David Novak Leadership Podcast

If your team isn't delivering, it might not be a lack of effort or strategy. It might be a lack of clarity. In this episode, David sits down with media and entertainment legend Mark Shapiro. He's the President and COO of TKO and the President and Managing Partner of WME Group, and prior to that helped lead ESPN and Six Flags.  He shares how clear expectations and feedback are key to creating momentum and results. It's a great mix of stories and insights that will have you both laughing and strategizing!  You'll also learn: The first thing to do in a new leadership role One huge factor to consider in making in-person/remote work decisions What you need to do to win over skeptics How to set clear expectations and hold your team to them 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.

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: What's your take on Dave's advice to take on three roles at once to move up, and how do you think about moving up in a company? Why do you like Dave's method of evaluating leaders on a 2 dimensional axis? How can leaders make sure that they're getting the whole story and that they have all the information they need to make the right decisions? ——— GO DEEPER Scale up your leadership skills in 2 minutes a day with the How Leaders Lead app — Download today in the App Store Get coaching from David by signing up to receive his Weekly Leadership Plan. It builds on each podcast episode by offering actionable steps you can take each week to incorporate the learnings from the episode into your leadership style. It only takes about 5 minutes and is a great way to start off your week! Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

Feel like you've hit a ceiling in your career? Your boldest ideas might be the thing that breaks through—but only if you say them out loud. In this episode, Dave McKay, President and CEO of RBC, shares why going public with big goals isn't just bold. It's strategic. Learn how clarity and ambition can rally your team, attract top talent, and accelerate your growth. Oh and yes, there's a Taylor Swift tie-in, too. One strategy that can radically change your career trajectory Why hiring people with personal ambition isn't enough (and what to look for instead) The mentality you need to lead a market How to accomplish big goals without jeopardizing integrity 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. Connect with David: Keep Up with David on LinkedIn Follow David on Twitter The How Leaders Lead Instagram View insightful clips on TikTok Watch full interviews on YouTube Get the USA Today Bestselling Book "How Leaders Learn"

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: What advice do you have for leaders looking to successfully integrate younger talent with a long-standing legacy workforce? How do you rally an organization to move faster—without pushing people to the point of burnout? What does it take to effectively balance the short-term demands with the long-term vision when leading a business? ——— GO DEEPER Scale up your leadership skills in 2 minutes a day with the How Leaders Lead app — Download today in the App Store Get coaching from David by signing up to receive his Weekly Leadership Plan. It builds on each podcast episode by offering actionable steps you can take each week to incorporate the learnings from the episode into your leadership style. It only takes about 5 minutes and is a great way to start off your week! Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

Ever made a decision based on limited info, internal spin, or wishful thinking? You're not alone—but there's a better way. In this episode, David sits down with General Motors Chair and CEO, Mary Barra. She shares how a relentless commitment to the truth leads to better decisions, stronger teams, and a culture built on trust. If you want to lead with more clarity and less guesswork, don't miss this conversation. You'll also learn: How a crisis shapes your culture The #1 thing you need to do to make sure your people feel valued A strategy to make big problems way more manageable  What “ambidextrous leadership” is – and why it's crucial to your success 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. Connect with David: Keep Up with David on LinkedIn Follow David on Twitter The How Leaders Lead Instagram View insightful clips on TikTok Watch full interviews on YouTube Get the USA Today Bestselling Book "How Leaders Learn"

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: What's the best piece of advice you've ever received about how to handle failure? What tools do you use to maintain a positive mindset when things are hard? How does Danny's "pressure is a privilege" concept apply to leadership? ——— GO DEEPER Scale up your leadership skills in 2 minutes a day with the How Leaders Lead app — Download today in the App Store Get coaching from David by signing up to receive his Weekly Leadership Plan. It builds on each podcast episode by offering actionable steps you can take each week to incorporate the learnings from the episode into your leadership style. It only takes about 5 minutes and is a great way to start off your week! Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

