"The Future Focused CXOs" PODCAST - Episode 27

Leading with Purpose: How to Build a Culture of Belonging

The Future Focused CXOs Podcast| Jeff Lindeman

Guest

linkedin

Jeff Lindeman,
Chief Officer at WD-40

"The Future Focused CXOs"
PODCAST - Episode 27

Leading with Purpose:
How to Build a Culture
of Belonging

The Future Focused CXOs Podcast| Jeff Lindeman

Guest

linkedin

Jeff Lindeman,
Chief Officer at WD-40

The Future Focused CXO is the podcast for C-level executives aiming to scale their organizations, lead through transformative challenges, and stay ahead in adopting cutting-edge technologies like AI. Each episode explores actionable leadership strategies, insights on managing rapid organizational change, and real-world examples from top executives tackling the complexities of modern business operations.

In this episode of Future Focused CXOs, we interviewed Jeff Lindeman, the Chief People, Culture, and Capability Officer at WD-40. Jeff shares his valuable insights on leadership, company culture, and navigating modern business challenges.

Tune in to learn:
  • How WD-40's people-centric culture drives exceptional employee engagement and retention.
  • The importance of fostering psychological safety and creating a space for open communication.
  • Why leadership isn't about extroversion, but about understanding and managing your energy.
  • How AI and technology are enhancing workforce productivity without replacing human talent.
  • The role of organizational values in guiding decision-making and maintaining a strong culture.
  • Key strategies for knowledge transfer and change management, especially during times of growth and disruption.

Don't miss this conversation on the power of leadership, culture, and purpose-driven work!

The Future Focused CXO Episode 27: Show Notes

As organizations face increasingly complex challenges, the need for strong leadership and a purpose-driven culture has never been more critical. In our latest episode of Future Focused CXOs, we had the privilege of sitting down with Jeff Lindeman, the Chief People, Culture, and Capability Officer at WD-40, to explore how effective leadership and a strong organizational culture can fuel success in today’s dynamic business environment. Jeff’s experiences and insights offer invaluable lessons for any CXO aiming to create a sustainable, employee-focused organization.

A People-Centric Culture: The Foundation of WD-40’s Success

One of the most striking aspects of Jeff’s approach to leadership is the emphasis on people and culture. For over two decades, WD-40 has cultivated a culture of belonging that has become a cornerstone of their success. With an impressive employee engagement score of over 90% and an employee retention rate of 90%, WD-40 has proven that a strong, people-first culture isn’t just a feel-good initiative—it’s a strategic advantage.

The company’s culture of belonging has helped them weather storms like the COVID pandemic and various economic downturns. When other companies struggled with layoffs and downsizing, WD-40 was able to maintain stability because they prioritized their employees, fostering a deep sense of loyalty and commitment. Jeff credits this success to their commitment to culture, which focuses on creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and safe to bring their whole selves to work.

The Role of Psychological Safety in Growth and Innovation

One of Jeff’s most insightful points was the importance of psychological safety within an organization. Leaders often worry about making mistakes, but Jeff argues that allowing employees to make mistakes without the fear of judgment or blame fosters growth and innovation. At WD-40, this culture of psychological safety means that employees can take risks, share new ideas, and learn from their experiences without fearing repercussions.

This openness to vulnerability, he explained, is what has helped WD-40 continuously adapt and improve. By creating a safe space for employees to learn from their failures, they can focus on the bigger picture: progress and growth. For CXOs, this means focusing less on perfection and more on creating a culture that embraces continuous improvement, innovation, and learning.

Leading with Energy, Not Just Extroversion

Many people think of leadership as a role that requires extroverted qualities—being outgoing, charismatic, and energetic. But Jeff challenges this notion by discussing his own journey as an introverted leader. As an introvert, Jeff has had to be intentional about managing his energy to be effective in his leadership role. For him, leadership is about being a thoughtful listener and providing space for others to speak and share their ideas.

This perspective offers an important lesson for CXOs: leadership doesn’t need to fit a particular mold. Whether you’re extroverted or introverted, being an effective leader comes down to managing your energy, being true to yourself, and focusing on what’s best for your team. Jeff’s approach demonstrates that the most effective leaders are those who understand their own strengths and weaknesses and lead with authenticity.

Embracing AI and Technology to Enhance Productivity

In the digital age, many CXOs are grappling with the impact of technology on their workforce. Will AI and automation replace jobs? How can technology enhance productivity without eliminating jobs? Jeff discusses how WD-40 is using AI to enhance productivity, not replace workers. By integrating AI and automation into their business operations, WD-40 is able to drive efficiencies and improve the effectiveness of their teams.

Rather than viewing AI as a threat, Jeff sees it as an opportunity to make the workforce more agile and innovative. By offering workshops and collaborating with employees on AI initiatives, WD-40 ensures that technology serves as a tool for their employees’ growth, enabling them to do more with less.

Values-Driven Leadership: Making the Right Decisions Every Time

At WD-40, values are not just words on a wall—they are a guiding force in decision-making. Jeff shared how the company’s six core values influence every decision made at all levels of the organization. Whether it’s a small, everyday decision or a major corporate strategy shift, WD-40 leaders turn to their values to ensure they are doing what’s right for the company, the employees, and the customers.

For CXOs, this reinforces the importance of aligning every action with the company’s core values. When values are deeply embedded in the organizational fabric, leaders are empowered to make decisions that support long-term sustainability and success, regardless of external pressures.

Preparing for the Future: Knowledge Transfer and Change Management

With baby boomers nearing retirement, knowledge transfer has become a critical challenge for many companies. Jeff discussed how WD-40 is addressing this challenge by fostering a culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing. One of their key initiatives is "dwell time," where employees are encouraged to connect across departments and regions to exchange knowledge and ideas. This informal approach to knowledge transfer ensures that critical insights are not lost when employees retire or transition out of the organization.

Additionally, as the workforce continues to evolve, Jeff stressed the importance of preparing for change by cultivating an adaptable and forward-thinking culture. Leaders must be proactive in ensuring that employees have the skills and mindset to thrive in an ever-changing environment.

Embrace Your Leadership Style

One of the most powerful messages from Jeff’s conversation is that effective leadership isn’t about fitting into a particular mold—it’s about embracing who you are. Whether introverted or extroverted, every leader brings something unique to the table. By accepting and understanding your leadership style, you can more effectively manage yourself and your team.

Jeff’s personal experience as an introverted leader serves as a reminder that self-awareness and authenticity are key to becoming a successful, impactful leader. For CXOs, the message is clear: embracing your true self as a leader is the first step toward leading a successful, purpose-driven organization.

Final Thoughts for CXOs

In the fast-paced world of leadership, Jeff Lindeman’s insights offer timeless wisdom for any CXO looking to build a culture of purpose, innovation, and growth. By focusing on people, fostering psychological safety, and leveraging technology to enhance productivity, leaders can drive success and create environments where employees thrive.

As Jeff emphasizes, leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s about being genuine, embracing your strengths and weaknesses, and fostering a culture where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. For CXOs, this approach can make all the difference in navigating the challenges and opportunities of today’s business world.

For more inspiring stories and actionable strategies from top executives, subscribe to the Future Focused CXOs podcast on your favorite streaming platform:

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