving data-informed decisions that impact every corner of the organization.A must-listen for L&amp;D professionals, HR leaders, and anyone dedicated to elevating frontline talent, building winning cultures, and translating strategy into real growth opportunities for people at every level.In this episode, Eric shares:His winding path from restaurant operations to finding purpose in talent development—and why focusing on individual success became his passion.How launching Cultivate University at Chipotle upskilled 400+ field leaders with critical soft skills, leadership behaviors, and a culture of accountability—becoming a turning point in the company’s performance.How performance management and succession planning were transformed by replacing cumbersome, outdated processes with simple, conversation-driven frameworks—enabling managers to focus on feedback, recognition, and developing talent for a deep internal pipeline.The launch of the Always On, Always Listening “Voice of the Employee” program: how collecting real-time feedback through lifecycle surveys empowered managers with actionable insights and increased transparency.Powerful examples of how employee engagement directly influences business outcomes—like the surprising link between frontline buy-in on company vision and the accuracy of digital orders.His experience joining Din Tai Fung’s executive team to formalize HR, implement pay-for-performance, and introduce Elevate You—an English language learning initiative that’s already transforming lives and building a powerful employee value proposition.How talent development at Din Tai Fung shifted from top-down directives to empowering leaders with tools, resources, and autonomy for growth at scale.Strategies for career development in a high-growth environment: mapping clear paths, providing time and space for learning, and embracing the “you are the pilot of your own career” mindset—where the company becomes your co-pilot.Lessons learned about the critical importance of collaboration, bringing partners along to build diverse and sustainable talent solutions.The urgent need for talent development professionals to directly align their work with organizational strategic priorities, become data-savvy, and prepare teams for a rapidly evolving future—including the impact of AI.Plus, Eric’s book recommendation (“Radical Candor”), his favorite tools (including ChatGPT for ideation), and why the most meaningful wins come from seeing others unlock their potential and grow.Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at building talent strategy for frontline organizations—and discover how you can create scalable, people-centric programs that drive performance, engagement, and opportunity for all.Thanks to our sponsor, Learnit,&nbsp;you can get a free 45-day trial to help your people build more skills that drive success&nbsp;Learn more.Connect with Andy Storch here:WebsiteLinkedIn<a

Today, Andy Storch welcomes Ingrid Hu Dahl—leadership coach, author, and founder —to the Talent Development Hot Seat Podcast.With two decades of experience across corporate, media, nonprofit, and social justice sectors, Ingrid shares her powerful journey from creating spaces for identity expression in youth programs to designing inclusive leadership frameworks at scale in global organizations. Her work is rooted in amplifying underrepresented voices, emotional intelligence, and redefining what it means to lead with authenticity and courage.In this conversation, Ingrid and Andy dive deep into the foundations of inclusive leadership, exploring the role of fear, identity, vulnerability, and self-awareness in building cultures where everyone can thrive. Whether you're developing leadership programs, supporting culture change, or working to foster more inclusion in your organization, Ingrid’s insights are both timely and transformational.This episode is a must-listen for talent development professionals, leadership coaches, and people leaders who want to build more human-centered, equitable, and empowering workplaces.In this episode, Ingrid shares:How a rock and roll camp for girls sparked her passion for learning, leadership, and identity exploration.Her transition into corporate L&amp;D and the importance of building a supportive network to navigate new environments.A values-based leadership framework:&nbsp;Lead yourself, lead your team, lead the business—and how to apply it at scale.The link between inclusive leadership and emotional intelligence, and why organizations must go “back to basics.”How to rebuild trust through empathy interviews, behavioral frameworks, and modeling curiosity over control.Practical coaching tools to help leaders shift from ego to impact—like asking “What is your fear?” and practicing “I need help.”Her approach to teaching inclusive leadership by disrupting assumptions and encouraging curiosity and connection.Why psychological safety is the foundation of belonging, and how leaders can create it through presence and listening.Insights from her new memoir,&nbsp;Sun Shining on Morning Snow, and how her personal story shapes her leadership philosophy.Tune in to learn how to challenge assumptions, lead with empathy, and build inclusive cultures where everyone has the power to grow.Connect with Andy Storch here:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Connect with Ingrid Hu Dahl here:LinkedInMentioned in this episode:Learnit.com/hotseatVisit learnit.com/hotseat to start your free 45-day trial of their Team Pass which includes unlimited classes for up to 20 people. It's a no brainer!

