Today we're thrilled to welcome Richard Sheridan, CEO and co-founder of Menlo Innovations, bestselling author of "Joy, Inc." and "Chief Joy Officer," and a pioneer in building intentionally joyful workplace cultures.
For 24 years, Richard has been proving that putting joy at the center of business isn't just feel-good philosophy—it's a practical approach to creating software people love while building teams that thrive.
In this conversation, Richard shares the journey from his heartbreaking disillusionment with the tech industry to founding a company with the audacious mission of ending human suffering in the workplace.
Key Topics Covered:
• The origin of "The Menlo Way" and why Richard centered his company around joy
• How a childhood bookshelf project revealed the true meaning of joy and service to others
• Why software professionals will work for free if they can consistently delight users
• The transformation from Vice President to founder and designing a radically different way to work
• What makes Menlo's culture unique: open workspaces, pair programming, and transparency
• Ann Arbor's entrepreneurial ecosystem and the power of community in building success
• Richard's nuanced take on AI, the future of software, and why technology will make us more human
• Practical advice for leaders: "Get out of the house" and build serendipitous relationships
• How to create intentional cultures that unlock creativity, innovation, and imagination
Links:
Subscribe to our newsletter to get weekly updates: https://www.maximize.media/the-ryan-morrison-show
Menlo Innovations: https://www.menloinnovations.com
Connect with Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/menloprez/
What is The Ryan Morrison Show?
Welcome to The Ryan Morrison Show.Each week, I sit down with CEOs, founders, and unconventional thinkers to unpack the stories behind their success — and the inner work it took to get there. We go beyond the highlight reel to explore mindset, leadership, business, and what it really takes to build something that matters.If you're building a business, a brand, or a better version of yourself — you're in the right place.🎙️ New episodes weekly💡 Unfiltered insights from the front lines📍For CEOs, founders, unconventional thinkersSubscribe now.