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
Jul 3, 2025 • 50min
#246: Jimmy Kirchdorfer, Chairman and CEO of ISCO Industries – Grow the business so your people can grow with it
Jimmy Kirchdorfer, Chairman and CEO of ISCO Industries, shares insights on business growth that prioritizes opportunity for employees and culture over mere profits. He discusses how his company evolved from a golf irrigation supplier to a global distributor, emphasizing resilience and innovation. Kirchdorfer also reveals why 'do what you love' may be misguided advice, the importance of psychological safety in teams, and unearths a humorous story about bailing Scottie Scheffler out of jail during the PGA Championship.
6 snips
Jun 30, 2025 • 13min
3 More Questions (Bob Jordan) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
Explore how leaders can effectively handle public criticism and the importance of transparency when making policy changes. Discover the significance of humility and the 90-day assessment period for new leaders to connect with their teams. Learn strategies for managing stress, emphasizing action and a proactive mindset, along with the role of personal well-being in resilience. The discussion also touches on fostering customer loyalty through effective communication, especially during times of change.
9 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 49min
#245: Bob Jordan, CEO of Southwest Airlines – Be both an optimist and a realist
In this engaging discussion, Bob Jordan, CEO of Southwest Airlines, shares his journey and insights since stepping into leadership in 2022. He emphasizes the need to balance realism and optimism while tackling challenges. Listeners will learn how to cultivate a positive workplace culture, develop emerging leaders, and handle pressure without burnout. Bob also offers advice on crisis communication and the importance of resilience in leadership. Plus, enjoy lighthearted personal anecdotes that reveal his values and personality!
5 snips
Jun 23, 2025 • 10min
3 More Questions (Sanjit Biswas) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
Dive into the art of fostering new ideas through the lens of curiosity and even boredom! Learn how discipline shapes a company's culture and drives long-term success. Discover the value of observational listening, emphasizing a shared understanding between leaders and customers. With insights from a leader who built billion-dollar ventures, this discussion reveals how creativity and attentiveness can revolutionize leadership styles.
Jun 19, 2025 • 1h
#244: Sanjit Biswas, Cofounder and CEO of Samsara – Big eyes, big ears
Sanjit Biswas, Cofounder and CEO of Samsara and former co-founder of Meraki, shares his transformative approach to leadership through a 'big eyes, big ears' mindset. He discusses how to make engineers love sales and the pivotal role of curiosity in innovation. Sanjit emphasizes simplifying technology for users and the importance of strategic timing in a fast-evolving market. He reflects on the emotional journey of building Samsara and the need for boredom to spark creativity, all while maintaining authentic leadership and company culture.
4 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 14min
3 More Questions (Steve Case) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
Discover how a leader can determine if an idea is worth pursuing, and the balance of revolutionary versus evolutionary change in business. Uncover the importance of changing perspectives to uncover new opportunities. Dive into inspiring tales of gradual transformation, where small innovations lead to big successes, including insights from the restaurant industry on profitability strategies. It's a journey that highlights the significance of community support and understanding customer needs in overcoming challenges.
32 snips
Jun 12, 2025 • 1h 1min
#243: Steve Case, Cofounder of AOL – Success takes time
Steve Case, the co-founder of AOL and CEO of Revolution, shares insights on the perseverance needed for entrepreneurial success. He reflects on AOL's slow but impactful journey to popularize the internet, emphasizing that success often takes longer than expected. Case highlights key qualities of successful entrepreneurs, the significant lessons from the AOL-Time Warner merger, and the importance of leadership styles tailored to individual teams. He also shares his belief in the value of connectivity and community in today's world.
4 snips
Jun 9, 2025 • 10min
3 More Questions (Gui Loureiro) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
Explore the balance between delivering results and envisioning future transformations in leadership. Discover why discussing what won’t be done is crucial for strategic focus. Learn how a positive mindset can enhance workplace culture and employee engagement. Dive into the concept of a 'mood elevator' to improve decision-making and boost gratitude in daily leadership practices. Unlock the secrets to effective leadership skills and motivate your team toward success!
Jun 5, 2025 • 58min
#242: Gui Loureiro, CEO of Walmart in Canada, Chile, Mexico & Central America – To transform your business, transform yourself first
Gui Loureiro, Chairman of Walmart Mexico & Central America, spearheaded a digital and cultural transformation at Walmart Mexico. He emphasizes that personal growth is crucial for leading change in an organization. The conversation reveals strategies for maintaining customer focus in meetings, valuing team members, and adopting an agile approach. Loureiro also shares insights on building trust during inflationary times and the importance of future-oriented leadership, highlighting how e-commerce innovations can enhance customer access in Latin America.
Jun 2, 2025 • 11min
3 More Questions (Greg Johnson) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
Discover how leaders can empower their teams to take ownership of decisions while still focusing on key objectives. Explore the balance between relying on data and valuing human intuition, emphasizing the role of creative conflict in decision-making. Learn about the critical importance of setting a strong leadership tone, especially when expanding into diverse markets. This conversation dives deep into cultivating accountability, blending insights, and fortifying company values to build cohesive teams.