Today, Andy Storch welcomes Marc Reede, a lecture agent, and author of "The Coffee Code," to the Talent Development Hot Seat Podcast.Marc shares his unique journey of connecting celebrities and organizations for speaking engagements, providing him with firsthand access to insights from influential figures across sports, business, and literature. Drawing from these experiences and his work with students, Marc offers practical advice on leveraging networking and mentorship to navigate career paths.The conversation explores key strategies for building genuine connections, identifying mentors, and proactively seeking opportunities, emphasizing the importance of these skills in today's increasingly digital world.This episode is a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their networking abilities, cultivate meaningful relationships, and guide others in their career development.In this episode, Marc shares:His path into the world of connecting speakers with organizations, influenced by a mentor's guidance and a chance encounter with Pat Riley.Insights into the enduring importance of trust, loyalty, and relationships in representation, even in the face of evolving industry dynamics.Strategies for building and nurturing relationships with individuals and organizations, emphasizing the power of listening and providing value.Advice for young professionals on proactively building their networks, highlighting the long-term value of connections made early in their careers.The significance of mentorship and Marc’s advice, using the story of how Magic Johnson sought guidance as an example.The concept of "heroes" as mentors, emphasizing the ability to learn from influential figures through their content, without direct personal interaction.Practical tips for initiating contact and building relationships, including the "Coffee Code" approach to seeking advice and creating opportunities.This episode offers valuable lessons and actionable strategies for anyone seeking to expand their network, cultivate meaningful connections, and achieve greater career success.Connect with Andy Storch here:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Connect with Marc Reede here:LinkedInMentioned in this episode:Learnit.com/hotseatVisit learnit.com/hotseat to start your free 45-day trial of their Team Pass which includes unlimited classes for up to 20 people. It's a no brainer!

In this episode, host Andy Storch welcomes Julie Rodda, SVP and Head of Culture and People at iRhythm Technologies, to the Talent Development Hot Seat Podcast. Julie’s career path is a compelling story of curiosity, adaptability, and embracing unexpected opportunities—starting as an organizational psychologist, moving through consulting and internal talent development leadership roles, and ultimately stepping up to lead all of HR at a fast-growing medical technology company.Together, Andy and Julie explore what it really means to pivot from being a specialist in talent development to overseeing the entire people function, especially in an environment of rapid organizational growth and change. Julie candidly shares her personal uncertainties about taking on the head of HR role, how she navigated steep learning curves—working with the board, tackling executive compensation, and more—and why her passion for creating real impact fueled her willingness to say “yes” to new challenges.The conversation digs deep into the nuts and bolts of scaling culture and leadership development while doubling organizational size and offshoring critical functions. Julie lays out practical strategies for listening-driven culture transformation, rolling out new company values, and activating them across a remote and global workforce. She also discusses building foundational leadership development programs that bring managers together virtually from around the world, and how iRhythm measures the retention impact of these investments.Whether you’re an L&amp;D practitioner aspiring to broader HR leadership, wrestling with engagement survey strategy, or leading change in a global, distributed company, this episode is packed with useful tactics, reflections, and framework-level thinking. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to enable both business success and human growth during times of transformation.In this episode, Julie shares:How she transitioned from an organizational psychologist and strictly talent-focused leader to head of HR role, including the emotional “identity shift” and the importance of embracing new challenges as learning opportunities.What she’s learned from years of engagement survey work, including why action—rather than just listening—is the real differentiator for building trust and culture.The story of orchestrating a company-wide culture transformation at iRhythm: resetting core values, designing a focused activation campaign, and weaving values into hiring, recognition, and performance management—even across a largely remote workforce.Lessons and hurdles from leading HR at a public company, like managing executive compensation and navigating board relationships, plus real talk about lessons learned when public “say on pay” votes don’t go as planned.How to successfully integrate offshore teams, foster inclusivity across continents and time zones, and develop leaders to thrive in a matrixed environment—supported by targeted education on leading dispersed teams.The design and measurable impact of iRhythm’s “Ignite” leadership development program, which blends virtual, cohort-based learning for new and mid-level managers and is already showing significant retention benefits.Foundational work in career development, such as implementing quarterly check-ins, leveraging HR tech nudges, and building job architecture frameworks from the ground up to support employee progression in a scaling company.Julie also opens up about the challenges and opportunities emerging from rapid tech advances, especially AI, and the sometimes-daunting realities of keeping pace with new tools and the practicalities of implementation in partnership with IT.This episode is a must-listen for anyone leading people strategy in dynamic, high-growth environments, or considering making the leap from specialist to enterprise HR...

