

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 27, 2023 • 51min
#145: Korie Robertson, TV star of Duck Dynasty – Be true to yourself
Today’s guest is Korie Robertson, one of the stars of the hit reality TV show Duck Dynasty.In fact, it was Korie’s idea to take their small family duck call business and turn it into a TV show about the quirky Robertson family. Duck Dynasty became one of the most successful reality shows in history, and Korie and her husband Willie were the business minds behind it all. But through it all, Korie has been herself, through and through. She’s true to her values. She trusts her gut. And she understands exactly where her boundaries are.That sense of personal integrity – of really being true to yourself – is something practically every respected leader has.People are drawn to that kind of authenticity because they know that’s a leader they can trust.And when you listen to Korie in this episode, you’re going to get an up-close-and-personal look at how to stay true to yourself even in the midst of big changes.Plus, she has some fantastic insights on scaling up, managing brands and partnerships, leading through chaos, and so much more.You’ll also learn:
How they scaled up their business when the TV show brought in new levels of demand
One trait they hired for that helped them succeed even in seasons of rapid change
Practical tips for finding the right partnerships (and avoiding the bad ones)
The role faith can play in your life as a leader
A practical strategy to recalibrate after a busy season
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.

Jul 24, 2023 • 14min
3 More Questions (Kevin Warsh) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to:
Which leaders have been instrumental to your growth and development and what’d they teach you?
Has there been a time when you’ve had so much conviction about a decision only to rethink it?
Have you ever gone public about something controversial? And should you do that as a leader of a business in the first place?
...BONUS RESOURCE: To gain confidence as a leader, you need a plan for tackling common leadership challenges. My new online course "Taking People With You" will give you practical ways you can resolve issues and keep your team moving forward toward your biggest goals. Get free access here — https://howleaderslead.com/courses/

Jul 20, 2023 • 51min
#144: Kevin Warsh, former member of the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors – Study the leaders around you
Today’s guest is Kevin Warsh, a brilliant economist who served on the Federal Reserve board of governors during the 2008 financial crisis. In this episode, you’ll get his powerful insights into our current economic climate. These are trends every business leader needs to be aware of right now.But there’s an even bigger insight for you here, too.When you ask Kevin about his success, he is quick to give credit to the other leaders he’s worked for. That’s how he’s grown his own leadership skills.That’s a must-have mindset for any leader. We’ve got to actively pay attention to the leaders around us and learn from them. Whether you’ve got a boss who’s fantastic … or whether you don’t … you’ve still got a huge opportunity either to adopt or avoid the strategies you see other leaders using.And this episode will help you do just that! You’ll also learn:
How to deal with doubters – especially if you’re younger than those you lead
What we can learn from the 2008 economic crisis (and why it matters right now)
The strength of a team that (respectfully) disagrees with each other
A powerful framework to analyze big trends in order to make sound decisions
What it’s like to walk into the Oval Office and interview to be Fed Chair
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.

Jul 17, 2023 • 11min
3 More Questions (Ben Weprin) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to:
What’s one thing leaders can take away from the idea of storytelling?
When have you created value for your company where it didn't already exist?
How can leaders balance recognizing their teams’ accomplishments with the drive to always grow and achieve more?
...BONUS RESOURCE: To gain confidence as a leader, you need a plan for tackling common leadership challenges. My new online course "Taking People With You" will give you practical ways you can resolve issues and keep your team moving forward toward your biggest goals. Get free access here — https://howleaderslead.com/courses/

Jul 13, 2023 • 50min
#143: Ben Weprin, CEO of AJ Capital & Graduate Hotels – Make a connection with storytelling
Our guest today is Ben Weprin, the CEO of AJ Capital, which includes the iconic line of Graduate Hotels. He’s also developed partnerships with Field and Stream and Chip and Joanna Gaines. Oh, and get this: he’s even got a hotel right on the eighteenth green at Saint Andrews!But no matter what he’s working on, Ben always taps into the power of storytelling to connect with people and create brands they love.Stories are at the heart of every hotel and space his company creates. And it’s a big factor in how he’s building and inspiring his team, too.When you listen to Ben, it’s clear: if you want to connect with people, you need to understand how to use storytelling. Listen to this episode for lots of insights on how YOU can leverage the power of story to make stronger connections with your customers and your team.You’ll also learn:
The secret ingredient you need to execute big ideas
How to create a team culture that loves to learn
The mindset you need to celebrate accomplishments without losing your edge
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.

