In this episode of 'The Wisdom Of' Show, host Simon Bowen speaks with Garry Ridge, Chairman Emeritus of WD-40 Company and founder of The Learning Moment. From transforming a single-product company into a global powerhouse to achieving remarkable employee engagement, Garry shares his philosophy of human-centered leadership that drives both business success and personal fulfillment. Discover his insights on creating a "tribe of learning," the power of reframing mistakes, practicing servant leadership, and building organizational cultures where people can truly thrive, learn, and contribute to something greater.

Ready to elevate your leadership approach? Join Simon's exclusive masterclass on The Models Method. Learn how to articulate your unique value and create scalable impact: https://thesimonbowen.com/masterclass

Episode Breakdown

00:00 Introduction and Garry's leadership philosophy

05:18 The concept of "learning moments" instead of mistakes

12:36 Creating a tribe of belonging through shared purpose

18:52 Servant leadership principles in action at WD-40

25:44 Measuring success through employee engagement

33:29 Values as effective decision-making tools

38:22 Translating cultural principles into business results

45:36 Building human-centered systems that support growth

52:12 The future of leadership and continuous learning

58:43 Legacy and creating a sustainable impact beyond oneself

About Garry Ridge

Garry Ridge is the Chairman Emeritus of WD-40 Company and founder of The Learning Moment. During his 25-year tenure as CEO, Garry transformed WD-40 from a single-product company into a global powerhouse, growing its market value from $250 million to $2.5 billion while achieving an extraordinary 93% employee engagement rate.

Passionate about creating workplace cultures where people can thrive, Garry has developed and refined a leadership approach centered on learning, belonging, and purpose. His expertise in building human-centered organizations has made him a sought-after advisor for forward-thinking companies worldwide.

As a dynamic global keynote speaker and educator, Garry teaches "Culture at Work: Putting Principles into Practice" in the Master of Science in Executive Leadership program at the University of San Diego. His mission is to make the world a happier place by fostering environments where people feel valued, connected, and inspired to contribute their best.

Garry's forthcoming book, "Any Dumbass Can Do It", distills his leadership wisdom into actionable principles that any leader can implement to create extraordinary organizational cultures.

Connect with Garry

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garryridge/

X: https://x.com/LearningMoment

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPogAomneEkNNFKJ_PLaX3g

Website: https://thelearningmoment.net/

About Simon Bowen

Simon has spent over two decades working with influential leaders across complex industries. His focus is on elevating thinking in organizations, recognizing that success is directly proportional to the quality of thinking and ideas within a business. Simon leads the renaissance of thinking through his work with global leaders and organizations.

Connect with...

In this episode of 'The Wisdom Of' Show, host Simon Bowen speaks with Adrian Di Marco, founder of TechnologyOne, Australia's largest enterprise software company. From starting in a demountable office next to a hides processing plant in 1987 to building a $10 billion global enterprise, Adrian shares profound insights on patient leadership, maintaining original genius through growth, and creating lasting impact. Discover his counter-intuitive approach to capital raising, his revolutionary distinction between leadership and management, and the wisdom behind creating a business with heart and soul.

Ready to elevate your leadership approach? Join Simon's exclusive masterclass on The Models Method. Learn how to articulate your unique value and create scalable impact: https://thesimonbowen.com/masterclass

00:00 Introduction and Adrian's journey from demountable office to billion-dollar enterprise

05:00 The early days of technology in 1987 and selling interstate without modern connectivity

09:00 The founder mindset: solving a customer problem that nobody else was addressing

13:00 The revolutionary concept of configurable software that didn't need customization

17:00 Capital raising wisdom: why young startups shouldn't rush to dilute equity

25:00 The profound difference between leadership and management

32:00 How TechnologyOne split the company in two to foster continuous innovation

43:00 The Australian technology industry: innovation excellence vs. leadership challenges

49:00 Thoughtful succession planning over a 22-year journey

53:00 Creating the heart and soul of a company through meaningful philanthropy

57:00 The endowment approach to investing and the patience of generational wealth

Adrian Di Marco is the founder of TechnologyOne, Australia's largest enterprise software company with a market capitalization that grew to $10 billion under his stewardship. Starting the company in 1987, Adrian pioneered the concept of configurable enterprise software that didn't require constant customization—a revolutionary approach that challenged industry giants like Oracle and SAP.

