If you need some inspiration to keep moving forward on a big mission, this is it. Today’s guest is Fawn Weaver, the Founder and CEO of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, which has been the most awarded whiskey in the world for six years running. It’s named for a former enslaved man named Nearest Green, who taught Jack Daniel everything he knew about distilling whiskey. Fawn uncovered his story and brought it to life, all while building a brand that’s valued at over $1 billion. Hit play now to learn how she did it and get inspired by her relentless ability to learn from the past while always moving forward. You’ll also learn: What an “intrepreneur” is–and why you might need to hire them PR strategies that help your brand get the attention it deserves How to learn from your past without living in it Why you don’t need to follow every new leadership trend ***CONTENT NOTE*** In this episode Fawn talks briefly about how she flirted with suicide at age 20. She shares what she learned from it and how she used it as fuel to live a fulfilling life. Please take care while listening and feel free to skip ahead during that part if you need to. ——— 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 Tom saying you don't have to be passionate about your product in order to be a great leader? What is your opinion on whether or not leaders should create emotional distance between themselves and their employees?  If you were in Tom’s seat as CEO, how would your leadership style differ or not differ knowing that you were in the minority as a male? ——— 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 Tom Nolan, the CEO of Kendra Scott, a jewelry brand that’s been crushing it lately—posting nearly double-digit growth for 44 consecutive months and counting. But as you’ll hear today, it’s not just about the results. It’s about how you treat people along the way. In this episode, you’ll see how to make stronger connections with both your customers and your team members. And you’ll see how it can drive meaningful results in your business. You’ll also learn: A weird advantage of not being passionate about your product What most leaders miss about customer satisfaction Must-hear advice for anyone who works with a founder Why innovation doesn’t have to mean chasing shiny new objects ——— 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: Let’s say Mike Wirth calls you and says David, you’re CEO of this business. Where would you start? What should leaders do to create a system that invites employees to share what they REALLY think and feel about what’s going on in the business? What advice would you give a leader on how they can bring a team together over an issue that they feel super passionate about? ——— 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 be a good leader, you’ve got to listen to your people. But *just* listening isn’t always enough. You’ve got to ask questions. You’ve got to pay attention. But then, you’ve to respond. That’s the piece most leaders miss, and it makes all the difference for engaging your team and solving your organization’s biggest problems. To see how it’s done, listen to this episode with Mike Wirth, Chairman and CEO of Chevron.  You’ll also learn: Why Mike writes up to 80 notes after a site visit   How to give criticism without making people defensive What Mike learned about leadership from legendary chef Thomas Keller A three-part strategy to bring a divided team together ——— 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 leaders find the balance between being a visionary while also having a grip on what’s going on here and now? If you were a college football coach in today’s environment, knowing all you know about what it means to retain great talent, how would you go about creating a culture that players wouldn’t be tempted to leave? What was it like being the honorary captain at the Mizzou football game when they played Vanderbilt? ——— 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 leaders know how to motivate their teams, and in this episode, you can see how it’s done. Eliah Drinkwitz is the head coach of the University of Missouri football team. Last year was a breakout season for this Mizzou team, with an 11-2 season and a victory over Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl.  Eliah motivates his players by balancing connection, encouragement, and challenge. It’s a formula you can follow too, if you want to get the most out of your team. You’ll also learn: How to respond when a valued team member takes another job  Four qualities to prioritize for a more motivated culture A strategy that will both develop your people and advance your goals What you’re missing if your core values aren’t taking root ——— FEATURED RESOURCE 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 Q3 features leadership insights from these incredible leaders: Charlie Scharf, CEO and President of Wells Fargo Constance Schwartz-Morini, Founder and CEO of SMAC Entertainment Ram Charan, the world’s most influential business consultant  John Mackey, Cofounder and former CEO of Whole Foods Bob Chapman, Chairman and CEO of Barry-Wehmiller Chris Riccobono, Founder of UNTUCKit and Greatness Wins Jimmy Haslam, Chairman and Managing Partner of Haslam Sports Group Chris Bevilacqua, Founder and CEO of SimpleBet Tom Baltimore, Chairman and CEO of Park Hotels and Resorts Alan Shaw, President and CEO of Norfolk Southern Will Guidara, former owner of Eleven Madison Park Rocky Collis, CEO of Mustard ——— 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: Should every entrepreneur and leader have a sense of ‘play’ in their role? How do you create such loyal customers? How do you evaluate John's decision to sell his business to Amazon?  ——— 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!

As a leader, you know…  There’s often tension between the big ideas and dreams you have and the pressure you feel to conform to convention or other people’s expectations. If you want wisdom to navigate that tension, listen to this episode with John Mackey, the co-founder and former CEO of Whole Foods Market.  Whole Foods has got to be one of the most compelling retail success stories in recent memory. But building it wasn’t easy. John had to stay attuned to his own passions, leadership style, and vision for the future—even when it went against the grain. Hit play now for an inspiring look at what happens when you have the courage to follow your own path!  You’ll also learn: The three strategic moves that drove Whole Foods’ growth the most The #1 thing to focus on if you want to succeed in retail The mistake Whole Foods made that resulted in the eventual acquisition by Amazon  How to start every meeting if you want to build a more caring culture ——— 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 can entrepreneurs leaders do a better job of giving up control so that their company can really thrive?  Was there a time in your career where in order to sell product, you had to convince people they had a problem that they didn't know they had? Are there any problems that come along with being passionate about what 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!

