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
401
#23: Lindsey Johnson, Weezie Cofounder & CEO—Pa...
Learn how the co-founder of Weezie Towels is building a successful brand, leading with both big-picture passion and in-the-weeds substance. Plus, super-smart entrepreneurial advice for defining consumer pain points, launching a brand, and balancing growth with profitability.
51 min
402
#22: John Calipari, University of Kentucky Head...
Learn what it looks like to truly serve your team. Get practical advice for taking risks, recruiting, and setting big goals. Plus, the story of how he popularized the dribble-drive offense and the leadership lesson you can take away from it.
60 min
403
#21: Jack Nicklaus, Golfer, Businessman & Phila...
Learn how the greatest golfer of all time was always improving, both in victory and defeat. See the immense benefits of preparation, including one that may surprise you. Plus, the epic story of the time Jack caught a world-record-setting marlin – that wasn’t a world record!
59 min
404
#20: Dave Cote, Honeywell former CEO—Find Win/W...
Learn how to get past surface-level conventional business wisdom with the power of independent thinking. Instead of choosing between two seemingly conflicting options, you can find creative win/win solutions that drive true growth.
58 min
405
#19: Frank Blake, Home Depot former CEO—Aim for...
Learn how Frank became the “unexpected CEO” of The Home Depot and made big decisions to get back to basics and grow the company with excellence, not expansion. Plus, discover two powerful insights that will forever change the way you communicate and listen in a leadership role.
55 min
406
#18: Steve Burke, NBCUniversal Chairman—Draw Ou...
Learn how Steve gets the most out of his teams by drawing out their ideas and building a strong, idea-driven culture. Plus, see what you should be looking for right now if you want to land the best up-and-coming talent.
60 min
407
#17: Mory Fontanez, 822 Group Founder & CEO—Tam...
Learn how you can lead a team of more loyal and productive workers, simply by reconnecting with a higher purpose for yourself and your company. See what NOT to do when you want to revisit your company values. Plus, practical advice for how to handle conflict at work.
59 min
408
#16: Tim Ryan, PricewaterhouseCoopers US Chair ...
Learn how listening is a key part of your job as a leader, especially when you face risky decisions. Get practical advice for making diversity and inclusion a real priority. Plus, the three fundamental things the marketplace is telling us – and why they need to be a part of your strategic plans.
51 min
409
#15: Part 2: Jamie Dimon, JP Morgan Chase Chair...
Learn how Jamie’s straightforward leadership style helped drive to truly. See why listening to your team is good, but not enough. Plus, what you might be getting wrong about strategic planning.
37 min
410
#14: Part 1: Jamie Dimon, JP Morgan Chase Chair...
Learn how a straightforward leadership style helps Jamie prepare for the worst (and the best) scenarios. Plus, no-nonsense wisdom on decision making, work-life balance, and how corporations can be more socially responsible.
43 min
411
#13: Mark Messier, NHL Hall of Famer—Stay Attun...
Learn the secrets of how this legendary NHL Hall of Famer created strong bonds with his teammates – and why those connections are key to any team’s success. Plus, what NOT to do in a new leadership role.
64 min
412
#12: Larry Merlo, CVS Health CEO—Craft a Simple...
Learn how eight simple words transformed CVS Health – and unlocked a whole new level of revenue and growth. Plus, three clues to look for in your failures that indicate you’re actually on your way to success.
57 min
413
#11: Part 2: Tom Brady, 6-time World Champion—B...
In the second part of our conversation with Tom Brady, learn more about how Tom’s upbringing influenced his leadership. Take a deep dive into the mentality leaders need when the going gets tough. Plus, the bonkers story of how Tom got trapped in the Notre Dame stadium.
58 min
414
#10: Part 1: Tom Brady, 6-time World Champion—B...
Learn how to focus your work so it lines up with what you want. Get inspired by Tom’s elite mentality and preparation. Plus, hear a few of his incredible (and incredibly revealing) stories from both on and off the field.
41 min
415
#09: Indra Nooyi, PepsiCo Former Chairman & CEO...
Learn how to celebrate your team and open up new opportunities for the people you serve. See what it takes to stick to a vision, even when the naysayers are (very!) loud. Plus, hear the one leadership mistake you should never make when communicating during a crisis.
60 min
416
#08: Bobbi Brown, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics Founder...
Learn how Bobbi Brown makes her incredible creativity go even farther by surrounding herself with complementary partners. Discover the two biggest qualities any entrepreneur needs in order to be successful. Plus, a boatload of inspiration for anyone who thrives by doing things in nontraditional ways.
49 min
417
#07: Ajay Banga, Mastercard CEO—Be Guided by De...
Learn how to lead with decency and fairness – without mistaking it for niceness. Discover how diversity can minimize your company’s blindspots and foster more innovation. Plus, the mindset you need about your competition, whether you’re ahead or behind.
61 min
418
#06: Ethan Brown, Beyond Meat Founder & CEO—Tap...
Learn how a strong sense of purpose can transform your business – from product development, to messaging, to partnerships, and more. Plus, how to encourage a “fail fast” culture on your team (without sacrificing excellent work).
62 min
419
#05: Seth Waugh, PGA of America CEO—Spend Time ...
Learn how to develop a culture that’s built on kindness, with “no jerks allowed.” Get a practical punch-list for your first six months in a new role. Plus, hear how Seth and the PGA of America are growing the game of golf so it’s more accessible and inclusive.
44 min
420
#04: Tony Xu, Doordash Cofounder & CEO—Break Pr...
Learn how Tony solves big problems by diving into small details – and why it’s a crucial skill for leaders, even if you hate getting “into the weeds.” Plus, practical advice for fostering innovation on your team and balancing work with life.
60 min
421
#03: Evan Spiegel, SNAP CEO—Secrets of Fosterin...
Learn the specific ways you can foster more innovation on your team – some of which will definitely surprise you. See why kindness is critical to Snap’s strategy. Plus, give yourself a big boost of motivation to have more fun at work.
61 min
422
#02: Larry Fitzgerald, Former Arizona Cardinals...
Learn how Larry Fitzgerald quietly exerts his influence, both on the field and off. Hear his advice on adjusting to new teammates and generating confidence through preparation. Plus, what to do (and what not to do) on social media.
62 min
423
#01: Kendra Scott, Founder & Executive Chairwom...
Learn why gratitude and optimism are every leader’s secret weapon (especially when you’re just getting started). Get practical strategies for warding off complacency and staying agile even as you grow. Plus, inspiring words for anyone balancing work, family, and life.
68 min
424
Trailer: How Leaders Lead with David Novak
1 min