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
376
#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
377
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
378
#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
379
#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
380
#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
381
#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
382
#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
383
#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
384
#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
385
#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
386
#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
387
#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
388
#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
389
#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
390
#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
391
#33: Kara Goldin, Hint Water Founder & CEO—Tack...
Learn how tackling fears and obstacles can be incredible opportunities for us to learn and grow – and maybe even disrupt an entire industry. How to motivate a team around a mission. Plus, the inside scoop on a bargain-priced SuperBowl ad (no, really!).
59 min
392
#32: Jesse Cole, Savannah Bananas Owner & Found...
Learn how to get the right kind of attention for your business by serving your customers and solving the real pain points they experience. Plus, get the permission you need to march to the beat of your own drum as a leader.
44 min
393
#31: Joey Zwillinger, Allbirds Cofounder—Have a...
Learn how a healthy sense of urgency can help you clarify your business model, tap into your purpose, and fight team complacency. See how to respond when a competitor rips you off. Plus, the right way to bring sustainability into your business.
58 min
394
#30: Niren Chaudhary, Panera CEO—Begin With the...
Learn how to make big changes in any organization – using the power of a clear vision and building trust with your team. This episode is a wealth of wisdom to help you tackle any big challenge, even when you feel overwhelmed.
61 min
395
#29: Mikaila Ulmer, Me and the Bees Lemonade Fo...
Learn how applying a “kid mentality” to your dreams and ideas can help you see all the opportunities in front of you, not just the obstacles. How to weave storytelling into your brand. Plus, golden advice for parents of aspiring entrepreneurs.
44 min
396
#28: Marvin Ellison, Lowe’s CEO—Tackle the Toug...
Learn how to stand out at work for all the right reasons – by jumping in to take the assignments other people shy away from. Plus, hear hard-won wisdom from one of our country’s few Black Fortune 500 CEOs about how companies can help fight systemic racism at work and in society as a whole.
60 min
397
#27: Lauren Hobart, Dick’s Sporting Goods Presi...
Learn how you can strengthen your team by seeing communication for what it really is – connection. Get practical advice for one-on-one meetings, getting your vision across, navigating disagreements, and more.
45 min
398
#26: General Ray Odierno, Former Chief of Staff...
Learn how you can develop the three traits that make a leader trustworthy. Get hard-won wisdom on how to respectfully hold a different opinion than your superiors. Plus, what makes a leader “toxic” – and why it’s probably not what you think.
59 min
399
#25: Kevin Johnson, Starbucks CEO—How to Stay A...
Learn how to keep your organization agile and innovative, regardless of its size. See why vulnerability can be every leader’s secret weapon. Plus, the epic story of how Kevin learned transcendental meditation from Ringo Starr (and why it helps him at work!).
50 min
400
#24: Madeline Bell, Children’s Hospital of Phil...
Learn how important it is for us to model the kind of behavior we expect from our team – whether it’s staying calm in a crisis, learning from mistakes, or taking a day off to recharge. Plus: beautiful success stories of children whose lives were saved at the hospital that will have you wondering who cut all those onions.
56 min