The Plant Yourself Podcast

Garry Ridge is the former CEO of WD-40 and the co-author of Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It, a book about building high-performance cultures through servant leadership, emotional safety, and consistent values. In this conversation, Garry shares not just what he learned during his 25+ years at WD-40, but how he lived it—and how other leaders can too.We talked about what it means to lead with a heart of gold and a backbone of steel, how culture can't be microwaved (spoiler: it's a crockpot), and why being a "dumbass" is actually a leadership superpower.Garry tells stories about turning fear into learning, eliminating the word "manager," and why clarity around values—especially in a hierarchy—gives everyone the confidence to make the right decision, no matter their title.We also explore:Why psychological safety isn't fluff, it's foundationalHow “the soul-sucking CEO” lives in all of us, and what to do about thatWhat happened when Garry went back to school as a CEOHow WD-40 went global using three simple marketing questionsWhy organizations should replace “failure” with “learning moments”The real-world power of love and belonging at workThe “Maniac Pledge” and how it eliminates finger-pointingHow even during COVID, WD-40’s engagement scores stayed sky-highThis episode is a warm bath of wisdom, humor, and hope for anyone who wants to lead—at work or in life—with integrity, humility, and heart.LinksGarry Ridge's website: thelearningmoment.netTake the Dumbass Proficiency Quiz hereConnect with Garry on LinkedInJoin the School of Dumb-Assery on LinkedInGarry’s book: Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It

DEI is under serious threat in a "post-Woke" world. Is it still relevant? Does it have to lead to shame?Can we promote diversity without creating zero-sum dynamics of winners and losers?Today's guest, Winitha Bonney, takes on DEI challenges with a clear and compassionate worldview grounded in empathy.Which, in her telling, is what DEI is all about. Ms Bonney helps me understand the importance of cultural context, the challenges of navigating discomfort and shame, and the ethical obligations of organizations to create a more just and inclusive world.AI Thinks These are the Key Takeaways, and Who am I to Argue?There's a lot of work to do in DEI.Cultural context is crucial in understanding DEI.DEI is often oversimplified in corporate settings.Navigating discomfort and shame is essential for progress.Corporate responsibility must align with ethical obligations.The future of DEI holds both challenges and hopes.Understanding different cultural perspectives enriches DEI efforts.Shame and guilt can hinder effective DEI work.Inclusion should focus on equitable resource distribution.The evolution of DEI is a response to societal changes.LinksWinitha.com (cool URL, no?)

Stephen Baxter lives in Tasmania, which has Tasmanian devils which sadly are nothing like the one that gave me nightmares as a little kid watching Looney Tunes cartoons on Saturday mornings.He’s a leadership mentor who promotes a style of leadership very different from the stereotypical command-and-control style of celebrated CEOs and generals: a humble, relational, and community-centered style of leadership rooted in influence, story, and service.Drawing from his diverse experience—as a former pastor, mentor to political leaders, and grassroots organizer—Stephen explains the power of "leading leaders" rather than followers, and how narrative, self-awareness, and collaboration shape a more human and sustainable model of leadership.He shows us how it’s possible to lead without ego and create culture without control. These qualities can foster change in  local communities and global systems.From church pews to parliament halls, from jazz bands to ultimate Frisbee teams, this conversation unpacks how leadership shows up in ordinary places—and why that's where it matters most.What We Talked AboutThe unique leadership ecosystem of TasmaniaHow leadership is different when people come voluntarily (vs. for a paycheck)The myth of the "alpha" leader and the power of facilitationLeadership as storytelling, not statusCultivating leadership in community, not in hierarchyHow fear and unmet needs distort leadershipThe hidden leadership potential in all of usTips for stepping into leadership in your family, workplace, or community

Jess Stuart, a former high-achieving executive turned leadership coach, shares her transformation from corporate burnout to advocating for sustainable workplaces. She discusses blending ancient wisdom with modern challenges, revealing signs of high-functioning burnout and the importance of redefining success. They also delve into the impact of generative AI on workplace dynamics, particularly regarding gender biases, and emphasize the need for emotional intelligence in leadership. Jess's insights inspire a more human-centered approach to both work and well-being.