Passion is powerful. When you let your belief in a product or an idea shine through, people respond—and that passion can keep you going in both the good times and the bad. See how to put passion to work in your business in this episode with Chris Riccobono. He’s the CEO of UNTUCKit, the incredibly successful clothing brand known for making a dress shirt you don’t have to tuck in.  If you want to get better at motivating or inspiring or convincing people, then hit play now! You’ll also learn: The mindset you need to navigate uncertain times The #1 thing a startup must do to be successful in the long run A consideration that can make or break a brand name What to look for if you’re hiring for a small company  ——— 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 would give you the confidence in someone outside of your industry to come in and run strategy for an organization? If you were to all of a sudden find yourself as the owner of an NFL team, how would you go about learning about the new industry? What’s your take on Jimmy's opinion on hiring based on a candidate's personality and background over their interview? How important is a job interview?  ——— 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 fix anything—your team, your culture, your results—it starts by having the strength to admit what you need to improve. Too many leaders try to spin their missteps or sweep them under the rug entirely. But not today’s guest. Jimmy Haslam is the owner of the Cleveland Browns and the former CEO of Pilot Flying J truck stops. If you’ve ever wanted to know what it’s like to own an NFL team, then buckle up, because Jimmy really knows how to make you feel like you’re right in the room for all the big decisions and pressure-packed moments. But he also knows how to acknowledge moments when he could have done better and then share what he learned. Listen and see just the transformations that are possible when you have the ability to assess yourself honestly. You’ll also learn: One of the most influential decisions a leader can make Why job interviews may not be as important as you think What it’s like working with the man who inspired Jonah Hill’s character in Moneyball The #1 thing to do if you want to build a more positive work environment ——— 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 would you say to those “profit” first leaders out there who don’t necessarily see their people in this way? How would you coach someone on how to flex their leadership style to suit individual personalities? What’s a story from your career where you acquired another company and what happened as a result? ——— 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’re struggling to build a company culture you love … Or if you’re an emerging leader trying to figure out your leadership style … Then hit play on this inspiring conversation with Bob Chapman, the Chairman and CEO of Barry-Wehmiller.  Bob is going to show you all the ways that leadership can be a powerful force for good—and how you can infuse those principles of care into your organization without compromising on results. You’ll also learn: Three big paradigm shifts that will shape your leadership style How to make business more fun The mindset you need in tough personnel situations Just how much recognition people need (hint: it’s more than you think!) ——— 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: When did you get a “no” but have so much conviction in a thought or idea that you pushed it through until it became a yes? When in your career did you catch a "once in a lifetime" wave and how’d you manage it? When’s a time you said what everyone was thinking but you had the courage to say out loud? ——— 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!

Are you the kind of person who hesitates to speak up at work?  Or maybe you AREN’T afraid to speak your mind – and it gets you in trouble sometimes! In either case, you’re about to love hearing from Constance Schwartz-Morini. She's the co-founder and CEO of SMAC Entertainment, where they offer representation and brand development for people like Michael Strahan, Erin Andrews, and Deion Sanders. Now with a client roster like that, you KNOW you’re in for some pretty epic stories.  But you’re also going to discover why leaders need to have the courage to speak their minds – and how to do it respectfully so you can get your great ideas out there and get everybody on board with them. You’ll also learn: How you can set yourself apart early in your career One mindset shift to help you spot new opportunities Advice for anyone who struggles to celebrate their wins Why Taylor Swift’s Super Bowl outfit had her freaking out ——— 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 can a leader sift through issues they face to figure out what they really need to focus on and fix?  Why do you believe it’s so important to be able to ask incisive questions that generate insights no one would have come up with? What’s your take on Ram’s perspective of "people first, strategy 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!