Feeling stuck in a rut? Not sure how to improve your performance? You might be missing one powerful habit—tracking your own progress!  In this episode, David sits down with professional golfer and 2016 Masters champion Danny Willett. He shares how taking notes on his golf game (and his life!) has helped him grow through wins, setbacks, and everything in between. You'll also learn: Where confidence really comes from How to reframe high-pressure situations The first step when it's time for a big course correction A story you've probably never heard from the Sunday Danny won his Green Jacket 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. Connect with David: Keep Up with David on LinkedIn Follow David on Twitter The How Leaders Lead Instagram View insightful clips on TikTok Watch full interviews on YouTube Get the USA Today Bestselling Book "How Leaders Learn"

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: As a leader, when you do something that's never been done before…how do you prepare for the potential pushback? What should leaders consider when deciding how to integrate and retain employees after an acquisition? Based on all the teams and businesses you've studied throughout your life, what would you say is the single most common factor that leads to a team or business failing?  ——— GO DEEPER Scale up your leadership skills in 2 minutes a day with the How Leaders Lead app — Download today in the App Store Get coaching from David by signing up to receive his Weekly Leadership Plan. It builds on each podcast episode by offering actionable steps you can take each week to incorporate the learnings from the episode into your leadership style. It only takes about 5 minutes and is a great way to start off your week! Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

Optimism isn't just a fluffy feel-good feeling. It's a real asset in business. Learn how to make it your competitive advantage in this conversation with Pat Battle, Executive Chairman of Diamond Baseball Holdings, a company that owns 45 of the 120 minor league baseball teams. You'll also learn: Why a job change between industries might not be as hard as you think Two questions that will revitalize your customer experience The most underrated negotiation tip How to think creatively about your underutilized assets 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. Connect with David: Keep Up with David on LinkedIn Follow David on Twitter The How Leaders Lead Instagram View insightful clips on TikTok Watch full interviews on YouTube Get the USA Today Bestselling Book "How Leaders Learn"

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: What did you teach Chrissy's team about how to franchise well? What would be your advice to someone who's wanting to take on new roles in a company? What do you think it is about Enterprise and Chrissy's leadership that has allowed them to continue to see success?  ——— GO DEEPER Scale up your leadership skills in 2 minutes a day with the How Leaders Lead app — Download today in the App Store Get coaching from David by signing up to receive his Weekly Leadership Plan. It builds on each podcast episode by offering actionable steps you can take each week to incorporate the learnings from the episode into your leadership style. It only takes about 5 minutes and is a great way to start off your week! Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

What if I told you your biggest competitive advantage is something you've already got? For Chrissy Taylor, the President and CEO of Enterprise Mobility, the 90,000 people who work at her company are what she calls “her secret sauce.” And in today's episode, you'll learn how to support your team and build a culture that drives growth, delights customers, and finds new ideas.  Plus, Chrissy's positive energy is guaranteed to (sorry for the pun, but) pick you up!  You'll also learn: What many companies overlook when they reposition their brand One tip for being a better communicator (and anyone can do it) An idea to build mentorship into your culture What Chrissy learned in the 17 Enterprise jobs she had before becoming CEO 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. Connect with David: Keep Up with David on LinkedIn Follow David on Twitter The How Leaders Lead Instagram View insightful clips on TikTok Watch full interviews on YouTube Get the USA Today Bestselling Book "How Leaders Learn"

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: What do you think about Hayes' belief that adversity is his advantage? What's a story from your career where you had  to lean on the company's purpose to get the business back on track?  What is it that you love so much about being from the Midwest?   ——— GO DEEPER Scale up your leadership skills in 2 minutes a day with the How Leaders Lead app — Download today in the App Store Get coaching from David by signing up to receive his Weekly Leadership Plan. It builds on each podcast episode by offering actionable steps you can take each week to incorporate the learnings from the episode into your leadership style. It only takes about 5 minutes and is a great way to start off your week! Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

If you think “purpose” is just a bland little word for your mission statement, don't miss this episode with Hayes Barnard, the founder, Chairman, and CEO of GoodLeap, which helps homeowners finance upgrades that make their homes more sustainable. Listen and see how purpose is a powerful force that helps you make connections, build teams, and drive more innovation. You'll also learn: What he learned about marketing from Elon Musk Why feeling like an underdog might be your biggest advantage The mindset you need to keep pushing, even after success The AI lifehack that's like having “a genius in your pocket” 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. Connect with David: Keep Up with David on LinkedIn Follow David on Twitter The How Leaders Lead Instagram View insightful clips on TikTok Watch full interviews on YouTube Get the USA Today Bestselling Book "How Leaders Learn"

