How Leaders Lead with David Novak
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 2, 2025 • 55min
#259: Sarah Gibson Tuttle, Founder and CEO of Olive & June – Work on yourself
Sarah Gibson Tuttle, founder and CEO of Olive & June, shares her inspiring journey from sneaking nail polish as a child to running a $100 million brand. She reveals how frustrations in her early finance career sparked a revolutionary idea for at-home nail care. Sarah emphasizes the importance of feedback, self-awareness, and building a supportive company culture. She discusses her innovative marketing strategies during the pandemic and her commitment to creating a safe space for creativity and growth within her team.
Sep 29, 2025 • 13min
3 More Questions (Paul Brown) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
Discover how to simplify marketing with the principle of 'sell what you sell' through Arby's impressive turnaround. Learn about balancing brand consistency with local menu flexibility, showcasing how understanding cultural relevance can drive success. The hosts dive into the importance of centralizing tech while granting local teams autonomy in customer decisions. Finally, explore strategies for managing centralization and autonomy in multi-brand environments, ensuring effective leadership in diverse markets.
13 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 53min
#258: Paul Brown, Cofounder and CEO of Inspire Brands – Sell what you sell
Paul Brown, Cofounder and CEO of Inspire Brands, has a knack for reviving iconic brands like Arby's and Dunkin'. He shares lessons learned from his early jobs and consultancy, emphasizing clear messaging and cultural significance in franchises. Discover how the 'We have the meats' campaign transformed Arby's identity and his approach to menu quality at Buffalo Wild Wings. Paul also discusses the strategic use of AI, the importance of listening to franchisees, and the agility needed in today's fast-paced market, all while focusing on people and collaboration.
6 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 11min
3 More Questions (Klaus Kleinfeld) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
In this engaging discussion, leaders tackle the essential topic of measuring motivation through culture surveys and storytelling. They delve into energy management, highlighting the importance of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Listeners learn about transforming ambitious dreams into tangible results through follow-up and focus, offering actionable insights for effective leadership. The conversation aims to inspire leaders to foster high-performance environments while balancing personal energy and visionary execution.
20 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 1h 1min
#257: Klaus Kleinfeld, Former CEO of Siemens and Alcoa – Purpose channels your energy
Klaus Kleinfeld, the former CEO of Siemens and Alcoa, shares his insights as an author and advisor on purpose-driven leadership. He discusses how to channel energy towards meaningful objectives rather than just pushing harder. Klaus reveals a simple way to assess one's sense of purpose and offers a two-pronged approach for effective decision-making. He emphasizes the importance of kindness, transforming challenges into opportunities, and managing energy across various facets of life. His personal anecdotes enrich the conversation, highlighting leadership principles in both business and family.
6 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 9min
3 More Questions (Hayden Brown) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
Discover how leaders can cultivate courage and a visionary mindset that fosters innovation. Explore the balance between core teams and freelancers to enhance organizational effectiveness. Delve into the importance of creating a culture that encourages swift conflict resolution, ensuring a harmonious work environment. Hear insights on how inclusivity can enhance workforce dynamics and learn practical techniques to tackle workplace conflicts with confidence.
22 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 57min
#256: Hayden Brown, CEO of Upwork – Create clarity for your team
Hayden Brown, CEO of Upwork, shares her insights on leading remote teams and embracing clarity in communication. She emphasizes the importance of defining vision and priorities, especially in a fast-changing world. Hayden discusses building strong remote teams and integrating AI into workflows. Drawing from personal experiences, she highlights the challenges female leaders face and stresses the need for self-advocacy. With practical strategies for team agility and innovation, her perspective is invaluable for today’s leaders navigating the complexities of modern work.
Sep 8, 2025 • 14min
3 More Questions (Clark Hunt) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
Dive into the excitement of football as the NFL expands globally, featuring the Kansas City Chiefs' upcoming game in Brazil. Explore how leaders can sustain high performance amidst constant change, with insights from the Chiefs' journey. Discover the importance of cultivating a strong team culture and nurturing ambitious goals. Effective communication and humility take center stage, revealing how clear visions and feedback shape inclusive leadership. Finally, learn the delicate balance between confidence and humility that every great leader must master.
26 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 57min
#255: Clark Hunt, Chairman and CEO of the Kansas City Chiefs – Be quick to give others credit
Clark Hunt, Chairman and CEO of the Kansas City Chiefs and son of founder Lamar Hunt, shares invaluable insights on building and sustaining a winning culture in the NFL. He discusses the five key elements required for a successful sports dynasty and emphasizes the importance of humility in leadership. Listeners will learn about ensuring cultural continuity amid turnover, the power of listening, and surprising dynamics at NFL owners' meetings. Hunt also recounts his family's legacy and the emotional journey of the Chiefs' Super Bowl victory.
Sep 1, 2025 • 12min
3 More Questions (Tom Hale) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
The discussion kicks off with a fascinating look at the Aura Ring, emphasizing its health benefits and unique market position. They delve into the vital role of leaders as stabilizers for their teams, balancing clarity and hope amid challenges. Strategies for maintaining alignment between mission and profitability are explored, including effective communication and project assessments. Finally, the conversation highlights customer retention tactics, stressing the importance of understanding user segments to sustain market leadership.
