Real Life Real Leaders Real Life Real Leaders

Imagine unlocking the secret sauce to a thriving workplace culture. That's exactly what Garry Ridge, chairman emeritus of WD-40 Company, unveils in our latest episode of Real Life Real Leaders. With Garry's remarkable journey from a humble Aussie fax machine to the helm of a global brand, we uncover how the heart of WD-40's success lies in its culture—a culture that makes coming to work feel like contributing to a grander mission, learning, and heading home fulfilled. 
 
“Culture is a competitive advantage and that we, as leaders, have a real responsibility, and that is to create a place where people go to work every day, they make a contribution to something bigger than themselves, they learn something new, they're protected and they're set free by a compelling set of values, and they go home happy – Garry Ridge
 
This isn't just about business; it's about fostering joy in families and communities worldwide. This is a a masterclass in nurturing a work environment that is not just a place of employment, but a source of happiness and growth.
 
Further key points throughout include:
Learn about Garry Ridge's "crockpot approach" to building a strong corporate culture, which led WD-40 to global success with a 98% employee satisfaction rate.
Find out how WD-40 maintained its workforce during the pandemic due to a resilient culture.
Benefit from Dr. Rebecca Homkus's "Survive, Reset, Thrive" strategy for achieving growth during volatile times.
Understand Garry Ridge's belief that a supportive workplace contributes to happier families and communities, leading to a more joyful world.
Hear about Garry’s upcoming book “Any Dumb Ass Can Do It”.
“If I can do this, anybody can do it, because I'm consciously incompetent and probably wrong and roughly right in most circumstances.” – Garry Ridge
Real Life Real Leaders is dedicated to exploring the real stories behind some of the world's most outstanding inspirational leaders. Each new episode teaches the highs and lows of building a successful business and uncovers the attributes that make a great leader. 
 
Resources: 
Get connected socially with Garry Ridge:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/garryridge/
https://thelearningmoment.net/
 
Get connected socially with host Dave Komar:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davekomar/ 
https://edainc.io/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/real-life-real-leaders-podcast/ 

This podcast is proudly produced in partnership with podlad.com

Leadership extends beyond mere guidance; it's a continuous journey of learning, growth, and facing the storm head-on, no matter how daunting it might appear. In this episode, we delve into the transformative power of purpose-driven leadership and navigating times of turbulence with Aku Pauline Odinkemelu, a towering figure in Nigeria's economic and banking landscape whose impact reaches far beyond her borders.
 
Despite starting her career in law, Aku discovered her passion and found her calling in banking, rising to executive positions and serving on the Central Bank's Monetary Policy Committee, overcoming Nigeria's economic challenges. Growing up as one of nine children, Aku shares how education, family support and mentorship steered her professional trajectory and fueled her commitment to growth. Aku shares her remarkable account of navigating through times of significant unrest and danger in River State, emphasizing the role of strategic thinking when steering her teams to safety. Join us as we celebrate Aku's inspirational leadership journey—a testament to resilience, integrity, and unwavering courage. Key points include:
 
A stroke of chance: Aku's career evolution from legal counsel to banking leader Tackling conflicts of interest, inflation and currency challenges in Nigeria's economy The greatest gift of education and the role of family support in shaping careers Building a legacy of impact and nurturing future leaders Influential mentors: Shaping values and leadership principles Career turning points: Overcoming challenges and navigating the social unrest in Nigeria Crisis Management: Optimizing strategic security measures amidst turbulent times Spiritual resilience: Finding strength and balance in faith  
"You have to find that inner strength to detach from everything that is happening. Connect with your team, reach out to your networks, and see how you can analyze and get to the root causes of whatever challenges you face." – Aku Pauline Odinkemelu.
 
Real Life Real Leaders is dedicated to exploring the real stories behind some of the world's most outstanding inspirational leaders. Each new episode teaches the highs and lows of building a successful business and uncovers the attributes that make a great leader. 
 