Adrian served as CEO until 2017 and Executive Chairman until 2022, guiding the company through multiple transformations including the pivot to cloud computing. His patient, principled approach to business building has made him one of Australia's most respected technology leaders.

In 2025, Adrian was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to information technology and the community. Beyond TechnologyOne, he leads the Di Marco Group, a family office that continues his philosophy of patient investment and meaningful philanthropy.

Family Office: https://dimarcogroup.co

TechnologyOne: https://www.technologyonecorp.com

Simon has spent over two decades working with influential leaders across complex industries. His focus is on elevating thinking in organizations, recognizing that success is directly proportional to the quality of thinking and ideas within a business. Simon leads the renaissance of thinking through his work with global leaders and organizations.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonbowen-mm/

Instagram:

In this episode of 'The Wisdom Of' Show, host Simon Bowen speaks with Rob Weir, CEO of Maguey Exchange. From his time as a West Point graduate and U.S. Army Ranger to founding a company that's revolutionizing the artisanal spirits industry, Rob shares powerful insights on community-led business models, field-first development, and creating systems that add value at every step. Discover how his experiences in Afghanistan shaped his approach to building a platform that connects artisanal producers with global markets while preserving cultural heritage.

Ready to elevate your leadership approach? Join Simon's exclusive masterclass on The Models Method. Learn how to articulate your unique value and create scalable impact: https://thesimonbowen.com/masterclass

00:00 Introduction and Rob's background in military, business, and artisanal spirits

05:00 The origin story of Maguey Exchange and meeting Rodrigo in Oaxaca

09:18 The meaning behind the name "Maguey Exchange" and its connection to tradition

12:36 Identifying the industry's critical pain points and constraints

18:52 Community-first approach and field-first development

25:44 Technology integration that serves people rather than replacing them

33:29 The five key elements for building purpose in teams and organizations

38:22 Leadership strategies for "managing up" and influencing without authority

45:36 The five-year and twenty-year vision for Maguey Exchange

52:12 Community-led growth as a new business model

58:43 Rob's personal philosophy and leadership through service

Rob Weir is the CEO and founder of Maguey Exchange, a platform building the universal architecture and infrastructure for artisanal trade, starting with the $380 billion artisanal spirits and wine industry. His journey began during a backpacking trip through Latin America in 2009 when he met a mezcal producer in Oaxaca, Mexico, which sparked his passion for connecting artisanal producers with global markets.

A graduate of West Point and former U.S. Army Airborne Ranger who served in Afghanistan, Rob also earned his MBA and worked as a management consultant before founding Maguey Exchange. He combines his military leadership experience, business acumen, and passion for artisanal spirits to create a platform that reduces sourcing time and operational costs by connecting buyers directly with producers while preserving cultural heritage and adding value at every step of the supply chain.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertweir11/

Website: https://www.magueyexchange.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magueyexchange/

Simon has spent over two decades working with influential leaders across complex industries. His focus is on elevating thinking in organizations, recognizing that success is directly proportional to the quality of thinking and ideas within a business. Simon leads the renaissance of thinking through his work with global leaders and organizations.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonbowen-mm/

Instagram:

In this episode of 'The Wisdom Of' Show, host Simon Bowen speaks with Ron Diamond, Founder and Ceo of Diamond Wealth. From investing alongside 100 family offices to chairing multiple TIGER 21 chapters, Ron brings decades of experience in wealth management, philanthropy, and private markets. Discover his insights on the true purpose of wealth, the transfer of family legacies, disruptive technologies, leadership evolution, and the five principles that guide his life and decisions.

