
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

Feb 24, 2025 • 14min
3 More Questions (Ken Bacon) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
In this enlightening discussion, hear firsthand experiences of leading through a crisis and the vital lessons learned about communication and teamwork. The speakers tackle the discomfort many feel when asking for business and share strategies to overcome it. Delve into the fascinating concept that imagination is a key barrier to effective risk management. Finally, discover the importance of discipline in maintaining core business principles despite the allure of new trends. These insights promise to enhance your leadership prowess.

Feb 20, 2025 • 1h
#227: Ken Bacon, Cofounder and Managing Partner at RailField Partners – Trust is a form of currency
Ken Bacon, Cofounder and Managing Partner at RailField Partners and former Executive VP at Fannie Mae, highlights how trust functions as a crucial currency in business. He shares an unconventional negotiation strategy and reveals essential leadership qualities that drive effective decision-making. Reflecting on his upbringing, he discusses resilience and community impact, while also recounting a charming dinner with jazz legend Count Basie. Ultimately, Bacon emphasizes the need for authenticity and strong relationships in entrepreneurship and leadership.

Feb 17, 2025 • 12min
3 More Questions (Allan Thygesen) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
This discussion reveals the crucial role of coaching in nurturing future leaders. The hosts explore the vital connection between sales skills and personal growth. They share insights on leading through collaboration and leveraging marketing strategies to inspire teams. The concept of ‘leading from the front’ is highlighted, emphasizing the need for visibility and communication to boost motivation and engagement. It's an enlightening look at how effective leadership can drive organizational success.

Feb 13, 2025 • 55min
#226: Allan Thygesen, CEO of Docusign – Everyone’s a salesperson
Allan Thygesen, CEO of DocuSign and former leader at Google’s $100 billion ad business, shares his insights on leadership and innovation. He emphasizes that everyone plays a salesperson's role, a crucial aspect for effective leadership. Thygesen offers practical advice on integrating AI into businesses while highlighting the balance between customer experience and product expectations. He also discusses the importance of clear communication with investors and nurturing talent over control, drawing from his rich experiences in Silicon Valley.

Feb 10, 2025 • 9min
3 More Questions (Harris Barton) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
Explore the world of sports leadership with a three-time Super Bowl champion discussing the emotional stakes of critical moments. Discover practical advice on dealing with public mistakes and the mindset needed to bounce back. Delve into the power of accountability in leadership, where recognizing errors can spark growth and deeper relationships. Finally, learn about the challenges of rapid business growth and the importance of self-awareness in navigating these transitions.

14 snips
Feb 6, 2025 • 53min
#225: Harris Barton, 3-time Super Bowl Champion & Founder and managing director of H. Barton Asset Management – To learn from others, you’ve got to listen
In this conversation, Harris Barton—a three-time Super Bowl champion and founder of H. Barton Asset Management—shares invaluable leadership insights drawn from both his football career and business endeavors. He discusses the importance of listening and learning from others, as well as strategies for bouncing back from failure. Harris highlights the emotional impact of winning championships, the significance of mentorship, and how resilience plays a crucial role in navigating post-career challenges. Personal anecdotes enrich his narrative, bridging sports and business success.

12 snips
Feb 3, 2025 • 15min
3 More Questions (Jamie Dimon) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
Delve into insightful reflections on the evolution of leadership from command to coaching. Explore how transparency and open conversations about compensation can enhance workplace culture. Discover the transformative power of forgiveness through Jamie Dimon's poignant interaction with Sandy Weill. The importance of communication and self-awareness in resolving interpersonal conflicts is also emphasized, reminding leaders of the emotional weight of unresolved issues.

171 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 1h 32min
#224: Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase – Get to work
Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase, shares his insights on effective leadership and execution. He emphasizes that real leaders prioritize action over talk, offering valuable lessons from his experiences during the 2008 financial crisis. Dimon discusses the importance of curiosity, teamwork, and adaptability in business evolution. He also reflects on the impact of personal values shaped by family, and the necessity of managing crises with collective focus, offering heartfelt anecdotes that reveal the human side of leadership.

Jan 27, 2025 • 15min
3 More Questions (Bobbi Brown) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
Dive into the entrepreneurial journey of Bobbi Brown and her impactful beauty brand, Jones Road Beauty. Discover the importance of simplified communication for leaders and how it enhances decision-making. Hear insights on staying grounded during business growth and the dangers of complacency. Explore the key traits of effective leaders and the blend of passion and structure required to navigate challenges. Personal anecdotes and advice make this discussion both relatable and inspiring for aspiring leaders.

18 snips
Jan 23, 2025 • 53min
#223: Bobbi Brown, Founder of Jones Road Beauty – The best solutions are often the simplest
Bobbi Brown, a cosmetics titan and founder of Jones Road Beauty, shares her journey of simplicity in the beauty industry. She discusses her innovative approach to clean makeup and the significance of customer feedback. Bobbi emphasizes how simplifying complex challenges can save time and enhance creativity. Listeners will also learn strategies for connecting on social media, the value of unconventional career paths, and surprising traits of great salespeople. Her insights showcase why authenticity and clarity are key in leadership.