Resources:
Our Iceberg Is Melting by John Kotter
https://www.ouricebergismelting.com/
 
Get connected socially with Aku Pauline Odinkemelu:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aku-odinkemelu-b3823070
 
Get connected socially with host Bonnie Hagemann:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhagemann/ 
https://edainc.io/ 
https://mobile.twitter.com/bonnie_hagemann 
https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/real-life-real-leaders-podcast/ 
 
This podcast is proudly produced in partnership with podlad.com

Leading Nigerian lawyer, acclaimed author, and champion for children's rights, Bola Tinubu, joins Bonnie this week to reveal how she achieved professional success whilst always keeping her family at the forefront. Discover how Bola's ascent to the top of Nigeria's legal landscape is a tale of ambition fueled by her father's influence. As the country managing partner at a prestigious law firm, Bola takes us behind the scenes of data governance, sustainability, and the weighty responsibilities shouldered by modern boards. Yet, in the harmonizing of motherhood with the mantle of leadership, Bola's story finds its warmest notes, offering a symphony of strategies for balancing professional growth with family life. Bola's unequivocal advocacy for women and children has made a breathtaking impact in countless lives. Through it all, she remains as steadfastly committed to her family as to her profession, proudly doing it all in the name of making a difference. Key points include: 

Rising up the ranks: The journey to the top of Nigeria's legal field 
Navigating the complexities of sustainability issues and data governance risks 
From courtroom visits to career visions: A father's strategic influence 
Parenthood and professional progression: Achieving success with family at the forefront 
Empowering women and driving change in the workplace 
Giving back: Bola's advocacy for children's rights and her nonprofit initiatives 
The value of prioritization and saying yes to less 

 

"Family was first. I wanted to bring up my children in the way my mother brought me up. I wanted to give them nurturing to the best of my ability. So for me, it was understanding my priorities, and not letting it get to me that my career didn't progress as quickly off the mark as I wanted it to." – Bola Tinubu. 

Real Life Real Leaders is dedicated to exploring the real stories behind some of the world's most outstanding inspirational leaders. Each new episode teaches the highs and lows of building a successful business and uncovers the attributes that make a great leader.  

 

Resources:  

Book: Bisi is the Boss by Bola Tinubu 

https://www.amazon.com/Bisi-Boss-Bola-Tinubu-ebook/  

 

Get connected socially with Bola Tinubu:  


https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolatinubu  

 

Get connected socially with host Bonnie Hagemann: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhagemann/  

https://edainc.io/  

https://mobile.twitter.com/bonnie_hagemann  

https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/real-life-real-leaders-podcast/  

 

This podcast is proudly produced in partnership with podlad.com 

Get ready to embark on a journey through the extraordinary life of a trailblazer whose resilience and passion have forged a legacy destined to inspire generations. Meet Cristiana Salgado-Braga, the visionary force propelling CSX and bioconsulting while reshaping the global scientific landscape with her unwavering commitment to innovation.
 
In this episode, Cristiana unveils the pivotal moments that propelled her to become a leader in science, a profession she adores whole-heartedly and delves into the importance of cultural sensitivity in crafting bespoke healthcare solutions and reflects on the impact of growing up in male-dominated cultures and the scarcity of female role models. Cristiana also explores the transformative power of community and mentorship in navigating adversity and shares her experiences handling shocking international upheavals, highlighting the imperative of prioritizing your own safety. Join us as we delve into the ethos of pushing boundaries to realize your true potential and the profound influence of advocates nurturing the next generation of women in STEM. Key points include:
The influence of cultural roots on shaping identity and career choices Unlocking solutions with the power of deep understanding Kickstarting progress and embracing the power of initiative Navigating Male-Dominated Cultures and recognizing the absence of female role models Overcoming unexpected challenges: Why you should never outsource your safety The importance of having a solid support network Pushing boundaries: Embracing challenges to discover unseen limits  
"I have always been passionate about my career without any false modesty. The culture within the biotechnology sector is so aligned with patient-centric goals that my career has become my go-to safe place in many difficult personal moments. It has been the place for me to fall back on when personal times get hard. My career has always been a safe port for me." – Cristiana Salgado-Braga.
 
Real Life Real Leaders is dedicated to exploring the real stories behind some of the world's most outstanding inspirational leaders. Each new episode teaches the highs and lows of building a successful business and uncovers the attributes that make a great leader. 
 