Ready to elevate your leadership approach? Join Simon's exclusive masterclass on The Models Method. Learn how to articulate your unique value and create scalable impact: https://thesimonbowen.com/masterclass

00:00 Introduction and Ron's extensive background in wealth management

05:24 The origin story: From Drexel Burnham to entrepreneurship

08:50 Loyalty to people versus loyalty to companies

12:30 The evolution of family offices and wealth transfer statistics

16:45 Philanthropy as problem-solving: The Michael Milken approach

22:17 The Five Most Important Things: Ron's life philosophy

29:40 AI and technological disruption in investment strategies

38:50 Leadership evolution: From ego to vulnerability and authenticity

44:10 The governance gap: Why family wealth doesn't survive generations

49:22 Mentoring the next generation and paying it forward

55:16 Final reflections on gratitude and authentic success

Ron Diamond is the Founder and CEO of Diamond Wealth, investing alongside 100 Family Offices ranging in size from $250 million to $30 billion. Diamond Wealth focuses on private markets including private equity, venture capital, and real estate.

Ron serves on numerous advisory boards and chairs multiple TIGER 21 chapters in Chicago. He is the past Chairman of the Advisory Board for the Disruptive Technology and Digital Cities Program at Stanford University, where he also taught entrepreneurship and helped create the Stanford Family Office Initiative.

As a frequent speaker at Family Office and Alternative Investment Conferences globally, Ron has shared his expertise at over 100 events worldwide. He is also the Founder, Host, and CEO of Family Office World Media, providing an informational platform for Family Offices to collaborate, upskill, and innovate in an unmonetized environment.

Earlier in his career, Ron founded Pinnacle Capital, a $250 million hedge fund that outperformed the S&P index for ten consecutive years before being acquired by an international investment firm. Deeply committed to philanthropy, Ron serves on the Leadership Circle of the Aspen Institute and on the boards of various charitable organizations.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronalddiamond/

Website: https://www.diamondwealthstrategies.com

Family Office World Media: https://www.familyofficeworldmedia.com

Simon has spent over two decades working with influential leaders across complex industries. His focus is on elevating thinking in organizations, recognizing that success is directly proportional to the quality of thinking and ideas within a business. Simon leads the renaissance of thinking through his work with global leaders and organizations.

In this episode of 'The Wisdom Of' Show, host Simon Bowen speaks with Brett King, a world-renowned futurist, international bestselling author, and pioneering fintech entrepreneur. From creating the world's first downloadable bank to advising presidential administrations on fintech policy, Brett brings extraordinary insights on how AI, climate change, and technological advancement will fundamentally transform every aspect of human life. Discover his provocative perspectives on first principles innovation, the future of work in an AI-driven economy, and the philosophical shifts needed for humanity to thrive amidst unprecedented change.

Ready to elevate your leadership approach? Join Simon's exclusive masterclass on The Models Method. Learn how to articulate your unique value and create scalable impact: https://thesimonbowen.com/masterclass

00:00 Introduction and Brett's extensive background as a futurist and innovator

05:18 Persistence: The superpower behind entrepreneurial success

12:36 First principles: innovation versus design by analogy

18:52 How banking is transforming from buildings to embedded financial utilities

25:44 AI's potential impact on humanity: existential threat or greatest opportunity?

33:29 The rise of techno-socialism and four potential futures for humanity

38:22 The wealth distribution challenge in an AI-driven economy

45:36 Healthcare transformation: When AI diagnostics outperform human doctors

52:12 Climate change and the necessity for collaborative human response

58:43 Reimagining education, work, and human purpose in an automated world

Brett King is a highly influential futurist, speaker, and entrepreneur whose insights on technology, business, and society have earned him global recognition. Named "King of the Disruptors" by Banking Exchange magazine and "Godfather of Fintech" by The Australian, Brett has spoken in over 50 countries at prestigious events including TED conferences and Singularity University.