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: What is your favorite travel story? What's your stance on finding the balance between being centralized versus decentralized when you have multiple brands under the same roof? Which is better? What do you think about Glenn's quote, "In god we trust … everyone else bring data”?  ——— GO DEEPER Scale up your leadership skills in 2 minutes a day with the How Leaders Lead app — Download today in the App Store Get coaching from David by signing up to receive his Weekly Leadership Plan. It builds on each podcast episode by offering actionable steps you can take each week to incorporate the learnings from the episode into your leadership style. It only takes about 5 minutes and is a great way to start off your week! Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

Great companies aren't built by ego. They're built by leaders who ask questions, listen, and rely on the smart people around them. And this episode's guest is one of those leaders! Glenn Fogel is the CEO of Booking Holdings, the company behind big travel brands like Booking dot com, Kayak, Priceline, and OpenTable.  Having been at the company for 25 years, Glenn's got a lot of experience to draw on. Yet he's the first to admit when something isn't his area of expertise. And instead of guessing, he trusts the experts on his team to guide the way. If you want to know the secret to staying humble and building an engaged team, hit play and discover the power of knowing what you don't know! You'll also learn: The importance of data (with one big caveat) How to push for innovation in a successful, established company The #1 mistake companies make after an international acquisition The mindset you need for painful decisions 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. Connect with David: Keep Up with David on LinkedIn Follow David on Twitter The How Leaders Lead Instagram View insightful clips on TikTok Watch full interviews on YouTube Get the USA Today Bestselling Book "How Leaders Learn"

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: Tell us about the idea of customer mania and how you cascaded it throughout all of Yum.  How do you think about emotional distance among a team? How do you view In-N-Out's decision to not offer mobile ordering … I mean, if you were President, what would you do?   ——— GO DEEPER Scale up your leadership skills in 2 minutes a day with the How Leaders Lead app — Download today in the App Store Get coaching from David by signing up to receive his Weekly Leadership Plan. It builds on each podcast episode by offering actionable steps you can take each week to incorporate the learnings from the episode into your leadership style. It only takes about 5 minutes and is a great way to start off your week! Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

Every business wants loyal customers. But what does it mean to be loyal to your customers? Find out in this episode with Lynsi Snyder, the Owner and President of In-N-Out Burger. Go behind the scenes of this iconic brand and learn how you can boost loyalty in your business. Plus, In-N-Out is a family-owned company. And if you've ever worked with your family, you know things can get messy. Lynsi's got a lot of hard-won wisdom to help you navigate those situations with confidence and grace. You'll also learn: One big reason your messages aren't getting through to your team What makes a “good” idea not so good Wisdom for anyone who works with their family Why In-N-Out doesn't offer mobile ordering—and the leadership lesson behind it 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.

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: Tell us a story about a time from your career where you had to lead through a crisis and what you learned from that experience. How would you coach someone to get comfortable with asking for business? Can you unpack what Ken says about the biggest impediment to good risk management is imagination?  ——— GO DEEPER Scale up your leadership skills in 2 minutes a day with the How Leaders Lead app — Download today in the App Store Get coaching from David by signing up to receive his Weekly Leadership Plan. It builds on each podcast episode by offering actionable steps you can take each week to incorporate the learnings from the episode into your leadership style. It only takes about 5 minutes and is a great way to start off your week! Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

One of your most valuable currencies isn't money, talent, or even time. It's trust. See how it can power better partnerships and more opportunities in this episode with Ken Bacon, Cofounder and Managing Partner at Railfield Partners and former Executive VP at Fannie Mae.  If you want to see how to build trust, extend it wisely, and see it return to you, then hit play now! You'll also learn: A negotiation strategy you probably haven't heard before Two qualities of leaders who make good decisions Why your assumptions might be endangering your business The one thing no one tells you about success 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.