Tough times for justice, equality, inclusion, and hope these days.With the "anti-woke" attack on DEI, I was wondering how my friend Keith Edwards was doing these days.His practice is one of "aspiring allyship" — how we can all come together to learn and grow, and work for our collective liberation from all forms of tyranny and discrimination.Are businesses, cowering before the Trump/Musk onslaught, running away from diversity, equity and inclusion as fast as they can?Turns out, no.Because these factors are critical to any business that wants to thrive in these turbulent times.As Keith points out, diversity isn't the opposite of meritocracy; it's the only way to get the right people into the right positions.And unlike the performative wokeness that spasmed through society in the wake of George Floyd's murder and the peak of the Black Lives Matter movement in summer 2020, companies that are bringing Keith in now are serious about making their organizations better. No more eye-rolling CEOs and checked-out senior managers.One of the ideas that Keith really hammers home is this: equity benefits everyone, not just marginalized groups. The things that really make our lives worthwhile — freedom, dignity, love, joy — aren't in short supply. In fact, the more of these that you have, the more that I can have as well.Leadership around these issues requires soul-searching, humility, a willingness to change and grow, and mindful presence.I shared my own struggles to become a useful ally with Keith, who shared some of his own "embarrassing moments," and pointed out that we're all "wildly unfinished," and as long as we're open, we can still act with integrity and power.Here are the takeaways that AI thought worth recording:Hope is a practice, not an emotion.Joy is a renewable resource that can be cultivated.Equity involves recognizing and removing unfair barriers.Allyship is about action, not identity.Being effective is more important than being right.Corporate language around DEI is shifting, but the work continues.The murder of George Floyd highlighted systemic issues in society.We are all works in progress and can change our perspectives.Helping marginalized groups ultimately benefits everyone.It's essential to recognize that joy and freedom are abundant resources. When we act for the collective, we are also benefiting ourselves.Mindfulness helps leaders stay grounded and centered.Slowing down can be a powerful leadership tool.Recognizing reactivity is the first step to choosing responses.Unlearning harmful beliefs is a gift to oneself.Aspiring allyship requires self-reflection and humility.Feedback should be seen as a gift for personal growth.Our liberation is interconnected with others' liberation.Performative actions can lead to genuine change over time.Creating accessible pathways for equity is essential.LinksKeithEdwards.comKeith's newsletterKeith's YouTube channelAspiring Allyship program"Riding Shotgun Down the Avalanche," by Shawn Colvin"The Big Payback" episode of AtlantaThe Book of Joy, by the Dalai Lama and Desmond TutuThe Lawn Sign Commitment studyThe Serviceberry, by Robin Wall KimmererCloud CultTokyo Vice

John Seed was a 3-piece suit tech worker, then a meditating hippie farmer, before stumbling into his lifelong calling as an environmental activist.He participated in the world's first direct action to preserve a rain forest in the 1970s. He co-founded the Rainforest Information Center and raised money and awareness to save the "lungs of the planet."John soon realized that raising awareness wasn't going to accomplish the mission. After all, most people were aware of the damage humans were doing to the planet, but still weren't taking action to stop it.His discovery of the Deep Ecology movement brought new clarity and led to the creation of new forms of activism. With Buddhist scholar and activist Joanna Macy, John developed what's now known as The Work that Reconnects (and Experiential Deep Ecology in Australia).This work invites us to honor our feelings, even the most painful and hopeless ones. It asks us to see the possibilities that can arise when we see ourselves as part of, rather than apart from and above, nature.In our conversation, we talk about capitalism, economics, advertising, right livelihood, psychedelics, 4 billion years of evolution that lives in each of our bodies, and the distinction between personal biographical trauma and that trauma that every living being experiences on a planet at war with itself.I feel so lucky to be able to imbibe John's wisdom and spirit and humility.I don't know if I have more hope than before, but I have more clarity, direction, and resolve.I wish the same for you, and all my human relations.LinksJohnSeed.netThinking Like a MountainThe Work That Reconnects

