G’day, I’m Garry
G’day, I’m Garry
Leadership is a service. If you think your job is to boss people around, you’re in the wrong gig. If you want a tribe where people feel safe, valued, and proud, then we’re already speaking the same language.
I don’t come armed with buzzwords or academic jargon. I come with stories. Some wins and plenty of mistakes – which I call Learning Moments. They’re raw. They’re human. They’re what will help you and your company build a culture where people do their best work, laugh a little, and go home happy.
FROM CEO TO COACH
It all started with a Learning Moment
FROM CEO TO COACH
It all started with a Learning Moment
For 25 years, I had the privilege of serving as CEO and president of WD-40 Company. Along the way, I discovered something most leaders miss: culture and values aren’t decorations for the wall. They’re real work. Together, with our tribe members and partners around the world, we built a company where people didn’t just do their jobs. They belonged.
Today, as a keynote speaker, author, and coach, I’m still doing the same thing: helping leaders turn values into action and build cultures where people look forward to Mondays.
BUILDING WORLD-CLASS CULTURES
Keynote Speaking
BUILDING WORLD-CLASS CULTURES
Keynote Speaking
When I speak, I don’t bring theory. You’ll hear stories, the good and the bad…and sometimes the embarrassing. Because leadership lives in Learning Moments.
I’ll show your team how to create a culture where values aren’t wall-art. They’re coffee-stained, used, lived. Where people feel safe to share ideas and grow.
Whether you’re scaling fast, facing chaos, or in need of a reset, I tailor every talk to what you need with one goal in mind: give your leaders something useful they can practice tomorrow.
A few things your team will walk away with:
A few things your team will walk away with:
- The Power of a Learning Moment Culture.
- Six characteristics of a highlighly engaged culture.
- How to build a ‘tribe’ where people go home happy.
- The 10 Traits of Effective Leadership (and why they matter).
- The journey every CEO takes when culture change gets real.
- The decisions every leader must make before transforming culture.
If you’re ready to lead with more courage, more clarity, and a lot less ego, let’s get started.
GUIDING LEADERS TO SUCCESS
Leadership Coaching
GUIDING LEADERS TO SUCCESS
Leadership Coaching
I don’t coach from textbooks. I coach from scars and stories. From the messy decisions and failed strategies that were the most impactful Learning Moments I faced as a leader.
The leaders I work with don’t want shinier titles. They want to show up differently, for their people and themselves.
If you’re tired of fear running the show, if you’re ready to swap ego for empathy, confusion for clarity, then we’ve got something to talk about.
I won’t give you all the answers. What I will do is help you ask better questions and create a culture where people belong. I’ll walk it with you.
Effective leadership follows a path:
Effective leadership follows a path:
“Working with Garry brought a new level of clarity and accountability to my leadership. His deep understanding of behavioral dynamics helped me, and my executive team sharpen our awareness and align more effectively. The growth in our team leadership has been measurable and lasting. Garry doesn’t just coach—he transforms leaders.”
“Garry’s coaching challenged me to rethink the way I lead and influence. His insights into organizational design, leadership presence, and executive impact were game-changing. I now show up more intentionally—with greater calm, confidence, and clarity. He’s a master at helping leaders amplify what truly matters.”
“Stepping into the CEO role for the first time was both exhilarating and a transition from my role as CFO. Garry became my trusted advisor—helping me navigate board relationships, continue to build a high-performing team, and stay grounded in my leadership purpose. His experience as a successful public company CEO gave him immediate credibility, and his wisdom made a lasting impression.”
“Garry taught me how to lead up, lead across, and prepare for what’s next. His guidance on succession planning, influence without authority, and team development gave me a clearer path to strategic impact. Garry helped me become a better leader by helping find the fine balance between tough-mindedness and kind-heartedness in everyday leadership decisions. He brings a rare mix of wisdom, humility, and practical tools. Simply put, Garry elevated my leadership.”
“Working with Garry was a turning point in my leadership journey from succession candidate to sitting CEO. He asked the right questions, pushed me to think more strategically, and helped me lead with greater clarity and intention. His coaching wasn’t about giving answers—it was about helping me grow into the kind of leader others could trust. Garry’s coaching was instrumental in my successful transition to the CEO role.”
LEARNING OUT LOUD
Featured Media
LEARNING OUT LOUD
Featured Media
Leadership & Culture with Mike Rowe
Leadership & Culture with Mike Rowe
I recently had the chance to sit down with Mike Rowe on his podcast The Way I Heard It. We talked about leadership, culture, and a few stories from my time as CEO of WD-40. I shared some lessons I’ve learned about building trust, leading with empathy, and what happens when you create a safe place for people to grow.
Empowerment & Insight with Kerry Siggins
Empowerment & Insight with Kerry Siggins
I joined Kerry Siggins on her podcast Reflect Forward to talk about leadership, culture, and lessons from my 25 years as CEO of WD-40 Company. We discussed the importance of empowering people, building trust, and how transparency and humility can create a workplace where employees thrive.
Featured Articles
Articles that highlight my journey and ideas.
Featured Articles
Articles that highlight my journey and ideas.
2025 Top 50 Leadership and Management Experts.
Why the Best Leaders Embrace Their Inner Idiot.
CEO Pens 10 Best Practices Of Soul-Sucking CEOs.
Are You Happy? Your Boss Is Asking.
Ranked #4 in the world’s 10 Top CEOs by INC. magazine.
“When I come across someone who, not only shares in a similar vision, but they advance it in a hugely meaningful, significant and impactful way, I want to recognize, honor and thank them.”
Simon Sinek
Renowned Leadership Expert & Best-selling Author
I’ve seen what happens when people feel safe, seen, and inspired at work. They bring their full selves to the job. They care deeply about the mission and about each other. They share what they know, they grow from their mistakes, and they go home proud of what they’ve done.
When a culture supports belonging and purpose, people thrive. Not just in their roles, but as human beings. They sleep better, show up better for their families, and actually look forward to working with their tribe.
I believe any company can create this kind of environment. It takes commitment, humility, and leaders who are willing to turn Learning Moments into real change.
READY TO GET STARTED?
Get in touch
I’d love to help you build a culture where people feel connected, do meaningful work, and bring out the best in each other. Whether you’re looking for a keynote that sparks change or one-on-one coaching, let’s talk about what’s best to build your tribe.