Podcast
How Leaders Lead with David Novak
Hosted by David Novak · EN
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.
56episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
#294: Bobby Long, Partner and Co-Founder, Piedmont Capital Partners – See the best in people
1w ago01:08:05Summary readyAs the Partner and Co-Founder of Piedmont Capital Partners, Bobby Long invests in big problems that need big solutions – stuff like Alzheimer’s research and lithium ion technology. But he does it all in the most relational way: listening with humility, doing deals on a handshake, and looking for ways to truly serve everyone he meets, regardless of their status. In this episode you're going to find out what happens when someone decides to use everything they've built to actually change the world. These days, it can feel like climbing the ladder of success means we have to be a little cynical and disingenuous in our relationships. But in this episode, you’ll see a better way – one where seeing the best in people can be what actually makes you successful. You’ll also learn: The refreshing sales philosophy that made Bobby successful in the insurance business How to be generous to others without being a doormat What it really means to be a great communicator The shocking move he made to save a longstanding PGA golf tournament Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.
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#293: David Lafitte – CEO, Tecovas – Serve others with radical hospitality
2w ago01:09:11Summary readyIf you lead a business, you know providing great service is vital. But what does that actually mean? For David Lafitte, CEO of the popular Western retailer Tecovas, it means radical hospitality. Stuff like offering shoppers free drinks, personalization, and a space to linger. Treating everyone who walks through the doors like a high-value customer. Encouraging staff to create relationships, not just transactions. And as you’ll see in this conversation, that kind of people-first mentality doesn’t apply only to customer service. It can also change the way you build your whole business, and it might just be the competitive advantage you’ve been looking for. You’ll also learn: The hard truth about scaling your culture Why a loyalty program might actually backfire A practical way to stay connected to daily operations A great tip that can help your brand stay authentic Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.
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#292: Kecia Steelman, CEO, Ulta Beauty – Progress over perfection
3w ago01:04:39Summary readyToday, she is the CEO of Ulta Beauty, leading over 1500 stores worldwide, striking partnerships with Chanel and Beyonce, and creating record growth since she took over in early 2025. That kind of career momentum doesn’t happen by accident. And in this conversation, you’ll see the “progress over perfection” mentality that’s helped Kecia do it – all while building a strong team culture that’s laser focused on serving customers. If you’ve ever felt stuck overthinking a decision, here’s what it takes to beat analysis paralysis and keep pushing forward even when you don’t have all the answers. You’ll also learn: Kecia’s 80/20 rule for faster, bolder decisions Why your company strategy might not be sticking (and what to do about it) How to respond when you get passed over for a promotion The advice she wants every other woman in leadership to hear Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.
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#291: Mark Smucker, Chair and CEO, The J.M. Smucker Company – Understand the soul of your brand
4w ago00:55:50Summary readyWhat’s the soul of your brand? And why might it be the secret to unlocking a new chapter of growth for your company? Today, David sits down with Mark Smucker. He’s the CEO and Chair of The J.M. Smucker Company, which is home to iconic brands like Smucker’s, Folgers, Uncrustables, Hostess, and Milk Bone. And he’s obsessed with understanding the soul of a brand. By knowing what his brands truly stand for, he and his team can make smarter creative decisions, take the right risks, and keep growing even when consumer tastes shift. If you want a brand that’s relevant, authentic, and successful, don’t miss this episode. You’ll also learn: The question Mark asks before making any creative decision How to make your core values more than just a list of ideals Why it took 10 years to scale Uncrustables (hint: it involves bread bubbles) The marketing principle that put Ludacris in a JIF commercial Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.
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#290: Mariam Naficy, Founder and Chairman, Minted – See the possibilities in people
May 700:57:40Summary readyMinted Founder Mariam Naficy was ready to shut it all down. She’d spent nearly all the capital from her angel round, but nothing was selling. Then, she experimented with crowdsourcing stationery and card designs from independent artists, and everything changed. Sales exploded. And 18 years later, Minted is in 75 million homes worldwide, empowering tens of thousands of independent artists and designers to make a living. And it’s a testament to Mariam’s ability to find the potential in people that others miss. Whether it’s with customers, independent artists, or her own team, she leads with the belief that people are full of possibilities, and it’s up to leaders to draw them out. Hit play and see how to become the kind of leader who gets the best out of the people around them. You’ll also learn: The question to ask before you fire someone How to build a competitive moat around your business Why your brand should be a big factor in your approach to AI One surprising strategy that can help you be a better listener Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.
