Why Every CEO Should Read Garry Ridge’s Book On Leadership

What if the secret to great leadership isn’t about being the smartest person in the room—but about creating a culture where everyone thrives?

Garry Ridge, former CEO of WD-40 Company and a globally recognized leadership expert, has spent decades proving that the best leaders aren’t those who hoard power but those who cultivate belonging, trust, and learning. In his new book, Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It: Learning Moments from an Everyday CEO of a Multibillion-Dollar Company, Ridge strips leadership down to its essentials—humility, purpose, and the courage to build workplaces that people don’t just tolerate but actually escape to.

The book is part leadership playbook, part personal reflection, and all heart. Ridge delivers wisdom through a mix of humor, honesty, and hard-earned lessons from leading a company that transformed WD-40 from a household product into a global brand—with a legendary culture studied and admired worldwide.

And let’s be clear: the title isn’t an insult—it’s an invitation. Ridge argues that great leadership isn’t an exclusive club for the elite few; it’s a choice available to anyone willing to embrace learning moments, show up with authenticity, and put people first. He makes clear that this humble, people-first approach to leadership results in win-win-wins in terms of the Lead in 3D framework: for individuals (Me), teams and organizations (We), and the World around us.

Why Leadership Is Simple—But Not Easy

At its core, Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It reinforces the idea that great leadership happens across three critical dimensions:

• Me (self-leadership and well-being): Leaders must first master themselves before leading others.
• We (team and organizational culture): The most enduring impact comes from creating a psychologically safe and values-driven workplace.
• World (legacy and broader impact): True leadership is measured not by power but by the positive ripple effect left behind.

Ridge’s book echoes this in every chapter, showing that leadership is a journey, not a status symbol—a theme echoed by Harvard Business School professor Amy Edmondson, who writes:

“I absolutely loved this book. Garry Ridge wants you to know that being a great leader is simple. Any dumbass can do it. But simple, alas, doesn’t mean easy; becoming a great leader means becoming a better person—more caring, curious, humble, and more fully dedicated to making things better.”

From Soul-Sucking CEOs to Thriving Tribes: Lessons for Leaders

The book isn’t just about what to do—it’s about who to become. Ridge lays out practical, immediately actionable leadership lessons, including:

• Ditch the ego. In Even the Queen Sits Down to Pee, Ridge shares the importance of staying humble and keeping people in your life who remind you of who you were before the title.
• Build a tribal culture. In Your Tribal Culture Is Your Most Enduring Unifier, Ridge explains that great workplaces operate like tribes—connected by shared purpose, belonging, and values.
• Make mistakes in public. In The Business Case for Learning Moments, Ridge challenges leaders to embrace failure openly to create psychological safety and innovation in their teams. He advises:

“Make your own Learning Moments public, no matter how embarrassing they might be. Your people need to see you out on that proverbial limb alongside them.”

• Eliminate workplace friction. In The Four Pillars of a Friction-Free Culture, Ridge introduces four leadership non-negotiables: care, candor, accountability, and responsibility. He compares leadership to WD-40 itself—just as the product eliminates rust and friction, great leadership removes obstacles that keep teams from performing at their best.

Hubert Joly, former Best Buy CEO and author of The Heart of Business, reinforces this, calling Ridge’s book:

“A powerful, no-nonsense guide that challenges conventional leadership paradigms. Ridge’s vision centers on servant leadership—the idea that by focusing on helping others, we can create thriving organizations where people feel safe, supported, and empowered.”

The Dumbest Person in the Room—On Purpose

In an era where leadership is often about status and authority, Ridge flips the script.

“It’s not every day that you come across a CEO who aims to be the dumbest person in the room,” says Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Think Again.

Ridge believes that leaders should surround themselves with people who know more than they do, encouraging curiosity over certainty. This idea shines in Curiosity Collects More Customers, where Ridge explains that leaders must constantly challenge their own assumptions and seek fresh perspectives—whether from employees, customers, or even competitors.

Why This Book Matters Now

Leadership is at a crossroads. Burnout is rampant, employee trust is fragile, and businesses that fail to cultivate genuine workplace culture are losing talent fast.

Ron Carucci, author of Rising to Power, underscores why Ridge’s book stands apart:

“These days, lots of former CEOs are getting on the bandwagon and codifying their careers into wisdom for the world. Some are great, and some, well, mere vanity books. But this book is a veritable treasure trove of guidance and wisdom you will repeatedly return to.”

For leaders looking to move beyond performative culture-building and into real, sustainable leadership, Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It is required reading.

Because at the end of the day, great leadership isn’t about being the smartest person in the room—it’s about making sure everyone else thrives.

And the best part? You don’t have to be a genius to do it. You just have to be willing to learn.

Find Out If You’re a Dumb-Ass Leader

Curious to see where you stand as a leader? Take Garry Ridge’s free leadership quiz at The Learning Moment to discover your leadership style and uncover your next learning moment.