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
5 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 9min
3 More Questions (Zak Brown) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
Discover fascinating insights from Formula 1 racing, focusing on the culture and leadership strategies at McLaren Racing. Explore the crucial role of teamwork and communication in achieving peak performance on the track. Learn why clarity, rather than consensus, is essential during high-pressure situations, highlighting the importance of preparation and decisiveness. The discussion emphasizes how each team member's understanding of their role can enhance overall organizational success.
8 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 56min
#249: Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing – Performance is everyone’s job
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing and a former race car driver, shares his insights on building high-performance teams. He emphasizes that clarity and inclusivity are essential for success, discussing how exclusivity previously hurt the brand. Zak dives into leadership lessons from racing, the explosive growth of Formula One's audience, and the importance of teamwork and technology at McLaren. He also shares strategies for making split-second decisions and fostering long-term partnerships in a competitive environment.
Jul 21, 2025 • 13min
3 More Questions (Mike Cessario) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
Discover the power of edginess in branding, where humor meets creativity, as exemplified by Liquid Death's standout marketing strategies. Learn how new companies can thrive by focusing on their brand identity and breaking through barriers. Explore how larger companies can mimic the agility of startups by embracing a mindset shift toward swift, decisive actions. The conversation also dives into personal accountability within corporate structures, urging leaders to cultivate creative environments for growth.
93 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 1h 2min
#248: Mike Cessario, Founder and CEO of Liquid Death – Disrupt with discipline
Mike Cessario, Founder and CEO of Liquid Death, has built a $1.4B beverage brand renowned for its quirky marketing. He shares how unconventional ideas like selling a $300 coffin and a candle with Ozzy Osbourne’s DNA helped disrupt the beverage industry. Cessario emphasizes the value of humor and emotional connections in branding and reveals strategies for small brands to outshine giants by targeting overlooked customers. He advocates for a mindset of continuous learning, innovation, and authenticity to thrive in a competitive market.
6 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 10min
3 More Questions (Sharon Price John) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
The discussion highlights how emotional brand equity transforms customer connections into lasting relationships. It introduces an effective turnaround strategy rooted in simplifying business practices. The balance between data-driven insights and steadfast willpower is explored, showing how optimism in leadership can inspire teams to overcome challenges. Additionally, the exceptional leadership behind the success of Build-A-Bear showcases the power of creativity and positivity in fostering joyful experiences.
14 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 56min
#247: Sharon Price John, CEO of Build-A-Bear – Meaning is your brand’s superpower
Sharon Price John, CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop, transformed the company from a $49 million loss to sustained profits by focusing on emotional connections with customers. She emphasizes that the brand is about more than just teddy bears—it's about meaning. Discover her simple turnaround formula and the secrets behind the viral 'Pay Your Age' campaign. She also shares insights on balancing legacy and innovation, applying lessons from motherhood to leadership, and how to adapt to changing consumer behaviors.
Jul 7, 2025 • 11min
3 More Questions (Jimmy Kirchdorfer) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
The discussion reveals how purpose-driven mission statements can transform organizational culture and boost employee engagement. Strategies for enhancing psychological safety in the workplace are highlighted, emphasizing openness and teamwork. The speakers also stress the importance of guiding emerging leaders to focus on their strengths rather than just passions. Personal anecdotes and a charitable golf championship add a unique touch, showing how enjoyment in work can lead to greater proficiency and success.
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!
