How Leaders Lead with David Novak

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: Let’s say Mike Wirth calls you and says David, you’re CEO of this business. Where would you start? What should leaders do to create a system that invites employees to share what they REALLY think and feel about what’s going on in the business? What advice would you give a leader on how they can bring a team together over an issue that they feel super passionate about? ———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!

Mike Wirth, Chairman and CEO of Chevron, has over four decades of experience in the energy sector. He emphasizes the importance of active listening, questioning, and responding to team input. Wirth shares his approach to giving constructive criticism and why he pens up to 80 notes after site visits. He discusses his leadership lessons from chef Thomas Keller and outlines a three-part strategy to unify divided teams. The conversation also touches on safety culture and the complexities of gas pricing in a competitive retail market.

Discover how leaders balance visionary goals with immediate realities, especially in the fast-paced world of college football. Learn about creating a culture of commitment and belonging that encourages players to stay. Experience the electric atmosphere of SEC football and the vital role of fan support in boosting team morale. Hear personal anecdotes that bring leadership lessons to life, all while honoring meaningful connections. Get ready for a spirited discussion that merges sports, leadership, and personal reflections!

Eliah Drinkwitz, the head football coach of the University of Missouri, shares insights from his team's remarkable 11-2 season. He emphasizes the balance of connection, encouragement, and challenge as key to motivating players. Eliah discusses the impact of personal relationships in leadership and the importance of stability in collegiate sports. He also reflects on his humble beginnings and the values of teamwork instilled in him. Finally, he highlights the need for accountability and continuous growth for both players and coaches.

Charlie Scharf, CEO of Wells Fargo, alongside Constance Schwartz-Morini, founder of SMAC Entertainment, and other influential leaders, discuss the power of change as a driver of success. They dive into the significance of consistent communication in leadership and the lessons learned from the grocery industry's evolution. Ram Charan emphasizes the crucial need for continuous improvement, while John Mackey shares insights on treating employees as individuals. Exciting news about a transition to YouTube is also revealed, promising an enhanced experience for audiences.

John Mackey, co-founder and former CEO of Whole Foods, shares insights on embracing playfulness in leadership, emphasizing that curiosity can drive success. He discusses how authentic customer engagement builds loyalty, likening it to true friendship. The conversation also dives into the strategic complexities behind Whole Foods’ sale to Amazon, reflecting on partnership choices and brand attachment. Together with David Novak and Koula Callahan, they explore innovation's role in reducing fear in entrepreneurship while fostering a positive, value-driven business environment.

John Mackey, the co-founder and former CEO of Whole Foods, shares his journey of building a retail giant fueled by authenticity and passion. He discusses the importance of embracing creativity over convention while navigating the pressures of leadership. Mackey reveals the strategic moves that spurred Whole Foods' growth and reflects on the acquisition by Amazon as a lesson in oversight. He offers insights on fostering a caring culture in business and highlights the significance of continuous learning and self-awareness in effective leadership.

Chris Riccobono, founder of Untuck It, joins seasoned leaders David Novak and Koula Callahan for an engaging discussion on leadership. They explore how entrepreneurs can strategically delegate control to encourage innovation. The conversation dives into marketing strategies that unveil unrecognized customer needs, using Taco Bell's 'fourth meal' as a prime example. Finally, they tackle the challenges of passionate leadership, highlighting the balance between enthusiasm and team empowerment, stressing the role of self-awareness and trusted advisors.

Chris Riccobono, CEO of the innovative clothing brand UNTUCKit, dives into the power of passion in business. He shares his journey of creating a shirt you don’t need to tuck in, highlighting resilience during the pandemic and the importance of a strong brand identity. Riccobono discusses lessons from his tennis background that shaped his leadership style and emphasizes the significance of storytelling and authentic connections. He also reveals key hiring strategies for startups and the challenges of navigating dual ventures.

In this engaging conversation, business leader David Novak and leadership expert Koula Callahan are joined by NFL team owner Jimmy Haslam. They delve into the importance of hiring external talent to foster growth, highlighting how adaptability drives success. Haslam shares his approach to navigating new industries through listening and engaging with stakeholders. The trio also discusses the power of curiosity and how prioritizing personality and background often proves more valuable than traditional interviews, offering fresh perspectives on talent assessment.