

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

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.

May 15, 2023 • 14min
3 More Questions (Bonnie Hill) 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 Bonnie Hill, the co-founder of Icon Blue who's also served on over a dozen Fortune 500 boards, to learn even more about how great leaders set a tone of respect....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 11, 2023 • 47min
#134: Bonnie Hill, Co-founder of Icon Blue – Set a tone of respect
Today’s guest is Bonnie Hill, Cofounder of Icon Blue, a brand marketing company based in L.A. Bonnie has had an incredibly varied and successful career, leading in practically every area – business, government, education, and philanthropy. She’s also served on over a dozen corporate boards – including Yum’s, where she and David got to work together. She’s accomplished so much in her career – and she has gleaned so much about what great leaders and great organizations have in common.In this conversation, you’ll hear an absolute goldmine of wisdom and big insights. You’ll also hear how Bonnie puts a high priority on respect. When respect is your guiding principle, it’s a game changer. You listen more closely. Your awareness and understanding go to another level. You can navigate conflicts and tough situations.And ultimately, you earn the respect of everyone around you, too, just like Bonnie has. You’ll also learn:
How to excel in a role that seems outside of your comfort zone
The most important thing to do when you start a new leadership position
One common trap that causes leaders to get off track – and how to avoid it
Three practical ways to lead calmly in tense or charged situations
Unmissable wisdom for women and minority leaders
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 8, 2023 • 13min
3 More Questions (Bill Farish) 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 Bill Farish, Founder of Woodford Racing and GM of Lane’s End Farm, to learn even more about how great leaders invest in their industry....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 4, 2023 • 39min
#133: Bill Farish, Founder of Woodford Racing and GM of Lane’s End Farm – Invest in your industry
Just in time for this Saturday’s Kentucky Derby, today’s guest is Bill Farish.He’s the founder of Woodford Racing and the general manager of Lane’s End Farm, one of the world’s premier thoroughbred breeding farms.Their horse Charismatic actually won the Derby in 1999. And just last year, their horse Flightline won the 2022 Breeders’ Cup by a record distance. This conversation will give you a rare, close-up look into the world of horse racing.But it will also give you a close-up look at a REALLY special leader. For all his success and world-class reputation, Bill is an incredibly humble guy with the heart of a genuine caretaker.He loves his work. He loves his horses – his athletes, as he rightfully calls them. He loves to see the people he hires succeed. And he’s trying to leave his industry better than he found it. It’s the kind of quietly outstanding leadership that we don’t always see elevated or showcased, but it teaches us SO much about what it really looks like to lead well. Plus, he gives us HIS pick for the horse he’s backing this weekend, and you do NOT want to miss that! You’ll also learn:
Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about horse racing, ownership, and breeding
The #1 thing you need to do as a leader to create alignment and ownership
One hiring practice that can help you attract great talent (but it has a downside, too)
Practical advice for working in a family business
What it was like to host the Queen of England at his farm
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 1, 2023 • 14min
3 More Questions (Michael Walrath) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Michael Walrath, Chairman and CEO of Yext, to learn even more about how great leaders build what's missing....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/

Apr 27, 2023 • 49min
#132: Michael Walrath, CEO of Yext – Build what’s missing
Today’s guest is Michael Walrath, Chairman and CEO of Yext, and a remarkable entrepreneur.In three years, he built a $35 million company called Right Media – and then sold it to Yahoo for almost $800 million. No doubt about it – those are some impressive numbers. But when you dig a little deeper, what makes Michael truly impressive is how he’s found lessons and growth and opportunities along the way. He is always looking for what’s missing and how he can build it. If you can see what problems haven’t been solved yet – for your industry, your customers, or even your team – and then build something to solve it, you’re going to find success.It’s a vital skill for entrepreneurs and every other kind of leader. Listen to this conversation with Michael and see how it’s done. You’ll also learn:
Why organizations in turmoil can be fantastic learning opportunities
A process you can use to navigate change
The #1 piece of advice for entrepreneurs when building a product
The surprising advantage you have if your career path hasn’t been a straight line
Why your point of view on humanity impacts your success as a 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.

Apr 24, 2023 • 11min
3 More Questions (Annie Young-Scrivner) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Annie Young-Scrivner, CEO of Wella, to learn even more about why you should surround yourself with different perspectives....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/

Apr 20, 2023 • 47min
#131: Annie Young-Scrivner, CEO of Wella – Surround yourself with different perspectives
Today’s guest is Annie Young-Scrivner, CEO of Wella, one of the world’s top beauty companies. Annie is a seasoned leader with a phenomenal track record of growth in her prior roles at Godiva, Starbucks, and PepsiCo.You don’t get that kind of consistency without being a strong leader. And one thing that makes Annie a strong leader is that she intentionally surrounds herself with diverse perspectives. Even more importantly, she really listens and learns from them. It’s a must-have skill for leaders.You’ve got to seek out people who see things differently than you if you want to make better decisions, build stronger teams, and really push yourself and your organization to grow. Listen to this conversation to see how it’s done. You’ll also learn:
Three practical tips to manage people who are older than you
Specific questions to ask in order to understand and grow a business
Priceless advice for perfectionists who feel like they need to have all the answers
Why every leader needs an external network – and how to develop it
One idea to use next time you present over Zoom to ensure you connect with your team
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.

Apr 17, 2023 • 13min
3 More Questions (Chris Gheysens) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Chris Gheysens, the President and CEO of Wawa, to dive even deeper into the idea of why when you do the right thing, the right things happen....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/