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: How would you go about offering coaching? Where did you learn to be a great salesperson? How did you and do you stay visible as a leader?  ——— GO DEEPER Scale up your leadership skills in 2 minutes a day with the How Leaders Lead app — Download today in the App Store Get coaching from David by signing up to receive his Weekly Leadership Plan. It builds on each podcast episode by offering actionable steps you can take each week to incorporate the learnings from the episode into your leadership style. It only takes about 5 minutes and is a great way to start off your week! Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

Today's guest is Allen Thygesen, the CEO of Docusign. Before that, he led Google's $100 billion advertising business in North and South America. In this conversation, you'll get a front row seat to how he approaches technology and innovation—including his advice for integrating AI into your business. Plus, he's got an outlook on sales you need to hear. If selling makes you a little uncomfortable, don't worry! Listen to this conversation and learn how to embrace that role—and why you can't overlook it if you want other people to follow you. You'll also learn: Practical advice to integrate AI into your business The two most important factors for a startup Why what seemed like “chaos” at Google was actually key to innovation How to make your team more well rounded 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.

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: What kind of coaching would you give a player or a teammate who made a public mistake that everyone was talking about? What's the hardest thing you've ever had to own up to? What are some of the signs that a business is getting too big too fast?  ——— GO DEEPER Scale up your leadership skills in 2 minutes a day with the How Leaders Lead app — Download today in the App Store Get coaching from David by signing up to receive his Weekly Leadership Plan. It builds on each podcast episode by offering actionable steps you can take each week to incorporate the learnings from the episode into your leadership style. It only takes about 5 minutes and is a great way to start off your week! Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

Just in time for the Super Bowl, this week's guest is Harris Barton, the founder and managing director of H. Barton Asset Management. He was also an all-pro left tackle for the 49ers, winning THREE Super Bowls with Joe Montana and Steve Young.  Today, he runs a thriving investment fund, where he has about a billion dollars of assets under management. If you're feeling stuck on a problem, listen to this episode. Why? Because Harris understands the power of listening and learning from others. The answers you need are probably already around you somewhere—it's just a question of whether or not you're listening for them! You'll also learn: How to bounce back after a big failure Leadership lessons from inside the huddle at Super Bowl XXIII The one thing everyone notices about their leader The mindset you need to stack one success on top of another 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.

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: What's changed about leadership since you've been out of Yum? Why do you think Jamie gets a much more realistic answer when he asks his employees what compensation they think they deserve? Can you tell us about the “since we last met” exercise? What's the lesson you take from Jamie calling up Sandy Weill after years of no contact for a meeting?  ——— GO DEEPER Scale up your leadership skills in 2 minutes a day with the How Leaders Lead app — Download today in the App Store Get coaching from David by signing up to receive his Weekly Leadership Plan. It builds on each podcast episode by offering actionable steps you can take each week to incorporate the learnings from the episode into your leadership style. It only takes about 5 minutes and is a great way to start off your week! Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

Some leaders talk a big game. Others deliver big results. If you want to know what separates the two, listen to this episode with Jamie Dimon, the Chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase, the largest and most profitable bank in the U.S. You'll find a wealth of insight into what it takes to cut through the BS and execute big changes.  Great leaders know: you get results when you get to work. If you want to up the execution level for you and your team, hit play now! You'll also learn: Jamie's thoughts on the global economy, including China, Russia and more What really drives curiosity The two actions that drive a successful turnaround One warning you need to hear if you've recently been promoted 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.

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: What advice would you give someone who's trying to develop Bobbi's skill of getting to the heart of the issue? What are some signs that your company is getting cocky and bloated … and how can leaders avoid that?  What do you think it is about Bobbi that has allowed her to grow one billion dollar brand and be on her way to growing her second?  ——— GO DEEPER Scale up your leadership skills in 2 minutes a day with the How Leaders Lead app — Download today in the App Store Get coaching from David by signing up to receive his Weekly Leadership Plan. It builds on each podcast episode by offering actionable steps you can take each week to incorporate the learnings from the episode into your leadership style. It only takes about 5 minutes and is a great way to start off your week! Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

