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
51
#247: Sharon Price John, CEO of Build-A-Bear – ...
Listen to this leadership podcast with Sharon Price John, CEO of Build-A-Bear and discover how to build a brand with meaning—and use it to expand and grow.
55 min
52
3 More Questions (Jimmy Kirchdorfer) with David...
Topics include: mission statements, healthy workplace culture, and finding your passion.
11 min
53
#246: Jimmy Kirchdorfer, Chairman and CEO of IS...
Listen to this leadership podcast with Jimmy Kirchdorfer, CEO of ISCO Industries, and discover how to reinvest in your business and people.
50 min
54
3 More Questions (Bob Jordan) with David Novak ...
Topics include: handling criticisms post decision making, transitioning into a new role with more responsibility, and stress management.
13 min
55
#245: Bob Jordan, CEO of Southwest Airlines – B...
Listen to this leadership podcast with Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan and discover how to balance optimism and realism, especially in tough times.
48 min
56
3 More Questions (Sanjit Biswas) with David Nov...
Topics include: making space for new ideas, long term business sustainability, and customer communication strategies.
9 min
57
#244: Sanjit Biswas, Cofounder and CEO of Samsa...
Listen to this leadership podcast with Sanjit Biswas, Cofounder and CEO of Samsara, and discover how to tune into what your customers really want.
60 min
58
3 More Questions (Steve Case) with David Novak ...
Topics include: trusting your ideas as a leader, the evolution of a company's revolution, and persistence in seeking new business ideas.
13 min
59
#243: Steve Case, Cofounder of AOL – Success ta...
Listen to this leadership podcast with AOL Cofounder and Revolution CEO Steve Case and learn how to build the resilience to keep going when progress feels slow.
61 min
60
3 More Questions (Gui Loureiro) with David Nova...
Topics include: transformational growth, the importance of all aspects of strategy, and leading employees through positivity.
9 min
61
#242: Gui Loureiro, CEO of Walmart in Canada, C...
Listen to this leadership podcast with Walmart’s Gui Loureiro and discover why your company’s next steps might depend on your own growth.
58 min
62
3 More Questions (Greg Johnson) with David Nova...
Topics include: empowering employees in decision making, finding balance between analytics and human connection, and creating a positive work culture from the top.
10 min
63
#241: Greg Johnson, Owner of the San Francisco ...
Listen to this leadership podcast with Greg Johnson, Chairman of Franklin Templeton & Owner of the SF Giants to discover how to build more motivated teams.
48 min
64
3 More Questions (Scott Boatwright) with David ...
Topics include: transitioning into leadership roles, developmental initiatives for newly promoted leaders, and the power of team member exercises.
12 min
65
#240: Scott Boatwright, CEO of Chipotle – Remov...
Learn how to free up your people with better systems. Get lots of practical advice to create career pathways for your team. Plus, what you’re getting wrong about accountability.
50 min
66
3 More Questions (Andy Jassy) with David Novak ...
Topics include: early career path pressures, leadership transitions, and empowering employees in decision making.
10 min
67
#239: Andy Jassy, CEO of Amazon – Start with th...
Learn strategies that help you put customers at the heart of how you work. Discover a framework to delegate decisions well. Plus, hear Andy’s takes on generative AI, post-pandemic work culture, and more.
51 min
68
3 More Questions (Ed Bastian) with David Novak ...
Topics include: boundaries on being readily available as a leader, how to navigate a reinvention of your company, and dealing with personal and professional hardships
9 min
69
#238: Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines – Neve...
Learn how to keep raising the bar, day after day. Get tips to differentiate your product and boost your culture. Plus, how Tom Brady is helping Delta win!
57 min
70
3 More Questions (Frank Edwards) with David Nov...
Topics include: how to protect your reputation as a leader, how to handle a setback, and choosing when to involve your team in decision making
10 min
71
#237: Frank Edwards, Managing Partner of Aquedu...
Learn how treating relationships with care and consistency can open doors—and keep them open. Plus, tips for scaling well and building a healthy sales culture.
44 min
72
3 More Questions (Mark Shapiro) with David Nova...
Topics include: how to build attention for your brand, how to drive a results driven culture, and how to take credit for the mistakes of others
8 min
73
#236: Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO; P...
Learn how to set clear expectations and hold your team to them. Get smart career advice, particularly if you’re stepping into a new role. Plus, stories that’ll make you think AND laugh.
60 min
74
3 More Questions (Dave McKay) with David Novak ...
Topics include: how to move up in a company, how to evaluate leaders, how to be informed as a leader and make the right decisions
10 min
75
#235: Dave McKay, President and CEO of RBC – Go...
Learn how going public with your goals can create alignment and attract top talent. Get practical advice to accelerate your career. Plus, discover the brilliant strategy that brought in 600,000 new accounts. (Hint: Taylor Swift is involved!)
59 min