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
Aug 28, 2025 • 1h 2min
#254: Tom Hale, CEO of Oura – Be a balancing force
Tom Hale, CEO of Oura, leads a pioneering health tech company known for the innovative Oura Ring. He discusses balancing growth with mindful leadership, emphasizing self-awareness and the ring's personalized health insights. Tom shares a game-changing approach for subscription businesses and the importance of customer feedback. He reflects on effective communication and the need for empathy in leadership, as well as how to differentiate in the competitive wearable market. Listeners gain valuable insights into leadership and product development from his unique experiences.
5 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 10min
3 More Questions (Roger Crandall) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
Discover how leaders can combat bureaucracy by fostering collaboration and dismantling rigid hierarchies. Learn the art of simplification in decision-making while embracing diverse perspectives for a healthier discussion. The conversation delves into the necessity of continuous growth, adaptability, and reinvention, particularly in the face of new trends like AI. With insights from a notable CEO, this deep dive encourages ongoing personal development as essential to effective leadership.
7 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 54min
#253: Roger Crandall, Chairman, President and CEO of MassMutual – Make the numbers mean something
Roger Crandall, the Chairman, President, and CEO of MassMutual, emphasizes the importance of transforming data into compelling stories to engage teams. He shares insights on dismantling bureaucracy and fostering collaboration in workplace culture. Crandall discusses life insurance's value, integrates noble causes into leadership, and reflects on his journey from early investment lessons to the finance industry. He also addresses the role of AI in insurance, highlighting adaptation and momentum as key leadership strategies in a rapidly changing landscape.
Aug 18, 2025 • 13min
3 More Questions (David Levy) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
Discover how pivotal leadership hinges on creating successors and embracing replaceability for career growth. The discussions emphasize the significance of hiring for potential rather than just skills, blending confidence with humility. Learn how fostering an enterprise mindset enhances collaboration across departments. Trusting your gut feeling while balancing intuition with analysis is highlighted as essential for effective decision-making. Tune in for insights on developing both personal and team dynamics in the workplace!
Aug 14, 2025 • 54min
#252: David Levy, Co-CEO of Horizon Sports + Experiences – True vision takes guts
David Levy, Co-CEO of Horizon Sports & Experiences and former president of Turner Networks, shares his insights on bold leadership and innovation in sports. He discusses the impactful March Madness broadcasting deal that transformed fan experiences and highlights the emergence of new ventures like The Pickleball Slam. Levy emphasizes the importance of diverse opinions, trusting instincts, and addressing challenges in media. He also reflects on lessons learned from Ted Turner, showcasing how calculated risks can unlock growth opportunities, especially in women's sports.
Aug 11, 2025 • 12min
3 More Questions (Peter Cuneo) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
Dive into the journey of turning around industries without prior experience. Discover why the first six months are critical for success, emphasizing listening over quick decisions. Learn how to cultivate creativity by building a judgment-free zone for ideas. Find out how adaptability and self-trust shape effective leadership when navigating unfamiliar environments. Plus, get a sneak peek behind the scenes of the Marvel universe, appealing to fans and leaders alike!
6 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 34min
#251: Peter Cuneo, Former CEO and Vice Chairman of Marvel Entertainment – Embrace the unfamiliar
Peter Cuneo, former CEO and Vice Chairman of Marvel Entertainment, led the company through a remarkable turnaround after its bankruptcy. He reveals how embracing the unfamiliar sparked innovation and allowed him to make bold leadership decisions. Cuneo discusses the secret weapon of being an outsider, the vital components of a creative culture, and the strategic reasoning behind casting Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man. His insights on cultural shifts and accountability are essential for fostering risk-taking and driving success in any organization.
4 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 11min
3 More Questions (Dr. Michael Gervais) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
Dive into the power of self-discovery as a foundation for effective leadership. The importance of mental skills training is explored, benefiting both athletes and leaders. Discover how optimism can dramatically influence team morale and leadership dynamics. A unique mathematical framework for confidence development is introduced, showcasing strategies to enhance it through past achievements. Celebrate small wins to boost motivation and create a personal highlight reel, guiding you toward impactful leadership.
21 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 1h 1min
#250: Dr. Michael Gervais, Renowned high-performance psychologist and founder of Finding Mastery – Train your mind
Dr. Michael Gervais, a renowned high-performance psychologist and founder of Finding Mastery, unlocks the skills behind confidence and resilience. He emphasizes that these traits can be cultivated, sharing mental strategies used by elite athletes and top CEOs. Dive into his personal journey from a Virginia farm to psychological mastery and learn about the importance of purpose and identity. Discover how emotional regulation and optimism can enhance leadership, and gain practical exercises for boosting your own performance and team dynamics!
5 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 9min
3 More Questions (Zak Brown) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
Discover fascinating insights from Formula 1 racing, focusing on the culture and leadership strategies at McLaren Racing. Explore the crucial role of teamwork and communication in achieving peak performance on the track. Learn why clarity, rather than consensus, is essential during high-pressure situations, highlighting the importance of preparation and decisiveness. The discussion emphasizes how each team member's understanding of their role can enhance overall organizational success.