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#289: Kurt Kane, CEO, TruGreen – Fall in love with customer retention
Apr 3001:04:58Summary readyYou’re hustling to land new customers … but what if the ones you already have are quietly slipping away? Kurt Kane saw this problem on day one as CEO of TruGreen. And after years of driving transactional growth as CMO of Wendy’s, he saw the opportunity to grow TruGreen by leaning into long-term customer satisfaction and retention. Now, he’s revitalizing the brand and getting his team engaged in the mission, too. This episode will help you see your customers (and their feedback) in a whole new light – and reveal just how important it is to fall in love with customer retention if you want to grow your business. You’ll also learn: Stealable marketing strategies from P&G, Wendy’s, Coors, and more A practical way to get your entire team focused on the right work One question to ask if you want to boost employee engagement How to keep your culture informal without sacrificing results Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.
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#288: James “JC” Curleigh, CEO, Pelican Products – How to reframe what you sell
Apr 2301:11:05Summary readyMost leaders think they’re in the business of selling their product. JC Curleigh thinks that’s exactly what limits your growth. And as CEO of Pelican, he’s helping the company make a profound shift: they’re not in the protective case business, they’re in the protection business. JC understands that great brands sell more than products, and he knows how to position them the right way. In fact, it’s how he led turnarounds at iconic brands like Levi’s and Gibson Guitars. In today’s episode, you’ll see how to use the same thinking to revitalize and expand your own brand. You’ll also learn: How to make better decisions by being “aggressively patient” The incredible story behind the naming rights for Levi’s Stadium What “helicopter vision” is, and why every leader should have it What you need instead of a “Plan B” Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.
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#287: Julie Hansen, CEO, Babbel – Don’t fear change
Apr 1601:05:00Summary readyMost leaders say they’re comfortable with change. But what happens when the change is so big, it threatens your entire business model? Julie Hansen is no stranger to disruption, having spent her career in online media. Now, as CEO of the language learning app Babbel, she’s facing the biggest one yet. AI is changing the way we learn languages — and raising questions about whether we’ll need to at all. But Julie doesn’t fear change. In fact, in her words, “if your business isn’t changing, it’s dying.” In this episode, she shares how to lead through uncertainty with clarity and conviction — and how to help your team see disruption as an opportunity, not a threat. You’ll also learn: How to navigate cultural differences in working styles A surprisingly simple strategy to get buy-in on an idea How to help your team get more comfortable with AI What it means to “rip the band-aid off” as a leader Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.
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#286: John Donahoe, Former CEO of Nike, Director of Athletics at Stanford – Create strategy from the outside in
Apr 901:23:06Summary readyMost organizations look inward when they build strategy. How did we do last year? Can we do 10% better this year? But that internal focus makes you miss the big changes happening in your market. When it comes to disruptive change, John Donahoe has seen it all — as the CEO of Nike, eBay, and ServiceNow. Today, he’s navigating the seismic changes in college sports as Athletic Director at Stanford. In this conversation, he’ll unpack how to navigate big changes with smart strategy and servant-minded leadership. Plus, he gets vulnerable about the mistakes he made at Nike and the 10-minute ritual he starts every morning with. You’ll also learn: How to create strategy from the outside in A powerful way to reframe AI (hint: it’s not about AI) The mindset shift that helps you see adversity as opportunity The leadership lessons he learned from Colin Powell and Coach K Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.
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#285: Ted Scott, Caddie for Scottie Scheffler, PGA Tour – Great questions demand great answers
Apr 201:19:03Summary readyIn his 29 years as a PGA Tour caddie, Ted Scott has won four Masters and an Olympic gold – not by having all the answers, but by asking the right questions at the right time. It’s how Ted guides the #1 player in the world, Scottie Scheffler, without getting in the way of his greatness. It’s his go-to strategy for getting better at anything. And it’s why he’s considered by many to be one of the best caddies to ever pick up a bag. If you’ve ever struggled with when to speak up and when to stay quiet, or how to guide people without micromanaging them, then this is the conversation you need. Plus, it’s full of memorable golf stories that you’ve probably never heard before, all told with Ted’s signature wisdom and charm. You’ll also learn: The first question Ted asks any golfer he works with (and why it changes everything) How to disagree with someone without it becoming an argument A refreshingly simple formula for getting better at anything The (somewhat) shocking way he helped Scottie win the Olympics Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.
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