https://youtu.be/lqbkngcx5QoLet's talk about persuasion!Whether in the form of sales, or a helpful coaching conversation, or "street epistemology" for a cause you care about, it's very useful to understand how human beings make decisions.Today's guest is Ian Ross, a sales trainer specializing in understanding human psychology and communication.In our conversation, Ian debunks the common misconception that effective sales techniques are inherently sleazy. Instead, he argues, sales can be all about communicating effectively so that our conversation partner makes a good decision.It's certainly possible to misuse powerful communication skills, as with any tool. (You should see the havoc I can wreak with a reciprocating saw.) And there is a fine line between influence and manipulation — ultimately, it's all about intent. After covering the basic principles of sales psychology, which apply to everyday interactions, we pivot into helping me become better at selling my own consulting and coaching services. Ian helps me create a process for the sales call, including the right and wrong questions to ask, how to deal with financial issues, and how to end the call with a decision — whether yes or no — rather than a vague and wriggly "I need to think about it."Ian's wisdom is invaluable for anyone looking to improve their persuasion skills, in both professional and personal contexts.LinksVivid Selling on InstagramIan's Substack newsletterIan's Close More Sales podcastChris Voss on the Plant Yourself Podcast

Join me on a morning walk as I provide a stream of consciousness introduction to my latest book project while dodging traffic and pitying looks from people noticing me talking to myself with two mics attached to my jacket.The book is about triggers — what causes us to behave in ways we don't like, out of alignment with our goals and values. Like breaking our food rules or buying sh-stuff we don't need or losing our temper with family members and colleagues.This is the first of four episodes on triggers, and in it I cover the concept of allostatic load. That's the build-up of stress in our nervous systems, which can turn even the most benign or insignificant glance, comment, or traffic delay seem like a life-or-death struggle.I discuss the science of stress — how and why it occurs, and how and why it subsides — and how our big brains and modern lifestyles have colluded to turn us into constantly stressed-out beings on the verge of exploding.And I briefly cover some strategies for reducing allostatic load, so we can be more resilient and composed in the face of the inevitable stressors that come at us all the time. And here are some photos of the construction in La Plana, which explains some of the ambient noise that you'll hear during the episode.Want more of this type of show? Got questions about triggers? Let me know in the comments.

Michael Gelb returns to the podcast to talk about his latest book, Walking Well, co-written with Bruce Fertman. In our conversation, we cover a wide range of topics:the biomechanics of walkinghow we can powerfully improve the experience of walking through simple mindfulness and imagination exerciseswhy walking is the quintessential human activitythe benefits of walking (physical, cognitive, emotional, spiritual)other basic human postures (standing, sitting, lying down)materialist vs spiritual orientation to lifeand much more...Michael makes the case that walking, if done well, is kind of a magic Swiss army knife for life. It can give us the same benefits as meditation, strenuous exercise, yoga, breathwork, and many other "advanced" modalities.From the eminently practical (you'll learn three exercises that will have you walking better in minutes) to the deeply philosophical, this is a conversation (and book) that you won't want to miss.LinksMichaelGelb.comWalkingWell.comWalking WellLessons from the Art of Juggling

I've been on a memory reconsolidation mission since I was first introduced to it a couple of years ago. Two missions, in fact. One, to learn as much as I can and incorporate it into my coaching and mentoring.Two, to share it far and wide.Today, we're going to talk about memory reconsolidation and some of the techniques that you can use to help bring it about for yourself and for others. My guest is my daughter Yael Zivan who has been studying memory reconsolidation and experiential therapies with some of the luminaries in the field that we talk about in this episode. I'm so happy and delighted that she is carrying on this mission in her way, bringing healing and support and compassion and love to people thanks to this recent neuroscience breakthrough, that shows us how to shortcut transformation and make it effortless and permanent.In our conversation, we dive deep into therapeutic modalities and memory reconsolidation. Yael shares her journey in transforming her own trauma into a passion and career, exploring techniques such as AEDP and Coherence Therapy. We talk about the importance of self-compassion, understanding schemas, and innovative approaches to healing triggers and old patterns.