
How Leaders Lead with 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.
Latest episodes

Jan 6, 2025 • 15min
3 More Questions (Drew Holcomb) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
Dive into the artistic world of songwriting, where personal experiences spark creativity and inspiration. Discover the power of emotional leadership in business, enhancing team productivity by connecting on a personal level. Learn how understanding your core audience can elevate brand authenticity. And don’t miss the unique fan engagement through an intimate bourbon tasting on a musician's tour bus, blending creativity with personal connections. It's a captivating journey through art, leadership, and relationships!

30 snips
Jan 2, 2025 • 1h 11min
#220: Drew Holcomb, Musician – “Super serve” your core audience
Drew Holcomb, frontman of the Americana band Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, shares insights into music and leadership. He emphasizes the power of 'super-serving' your core audience for growth, avoiding time-wasting pursuits. Holcomb humorously recounts personal anecdotes about travel and golf while discussing the emotional leadership power of music. He explores authenticity in creativity, balancing career ambitions with personal life, and the importance of gratitude and listening in successful relationships.

12 snips
Dec 26, 2024 • 43min
#219: The Best Of Q4
Dive into leadership wisdom from top industry leaders as they share powerful insights. Discover how to cultivate a winning culture in sports and beyond, emphasizing grit and emotional consistency. Learn about the viral marketing success of Applebee's and its innovative NFL partnership. Explore the importance of a strong team culture and how legacy shapes entrepreneurship. Additionally, hear fresh talent management strategies and competitive dynamics in the ice cream industry, highlighting humility and sustainable branding.

Dec 23, 2024 • 11min
3 More Questions (Karla Gallardo) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
Dive into the art of leadership as the hosts discuss creating momentum around big dreams without complicating processes. Explore the 'fewer, better' concept and its powerful implications for intentional leadership. Discover how to balance core offerings with innovation, ensuring brands stay vibrant amidst change. Additionally, learn about the effectiveness of small batch testing in product development, showcasing how iteration and customer feedback lead to success.

8 snips
Dec 19, 2024 • 51min
#218: Karla Gallardo, CEO of Cuyana – Dream big, then start small
Karla Gallardo, co-founder and CEO of Cuyana, shares her journey from investment banking to building a sustainable fashion brand. She emphasizes dreaming big but starting small, offering insights on product quality and customer loyalty. Karla highlights the importance of not prioritizing sales at all costs and shares valuable lessons on attracting investors. She reflects on Ecuadorian cultural contrasts in consumer habits and reveals how identifying customer problems can guide business focus, all while embracing community and heritage.

5 snips
Dec 16, 2024 • 12min
3 More Questions (Jared Belsky) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
Dive into the balance of focusing on key details while maintaining a broad vision in leadership. Discover the dangers of the 'dysfunction tax' from bureaucracy and the importance of streamlining processes. Learn about the impacts of unproductive meetings on team morale and why real-time coaching is crucial for growth. Finally, confront the challenges posed by mediocre performance and the steps leaders can take to foster a high-performance culture.

Dec 12, 2024 • 55min
#217: Jared Belsky, CEO of Acadia – Avoid the dysfunction tax
Jared Belsky, CEO of Acadia and author of "You Get the Agency You Deserve," dives into the concept of the 'dysfunction tax' and its hidden costs in business. He shares insights on maximizing client-agency partnerships and effective communication strategies. Jared emphasizes the importance of detail orientation and offers tips on crafting impactful creative briefs. He also discusses the significance of client feedback, aligning business goals with agency campaigns, and the role of mentorship in fostering strong leadership.

7 snips
Dec 9, 2024 • 13min
3 More Questions (Doug Hirsch) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
This conversation dives into the crucial link between physical health and mental performance, showcasing insights from sports. It highlights the importance of curiosity and imagination for effective leadership. Discover how to retain top talent through respect and growth strategies. The discussion also touches on building daily habits like running, illustrating how small changes lead to significant improvements. Finally, explore the value of collaboration and a learning mindset in creating a successful team environment.

21 snips
Dec 5, 2024 • 54min
#216: Doug Hirsch, Owner of Arizona Drive Pickleball Team and Founder of Seneca Capital – Excellence is a habit
Doug Hirsch, owner of the Arizona Drive Pickleball Team and founder of Seneca Capital, shares his journey blending athletics with leadership principles. He emphasizes excellence as a habit rather than a goal. Hirsch discusses the impact of ego in decision-making and how transparency fosters loyalty in teams. He also reflects on recognizing business opportunities and the philosophical underpinnings of his hedge fund. With a dash of humor, he recounts the heartwarming origins of the Soane Conference, aiming to make a difference through charity.

Dec 2, 2024 • 14min
3 More Questions (Jeni Britton) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
Dive into the engaging world of leadership as intuition and emotional balance take center stage. The discussion highlights the art of compromise and how diverse skills strengthen teams. Personal stories about Jeni Britton's innovative ice cream shops add a delightful twist, showcasing creativity in business. Discover how spending time in nature and practicing gratitude can enhance leadership growth. Finally, explore the idea of 'getting into character' to tackle challenges, emphasizing the power of connection in both leadership and personal experiences.
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