
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

28 snips
Aug 29, 2024 • 47min
#202: Bob Chapman, Chairman and CEO of Barry-Wehmiller – Leadership is a powerful force for good
Bob Chapman, Chairman and CEO of Barry-Wehmiller, champions a compassionate approach to leadership. He shares transformative insights on building a positive company culture while achieving results. Discover the three paradigm shifts that can redefine your leadership style. Learn how to make business enjoyable, navigate tough personnel situations, and understand the need for recognition—it's more than you think! Bob emphasizes that leadership is about serving others, fostering empathy, and creating an uplifting environment for all.

Aug 26, 2024 • 20min
3 More Questions (Constance Schwartz-Morini) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
Constance Schwartz-Morini, a distinguished leader in strategic communication and co-founder of Smack Entertainment, shares her inspiring journey from Yonkers. She discusses overcoming rejection by turning a 'no' into a 'yes' with conviction. The conversation delves into recognizing leadership opportunities that align personal ambitions with organizational goals. Constance also emphasizes the importance of courageous communication, recounting moments when speaking up transformed both careers and companies, and highlights respectful dialogue among women leaders.

Aug 22, 2024 • 1h 10min
#201: Constance Schwartz-Morini, Co-founder and CEO of SMAC Entertainment — Speak your mind
Constance Schwartz-Morini is the co-founder and CEO of SMAC Entertainment, representing stars like Michael Strahan and Deion Sanders. She shares her journey from the NFL to the entertainment industry, emphasizing resilience and mentorship. Constance discusses the importance of courage in leadership, effective communication, and celebrating wins, while revealing the amusing backstory of Taylor Swift's Super Bowl outfit. She highlights the challenges of navigating partnerships during the pandemic and the impact of celebrity endorsements on brand success.

Aug 19, 2024 • 10min
3 More Questions (Ram Charan) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
Ram Charan, a renowned business consultant and author, shares his insights on leadership alongside David Novak. They dive deep into how leaders can effectively identify and address core issues within their organizations. The conversation highlights the transformative power of incisive questioning that can lead to deeper insights. Charan discusses the crucial philosophy of 'people first, strategy second,' emphasizing the significance of nurturing future leaders and developing a strong talent pool for sustainable success.

26 snips
Aug 15, 2024 • 40min
#200: Ram Charan, the world’s most influential business consultant – Ask incisive questions
Ram Charan, a legendary business consultant and New York Times bestselling author, dives into the art of asking incisive questions that cut through organizational complexity. He emphasizes that smart hiring involves more than just talent and predicts the evolving landscape of U.S. business in China. Charan reveals two essential elements of execution, the three core factors for success every leader should embrace, and shares insights from his journey from academia to consulting, highlighting the continuous growth that defines effective leadership.

Aug 12, 2024 • 10min
3 More Questions (Chris Bevilacqua) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
David Novak, a leadership expert renowned for his insights on building strong business relationships, and Koula Callahan, a key figure in leadership development, discuss fascinating leadership dynamics. They explore the 'boogeyman' of competition as a motivational tool, drawing parallels to Michael Jordan's fierce drive. The conversation emphasizes the significance of organizational focus and the pitfalls of being spread too thin, while also highlighting the power of intentional relationship building and genuine care in forming lasting business partnerships.

Aug 8, 2024 • 54min
#199: Chris Bevilacqua, Founder and CEO of SimpleBet – Business happens around relationships
Chris Bevilacqua, founder and CEO of SimpleBet, delves into the importance of relationships in business. He shares how personal connections have shaped his career, highlighting lessons learned from his wrestling background and experiences at Nike and NBC Sports. Bevilacqua reveals valuable insights, including what Michael Jordan taught him about motivation and key strategies for successful negotiations. He emphasizes the need for resilience in entrepreneurship and the significance of innovative technology in the evolving sports betting industry.

Aug 5, 2024 • 12min
3 More Questions (Tom Baltimore) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
David Novak, a leadership expert and former Yum! Brands CEO, joins Koula Callahan to discuss the nuanced art of leadership. They delve into balancing team motivation with preventing burnout. Novak shares insights on leveraging a personal board for guidance in tough decisions, emphasizing alignment with core values. The conversation also touches on the vital role of truth tellers in fostering trust and how crucial follow-ups can enhance workforce development. This dynamic discussion offers actionable strategies for leaders aiming to cultivate a thriving corporate culture.

4 snips
Aug 1, 2024 • 46min
#198: Tom Baltimore, Chairman and CEO of Park Hotels and Resorts – Push yourself, push your team
Tom Baltimore, the Chairman and CEO of Park Hotels and Resorts, shares his inspiring journey from overcoming childhood challenges to becoming a resilient leader. He discusses the importance of pushing oneself and fostering team success through motivation and collaboration. Learn about leveraging dissatisfaction as fuel for growth, the concept of a 'personal board of directors,' and how authenticity enhances teamwork. Baltimore also emphasizes the critical role of continuous learning and mentorship in navigating leadership challenges and building strong organizations.

Jul 29, 2024 • 12min
3 More Questions (Alan Shaw) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
David Novak, a seasoned corporate leader and former CEO, joins Koula Callahan for an engaging discussion. They delve into Novak's journey to the top and how he navigated his path from finance to leadership. The conversation covers the challenges of integrating outside consultants during crises, emphasizing the need for credibility and openness. Additionally, they unpack crisis management strategies, particularly Novak's approach to Norfolk Southern's major derailment, highlighting the critical role of transparency and community engagement in leadership.