How Leaders Lead with David Novak

Jeni Britton, founder of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, shares her culinary journey of creating unique flavors and leading a diverse team. She emphasizes trusting your instincts and the importance of iterating based on customer feedback. Jeni discusses how her leadership style was shaped by her childhood and the challenges of entrepreneurship. She reveals a pivotal moment from being on Food Network, her pivot towards health-conscious products during the pandemic, and how embracing creativity can transform both branding and personal identity.

Discover the inspiring journey of Scott Harrison, from club promoter to Charity Water founder, emphasizing the importance of celebrating progress while facing new challenges. Explore how leaders can foster transparency and trust, reinforcing donor confidence in charitable organizations. Dive into the ongoing fight for global clean water access and Yum Brands' efforts to combat food insecurity through responsible practices. Finally, learn how innovative thinking and technology can bridge philanthropy and effective leadership.

Scott Harrison, founder and CEO of charity: water, shares his transformative journey from nightlife to humanitarian work. He emphasizes the power of pattern thinking in igniting creativity and problem-solving. Harrison reveals innovative fundraising strategies and the emotional pull of storytelling in philanthropy. He discusses the critical global water crisis and outlines how technology can enhance charitable efforts. With candid personal insights, he reflects on effective leadership values like humility and lifelong learning, inspiring listeners to engage in impactful change.

Explore powerful leadership lessons inspired by female leaders and the importance of navigating professional identities. Discover how managers can balance allowing mistakes with maintaining business performance, using relatable analogies like teaching kids to ride bikes. Delve into the significance of granting employees autonomy for growth and the rejuvenating impact of new environments on careers. Learn to recognize key moments for career advancement and the value of support in overcoming stagnation.

In this insightful discussion, Erika Ayers Badan, the CEO of Food52 and former head of Barstool Sports, shares her journey from leading a struggling brand to building a media empire worth over $550 million. She emphasizes the importance of honest leadership to foster trust and collaboration. Erika reveals strategies for upstart brands to outmaneuver giants and offers advice for women navigating male-dominated industries. Her experiences highlight the value of creativity, transparency, and adaptability in today’s dynamic business landscape.

Discover how to reshape perceptions in industries like food service and construction to attract a new workforce. Hear about the captivating recruitment strategies of the U.S. Marines, emphasizing storytelling to foster belonging. Learn the unique leadership lessons from a young entrepreneur who thrives in a conservative field by embracing modern narratives. Explore how vulnerability in leadership can build trust, enhance connections, and promote personal growth within teams. Inspiring insights await!

Aaron Witt, CEO of BuildWitt, is changing the narrative around the construction industry, emphasizing vulnerability as a cornerstone of effective leadership. He shares insights on creating resonant content and leveling up communication skills to inspire teams. Witt discusses the importance of personal storytelling and authenticity, along with how endurance sports shaped his leadership style. He also addresses the challenges of growth and personal sacrifice while advocating for mental health awareness in leadership. Plus, hear about the successful Dirt World Summit fostering community and innovation!

Dive into the world of viral marketing with insights from the CEO of Dine Brands, who discusses memorable campaigns like 'Fancy Like.' Discover how established brands can stay relevant by fostering innovation and adaptability. The conversation emphasizes the significance of embracing new technologies like AI and shifting marketing strategies. Learn about the necessity of continuous learning and an agile mindset for sustained growth in an ever-evolving business landscape.

Join John Peyton, CEO of Dine Brands, as he shares his journey from childhood lessons to corporate leadership. He discusses how to empower teams amidst rapid change and highlights the value of AI in enhancing business agility. Discover the key to building a relatable brand through storytelling and the importance of connecting with younger generations. Peyton also reveals innovative strategies for creating remarkable customer experiences and the advantages of a dual-brand restaurant model. Tune in for insights that drive urgency and resilience in the face of change!

Dive into a fascinating conversation about strategic entrepreneurship and the ambitious $50 million distillery project in Tennessee. Explore the idea of viewing challenges as growth opportunities and the role of media influence in business success. Learn how overcoming adversity can shape a strong leadership culture and the importance of hiring self-driven individuals. The dialogue underscores the value of autonomy in leadership and building trust within teams, all while sharing moments of humor and insight.