
Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It
Learning Moments from an Everyday CEO of a Multi-Billion-Dollar Company
Matt Holt Books (Publisher)
Will be published approx. on 11. March 2025
Book
Hardback
256 pages
978-1-63774-629-5 (ISBN)
Description
"A fascinating, informative, and inspiring read from start to finish."
—Midwest Book Review
Publishers Weekly Bestseller
USA Today Bestseller
Imagine a successful company culture where people joyfully do meaningful work they believe in, alongside supportive, positive, enthusiastic colleagues.
From the former CEO of WD-40 Company, this guide will show you how to make this vision a reality—and how to become a true leader along the way.
In Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It, Chairman Emeritus Garry Ridge tells the story of how he helped grow WD-40 Company into one of the world’s most recognized and beloved brands. How did he do it? By following the wisdom of Aristotle: “Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.”
In his trademark Aussie storytelling fashion, Garry shares experiences from his life that combine to create a deep well of leadership wisdom. You’ll discover:
Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It is the story of Garry’s grand adventure in his own words, broken down into learning moments—those flashes of insight that have made all the difference in the world.
—Midwest Book Review
Publishers Weekly Bestseller
USA Today Bestseller
Imagine a successful company culture where people joyfully do meaningful work they believe in, alongside supportive, positive, enthusiastic colleagues.
From the former CEO of WD-40 Company, this guide will show you how to make this vision a reality—and how to become a true leader along the way.
In Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It, Chairman Emeritus Garry Ridge tells the story of how he helped grow WD-40 Company into one of the world’s most recognized and beloved brands. How did he do it? By following the wisdom of Aristotle: “Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.”
In his trademark Aussie storytelling fashion, Garry shares experiences from his life that combine to create a deep well of leadership wisdom. You’ll discover:
- How one letter from a devoted father inspired Garry’s thinking around the legacy of positive, lasting memories
- How to transform any workplace into a community where everyone thrives in psychological safety
- The importance of never getting too impressed with yourself
- The number one responsibility of every leader, regardless of position
- What he learned when he thought he was smarter than a hotel fire alarm on a cold, rainy London night
- Garry’s takeaway from the time he rode a horse to Wall Street, dressed in full knight’s armor
- What makes a soul-sucking CEO (and how not to be one)
Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It is the story of Garry’s grand adventure in his own words, broken down into learning moments—those flashes of insight that have made all the difference in the world.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
BenBella Books
Product notice
sewn/stitched
Cloth over boards
Dimensions
Height: 212 mm
Width: 141 mm
Thickness: 24 mm
Weight
356 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-63774-629-5 (9781637746295)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Garry Ridge | Martha I. Finney
Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It
Learning Moments from an Everyday CEO of a Multi-Billion-Dollar Company
E-Book
03/2025
Matt Holt Books
€14.83
Available for download
Persons
Garry Ridge has been named by Inc. Magazine as one of the world’s top 10 Most Admired CEOs, and served as CEO of WD-40 Company for 25 years. The founder and CEO of The Learning Moment, Garry now delivers his inspiring message to audiences and coaching clients throughout the world. He currently sits on the boards of The Gorilla Glue Company and Eastridge Workplace Solutions. In the past, he has served on the boards of WD-40 Company, The Ken Blanchard Companies and The San Diego Foundation.