Jul 10, 2023 • 13min
3 More Questions (Dr. Bob Grossman) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to:
How do you build a department of excellence in an overall environment that’s on the decline?
How do you get the courage and conviction to do the thing you know is right when you know it might be met with resistance?
How did you encourage cross-functional collaboration among teams?
...BONUS RESOURCE: To gain confidence as a leader, you need a plan for tackling common leadership challenges. My new online course "Taking People With You" will give you practical ways you can resolve issues and keep your team moving forward toward your biggest goals. Get free access here — https://howleaderslead.com/courses/

Jul 6, 2023 • 51min
#142: Dr. Bob Grossman, CEO of NYU Langone Health — Create accountability
Today’s guest is Dr. Bob Grossman, the CEO of NYU Langone Health. When he took over in 2007, the hospital had a structural deficit, run-down facilities, and a team that wasn’t really tuned into a bigger vision.Today, they’re ranked as the number three hospital in the U.S. He’s grown their revenue from $2 billion to $11 billion. And they’re studied as THE model of how to run a patient-centered, successful health organization.You’ll hear how it happened in this conversation.And as you might expect, Bob shares a lot of wisdom about culture and vision and all that good stuff.But you need more than that to make big things happen. You need accountability – because that’s how you make sure those big ideals are actually showing up in the work day to day.If you want your team performing at the highest level…If you want them to really own their actions and decisions …Then listen to this episode and see how to create more accountability for your organization.You’ll also discover:
How to turn a lack of experience into a massive leadership advantage
The importance of early, swift action in a new position
The #1 ingredient that’s missing in a dysfunctional workplace
How to lead through a crisis
How Bob communicates with his team – and the surprising response it’s gotten
The 50-year-old problem Bob addressed that changed everyone’s daily workflow
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.

Jun 29, 2023 • 30min
#141: The Best Of Q2
In this episode, we take all the great wisdom from the last three months and highlight the most impactful takeaways for you....BONUS RESOURCE: To gain confidence as a leader, you need a plan for tackling common leadership challenges. My new online course "Taking People With You" will give you practical ways you can resolve issues and keep your team moving forward toward your biggest goals. Get free access here — https://howleaderslead.com/courses/

Jun 26, 2023 • 15min
3 More Questions (Brad Richards) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to:
How do you get your mind right for the big moments?
What are best practices for those transitioning from individual contributor to leader?
What can leaders do to protect and continue to nourish their culture?
...BONUS RESOURCE: To gain confidence as a leader, you need a plan for tackling common leadership challenges. My new online course "Taking People With You" will give you practical ways you can resolve issues and keep your team moving forward toward your biggest goals. Get free access here — https://howleaderslead.com/courses/

Jun 22, 2023 • 57min
#140: Brad Richards, Two-time Stanley Cup champion – Trust the work you’ve put in
Today’s guest is Brad Richards, two-time Stanley Cup champion and MVP of the 2004 Stanley Cup Finals.In the world of hockey, he is also Mister Clutch! He has a perfect 8-0 record in Game Seven play—something NO other hockey player in history can claim. He also set a record for the most game-winning goals in a single playoff season.In his career, Brad consistently came through in clutch situations. That’s a quality EVERY leader needs, whether you’re on the ice or in the office.When you listen to this conversation, you’re going to see why. Brad is an even-keeled guy who knows how to put his head down and work hard. And all that effort and preparation gives him confidence that he’s ready to step up and deliver in big moments.You may not be skating out on the ice with a Stanley Cup on the line … but if you lead, you’re going to face high-pressure situations. Listen to this conversation and learn how to walk into them with confidence, because you know how to trust the hard work you’ve put in.You’ll also learn:
The key to keeping your competitive drive in check
The surprising thing every great hockey team had in common (which actually had nothing to do with hockey)
An inspiring story that shows what effective mentorship looks like
The hard reality you need to accept if you want to truly improve
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.