How Leaders Lead with David Novak
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
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.
9 snips
Nov 28, 2024 • 56min
#215: Jeni Britton, Founder of Jeni's Ice Creams – Stay attuned to your instincts
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.
Nov 25, 2024 • 13min
3 More Questions (Scott Harrison) with David Novak and Koula Callahan
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.
Nov 21, 2024 • 53min
#214: Scott Harrison, Founder and CEO of charity: water – The power of pattern thinking
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.