How do some leaders seem to tackle big challenges and make it look effortless? In this episode, David sits down with world-renowned entrepreneur and cosmetics titan Bobbi Brown. Her latest venture, Jones Road Beauty, is growing like crazy because people love how she has simplified the complicated world of beauty and cosmetics. Leaders waste all kinds of time because they overcomplicate things. But when you learn to simplify, you can save time and energy—and ultimately, find better solutions, too. Listen to this episode to see how Bobbi does it, and discover why the ability to simplify is a game-changer for your time, energy, and creativity! You'll also learn: One strategy to try if you're struggling to connect on social media The easiest way to get inspired when you're stuck Why your unconventional career path might just be your biggest strength A surprising quality of great salespeople ——— FEATURED RESOURCES The How Leaders Lead mobile app Download the app and scale up your leadership skills in under 2 minutes a day

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: Are there red flags to look for that typically indicate that someone is not going to be a great partner? At what point does someone need to fold and cut their losses? How would you approach coaching someone who tends to be negative, guiding them towards adopting a more positive mindset?  ——— GO DEEPER Scale up your leadership skills in 2 minutes a day with the How Leaders Lead app — Download today in the App Store Get coaching from David by signing up to receive his Weekly Leadership Plan. It builds on each podcast episode by offering actionable steps you can take each week to incorporate the learnings from the episode into your leadership style. It only takes about 5 minutes and is a great way to start off your week! Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

Is one of your 2025 goals to strengthen your team or shift your culture? If so, you'll love hearing from Louise Brady, the co-founder and managing partner at the successful VC firm Piedmont Capital Partners. She shows how powerful it is when leaders prioritize the people around them. When you go above and beyond for your team, it comes back to you—and not just in a fluffy, feel-good way.  As you'll hear today, that kind of generosity can drive serious results for your culture, your bottom line, and your own growth. You'll also learn: What you can do to attract the attention of a VC firm One sneaky strategy to give tough feedback to someone with a bad attitude The surprising role that positivity plays in your team culture  Exciting developments in the ongoing effort to cure cancer and Alzheimer's ——— FEATURED RESOURCES The How Leaders Lead mobile app Download the app and scale up your leadership skills in under 2 minutes a day

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: How can you break down Pat's thought that leaders ought to treat their current job like their next job? What are the best ways a leader can remind their team of their standard of excellence? If you were creating your own shield like Pat, who would be your hero? ——— GO DEEPER Scale up your leadership skills in 2 minutes a day with the How Leaders Lead app — Download today in the App Store Get coaching from David by signing up to receive his Weekly Leadership Plan. It builds on each podcast episode by offering actionable steps you can take each week to incorporate the learnings from the episode into your leadership style. It only takes about 5 minutes and is a great way to start off your week! Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

Thinking about your next career move?  Most leaders are. But if you don't approach it the right way, it can cost you.  Sometimes, you can get so caught up thinking about your next big career move that you lose focus on what really matters—which is doing excellent work in whatever role you're in now. See what that looks like in action in this episode with Louisville men's basketball head coach Pat Kelsey. Plus, get an inside look at the way he's using a strong culture to turnaround one of the most storied basketball programs in the nation. You'll also learn: The one thing you need to do to get your core values to stick What to focus on when you're not the most talented person in the room How to approach a job when it's not the role you ultimately want The most underappreciated part of any organization's success ——— FEATURED RESOURCES The How Leaders Lead mobile app Download the app and scale up your leadership skills in under 2 minutes a day

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: What is it about writing songs that makes you want to keep doing it and how do you keep coming up with ideas? How should business leaders incorporate emotional leadership into their own style? What advice would you give a leader who's trying to figure out who their core audience is and how to serve them better? ——— GO DEEPER Scale up your leadership skills in 2 minutes a day with the How Leaders Lead app — Download today in the App Store Get coaching from David by signing up to receive his Weekly Leadership Plan. It builds on each podcast episode by offering actionable steps you can take each week to incorporate the learnings from the episode into your leadership style. It only takes about 5 minutes and is a great way to start off your week! Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

