Why clarity, courage, and connection remain the human edge in an AI-driven world.

The Irreplaceables: Barry Ridgway on Empathy, Culture, and Global Leadership

In this episode, we sit down with Barry Ridgway, a global leader with 30 years of experience, including nearly three decades as an executive at Microsoft. Barry has led teams across four continents, built strategy and sales transformation programs, and worked with Fortune 500 companies, governments, and startups in over 50 countries.

Now the founder of Sugarland Partnership, Barry shares how empathy, courage, and culture are not just soft skills—they’re measurable drivers of business outcomes. Together, we explore:

• What leaders must localize vs. what’s universal in cross-cultural leadership.
• The micro-skills managers need to navigate hard conversations with empathy.
• Why creativity, moral courage, and space-making re ...