

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

Jun 19, 2023 • 12min
3 More Questions (Gil Hanse) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to:
Should every leader be in the details of their business?
Is it important for leaders to know the history of their company?
Is "quality" alone a legitimate business plan?
...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/

17 snips
Jun 15, 2023 • 1h 4min
#139: Gil Hanse, golf course architect – The details matter
Today’s guest is Gil Hanse, one of the world’s most sought-after golf course architects. As the U.S. Open tees off this weekend, his beautiful renovation at the North course of the Los Angeles Country Club will be front and center. But even if you’re not a golf fan, you can learn a lot when you dig into the creative process behind these golf course designs. To turn those designs into a reality, it doesn’t just take a big, bold vision. It also takes an incredible attention to detail.And whether you’re trying to build a golf course or build a business … the details matter.Listen to this conversation with Gil and learn how to prioritize details and quality execution, so you can see YOUR big plans turn into reality, too. You’ll also learn:
Two ways to get others on board with your creative vision
A practical tip so people will actually listen to your next presentation
How execution impacts your strategy – and why you can’t overlook it
The attitude you need when you don’t have the proper resources for your job
The incredible story of winning the bid for the Olympics golf course in Brazil (hint: he almost didn’t)
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 12, 2023 • 13min
3 More Questions (Oscar Munoz) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to:
How can leaders balance being performance-driven and also not lose sight of the personal nature of leadership?
How do you figure out what to do first in a turnaround situation?
How have you used vulnerability to build trust with your team?
...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 8, 2023 • 60min
#138: Oscar Munoz, Former Chairman & CEO of United Airlines – Appeal to both hearts and minds
Today’s guest is Oscar Munoz, the former CEO and Chairman of United Airlines.Oscar led United through a massive turnaround. And this conversation is a fascinating, story-filled look at how it happened. It’s also a great reminder for every leader: You’ve got to do more than just create smart strategies and solve technical problems. The real challenge is how you do all that while also reaching the hearts of the people you lead.That was the driving force of the turnaround at United, and it’s true for whatever challenges you’re facing, too. To make big things happen, you’ve got to appeal to both minds AND hearts. Listen to this conversation and see how it’s done.You’ll also learn:• Why he went “off script” after a high-profile social media disaster• One reason to have tough performance conversations OUTSIDE of traditional reviews• Why Oscar was always the last person to board a flight• What you need to successfully navigate career transitions• The #1 thing to do when you’re in a turnaround situation• The one situation in which growth is NOT the right mindsetTake 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 5, 2023 • 10min
3 More Questions (David Solomon) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to:
Is leadership about what David Solomon says "taking people where they don't want to go"?
When should you stay in your company and when is it time to go?
What should leaders keep top of mind when they decide to adjust the company's strategy?
...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 1, 2023 • 59min
#137: David Solomon, CEO of Goldman Sachs – Take the long view
Every leader feels a pressure to deliver. People want results, and they want them now.Because of that, it’s easy to get short-sighted. Sometimes, we don’t really give ourselves permission to think too far ahead. But if you want success that’s sustainable, you’ve got to learn how to take a longer view of things. That’s exactly what you’ll learn from today’s guest, David Solomon. He’s the CEO of Goldman Sachs, one of the most renowned companies in the financial industry.David faces a lot of short-term pressures. But those don’t keep him from looking down the road and taking a long-term approach.In this conversation, you’re gonna learn how it’s done – and why it’s crucial for any leader who wants to build trust and be a part of something that lasts.You’ll also learn:
An economic outlook and summary that every leader needs to hear right now
3 questions to evaluate your career path
An important mindset shift you need to make if your company operates in multiple divisions
Why it’s important to make time for your hobbies (you won’t believe David’s side hustle!)
Two keys to success for any small business leader
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.

May 29, 2023 • 14min
3 More Questions (Nat Turner) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to:
Do you have any advice for leaders about how to select a business partner?
How can leaders overcome the fear of getting started and just do it?
Is there a time in your career where you’ve had "strong opinions loosely held" ... or maybe where you've done that poorly? (SPOILER ALERT: he's done it poorly at times and shares those incredible stories)
...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/

May 25, 2023 • 58min
#136: Nat Turner, CEO of Collectors – Just get started
Nat Turner, the CEO of Collectors and a serial entrepreneur, shares his journey starting businesses since the age of 12. He emphasizes the importance of taking action and embracing fearlessness in entrepreneurship. Nat discusses the charm of nostalgic collectibles, amusing mishaps, and how personal interests can evolve into successful ventures. He also highlights key qualities in hiring, the value of outside perspectives for innovation, and the need for humility to avoid complacency in success. Tune in for inspiring insights into entrepreneurial passion and leadership!

May 22, 2023 • 11min
3 More Questions (Justin Thomas) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
On 3MQ, we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Justin Thomas, pro golfer and defending PGA Championship winner, to learn even more about how great leaders manage their mindset....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/

May 18, 2023 • 52min
#135: Justin Thomas, pro golfer and defending PGA Championship winner – Manage your mindset
The PGA Championship tees off today at Oak Hill East in Rochester!And if you were watching this event last year, then you got to see today’s guest, Justin Thomas, make an absolutely epic comeback. He came from seven strokes back to win in a playoff and notch his second win at a Major.He’s an extraordinary player who knows the importance of managing his own mindset out on the course. That’s true for great golfers … and it’s just as true for great leaders.You’ve got to understand how much your mentality affects your performance and your team. If you’re not intentional about what’s going on inside your own head, it can cost you. Whether you’re a golf fan or not, Justin has so many great insights that will help you manage your own mindset better.You’ll also learn:
How to stay positive and yet learn from failures
The mentality you need to play from behind – whether on the golf course or at work
How to manage your nerves in pressure-packed situations
Why a results-oriented approach to goal-setting can actually help you achieve more
The powerful advice Justin got from Tom Brady that helped him snap out of a funk
A funny story that shows what it’s like to be Tiger Woods’ partner on the golf course
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.