If you want to start 2025 with more focus and efficiency, this is the episode for you! Drew Holcomb fronts a beloved Americana band called Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors.  And he knows something that a lot of leaders don't: you can waste a lot of time and energy chasing after customers and fans that won't really help your business grow. Listen to this episode to discover the power of super-serving your core audience—plus find tons of creative inspiration to kick off 2025! You'll also learn: The #1 enemy of creativity (hint: it's not what you think) Must-hear advice for anyone who struggles with perfectionism Insights for succeeding in any industry that's constantly shifting One brilliant way to strengthen your connection with your spouse or partner ——— FEATURED RESOURCES The How Leaders Lead mobile app Download the app and scale up your leadership skills in under 2 minutes a day

In this episode, we take all the great wisdom from the last three months and highlight the most impactful takeaways for you. The Best Of Q4 features leadership insights from these incredible leaders: Eliah Drinkwitz, Head football coach at Mizzou Mike Wirth, Chairman and CEO of Chevron Tom Nolan, CEO of Kendra Scott Fawn Weaver, Founder and CEO of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey John Peyton, CEO of Dine Brands (IHOP, Applebee's, Fuzzy's Taco Shop) Aaron Witt, CEO of BuildWitt Erika Ayers Badan, CEO of Food52 and former CEO of Barstool Sports Scott Harrison, Founder and CEO of charity: water Jeni Britton, Founder of Jeni's Ice Creams Doug Hirsch, Owner of Arizona Drive Pickleball Team and founder of Seneca Capital Jared Belsky, CEO of Acadia Karla Gallardo, Cofounder and CEO of Cuyana ——— FEATURED RESOURCE The How Leaders Lead mobile app Download the app and scale up your leadership skills in under 2 minutes a day

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: How do you as a leader create momentum around big dreams without overcomplicating it for your team? What ways could Karla's ‘fewer, better,' concept apply to leadership? How would you advise leaders on how to balance maintaining their core offerings with driving innovation and introducing new products? ——— GO DEEPER Scale up your leadership skills in 2 minutes a day with the How Leaders Lead app — Download today in the App Store Get coaching from David by signing up to receive his Weekly Leadership Plan. It builds on each podcast episode by offering actionable steps you can take each week to incorporate the learnings from the episode into your leadership style. It only takes about 5 minutes and is a great way to start off your week! Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

Got a big idea, but not sure what to do about it? Discover the power of dreaming big (and then starting small) in this episode with Karla Gallardo, the co-founder and CEO of Cuyana.  Inspired by her upbringing in Ecuador, Karla co-founded Cuyana on the principle of selling fewer, better things. Thirteen years later, they've hit $35 million in annual revenue and are loved by tastemakers like Meghan Markle and Jessica Alba. Listen now if you're ready for some serious motivation to turn YOUR big idea into reality.  You'll also learn: What to prioritize in your product development if you want loyal customers Why *not* making the sale is sometimes a good thing Powerful insights that anyone in the retail space needs to hear What most people get wrong when they're looking for investors ——— FEATURED RESOURCES The How Leaders Lead mobile app Download the app and scale up your leadership skills in under 2 minutes a day

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: What's the secret to staying hands-on with the details without getting bogged down in them? What would you say to a leader dealing with this dysfunction tax, but they say, “Well, it's always been this way so there's nothing I can really do about it.”?  What would you say to leaders who are kicking the can at offering coaching? ——— GO DEEPER Scale up your leadership skills in 2 minutes a day with the How Leaders Lead app — Download today in the App Store Get coaching from David by signing up to receive his Weekly Leadership Plan. It builds on each podcast episode by offering actionable steps you can take each week to incorporate the learnings from the episode into your leadership style. It only takes about 5 minutes and is a great way to start off your week! Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

What's the “dysfunction tax” — and how is it costing your business?  Find out in today's episode with Jared Belsky. He's the CEO of Acadia, a digital marketing agency that works with big names like Red Roof Inn, Maggiano's, and Party City. Plus, Jared has a lot of practical advice to maximize your ad agency partnership — for better communication, ad creative, and results!  You'll also learn: The danger of getting too far from the details What to do when you want to fire your ad agency Tips for making an effective creative brief Why asking the wrong kind of questions is a huge missed opportunity ——— FEATURED RESOURCES The How Leaders Lead mobile app Download the app and scale up your leadership skills in under 2 minutes a day

