How Leaders Lead with David Novak

Explore powerful leadership lessons inspired by female leaders and the importance of navigating professional identities. Discover how managers can balance allowing mistakes with maintaining business performance, using relatable analogies like teaching kids to ride bikes. Delve into the significance of granting employees autonomy for growth and the rejuvenating impact of new environments on careers. Learn to recognize key moments for career advancement and the value of support in overcoming stagnation.

In this insightful discussion, Erika Ayers Badan, the CEO of Food52 and former head of Barstool Sports, shares her journey from leading a struggling brand to building a media empire worth over $550 million. She emphasizes the importance of honest leadership to foster trust and collaboration. Erika reveals strategies for upstart brands to outmaneuver giants and offers advice for women navigating male-dominated industries. Her experiences highlight the value of creativity, transparency, and adaptability in today’s dynamic business landscape.

Discover how to reshape perceptions in industries like food service and construction to attract a new workforce. Hear about the captivating recruitment strategies of the U.S. Marines, emphasizing storytelling to foster belonging. Learn the unique leadership lessons from a young entrepreneur who thrives in a conservative field by embracing modern narratives. Explore how vulnerability in leadership can build trust, enhance connections, and promote personal growth within teams. Inspiring insights await!

Aaron Witt, CEO of BuildWitt, is changing the narrative around the construction industry, emphasizing vulnerability as a cornerstone of effective leadership. He shares insights on creating resonant content and leveling up communication skills to inspire teams. Witt discusses the importance of personal storytelling and authenticity, along with how endurance sports shaped his leadership style. He also addresses the challenges of growth and personal sacrifice while advocating for mental health awareness in leadership. Plus, hear about the successful Dirt World Summit fostering community and innovation!

Dive into the world of viral marketing with insights from the CEO of Dine Brands, who discusses memorable campaigns like 'Fancy Like.' Discover how established brands can stay relevant by fostering innovation and adaptability. The conversation emphasizes the significance of embracing new technologies like AI and shifting marketing strategies. Learn about the necessity of continuous learning and an agile mindset for sustained growth in an ever-evolving business landscape.

Join John Peyton, CEO of Dine Brands, as he shares his journey from childhood lessons to corporate leadership. He discusses how to empower teams amidst rapid change and highlights the value of AI in enhancing business agility. Discover the key to building a relatable brand through storytelling and the importance of connecting with younger generations. Peyton also reveals innovative strategies for creating remarkable customer experiences and the advantages of a dual-brand restaurant model. Tune in for insights that drive urgency and resilience in the face of change!

Dive into a fascinating conversation about strategic entrepreneurship and the ambitious $50 million distillery project in Tennessee. Explore the idea of viewing challenges as growth opportunities and the role of media influence in business success. Learn how overcoming adversity can shape a strong leadership culture and the importance of hiring self-driven individuals. The dialogue underscores the value of autonomy in leadership and building trust within teams, all while sharing moments of humor and insight.

Fawn Weaver, the inspiring Founder and CEO of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, shares her journey of uncovering the legacy of Nearest Green, the man who taught Jack Daniel to distill. She discusses how her difficult past motivated her to build a billion-dollar brand and emphasizes the importance of authenticity in leadership. Fawn introduces the concept of an 'intrepreneur' and gives insights into strategic PR and marketing. Her insights on learning from history and focusing on legacy over personal fame are both powerful and uplifting.

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: What’s your take on Tom saying you don't have to be passionate about your product in order to be a great leader? What is your opinion on whether or not leaders should create emotional distance between themselves and their employees?  If you were in Tom’s seat as CEO, how would your leadership style differ or not differ knowing that you were in the minority as a male? ———GO DEEPER Scale up your leadership skills in 2 minutes a day with the How Leaders Lead app — Download today in the App Store Get coaching from David by signing up to receive his Weekly Leadership Plan. It builds on each podcast episode by offering actionable steps you can take each week to incorporate the learnings from the episode into your leadership style. It only takes about 5 minutes and is a great way to start off your week! Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

Today’s guest is Tom Nolan, the CEO of Kendra Scott, a jewelry brand that’s been crushing it lately—posting nearly double-digit growth for 44 consecutive months and counting.But as you’ll hear today, it’s not just about the results. It’s about how you treat people along the way. In this episode, you’ll see how to make stronger connections with both your customers and your team members. And you’ll see how it can drive meaningful results in your business.You’ll also learn: A weird advantage of not being passionate about your product What most leaders miss about customer satisfaction Must-hear advice for anyone who works with a founder Why innovation doesn’t have to mean chasing shiny new objects 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.