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
76
#221: Pat Kelsey, Head Men’s Basketball Coach a...
Learn how to approach the job you have in order to get the job you really want. See what it takes to build a strong culture—and why it’s key to success. Plus, a motivation speech JUST for you!
58 min
77
3 More Questions (Drew Holcomb) with David Nova...
Topics include: how to keep coming up with new ideas, how to be an emotional leader, and how to discover your core audience
15 min
78
#220: Drew Holcomb, Musician – “Super serve” yo...
Learn how to invest more in the customers who value what you have to offer—rather than trying to convince those who don’t. Plus, lots of insights for anyone who wants to be more creative!
70 min
79
#219: The Best Of Q4
Learn from some of the best leadership insights of Q4 2024
42 min
80
3 More Questions (Karla Gallardo) with David No...
Topics include: how to dream big and start small with your team, how to apply a 'fewer, better' philosophy to your leadership, and how to create hero products based on your customer's needs
10 min
81
#218: Karla Gallardo, CEO of Cuyana – Dream big...
Learn how to take that first step—no matter how small it seems—to put your big ideas into action. Find strategies for developing products people absolutely love. Plus, discover a smart (but unusual) approach to brick-and-mortar retail.
50 min
82
3 More Questions (Jared Belsky) with David Nova...
Topics include: the secret to staying close to your data, how to deal with dysfunction tax, and why coaching could help your business
11 min
83
#217: Jared Belsky, CEO of Acadia – Avoid the d...
Learn how to squash dysfunction and boost your team’s productivity and creativity. Plus, a wealth of practical tips to maximize your ad agency partnership—for better communication, ad creative, and results!
54 min
84
3 More Questions (Doug Hirsch) with David Novak...
Topics include: how physical fitness can help your leadership, how to be successful in a new field, and how to retain top talent in a competitive industry
12 min
85
#216: Doug Hirsch, Owner of Arizona Drive Pickl...
Learn how to make excellence not just a standard you meet, but a habit you develop. Discover the #1 leadership trait you need to build a loyal team. Plus, what leaders can learn about problem solving from chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen.
53 min
86
3 More Questions (Jeni Britton) with David Nova...
Topics include: how to be an intuitive leader, how to compromise as a leader, and how a "character" can help you lead
14 min
87
#215: Jeni Britton, Founder of Jeni's Ice Cream...
Learn how to hone your instincts and make better decisions. Discover a practical tip to help you navigate new situations with more confidence. Plus, how to differentiate between your “business” and your “company.”
56 min
88
3 More Questions (Scott Harrison) with David No...
Topics include: how to keep striving for success, how to incorporate feedback loops into your business, and how Yum! Brands has addressed food insecurity
12 min
89
#214: Scott Harrison, Founder and CEO of charit...
Learn how to be more innovative with the power of pattern thinking. Go behind the scenes of one of the most compelling nonprofit brands and get inspired to help solve the world’s water crisis!
53 min
90
3 More Questions (Erika Ayers Badan) with David...
Topics include: the most powerful leadership lesson, how to let your people make mistakes without hurting performance, and how to know when it's time to go
13 min
91
#213: Erika Ayers Badan, CEO of Food52 and form...
Learn how to lean into the tough stuff at work instead of burying your head in the sand. Discover what it takes to build an online following. Plus, a smart tactic any upstart brand can use to beat an established one.
56 min
92
3 More Questions (Aaron Witt) with David Novak ...
Topics include: how to recruit top talent in the food service industry, top leadership traits from Aaron Witt, and how vulnerable to be with your team
13 min
93
#212: Aaron Witt, CEO of BuildWitt – Set the ex...
Learn how to set the example of vulnerability as a leader—and how it can transform your team. Discover two keys to creating memorable, engaging content. Plus, a surprisingly simple strategy to “hack” your big goals.
58 min
94
3 More Questions (John Peyton) with David Novak...
Topics include: how viral moments can help your brand, how to inspire your team to have an agile mindset, and how to embrace AI and new technologies
10 min
95
#211: John Peyton, CEO of Dine Brands (Applebee...
Learn how to navigate uncertainty with a more agile mindset. Discover three questions to help you differentiate your brand. Plus, the #1 leadership quality to cultivate if you want to connect with your Gen Z teammates.
55 min
96
3 More Questions (Fawn Weaver) with David Novak...
Topics include: how press might help your business, finding the gifts in difficult scenarios, and how to find your ideal employee
12 min
97
#210: Fawn Weaver, Founder and CEO of Uncle Nea...
Learn how to learn from the past without dwelling on it—and why that mindset is key for great leaders. Discover PR strategies to get your brand the attention it deserves. Plus, why you might want to ignore the latest leadership trends.
64 min
98
3 More Questions (Tom Nolan) with David Novak a...
Topics include: how passionate you need to be about your product, creating emotional distance between you and your employees, and how to lead as a minority in the company
13 min
99
#209: Tom Nolan, CEO of Kendra Scott — Connecti...
Learn how to make meaningful connections with customers and team members—and why it’s a powerful way to drive results. Plus, unmissable advice for anyone who works with a founder.
59 min
100
3 More Questions (Mike Wirth) with David Novak ...
Topics include: where to start as a CEO, how to get your employees to really share their thoughts, and how to bring your team together
13 min