How Leaders Lead with David Novak

Great companies aren’t built by ego. They’re built by leaders who ask questions, listen, and rely on the smart people around them.And this episode’s guest is one of those leaders! Glenn Fogel is the CEO of Booking Holdings, the company behind big travel brands like Booking dot com, Kayak, Priceline, and OpenTable. Having been at the company for 25 years, Glenn’s got a lot of experience to draw on. Yet he’s the first to admit when something isn’t his area of expertise. And instead of guessing, he trusts the experts on his team to guide the way.If you want to know the secret to staying humble and building an engaged team, hit play and discover the power of knowing what you don’t know!You’ll also learn: The importance of data (with one big caveat) How to push for innovation in a successful, established company The #1 mistake companies make after an international acquisition The mindset you need for painful decisions Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources:The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each dayWhichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.Connect with David:Keep Up with David on LinkedInFollow David on TwitterThe How Leaders Lead InstagramView insightful clips on TikTokWatch full interviews on YouTubeGet the USA Today Bestselling Book "How Leaders Learn"

Discover the concept of 'customer mania' and its transformative impact on business culture. Explore how emotional connections can elevate team dynamics and enhance customer loyalty. Dive into In-N-Out Burger's intriguing decision to forgo mobile ordering in favor of personal interactions, emphasizing brand identity. Learn about the balance between maintaining heritage and fostering innovation within a company, revealing how core values drive success in the restaurant industry.

Lynsi Snyder, Owner and President of In-N-Out Burger, shares her journey in leading a family-owned business known for exceptional customer loyalty. She highlights the importance of genuine care and quality service, revealing insights on balancing growth with product excellence. Listeners will learn why In-N-Out resists mobile ordering, emphasizing face-to-face interactions. Additionally, Lynsi discusses how family influences shaped her leadership style and the significance of vulnerability and communication in fostering a strong company culture.

In this enlightening discussion, hear firsthand experiences of leading through a crisis and the vital lessons learned about communication and teamwork. The speakers tackle the discomfort many feel when asking for business and share strategies to overcome it. Delve into the fascinating concept that imagination is a key barrier to effective risk management. Finally, discover the importance of discipline in maintaining core business principles despite the allure of new trends. These insights promise to enhance your leadership prowess.

Ken Bacon, Cofounder and Managing Partner at RailField Partners and former Executive VP at Fannie Mae, highlights how trust functions as a crucial currency in business. He shares an unconventional negotiation strategy and reveals essential leadership qualities that drive effective decision-making. Reflecting on his upbringing, he discusses resilience and community impact, while also recounting a charming dinner with jazz legend Count Basie. Ultimately, Bacon emphasizes the need for authenticity and strong relationships in entrepreneurship and leadership.

This discussion reveals the crucial role of coaching in nurturing future leaders. The hosts explore the vital connection between sales skills and personal growth. They share insights on leading through collaboration and leveraging marketing strategies to inspire teams. The concept of ‘leading from the front’ is highlighted, emphasizing the need for visibility and communication to boost motivation and engagement. It's an enlightening look at how effective leadership can drive organizational success.

Allan Thygesen, CEO of DocuSign and former leader at Google’s $100 billion ad business, shares his insights on leadership and innovation. He emphasizes that everyone plays a salesperson's role, a crucial aspect for effective leadership. Thygesen offers practical advice on integrating AI into businesses while highlighting the balance between customer experience and product expectations. He also discusses the importance of clear communication with investors and nurturing talent over control, drawing from his rich experiences in Silicon Valley.

Explore the world of sports leadership with a three-time Super Bowl champion discussing the emotional stakes of critical moments. Discover practical advice on dealing with public mistakes and the mindset needed to bounce back. Delve into the power of accountability in leadership, where recognizing errors can spark growth and deeper relationships. Finally, learn about the challenges of rapid business growth and the importance of self-awareness in navigating these transitions.

In this conversation, Harris Barton—a three-time Super Bowl champion and founder of H. Barton Asset Management—shares invaluable leadership insights drawn from both his football career and business endeavors. He discusses the importance of listening and learning from others, as well as strategies for bouncing back from failure. Harris highlights the emotional impact of winning championships, the significance of mentorship, and how resilience plays a crucial role in navigating post-career challenges. Personal anecdotes enrich his narrative, bridging sports and business success.

Delve into insightful reflections on the evolution of leadership from command to coaching. Explore how transparency and open conversations about compensation can enhance workplace culture. Discover the transformative power of forgiveness through Jamie Dimon's poignant interaction with Sandy Weill. The importance of communication and self-awareness in resolving interpersonal conflicts is also emphasized, reminding leaders of the emotional weight of unresolved issues.