As the founder of Moven, the world's first mobile-only, downloadable bank, Brett pioneered financial technology innovation that changed how people interact with banking services. He hosts two of the most popular fintech podcasts globally—Breaking Banks and The Futurist—and has authored numerous influential books on the future of finance, technology, and society.

With experience advising presidential administrations on fintech policy and being named one of the Top Foreign Science Authors in Russia (2019), Brett brings unparalleled expertise on how technological advancement will transform industries, economies, and human life in the coming decades.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettking/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brettkingauthor/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/kingbr/feed

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrettKing

Website: https://brettking.com/

Simon has spent over two decades working with influential leaders across complex industries. His focus is on elevating thinking in organizations, recognizing that success is directly proportional to the quality of thinking and ideas within a business. Simon leads the...

In this episode of 'The Wisdom Of' Show, host Simon Bowen speaks with Sheila FitzPatrick, a leading international employment and data protection attorney, recognized for her expertise in privacy and security. The conversation covers Sheila's journey from employment law to becoming an influential figure in data privacy, her role in shaping international privacy laws, including the GDPR, and her insights on the burgeoning field of AI and its implications for data privacy. Sheila discusses the critical differences between privacy and security, the importance of data minimization, and how businesses can turn privacy into a competitive advantage. The episode also touches on the ethical considerations of AI, the transparency required in privacy policies, and practical steps businesses can take to ensure compliance with global privacy regulations.

Ready to elevate your business approach? Join Simon's exclusive masterclass on The Models Method. Learn how to articulate your unique value and create scalable impact: https://thesimonbowen.com/masterclass

00:00 Meet Sheila FitzPatrick: Privacy and Security Expert

03:21 The Journey into Data Privacy

05:57 The Impact of GDPR and Privacy Laws

14:57 Global Privacy Strategies for Businesses

23:53 Marketing and Data Privacy Challenges

29:20 Turning Data Privacy into a Competitive Advantage

30:34 Leveraging Data Privacy as a Competitive Advantage

31:16 The Growing Importance of Privacy in Contract Negotiations

32:44 AI and Data Privacy Concerns

35:34 Ethical and Legal Considerations in AI

41:11 Challenges for Small and Large Companies in Data Privacy

43:33 The Intersection of Ethics, Law, and Technology

46:02 Advice for Aspiring Data Privacy Professionals

55:43 The Importance of Passion in Data Privacy

56:38 Final Thoughts on Data Privacy and AI

Sheila FitzPatrick is a world-renowned authority in data privacy, protection, and sovereignty, with a career spanning more than 38 years. As the Chief Privacy Officer for numerous multinational corporations, she has pioneered global compliance strategies that align legal, ethical, and operational frameworks across more than 160 countries.

Sheila’s work has had a far-reaching impact—collaborating with the U.S. Government, the Council of the European Union, and data protection authorities across Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Americas. She has served as a trusted intermediary between corporate leadership and Works Councils, drafting over 550 model contracts and bargaining agreements and securing Binding Corporate Rules (BCRs) approvals for six global organizations.

Her expertise spans GDPR, CCPA, data sovereignty, AI regulations, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and breach management. Sheila has helped over 500 multinational companies achieve full data protection compliance, navigating the ever-evolving regulatory landscape with precision and foresight.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-fitzpatrick-4b458/

Twitter: https://x.com/sheilafitzp

Simon has spent over two decades working with influential leaders across complex industries. His focus is on elevating thinking in organizations, recognizing that success is directly proportional to the quality of thinking and ideas within a business. Simon leads the renaissance of thinking through his work with global leaders and...

In this episode of 'The Wisdom Of' Show, host Simon Bowen speaks with Kent Yoshimura, co-founder and CEO of Neuro, a functional confectionery brand that has revolutionized the supplement industry by delivering cognitive benefits through everyday products like gum and mints. From his background in neuroscience to his experiences as an international martial artist and large-scale muralist, Kent shares powerful insights on simplifying complexity, building trust systems, and creating sustainable success that applies to businesses across all sectors.

