How Leaders Lead with David Novak

How Leaders Lead gives you a front-row seat to exclusive conversations with the world’s most iconic leaders across business, sports, and entertainment. Hosted by David Novak, Co-founder and former CEO of Yum! Brands, this podcast pulls back the curtain on how top CEOs, founders, and game-changers make things happen. When you tune in, you’ll learn from legends like Tom Brady, Condoleezza Rice, Jamie Dimon, Coach Prime (Deion Sanders), Indra Nooyi, Stanley Druckenmiller, and more.

Other guests include:

  • CEO of Starbucks
  • CEO of Target
  • Co-founder of Home Depot
  • and many others...


David’s unique perspective and thought-provoking questions distill the wisdom of these leaders into actionable insights you can use to elevate your own leadership game. Whether you’re just starting your leadership journey or already leading teams, this show helps you build the confidence you need to lead well.

Business
Management
Entrepreneurship
276
#56: Indra Nooyi, PepsiCo Former Chairman & CEO...
Ashley Novak Butler interviews her dad and Indra Nooyi on family support, workplace expectations, and the ways technology can overcome current obstacles to being a C-suite level mom.
73 min
277
#55: Jessica Kim, ianacare Cofounder & CEO—Solv...
Learn how a deep understanding of your customer at a human level can power a successful startup – even if you don’t have a background in that particular industry. Plus, practical advice for entrepreneurs to make smart hires and manage teams well.
59 min
278
Adventures from the Golf Course | How Leaders L...
Listen as David shares golf stories from guests like Tom Brady, Jack Nicklaus, and Rory McIlroy.
23 min
279
#54: Dan Cathy, Chick-fil-A Chairman & CEO—The ...
Learn how to constantly innovate new methods while staying true to your big mission. Discover the three key steps for developing a breakthrough idea. Plus, the best $75 Chick-fil-A has ever spent!
57 min
280
#53: Tom Brady, 7-time World Champion—Build Str...
Learn how clear and current communication can carry you through big transitions – both as a leader and as a part of a team. Plus, Tom’s honest reflection on his time at the Patriots and whether he thinks he can play until he’s fifty.
55 min
281
#52: Johnny Taylor, SHRM President & CEO—Treat ...
Learn why empathy is a business skill, not a soft skill – and why it’s absolutely key to creating a work culture that’s healthy and productive. Plus, a goldmine of practical tips for anyone who works with people: how to hire, retain talent, and embrace the benefits of remote work while avoiding its major pitfall.
59 min
282
#51: Jimmy Dunne, Piper Sandler Vice Chairman &...
Learn how Jimmy Dunne anticipates the needs of others with his incredible capacity for empathy. Plus, be inspired by the true leadership it took to lead through tragedy and grief after the devastating loss of so many of his associates in the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center.
42 min
283
#50: Alberto Carvalho, Miami-Dade County Public...
Learn what it takes to lead through a turnaround by defining reality, making tough personnel decisions, measuring progress, and building a unified leadership team. This is the inspiration you need to transform even the most difficult situations.
54 min
284
#49: Andy Roddick, Former #1 World Tennis Playe...
Learn how to get past the fear of asking “dumb” questions when you find yourself in unfamiliar situations. See why preparation and routine are must-have skills for any leader. Plus, the most honest answers you’ll ever hear about playing Roger Federer, hosting SNL, and randomly applying for a job on Twitter!
55 min
285
#48: Becky Frankiewicz, ManpowerGroup North Ame...
Learn how our workplace is shifting – and how you can keep finding great talent no matter what the future brings. Plus, see why you’ve got to be clear about the unique ways you add value to any organization, especially if you’re considering a career transition.
43 min
286
#47: Timo Boldt, Gousto Founder & CEO—Intention...
Learn how to go after big audacious goals – for yourself, for your company, and for your team. Plus, road-tested advice for founders who want to hire the right senior talent, move decisions off their desk, and find creative avenues for personal development.
45 min
287
Insight Series: Avid Learners
What is the single biggest thing top leaders have in common? They are all AVID LEARNERS. Find out what that means in this special episode.
38 min
288
#46: Lonnie Ali, Muhammad Ali Center Director &...
Learn why leaders have a responsibility to point others to a better future. See how to surround yourself with the right people when you need to make the very best decisions. Plus, an absolute goldmine of inspiration to live with more gratitude, compassion, and conviction.
51 min
289
#45: Bob Greifeld, NASDAQ former CEO—Focus Rele...
Learn why focusing on the right tasks separates the great leaders from the good ones. Make better decisions by understanding what really goes into that “gut feeling” you get. Plus, why you may want to rethink that outside hire and promote from within instead.
47 min
290
#44: Jeff Lawson, Twilio Cofounder & CEO—Dig fo...
Learn how finding a big customer problem to solve is a much better road to success than just focusing on a shiny solution. Plus, game-changing advice to tap into the creativity of your technical talent and develop leadership at all levels of your organization.
61 min
291
#43: Wendy Clark, Dentsu International Global C...
Learn how to take people underestimating you and turn it into fuel to help you go even farther. See how thinking like a marketer can help you in all realms of business. Plus, practical advice for evaluating any creative idea
59 min
292
#42: Mickey Drexler, The Gap, J. Crew & Banana ...
Sometimes you’ve got to break the rules and cut the red tape in order to accomplish a big vision. That’s how Mickey redefined retail. You’ll also hear practical tips for hiring and firing, plus an incredible story of how Mickey helped Steve Jobs design the first Apple store.
57 min
293
#41: Stephen MR Covey, Covey Leadership Center ...
Learn how wiring your organization around trust can help your team be more innovative, collaborative, and fulfilled. See what it means to feed your team’s strengths and starve their weaknesses. Plus, go behind the scenes of a remarkable business turnaround.
52 min
294
#40: Milind Pant, Amway CEO—Build Trust by Buil...
Learn how to build trust and lead with heart by fostering a sense of community. See why social commerce is the next big thing in sales. Plus, wisdom on self-awareness that every leader needs to hear, especially if you’re leading in times of big change.
54 min
295
#39: Cathy Engelbert, WNBA Commissioner—Do Smal...
Learn how to drive big change and blaze new trails by building relationships, often in small ways. Go behind the scenes of a successful collective bargaining agreement. Plus, the piece of advice all young leaders need to hear, especially women.
59 min
296
#38: John “Spider” Miller, Previous Walker Cup ...
Learn how to build a thriving team by giving others responsibility and then supporting and serving them well. Plus, the small but powerful trait that speaks volumes about someone’s character.
35 min
297
#37: Daniel Lubetzky, KIND Snacks Founder—Embra...
Learn how to maximize value with every decision you make by embracing the philosophy of “And.” See why creativity is a major advantage for any startup with larger competitors. Plus, one golden piece of advice to make sure your team isn’t afraid to disagree with you.
51 min
298
#36: Donna Barton Brothers, NBC Sports Reporter...
Learn how to lead your team to victory by understanding the unique things that make each team member tick. See what influential leadership looks like even if you don’t have a big team. Plus, a fascinating look behind the scenes of what it really takes to win in the world of horse racing.
53 min
299
#35: Part 2: Fred Ridley, Augusta National Golf...
In this second part of our conversation with the man behind the Masters, learn how to preserve tradition while also blazing new trails. Discover a surprising way to develop your organization’s core values. Plus, Fred’s favorite moment from Tiger Woods’ legendary 2019 Masters win.
39 min
300
#34: Part 1: Fred Ridley, Augusta National Golf...
In this first of two interviews, meet the man behind the Masters and learn how Augusta National is staying true to its traditions while also boldly moving forward. Discover the leadership lessons Fred learned while playing in the ‘75 Masters with Jack Nicklaus, making controversial Masters rulings, and launching the first-ever Augusta National Women’s Amateur.
43 min