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
351
#71: Larry Senn, Senn Delaney Founder & Chairma...
Learn why you should create epiphanies for team members, the difference between Walmart and Woolworth’s, and how to cultivate a thriving company culture.
44 min
352
#70: Brittany Fuisz, Malibu Mylk Founder & CEO—...
David and Brittany talk about the disruptive power of flax milk, making tough product quality decisions at 2am, and how to start building a brand from the ground up.
49 min
353
#69: Scott Hamilton, Olympic Gold Medalist—How ...
Scott and David talk about overcoming health challenges to win gold in Sarajevo, preparing to take on a backflip on ice, and how to get up after falling down 41,600 times.
52 min
354
#68: Ken Chenault, AMEX Former Chairman & CEO—E...
Listen as Ken and David discuss defining reality, growing up in the midst of the Civil Rights movement, and getting out of the “Ken-zone.”
48 min
355
#67: Aneel Bhusri, Workday Cofounder, Co-CEO & ...
David and Aneel discuss tech entrepreneurship, Phil Mickelson in Workday ads, and how to build a culture with active core values.
50 min
356
#66: Ginni Rometty, IBM Former Chairman & CEO—Y...
Ginni and David talk about reinventing IBM, changing hiring priorities to tap new talent pools, and how the best growth happens when you’re uncomfortable.
48 min
357
#65: Dave Calhoun, Boeing CEO & President—Resto...
David and Dave talk about navigating the 737 MAX and COVID crises, how General Electric prepared Dave for the Boeing challenge, and why stability is his #1 metric for success.
39 min
358
#64: Will Ahmed, WHOOP Founder & CEO—Prioritize...
David and Will talk about improving athletics by tracking sleep, managing a complex business with steady vision and delegation, and how to “Growtain” customers.
55 min
359
#63: The Best of 2021
David shares the best leadership insights from 2021 for succeeding in 2022 with guests like Marvin Ellison, Indra Nooyi, and Tom Brady
25 min
360
#62: Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors Head Coa...
Listen as Steve and David discuss what he’s learned as a player and a coach in the NBA about unlocking the power of the team
56 min
361
#61: Eric Gleacher, Mergers and Acquisitions Bu...
David and Eric discuss the impact of the Marine training on business, working with flawless integrity, and how to take the right risks.
43 min
362
#60: Alexa von Tobel, Inspired Capital Founder ...
David and Alexa discuss how to lead through uncertainty personally and professionally, disrupting FinTech during the Recession, and parallels between athletes and leaders.
55 min
363
#59: Scott Mahoney, Peter Millar Chairman & CEO...
Scott talks about how to achieve top quality, what Ralph Lauren taught him about leadership & how putting mints in shipping boxes boosts the bottom line.
51 min
364
#58: Dr. Neal ElAttrache, Orthopedic Surgeon—Wh...
Listen as David and Neal discuss why chasing passion is a sure way to set yourself up for failure and burnout, and that there’s something better to chase.
46 min
365
#57: Rob Light, Creative Artists Agency Managin...
Learn how listening is a superpower – whether it’s in client management, negotiation, or spotting opportunities in the market. Plus, weird and wonderful leadership lessons from managing artists like Bruce Springsteen, Prince, Dua Lipa, and more.
67 min
366
#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
367
#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
368
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
369
#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
370
#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
371
#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
372
#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
373
#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
374
#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
375
#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