Andrew Potkewitz

The Kara Goldin Show | 656 Garry Ridge: Author of Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It & Former CEO of WD-40

In this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, I sit down with Garry Ridge, former CEO and Chairman Emeritus of WD-40 Company and author of the newly released book, Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It. Garry spent 25 years leading WD-40, turning it into a globally recognized company with a legendary workplace culture. Now, through his work at The Learning Moment, he’s helping leaders build thriving organizations rooted in trust, learning, and purpose.
During our conversation, Garry shares insights from his book and leadership philosophy, challenging the traditional notion that leadership is reserved for a select few. We dive into the importance of psychological safety, how to create a tribal workplace culture, and why great leadership is about learning, not knowing. Garry also opens up about some of his biggest leadership lessons, including mistakes that turned into “Learning Moments” and how vulnerability can be a superpower in leadership.
If you’re a leader—or aspire to be one—this episode is packed with actionable insights on how to create a culture of trust, empower your team, and rethink leadership in a modern world. Don’t miss it! Now on The Kara Goldin Show.

Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at [email protected]. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks.

To learn more about Garry Ridge and Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It:
https://www.instagram.com/auzridge/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/garryridge
https://www.thelearningmoment.net/

Sponsored By:

Nutrafol – For a limited time get ten dollars off your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to Nutrafol.com and enter the promo code KARAGOLDIN

Strawberry.me – Visit Strawberry.me/Kara for 20% off your first month’s membership

Ancient Nutrition – Get 25% off your first order at AncientNutrition.com/KARAGOLDIN

Open Phone – OpenPhone is offering 20% off your first 6 months! Just go to OpenPhone.com/KaraGoldin

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/656

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The Modern Retail Podcast | Rundown: Target partners with Champion and Warby Parker, Starbucks overhauls menu & Americans are doom spending

On this week’s Modern Retail Rundown, the staff discusses news from Target, which announced new partnerships with sportswear brand Champion and eyewear startup Warby Parker. Elsewhere, Starbucks’ latest turnaround move is to pare down its menu by 30% and get rid of complicated drinks. Lastly, we take a look at why one in five Americans…

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eCommerce Conversations | Adapt to Survive, Says eCommerceFuel Founder

Andrew Youderian launched eCommerceFuel in 2013 after stints in corporate finance and online selling. The vetted community consists of ecommerce owners whose businesses have $1 million or more in annual revenue. He says ecommerce in 2025 has matured. “Brands that adapt,” he stated, “will survive in the next five to seven years.” Host Eric Bandholz…

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The Kara Goldin Show | 655 Alex Watson: Co-Founder & CEO of Renais

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we’re joined by Alex Watson, Co-Founder and CEO of Renais. Alongside his sister, Emma Watson, Alex launched Renais as a luxury gin brand inspired by their family’s deep-rooted winemaking heritage in France. Renais is distilled from upcycled French wine-pressed grapes, blending sustainability with craftsmanship to create something truly unique in the world of spirits.
During our conversation, Alex shares how he and Emma built Renais, the challenges of launching an ultra-premium gin, and what sets their brand apart in a crowded market. We dive into the opportunities in the spirits industry, the role of sustainability in distilling, and how their family’s legacy in winemaking influenced their vision. Alex also opens up about working with Emma, the impact of her global influence, and what’s next for Renais as they continue to grow.
Whether you’re a gin enthusiast, an entrepreneur, or someone passionate about craftsmanship and brand-building, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Tune in to hear Alex’s incredible journey and learn why Renais is redefining the gin industry. Now on The Kara Goldin Show.

Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at [email protected]. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks.

To learn more about Alex Watson and Renais:
https://www.instagram.com/alex.s.watson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-watson-64189a14a
https://www.instagram.com/renaisgin
https://www.renais.com

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/655

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eCommerce Fastlane | PR Secrets: How To Land Major Media Coverage Without An Agency

Are you a Shopify store owner struggling to get noticed in a crowded marketplace? Tired of throwing money at ads with unpredictable results? Have you ever wondered how to get featured in top-tier publications like The New York Times or Vogue without breaking the bank on a costly PR agency? In this episode of eCommerce…

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The Ecommerce Playbook | The Tecovas Ad That Broke DTC Twitter (And Why It Worked)

DTC Twitter lost it over this Tecovas ad—but was the outrage justified? In this episode, we break down the viral controversy sparked by Taylor Holiday’s tweet, why so many misunderstood the ad’s real impact, and what it reveals about the future of growth marketing. Was this ad truly a “bad” direct response play, or was…

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The ASOM Pod | EP36: The Great Discount Debate of eCommerce: Growth Strategy or Brand Killer?

In this episode of The ASOM Pod, hosts John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), Bryan McDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride), and Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer & Founder of Sendlane) tackle the Great Discount Debate—are discounts killing brand value, or are they just a necessary evil? Featuring…

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The Modern Retail Podcast | How Bumpin’ Blends has successfully scaled within the aisles of Walmart and Costco

When smoothie brand Bumpin’ Blends made its mass retail debut, it landed in the frozen food aisles of more than 3,100 Walmart, Target and Sprouts stores within a few weeks.  “We went from doing five figures a month to doing six figures a month and seven figures a quarter,” said co-founder and CEO Lisa Mastela….

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eCommerce Fastlane | Marketing Agency Selection: A Data-Driven Approach For eCommerce Brands

Are you a Shopify store owner struggling to find the right marketing agency? Have you been burned by agencies that overpromise and underdeliver? Are you lost in a sea of marketing options, unsure where to turn for expert guidance? In this episode of eCommerce Fastlane, we welcome Behdad Jamshidi (aka “Bee”), founder of CJAM Marketing,…

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The Kara Goldin Show | 654 Irene Chen: Co-Founder of Parker Thatch

In this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, I sit down with Irene Chen, Co-Founder of Parker Thatch, the California-based brand known for its functional luxury handbags and accessories. Irene shares how she and her husband, Matthew Grenby, built the company from its early days as an e-stationery business into a thriving eight-figure brand loved for its customizable, timeless designs.
We dive into the pivotal moment when handbag icon Kate Spade encouraged them to focus on accessories, the challenges of standing out in the competitive luxury market, and how Irene’s background at Donna Karan and Calvin Klein shaped her approach to building a brand. Irene also opens up about bootstrapping Parker Thatch’s growth, why personal expression is at the heart of every design, and what it’s like to run a company with your spouse while raising a family.
If you’re curious about scaling a brand, creating a strong community, or what it takes to build a business that lasts, this episode is for you. Tune in to hear Irene’s inspiring journey and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Now on The Kara Goldin Show!

Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at [email protected]. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks.

To learn more about Irene Chen and Parker Thatch:
https://www.instagram.com/parkerthatch/
https://notesfromirene.substack.com/
https://www.youtube.com/c/ParkerThatch
https://www.parkerthatch.com/

Sponsored By:

Range Rover Sport – The Range Rover Sport is your perfect ride. Visit LandRoverUSA.com and check it out.

Shopify – Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at Shopify.com/kara

Check out our website to view this episode’s show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/654

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