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: What is your take on Doug's belief that you can't perform at your best mentally if you aren't at your best physically? What is it about Doug's leadership that made him so successful in a field he didn't know much about? How can leaders in a competitive industry retain their top talent? ——— GO DEEPER Scale up your leadership skills in 2 minutes a day with the How Leaders Lead app — Download today in the App Store Get coaching from David by signing up to receive his Weekly Leadership Plan. It builds on each podcast episode by offering actionable steps you can take each week to incorporate the learnings from the episode into your leadership style. It only takes about 5 minutes and is a great way to start off your week! Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

“Excellence” is a word we tend to throw around in the business world. But it's not just a standard you aim for. It's a habit you develop! And no one exemplifies that better than Doug Hirsch, the owner of the Arizona Drive Pickleball Team and founder of Seneca Capital. Plus, he's a philosophy buff, a chess whiz, and a nationally ranked pickleball player himself! Hit play on this conversation for an inspiring look at what it takes to bring habits of excellence into your world. You'll also learn: Why that chip on your shoulder might be a good thing The leadership quality that builds a loyal, transparent culture How to know when it's time to move on from a job One of leadership's most underrated tools—and how to use it  ——— FEATURED RESOURCES The How Leaders Lead mobile app Download the app and scale up your leadership skills in under 2 minutes a day

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: Do you have any practices similar to Jeni where you get connected to your sense of intuition? What does Jeni's take that leadership is about finding the sweet spot of compromise mean for you and your leadership style? Have you ever had to get into character to perform a task or get something done? ——— GO DEEPER Scale up your leadership skills in 2 minutes a day with the How Leaders Lead app — Download today in the App Store Get coaching from David by signing up to receive his Weekly Leadership Plan. It builds on each podcast episode by offering actionable steps you can take each week to incorporate the learnings from the episode into your leadership style. It only takes about 5 minutes and is a great way to start off your week! Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

When it comes to decision making, do you trust your instincts? Listen to this episode with Jeni Britton, the founder of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, and learn from a leader who's fully attuned to her creative instincts and knows how to trust her gut. Also, you've been warned: this episode contains graphic details of wildly creative ice cream flavors. You will get hungry. You'll also learn: How to lead when you're naturally shy and introverted One practical tip to use the next time you need a confidence boost Why you should differentiate your “company” from your “business” The power of an iterative, open approach to product development  ——— FEATURED RESOURCES The How Leaders Lead mobile app Download the app and scale up your leadership skills in under 2 minutes a day

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: What can leaders learn from this mindset of continuous striving, even after achieving significant success? How can leaders apply this approach of transparency and trust by integrating these types of feedback loops into their own businesses? Can you share a story about the work Yum! did to address food insecurity across the world? ——— GO DEEPER Scale up your leadership skills in 2 minutes a day with the How Leaders Lead app — Download today in the App Store Get coaching from David by signing up to receive his Weekly Leadership Plan. It builds on each podcast episode by offering actionable steps you can take each week to incorporate the learnings from the episode into your leadership style. It only takes about 5 minutes and is a great way to start off your week! Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

If you want to ignite your creativity and develop great ideas, you've got to understand the power of pattern thinking.  It's the ability to spot what's working for someone else, and then adapt it to your own situation to create something new. And this episode's guest is an outstanding pattern thinker. Scott Harrison is the founder of the nonprofit charity:water, which works to bring clean, safe water to the more than 700 million people in the world who need it. Listen to this conversation to see pattern thinking is helping him do it—and how you can put this skill to work in your world, too. You'll also learn: How to build a compelling brand What a major career pivot looks like The power of storytelling One way to keep your blindspots from setting you back Here is the article David mentioned: Six practical ideas to transform your business with the power of pattern thinking ——— FEATURED RESOURCES The How Leaders Lead mobile app Download the app and scale up your leadership skills in under 2 minutes a day