Get connected socially with Cristiana Salgado-Braga:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/Cristiana-salgado-braga-nacd-dc-mba-m-sc-252345/
 
Get connected socially with host Bonnie Hagemann:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhagemann/ 
https://edainc.io/ 
https://mobile.twitter.com/bonnie_hagemann 
https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/real-life-real-leaders-podcast/ 
 
This podcast is proudly produced in partnership with podlad.com

The essence of leadership is more than just steering a ship; it's weathering storms, fostering resilience, and nurturing company culture. This week, Ana Hory, a seasoned advisor, board director, and executive renowned for her strategic risk-taking and entrepreneurial acumen, joins Bonnie.
 
Get ready to dive in and discover how Ana's strategic vision transformed the Polly Pocket brand into a Brazilian sensation by understanding the market's unique needs and how deciding to remove a team member whose influence was hindering team dynamics became a pivotal moment in her career. Ana also gets candid about resetting and rebuilding, sharing the emotional toll of layoffs and offering practical advice for bouncing back stronger than ever. Tune in now to hear Ana's recipe for success and the decisions that can pave the way for a bright and prosperous future. Key points include:
 
Career highlights: Launching Polly Pocket in Brazil, elevating it to the second-largest market outside of the US Rescuing company culture with the power of coffee walks, talks, and listening Culture fit: How removing a negative element can spark overnight transformation CEO Insights: The crucial lesson learned a little too late Transforming consumer experiences through product management Surviving storms: Navigating transitions in life and finding new opportunities Tackling hardship: Ana's advice for overcoming life obstacles   "I always ask, is there anything you would have done differently from when you started as a CEO? And I kid you not, 100% of the time, they tell me, I wish I had let go of the wrong people sooner." – Ana Hory.
 
Real Life Real Leaders is dedicated to exploring the real stories behind some of the world's most outstanding inspirational leaders. Each new episode teaches the highs and lows of building a successful business and uncovers the attributes that make a great leader. 
 
Get connected socially with Ana Hory:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anahory/
 
Get connected socially with host Bonnie Hagemann:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhagemann/ 
https://edainc.io/ 
https://mobile.twitter.com/bonnie_hagemann 
https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/real-life-real-leaders-podcast/ 
 
This podcast is proudly produced in partnership with podlad.com

Best-selling author and three-time TEDx speaker Ron Carucci joins us this week to unveil the blueprint for authentic leadership. As proud co-founder and managing director of Navalent and a visionary in the realms of leadership and organizational change, Ron reveals his transformative journey from working in Europe to becoming a celebrated consultant and author.  

In this episode, Ron brings to the table nearly four decades of experience in guiding top executives and organizations through significant change. He offers practical strategies and real-world examples that illustrate the importance of honesty, the challenges of mentorship, embracing failures and the courage it takes to lead with integrity. Key points include: 

An accidental entrepreneur pursuing a passion beyond organizational boundaries 
Unveiling heroes: Stories of inspirational leadership worth writing about 
Dual Roles: Navigating five years of grueling challenges 
Key business advice: Wisdom and warnings for career starters 
Learning from Failure: Embracing setbacks for personal growth 
Perception: Challenging the truths within our minds 

"I had a terrifying thought. Could we have found four fundamental principles about how to shape a culture that nobody's doing? Because that would suck. So I had to find out if anybody was living out what we learned or if they were only living in the dark side of it." – Ron Carucci. 

Real Life Real Leaders is dedicated to exploring the real stories behind some of the world's most outstanding inspirational leaders. Each new episode teaches the highs and lows of building a successful business and uncovers the attributes that make a great leader.  

 

Resources:  

To Be Honest by Ron Carucci 

https://tobehonest.net/  

 

Get connected socially with Ron Carucci:  

https://www.linkedin.com/in/roncarucci/  


https://www.navalent.com/  

 

Get connected socially with host Dave Komar: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davekomar/  

https://edainc.io/  

https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/real-life-real-leaders-podcast/  

 

This podcast is proudly produced in partnership with podlad.com