
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

Oct 7, 2024 • 15min
3 More Questions (Eliah Drinkwitz) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
Discover how leaders balance visionary goals with immediate realities, especially in the fast-paced world of college football. Learn about creating a culture of commitment and belonging that encourages players to stay. Experience the electric atmosphere of SEC football and the vital role of fan support in boosting team morale. Hear personal anecdotes that bring leadership lessons to life, all while honoring meaningful connections. Get ready for a spirited discussion that merges sports, leadership, and personal reflections!

Oct 3, 2024 • 60min
#207: Eliah Drinkwitz, Head football coach of Mizzou: Connect, encourage, and challenge
Eliah Drinkwitz, the head football coach of the University of Missouri, shares insights from his team's remarkable 11-2 season. He emphasizes the balance of connection, encouragement, and challenge as key to motivating players. Eliah discusses the impact of personal relationships in leadership and the importance of stability in collegiate sports. He also reflects on his humble beginnings and the values of teamwork instilled in him. Finally, he highlights the need for accountability and continuous growth for both players and coaches.

7 snips
Sep 26, 2024 • 37min
#206: The Best Of Q3
Charlie Scharf, CEO of Wells Fargo, alongside Constance Schwartz-Morini, founder of SMAC Entertainment, and other influential leaders, discuss the power of change as a driver of success. They dive into the significance of consistent communication in leadership and the lessons learned from the grocery industry's evolution. Ram Charan emphasizes the crucial need for continuous improvement, while John Mackey shares insights on treating employees as individuals. Exciting news about a transition to YouTube is also revealed, promising an enhanced experience for audiences.

Sep 23, 2024 • 11min
3 More Questions (John Mackey) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
John Mackey, co-founder and former CEO of Whole Foods, shares insights on embracing playfulness in leadership, emphasizing that curiosity can drive success. He discusses how authentic customer engagement builds loyalty, likening it to true friendship. The conversation also dives into the strategic complexities behind Whole Foods’ sale to Amazon, reflecting on partnership choices and brand attachment. Together with David Novak and Koula Callahan, they explore innovation's role in reducing fear in entrepreneurship while fostering a positive, value-driven business environment.

Sep 19, 2024 • 1h 5min
#205: John Mackey, Cofounder and former CEO of Whole Foods Market – Follow your own path
John Mackey, the co-founder and former CEO of Whole Foods, shares his journey of building a retail giant fueled by authenticity and passion. He discusses the importance of embracing creativity over convention while navigating the pressures of leadership. Mackey reveals the strategic moves that spurred Whole Foods' growth and reflects on the acquisition by Amazon as a lesson in oversight. He offers insights on fostering a caring culture in business and highlights the significance of continuous learning and self-awareness in effective leadership.

Sep 16, 2024 • 8min
3 More Questions (Chris Riccobono) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
Chris Riccobono, founder of Untuck It, joins seasoned leaders David Novak and Koula Callahan for an engaging discussion on leadership. They explore how entrepreneurs can strategically delegate control to encourage innovation. The conversation dives into marketing strategies that unveil unrecognized customer needs, using Taco Bell's 'fourth meal' as a prime example. Finally, they tackle the challenges of passionate leadership, highlighting the balance between enthusiasm and team empowerment, stressing the role of self-awareness and trusted advisors.

Sep 12, 2024 • 54min
#204: Chris Riccobono, Founder of UNTUCKit and Greatness Wins — Passion is powerful
Chris Riccobono, CEO of the innovative clothing brand UNTUCKit, dives into the power of passion in business. He shares his journey of creating a shirt you don’t need to tuck in, highlighting resilience during the pandemic and the importance of a strong brand identity. Riccobono discusses lessons from his tennis background that shaped his leadership style and emphasizes the significance of storytelling and authentic connections. He also reveals key hiring strategies for startups and the challenges of navigating dual ventures.

Sep 9, 2024 • 11min
3 More Questions (Jimmy Haslam) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
In this engaging conversation, business leader David Novak and leadership expert Koula Callahan are joined by NFL team owner Jimmy Haslam. They delve into the importance of hiring external talent to foster growth, highlighting how adaptability drives success. Haslam shares his approach to navigating new industries through listening and engaging with stakeholders. The trio also discusses the power of curiosity and how prioritizing personality and background often proves more valuable than traditional interviews, offering fresh perspectives on talent assessment.

Sep 5, 2024 • 59min
#203: Jimmy Haslam, Chairman and Managing Partner of Haslam Sports Group – Assess yourself honestly
Jimmy Haslam, owner of the Cleveland Browns and former CEO of Pilot Flying J, shares insights on leadership and self-assessment. He emphasizes the importance of transparency in acknowledging both successes and failures. Haslam reflects on the emotional highs and lows of NFL ownership, data-driven strategies, and key leadership lessons from his father. He discusses the role of philanthropy in his life and how intellectual curiosity fuels personal growth. Dive in to discover how honest self-reflection can transform teams and cultures!

Sep 2, 2024 • 12min
3 More Questions (Bob Chapman) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
David Novak, a leadership expert celebrated for his insights on coaching, joins Koula Callahan, a strategist in business leadership. They discuss the importance of putting people first in business for economic growth. Novak shares wisdom on adapting leadership styles to individual personalities and nurtures hope and potential within teams. He elaborates on personal experiences with company acquisitions, emphasizing the delicate balance between influence and manipulation in leadership communication.