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: What's the most powerful leadership lesson you've learned from the female leaders you've worked with? How can managers strike the balance of letting people make mistakes and learn for themselves while at the same time not jeopardize business performance? As a leader, how do you know when it's time to go? ——— GO DEEPER Scale up your leadership skills in 2 minutes a day with the How Leaders Lead app — Download today in the App Store Get coaching from David by signing up to receive his Weekly Leadership Plan. It builds on each podcast episode by offering actionable steps you can take each week to incorporate the learnings from the episode into your leadership style. It only takes about 5 minutes and is a great way to start off your week! Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

When Erika Ayers Badan became the CEO of Barstool Sports, they didn't even have a P&L. Eight years later, they're a media empire and a household name worth over $550 million. Listen to this conversation to get an inside look at how Erika led that effort, and what she's up to now as the CEO of Food52.  You'll also see how Erika leads with honesty and directness. She doesn't shy away from the tough stuff, and that's important if you want to build trust, solve problems, and get people working together toward a big vision.  You'll also learn: The strategy every upstart brand can use to beat the big guy How to get the most out of your creative team members What it takes to build an engaged online following Advice for women who work in male-dominated industries

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: What did you do to counter the negative perceptions and recruit great people to the food service industry? What stood out to you most about Aaron's leadership that you think leaders everywhere should emulate? How much is too much when it comes to sharing with your team? ——— GO DEEPER Scale up your leadership skills in 2 minutes a day with the How Leaders Lead app — Download today in the App Store Get coaching from David by signing up to receive his Weekly Leadership Plan. It builds on each podcast episode by offering actionable steps you can take each week to incorporate the learnings from the episode into your leadership style. It only takes about 5 minutes and is a great way to start off your week! Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

If you want your team to feel comfortable taking risks and being open, it's up to you to set an example of vulnerability. That big idea comes through loud and clear in this conversation with Aaron Witt, the CEO of BuildWitt. His company serves what Aaron calls the “Dirt World” — those businesses doing the infrastructure and construction work most of us take for granted. See how this up-and-coming leader sets the example of vulnerability, and learn a few tips to elevate your communication and storytelling skills along the way. You'll also learn: How to create memorable content that resonates with people The surprisingly “small” tip that will help you accomplish big goals  Why every leader should level up their communication skills The danger that might be lurking in times of big growth ——— FEATURED RESOURCE The How Leaders Lead mobile app Download the app and scale up your leadership skills in under 2 minutes a day

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: Did you ever have a viral moment happen at Yum! Brands? How do you inspire your team to embrace an agile mindset daily, especially when the pace of change can feel overwhelming? How did you embrace new technologies like AI? ——— GO DEEPER Scale up your leadership skills in 2 minutes a day with the How Leaders Lead app — Download today in the App Store Get coaching from David by signing up to receive his Weekly Leadership Plan. It builds on each podcast episode by offering actionable steps you can take each week to incorporate the learnings from the episode into your leadership style. It only takes about 5 minutes and is a great way to start off your week! Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

No doubt about it: the world is changing fast.  As a leader, how do you help your team navigate that uncertainty instead of feeling overwhelmed by it? Listen to this conversation with John Peyton, the CEO of Dine Brands – which includes IHOP, Applebee's, and Fuzzy's Taco Shop. You'll find practical strategies to help your team stay agile and act with urgency. Because, let's face it: a fast-changing world also brings a ton of opportunities if you know how to respond to them. You'll also learn: The real value of AI for businesses Three questions to answer if you want to differentiate your brand How to drive home a big message so it actually sticks The #1 leadership quality you need to connect with younger generations ——— FEATURED RESOURCE The How Leaders Lead mobile app Download the app and scale up your leadership skills in under 2 minutes a day

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: What's your take on Fawn saying she went after a big project for the press story? Would you have done the same thing? As a leader who mines every scenario for insights, what advice can you give leaders about “mining for the gem” in difficult scenarios? How should leaders approach defining the ideal type of employee that aligns with their company's needs and culture? ——— GO DEEPER Scale up your leadership skills in 2 minutes a day with the How Leaders Lead app — Download today in the App Store Get coaching from David by signing up to receive his Weekly Leadership Plan. It builds on each podcast episode by offering actionable steps you can take each week to incorporate the learnings from the episode into your leadership style. It only takes about 5 minutes and is a great way to start off your week! Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!