

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

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.

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.