

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 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.

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.


