How Leaders Lead with David Novak

Discover how early career pressures can shape paths and the power of aligning work with personal passions. Learn about the concept of 'shadow roles' that help ensure smooth leadership transitions. Dive into decision-making dynamics between one-way and two-way doors, empowering employees at a giant like Amazon. Uncover the importance of cultivating joy in careers and how product vision can transform development. This conversation is packed with insights into effective leadership and innovative approaches to career fulfillment.

In this enlightening conversation, Andy Jassy, CEO of Amazon and former head of AWS, shares his insights on customer obsession as a driving force in business. He reveals the importance of creating press releases and FAQs before product launches to ensure clarity. Jassy reflects on shadowing Jeff Bezos and the leadership lessons learned along the way. He discusses the transformative potential of AI in enhancing customer experiences and the delicate balance between humility and confidence in leadership.

Discover the balance leaders must strike between availability and boundaries to foster trust. Learn from Ed Bastian's bold decisions during turbulent times at Delta Airlines, showcasing integrity amidst tough choices. Delve into the significance of resilience in leadership, especially during crises, as personal challenges are navigated while guiding a team. This conversation also provides insights for leaders facing overwhelming obstacles, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and effective communication.

Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines and named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People, shares insights on continuous improvement and leadership. He emphasizes the dangers of complacency after successes and how Delta maintains its competitive edge. Bastian reveals the power of communication in leadership, the impact of personal experiences on his philosophy, and the importance of company culture in shaping service quality. He also discusses resilience during the pandemic and how a positive mindset can transform challenges into opportunities.

Explore the delicate dance of leadership as the impact of reputation takes center stage. Discover strategies for overcoming setbacks and maintaining resilience in the face of adversity. Delve into the fine line of team involvement in decision-making, balancing collaboration with the need for efficient execution. Learn how to foster honesty and transparency while navigating challenges and upholding a strong leadership presence.

Want to build the working relationships that open doors—and keep them open? In this episode of How Leaders Lead, David talks with Frank Edwards, Managing Partner of Aqueduct Capital Group. You’ll see how Frank has built a stellar reputation—not through flashy networking, but by showing up consistently, giving credit freely, and treating every relationship with long-term respect. It’s a masterclass in building trust that lasts! You’ll also learn: What your top priority should be as you’re scaling One key element of a strong sales culture How to follow up after someone opens a door for you Why you need a support system Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: ⁠The How Leaders Lead App⁠: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go  ⁠Daily Insight Emails⁠: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: What would you say to leaders who are trying to fight for eyeballs?   In your experience, what should a leader do to drive a results driven culture? As a leader, how do you handle a situation where you didn’t have anything to do with a mistake? ———GO DEEPER Scale up your leadership skills in 2 minutes a day with the How Leaders Lead app — Download today in the App Store Get coaching from David by signing up to receive his Weekly Leadership Plan. It builds on each podcast episode by offering actionable steps you can take each week to incorporate the learnings from the episode into your leadership style. It only takes about 5 minutes and is a great way to start off your week! Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group Holdings and former leader at ESPN, shares insights from his rich career in media and entertainment. He emphasizes the power of clear expectations in driving team performance and the importance of regular feedback. Mark discusses impactful strategies to win over skeptics, the value of adaptability in leadership, and how personal experiences shape leadership styles. With engaging anecdotes, he provides actionable advice for setting standards and fostering collaboration in today's dynamic work environment.

Career advancement strategies take center stage as leaders discuss tackling multiple roles to climb the corporate ladder. The importance of evaluating leaders on a dual-axis is examined, emphasizing a balanced perspective. Engaging with teams for informed decision-making is highlighted as a key to avoiding isolation in leadership. Open communication and vulnerability are underscored as essential for fostering trust and feedback within teams, bridging personal ambitions with organizational goals.

Dave McKay, President and CEO of RBC, brings over 30 years of banking experience and shares his insights on breaking career ceilings through bold goal-setting. He believes that publicly declaring ambitious goals can rally teams and attract talent. McKay discusses the synergy between business and creativity, exemplified by RBC's partnership with Taylor Swift during her tour. He emphasizes the importance of integrity and continuous learning, highlighting how an ambition-driven culture fosters innovation while maintaining ethical practices in leadership.