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
Dec 25, 2025 • 30min
#271: Childhood moments that shaped the world’s top leaders
Join Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, as he shares how his mother's strength shaped his curiosity about leadership. Andy Jassy, Amazon's CEO, reflects on valuable lessons from competitive tennis, emphasizing resilience and focus. Pat Kelsey, head coach of the Louisville Cardinals, recounts the integrity instilled by his disciplined parents and influential coaches. Together, these leaders reveal how childhood experiences shaped their leadership styles and the importance of knowing your own story.
Dec 18, 2025 • 1h 4min
#270: Allison Ellsworth, Founder & Lead Creative, poppi – Build your brand
Allison Ellsworth, founder and lead creative of poppi, shares her journey from Shark Tank star to Pepsi acquisition success. She discusses the importance of building a brand over merely selling a product and reveals her 'black ops budget' for quick trend responses. Allison highlights the power of storytelling and emotional connections in branding, alongside savvy social media strategies for different platforms. With insights on balancing work and family, she emphasizes the need for leaders to embrace discomfort to fuel growth.
10 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 60min
#269: Damola Adamolekun, CEO, Red Lobster – Show the path to success
In this engaging conversation, Damola Adamolekun, the youngest CEO of Red Lobster and former CEO of P.F. Chang's, shares his journey through leadership challenges. He discusses strategies for turning around struggling brands, emphasizing honest communication and focusing on guest experience. Damola reflects on overcoming youth-related perceptions in leadership, the importance of adaptability, and leveraging AI for operational efficiency. He highlights how crucial it is to keep customer focus central to a brand’s success and shares valuable insights on navigating tough decisions.
4 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 1h 13min
#268: Gregg Renfrew, Founder and CEO of Counter – Step back to move forward
Gregg Renfrew, Founder and CEO of the clean beauty brand Counter, shares her extraordinary journey of building and relaunching a company after being ousted following a lucrative sale. She dives into the emotional turmoil of that experience and the lessons learned about resilience and effective leadership. Gregg discusses the importance of clean beauty, redefining industry standards, and how personal self-care practices can boost confidence. With insights on community-driven sales and navigating the fast-evolving tech landscape, her story is both enlightening and inspiring.
Nov 27, 2025 • 1h 3min
#267: Michael Meldman, Founder and Chairman of Discovery Land Company – Be one of one in your category
Michael Meldman, founder of Discovery Land Company and co-founder of Casamigos Tequila, shares his secrets to creating standout brands. He emphasizes the importance of comfort and community in luxury resorts, while discussing the unique business model that prioritizes low-density living. Michael dives into the art of hiring talent and fostering growth through mentorship. He also reflects on his journey from blackjack to real estate and offers wisdom on patience and persistence as keys to leadership success.
9 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 1h 13min
#266: Richard Fain, Former CEO of Royal Caribbean Group – Push past comfortable
Former CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, Richard Fain, revolutionized the cruise industry with innovative megaships and a vibrant company culture. He discusses how bold language like 'UFB' inspired teams to push boundaries, and he shares the fascinating story behind cutting ships in half to enhance capacity. Fain emphasizes that authentic, small gestures often create the most memorable experiences. He also explores the impact of AI on personalization and reiterates the importance of continuous improvement and mentoring future leaders.
26 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 1h 18min
#265: Jim McCann, American entrepreneur and former CEO of 1-800-Flowers – Find a way to connect
Jim McCann, the founder and former CEO of 1-800-Flowers, initially stepped into the business world from social work and bartending. He shares how vital customer relationships were to his brand's success and recalls lessons learned from working with teens, emphasizing connection and authenticity. McCann also delves into strategic product expansion based on customer behavior, the impact of technology like AI on leadership, and the importance of corporate culture in driving innovation. His insight demonstrates that genuine connection remains paramount in leadership.
24 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 1h 4min
#264: Bracken Darrell, CEO of VF Corporation – Good design can make anything better
Bracken Darrell, CEO of VF Corporation, has turned around iconic brands like Old Spice and Logitech. In this engaging discussion, he explores how design can elevate not just products but entire cultures. Bracken shares his philosophy on leadership, emphasizing the importance of constant growth and open feedback. He reveals the unique strategies behind revitalizing brands like The North Face and Vans, and even touches on his own childhood lessons. Plus, he discusses the role of AI in shaping the future of leadership and customer experience.
18 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 1h 11min
#263: Whitney Wolfe Herd, Founder and CEO of Bumble – Your mission is your mobilizer
Whitney Wolfe Herd, founder and CEO of Bumble and co-founder of Tinder, shares her journey of flipping the dating script with her women-first approach. She discusses her departure from Tinder and the void for female-focused tech. Whitney offers candid advice for women coping with toxicity at work and emphasizes the benefits of maintaining a mission-driven culture. She also unveils insights on using AI for meaningful connections and how motherhood shapes her leadership style. Her passion for self-love as Bumble's next frontier is truly inspiring!
Oct 23, 2025 • 1h 1min
#262: Lew Frankfort, Chairman Emeritus and former CEO of Coach – Combine magic and logic
Lew Frankfort, the visionary former CEO of Coach, transformed a modest leather goods brand into a global fashion leader. He shares insightful experiences from his Bronx upbringing and public service that shaped his career. His unique 'Magic + Logic' philosophy interweaves creativity with analytical rigor, a perspective that drove Coach's 'accessible luxury' concept. Lew also discusses the importance of self-reflection and evolving leadership styles, emphasizing vulnerability and continuous learning as keys to successful leadership.
