

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

Sep 14, 2023 • 46min
#152: Scott Redler, Cofounder of Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers – Codify your standards
Scott Redler, Cofounder of Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, shares insights on operationalizing quality, long-term value, franchise models, balancing short-term and long-term decisions, boosting innovation, and incentivizing long-term thinking. He emphasizes the importance of codifying standards and building quality into the culture. Scott also discusses his journey in the restaurant industry, the influence of Dan and Frank Carney, commitment to quality, supporting coworkers in adversity, responding to failure, and the importance of growing with employees.

Sep 11, 2023 • 13min
3 More Questions (Brandon Beane) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to:
How do you handle letting people go even when they are talented or really good team players?
How have you bounced back from a loss you've experienced in your life?
When leaders face traumatic situations with their teams, how do they take care of them in the midst of it?
ALSO...
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! https://howleaderslead.com/plan/
Become a better leader in 5 days with our free, 5-Day Leadership Tune Up. This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. https://howleaderslead.com/5-day-leadership-tuneup/
Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-lead-with-david-novak/id1223803642

Sep 7, 2023 • 58min
#151: Brandon Beane, GM of the Buffalo Bills — Fill the gaps in your knowledge
Brandon Beane, GM of the Buffalo Bills, discusses the importance of filling knowledge gaps, successful collaboration, making tough personnel decisions, and recovering from big losses. He also talks about the behind-the-scenes of the NFL draft, leadership lessons from life-and-death situations, and the moneyball approach in football.

Sep 4, 2023 • 13min
3 More Questions (Mike McCoy) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to:
What have you learned on the golf course that translates into the business and leadership space?
What are some tactics you use to quickly get back on track and regain confidence and self-belief after a setback?
When you’re preparing for an important performance on a big stage, what are some of the things you do to get your mind and emotions right?
ALSO...
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! https://howleaderslead.com/plan/
Become a better leader in 5 days with our free, 5-Day Leadership Tune Up. This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. https://howleaderslead.com/5-day-leadership-tuneup/
Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-lead-with-david-novak/id1223803642

Aug 31, 2023 • 38min
#150: Mike McCoy, Captain of the U.S. Walker Cup Team – Grit gets results
“Grit” is one of those buzzwords people throw around a lot. And it can be hard to define!But you know it when you see it – and you can certainly see it in Mike McCoy. This upcoming weekend, Mike has the honor of captaining the U.S. team at the Walker Cup as our top amateurs compete against Great Britain and Ireland at St. Andrews’ legendary Old Course.Mike is one of the world’s top amateur golfers, and he has been for decades. He even earned a coveted amateur spot at the 2014 Masters. And he’s done it all while also building a successful career as an insurance executive!That level of achievement in BOTH areas doesn’t just happen. It takes an elite mentality, a big commitment, and a willingness to do the hard stuff.In other words, it takes grit.In this conversation, you’ll see what grit really looks like and why there is just no substitute for it when it comes to your success.You’ll also learn:
Why to prioritize training and preparation for your team
The competitive advantage a lot of people shy away from
One practical way to help your team deal with setbacks
What it’s like playing the Masters as an amateur
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.

Aug 28, 2023 • 15min
3 More Questions (Geoff Colvin) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to:
Are leaders born with natural, God-given talent or can anyone get good at anything with deliberate practice?
Will humans be replaced by tech and AI?
How would you advise a leader to enhance human capital within their organization?
ALSO...
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! https://howleaderslead.com/plan/
Become a better leader in 5 days with our free, 5-Day Leadership Tune Up. This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. https://howleaderslead.com/5-day-leadership-tuneup/
Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-lead-with-david-novak/id1223803642

Aug 24, 2023 • 50min
#149: Geoff Colvin, Fortune Magazine’s Senior Editor-at-Large – Use deliberate practice to improve
Fortune Magazine's Senior Editor-at-Large, Geoff Colvin, shares insights on excellence in human performance. Topics include the overrated nature of talent, improving performance, characteristics of practice, qualities of a top-notch coach, and the most important trait for leaders as AI takes off.

Aug 21, 2023 • 12min
3 More Questions (Jim Fish) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to:
What’s a story from your upbringing that shaped the way you lead today?
What would you say to people that argue compensation is the most important retention factor?
When a company is doing well and growing, how can a leader create that sense of urgency that continues to drive performance?
ALSO...
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! https://howleaderslead.com/plan/
Become a better leader in 5 days with our free, 5-Day Leadership Tune Up. This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. https://howleaderslead.com/5-day-leadership-tuneup/
Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-lead-with-david-novak/id1223803642

5 snips
Aug 17, 2023 • 58min
#148: Jim Fish, CEO of Waste Management – Put your people first
Jim Fish, CEO of Waste Management, talks about putting people first and the importance of taking care of your team. He shares practical ideas for dealing with labor shortages and reducing customer call volume. He also discusses the company's commitment to sustainability and being a zero waste event sponsor. The podcast explores the traits of a healthy CEO and the challenges of creating urgency within a successful team. Jim also discusses balancing faith, family, and a demanding job.

Aug 14, 2023 • 12min
3 More Questions (Patrick Lencioni) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to:
How do you sniff out conflict as a leader (and why should you do it)?
Which is more important — talent or teamwork?
How do you avoid a crash as a leader?
ALSO...
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! https://howleaderslead.com/plan/
Become a better leader in 5 days with our free, 5-Day Leadership Tune Up. This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. https://howleaderslead.com/5-day-leadership-tuneup/
Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-lead-with-david-novak/id1223803642