Ready to elevate your business approach? Join Simon's exclusive masterclass on The Models Method. Learn how to articulate your unique value and create scalable impact: https://thesimonbowen.com/masterclass

00:00 Introduction and Kent's multifaceted background in neuroscience, martial arts, and art

05:18 The founding story of Neuro and making complex supplements accessible

12:36 Building trust and authentic relationships in business partnerships

18:52 Delivery innovation versus product innovation in the supplement industry

25:44 The power of consistent excellence over occasional brilliance

33:29 Using AI to elevate human contribution, not replace it

38:22 Lessons from ultra-marathon running that apply to business resilience

45:36 The importance of focusing on mental well-being for entrepreneurial success

52:12 Finding balance between creativity and business leadership

58:43 The philosophy of doing more and creating lasting impact

Kent Yoshimura is the co-founder and CEO of Neuro, a functional confectionery brand that has revolutionized how people consume supplements. With a background in neuroscience from UCSD and film from UCLA, Kent has combined his scientific knowledge with creative expertise to build a company that now distributes products in over 40,000 retail locations worldwide.

Beyond his business success, Kent is an accomplished martial artist who has competed internationally, a large-scale muralist whose work appears worldwide, and a creative director who has designed immersive retail experiences for major brands. His multidisciplinary approach has allowed him to bring a unique perspective to business innovation and leadership.

Throughout his career, Kent has maintained a commitment to helping people become the best versions of themselves by providing accessible tools for mental clarity and focus.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kentyoshimura/

Website: http://www.neurogum.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurogum/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/neurogum

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neurogum

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Neurogum

Simon has spent over two decades working with influential leaders across complex industries. His focus is on elevating thinking in organizations, recognizing that success is directly proportional to the quality of thinking and ideas within a business. Simon leads the...

In this episode of 'The Wisdom Of' Show, host Simon Bowen speaks with Major General Mick Ryan AM, a distinguished military leader with 35 years of experience in the Australian Army. From leading reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan to serving in strategic roles at the Pentagon, Mick shares battle-tested leadership wisdom that transcends sectors. Discover his insights on human-centered leadership, navigating complexity, embracing failure, and building organizations that continuously adapt to change.

Ready to elevate your leadership approach? Join Simon's exclusive masterclass on The Models Method. Learn how to articulate your unique value and create scalable impact: https://thesimonbowen.com/masterclass

00:00: Introduction and Mick's extensive military leadership background

05:18: Context and purpose: The foundation of effective leadership

12:36: Leadership by walking around: Human connection in a digital age

18:52: Technology's role in leadership and organizational success

25:44: Leading through complexity and high-stakes environments

33:29: The three-step framework for solving complex problems

38:22: Learning from failure: Mick's personal journey and leadership lessons

45:36: Continuous adaptation vs. reform programs

52:12: Institutional trust and balancing individual vs. collective outcomes

58:43: Stewardship and building a lasting leadership legacy

Major General Mick Ryan AM is a highly skilled leader and strategist with more than three decades of experience in senior roles in the Australian military and beyond. His expertise in leadership, institutional strategy, technology, organizational adaptation, and change management is sought after globally.

Mick has led reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan, managed complex institutional reforms, and served in strategic advisory roles at the Pentagon. He is an adjunct fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington DC and a non-resident fellow at the Lowy Institute in Sydney.

In 2008, he was made a Member of the Order of Australia for distinguished leadership of the Australian 1st Reconstruction Task Force in Afghanistan. Throughout his career, Mick has maintained a deep commitment to investing in people and exemplifying continuous learning.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mick-ryan-am-ba299540/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WarInTheFuture

Website: https://mickryan.com.au/

Simon has spent over two decades working with influential leaders across complex industries. His focus is on elevating thinking in organizations, recognizing that success is directly proportional to the quality of thinking and ideas within a business. Simon leads the renaissance of thinking through his work with global leaders and organizations.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonbowen-mm/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialsimonbowen/

Website: