How Leaders Lead with David Novak

Greg Johnson, Owner of the San Francisco Giants and executive chairman of Franklin Templeton, dives into the power of ownership in leadership. He stresses the importance of trust and the value of empowering team members to reach their potential. Johnson also discusses the delicate balance between passion and analytics in baseball management and the significance of fostering a culture that prioritizes accountability and growth. Get insights on effective time management, and learn why empathetic hiring practices can transform employee retention.

Discover why stepping into a leadership role early can be a game-changer. Explore how developmental initiatives like mentorship ease the transition from peer to supervisor. Learn about the power of accountability exercises, such as listing responsibilities, to enhance team alignment. Additionally, delve into the impacts of leadership on company performance and the cultural shifts that occur during transitions. Insights from Chipotle's strategies provide a real-world lens on navigating these challenges.

In this conversation, Scott Boatwright, the CEO of Chipotle and former COO, shares insights on operational excellence and the importance of simplifying systems to boost team performance. He emphasizes that accountability often stems from structural issues rather than individual shortcomings. Scott discusses building confidence through experience, innovative strategies at Chipotle using AI for efficiency, and the leadership lessons gained from navigating challenges. He also touches on the company's commitment to healthier eating and global expansion.

Discover how early career pressures can shape paths and the power of aligning work with personal passions. Learn about the concept of 'shadow roles' that help ensure smooth leadership transitions. Dive into decision-making dynamics between one-way and two-way doors, empowering employees at a giant like Amazon. Uncover the importance of cultivating joy in careers and how product vision can transform development. This conversation is packed with insights into effective leadership and innovative approaches to career fulfillment.

In this enlightening conversation, Andy Jassy, CEO of Amazon and former head of AWS, shares his insights on customer obsession as a driving force in business. He reveals the importance of creating press releases and FAQs before product launches to ensure clarity. Jassy reflects on shadowing Jeff Bezos and the leadership lessons learned along the way. He discusses the transformative potential of AI in enhancing customer experiences and the delicate balance between humility and confidence in leadership.

Discover the balance leaders must strike between availability and boundaries to foster trust. Learn from Ed Bastian's bold decisions during turbulent times at Delta Airlines, showcasing integrity amidst tough choices. Delve into the significance of resilience in leadership, especially during crises, as personal challenges are navigated while guiding a team. This conversation also provides insights for leaders facing overwhelming obstacles, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and effective communication.

Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines and named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People, shares insights on continuous improvement and leadership. He emphasizes the dangers of complacency after successes and how Delta maintains its competitive edge. Bastian reveals the power of communication in leadership, the impact of personal experiences on his philosophy, and the importance of company culture in shaping service quality. He also discusses resilience during the pandemic and how a positive mindset can transform challenges into opportunities.

Explore the delicate dance of leadership as the impact of reputation takes center stage. Discover strategies for overcoming setbacks and maintaining resilience in the face of adversity. Delve into the fine line of team involvement in decision-making, balancing collaboration with the need for efficient execution. Learn how to foster honesty and transparency while navigating challenges and upholding a strong leadership presence.

Want to build the working relationships that open doors—and keep them open? In this episode of How Leaders Lead, David talks with Frank Edwards, Managing Partner of Aqueduct Capital Group. You’ll see how Frank has built a stellar reputation—not through flashy networking, but by showing up consistently, giving credit freely, and treating every relationship with long-term respect. It’s a masterclass in building trust that lasts! You’ll also learn: What your top priority should be as you’re scaling One key element of a strong sales culture How to follow up after someone opens a door for you Why you need a support system 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 day Whichever 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.

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: What would you say to leaders who are trying to fight for eyeballs?   In your experience, what should a leader do to drive a results driven culture? As a leader, how do you handle a situation where you didn’t have anything to do with a mistake? ———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!