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 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.
Oct 16, 2025 • 60min
#261: Nathan Smith, Walker Cup Captain – Know what your people need to excel
Nathan Smith, a highly accomplished amateur golfer and recent Walker Cup captain, shares his insights on leadership and team dynamics. He discusses how he built trust and camaraderie despite players being scattered, and reveals the emotional experience of raising the flag at the opening ceremony. From motivational speeches to adapting to individual needs, Nathan emphasizes the importance of fostering a supportive environment. He also reflects on lessons from pressure situations and how golf's mindset translates to business success.
34 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 1h 10min
#260: Nick Green, Cofounder and CEO of Thrive Market – The business model matters
Nick Green, Cofounder and CEO of Thrive Market, shares his journey from leaving a successful business to creating a membership-based platform that makes healthy living accessible. He discusses the power of the right business model, how he leverages AI like ChatGPT as a leadership coach, and the importance of member loyalty. Nick also dives into Thrive's unique approach to competition, customer retention strategies, and how personal experiences shape his leadership style. Plus, a look at balancing bold ideas with a commitment to customer needs.
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.