In this episode, host Andy Storch sits down with Fabio Sacoman, Vice President of Learning and Development at Expedia Group. Fabio’s journey into the world of learning and talent development is anything but typical—starting as a chemical engineer in Brazil, working at General Electric, and then spending 18 years building a successful consultancy before making the leap to lead L&amp;D at a global powerhouse like Expedia.Together, Andy and Fabio dive deep into what it takes to build a thriving learning culture across a global organization, the importance of leadership development, and why authentic, people-first leadership is at the core of cultural transformation. Fabio also unpacks his approach to aligning L&amp;D with business strategy, balancing formal and informal learning, and designing programs that resonate across diverse cultures and regions.Whether you’re managing talent development for a multinational company or looking to uplevel your own approach to learning and leadership, this conversation is jam-packed with insights, stories, and practical advice. Tune in as we explore what it really means to grow people—and businesses—through passion, clarity, and a focus on real impact.In this episode, Fabio uncovers:How a career that began as a chemical engineer in Brazil informed his systematic, process-minded approach to learning—and why passion has always been the through-line guiding his journey.The pivotal decision to leave his own thriving consultancy after 18 successful years to take on the global L&amp;D leadership challenge at Expedia—with all the mindset shifts and opportunities that entailed.The real secrets to effective facilitation and learning design: why it’s not about the instructor’s expertise, but about driving audience impact, changing mindsets, and shifting behaviors that last beyond the session.Strategies for building a genuine learning culture—including the importance of involving everyone (from top leaders to every employee), and embedding learning into daily actions, rituals, and company processes beyond isolated programs.Fabio’s leadership philosophy, grounded in leader accountability, clarity, and authenticity—and why leaders teaching other leaders and sharing human conversations are at the heart of sustainable impact.Practical, creative approaches to talent mobility and career development, nurturing opportunities for growth, and ensuring that every person owns their career journey—regardless of titles or promotions.Fabio also shares his point of view on today’s biggest challenges—like the rapid rise of AI and the evolving role of L&amp;D as a vital part of the business (not just HR). He sheds light on how Expedia is experimenting with AI in learning and day-to-day work, plus how these innovations are transforming onboarding and ongoing development.This conversation, recorded for the Talent Development Hot Seat Podcast, is jam-packed with actionable insights—from the nuts and bolts of global program design to leadership accountability, learning measurement, and the nuances of fostering true culture change. Fabio’s story is a masterclass in strategic L&amp;D for high-impact, high-growth environments.Tune in for practical takeaways, fresh frameworks, and inspiration on how learning and leadership can drive results, empower talent, and knit together organizations with purpose—no matter how complex or far-flung they may be.Connect with Andy Storch here:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Connect with Fabio Sacoman here:<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabio-sacoman/"...