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 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.
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.
4 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.
8 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 56min
#249: Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing – Performance is everyone’s job
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing and a former race car driver, shares his insights on building high-performance teams. He emphasizes that clarity and inclusivity are essential for success, discussing how exclusivity previously hurt the brand. Zak dives into leadership lessons from racing, the explosive growth of Formula One's audience, and the importance of teamwork and technology at McLaren. He also shares strategies for making split-second decisions and fostering long-term partnerships in a competitive environment.
Jul 21, 2025 • 13min
3 More Questions (Mike Cessario) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
Discover the power of edginess in branding, where humor meets creativity, as exemplified by Liquid Death's standout marketing strategies. Learn how new companies can thrive by focusing on their brand identity and breaking through barriers. Explore how larger companies can mimic the agility of startups by embracing a mindset shift toward swift, decisive actions. The conversation also dives into personal accountability within corporate structures, urging leaders to cultivate creative environments for growth.
72 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 1h 2min
#248: Mike Cessario, Founder and CEO of Liquid Death – Disrupt with discipline
Mike Cessario, Founder and CEO of Liquid Death, has built a $1.4B beverage brand renowned for its quirky marketing. He shares how unconventional ideas like selling a $300 coffin and a candle with Ozzy Osbourne’s DNA helped disrupt the beverage industry. Cessario emphasizes the value of humor and emotional connections in branding and reveals strategies for small brands to outshine giants by targeting overlooked customers. He advocates for a mindset of continuous learning, innovation, and authenticity to thrive in a competitive market.
6 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 10min
3 More Questions (Sharon Price John) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
The discussion highlights how emotional brand equity transforms customer connections into lasting relationships. It introduces an effective turnaround strategy rooted in simplifying business practices. The balance between data-driven insights and steadfast willpower is explored, showing how optimism in leadership can inspire teams to overcome challenges. Additionally, the exceptional leadership behind the success of Build-A-Bear showcases the power of creativity and positivity in fostering joyful experiences.
14 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 56min
#247: Sharon Price John, CEO of Build-A-Bear – Meaning is your brand’s superpower
Sharon Price John, CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop, transformed the company from a $49 million loss to sustained profits by focusing on emotional connections with customers. She emphasizes that the brand is about more than just teddy bears—it's about meaning. Discover her simple turnaround formula and the secrets behind the viral 'Pay Your Age' campaign. She also shares insights on balancing legacy and innovation, applying lessons from motherhood to leadership, and how to adapt to changing consumer behaviors.
Jul 7, 2025 • 11min
3 More Questions (Jimmy Kirchdorfer) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
The discussion reveals how purpose-driven mission statements can transform organizational culture and boost employee engagement. Strategies for enhancing psychological safety in the workplace are highlighted, emphasizing openness and teamwork. The speakers also stress the importance of guiding emerging leaders to focus on their strengths rather than just passions. Personal anecdotes and a charitable golf championship add a unique touch, showing how enjoyment in work can lead to greater proficiency and success.