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by complexity in your organization, this is the episode for you.  Discover how to ask incisive questions that cut through that complexity and help you find the heart of the problem. It’s a superpower of every great leader!  Learn how it’s done from Ram Charan, the legendary business and consultant and New York Times bestselling author whose books have sold more than 4 million copies.  It’s like a free consulting session with the guy that Fortune magazine calls “the most influential business consultant alive.” Have a listen!  You’ll also learn: Why smart hiring means more than finding great talent A bold prediction about the future of U.S. business in China The two key elements of execution that will help you get more done The 3 elements of success that every leader can focus on ——— 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 having a boogeyman as motivation ever creep into your leadership — and if so, how'd you use it as fuel? How can a leader know when their company is trying to do too much or if their company isn't focused enough? What goes into building strong, trusting business relationships that you're intentional about? ——— 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 you think about it, we tend to work and make deals with people we like and trust.  Business happens around relationships, and in this episode, you’ll hear from a leader who has built an incredible career in sports business around that powerful insight. Chris Bevilacqua is the Founder and CEO of SimpleBet, whose enterprise sports betting software is used by companies like Caesar’s and DraftKings. Before that, Chris worked at Nike and NBC Sports … and he started the first-ever 24-hour cable TV network for college sports.  Listen to this episode to see how business happens around relationships—and why it’s so vital that you build them and invest in them throughout your career. You’ll also learn: The power of perseverance What Michael Jordan taught him about motivation Two things you need to find that next big idea A tip you need to hear before your next negotiation  ——— 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 can a leader strike the balance of pushing their team members while not creating burnout? What’s the most difficult situation you’ve ever brought to your personal board of directors, and how were they helpful? How can leaders know their development efforts are actually working to build healthy cultures and drive employee satisfaction? ——— 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 you push yourself as a leader? And why does it matter? For insight into those big questions, don’t miss this episode with Tom Baltimore, the Chairman and CEO of Park Hotels and Resorts. Tom isn’t afraid to push himself. And that gives him the credibility to push others and make everyone around him more successful, too. It’s a skill you need if you want to build strong teams and get great results, and this episode will show you how it’s done! You’ll also learn: How to tap into dissatisfaction as a source of motivation Practical ways you can level up your organization’s leadership development What a “personal board of directors” is – and why you need one How authenticity creates better collaboration ——— 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’d you grow yourself into becoming CEO? How can a leader convince their team to be open to “outsiders” (outside consultants) who are trying to tell them how to do their job better? What are the most important things leaders need to do when they’re in the middle of a crisis? ——— 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!

Want to build a more collaborative and driven culture? It starts with humility.  To see what that humble mentality looks like in action, listen to this conversation with Alan Shaw, the CEO of Norfolk Southern railway. For him, leadership is about supporting other people as they discover the answers. And as you’ll hear today, that emphasis on humility is helping him launch a bold new strategy and navigate a really tough crisis. You’ll also learn: How to get buy-in on a big idea or plan The most important actions to take in a crisis A tip that could transform your career path How to build a strategy around growth ——— FEATURED RESOURCE The How Leaders Lead mobile app Download the app and scale up your leadership skills in under 2 minutes a day

Audiobook lovers, this one’s for you! In this special episode you’ll hear a preview of the audiobook version of How Leaders Learn: Master the Habits of the World’s Most Successful People. It’s your guidebook to developing the habits, skills, and mindset of the most successful people in the world. To start listening to the audiobook right away: Use your credit on Audible Purchase on Spotify Get it anywhere audiobooks are sold How Leaders Learn has been on the USA Today and Publishers Weekly Bestsellers List for 6 straight weeks – so I know you’re going to love listening to it!I If you do, be sure to leave a review so that it continues to reach more leaders across the world. 

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: What’s your advice to leaders who struggle with wanting to control every part of their business? How do you know and then come to terms with the fact that the result you want is unlikely? What’s your take on Will's advice to pick the person you want to work for – not the company you want to work for? ——— 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!

As leaders, how we make people feel is SO important. This week, learn how to make the people you serve feel seen and understood. It’s the power of “unreasonable hospitality,” a term that helped Will Guidara make his restaurant, Eleven Madison Park, the #1 restaurant in the world in 2017.  You don’t have to be in the hospitality industry to find lots of takeaways here to help your business rise to the top. You’ll also learn: Why you should tell people what you’re good at How to give criticism The big risk you take by thinking you need to be perfect all the time Two keys to building a learning culture ——— 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 the difference between management and leadership and is it important to make that distinction? How would you have approached the situation Charlie was in where he had to convince people that doing what made Visa successful initially wasn’t going to be what kept them successful moving forward? What’s your take on how leaders can create a sense of urgency in their people? ——— 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 leader casts a shadow.  As a leader, you can’t just SAY what your priorities and values are (although that’s crucial). You’ve got to set the example yourself, so your decisions and actions align with those priorities.  To see how it’s done, listen to this conversation with Charlie Scharf, the CEO and President of Wells Fargo. He took over in 2019, which, as you may recall, was a real low point in the company. Hit play now to hear how he’s leading the turnaround there — and why leaders can accomplish SO much more when they set the right example for their teams.  You’ll also learn: How to drive change in a culture of complacency The key factor most people overlook in a turnaround What really defines your culture (it’s not what you think) Why it’s OK if your career path isn’t a straight line ——— 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 could leaders use the idea of "wins above replacement" to evaluate talent for their organization? What’s the most important aspect of self coaching and how can leaders develop that skill? What do you think about scaling the genius of one person throughout an organization and to thousands of customers?  ——— 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!

We all know having a mission is vital in leadership, but we don’t always know how to build a team around it.  To learn how, look no further than this episode with Rocky Collis, the CEO of Mustard. Mustard is a sports coaching app that’s backed by Drew Brees, Justin Rose, Nolan Ryan, and Mia Hamm, just to name a few. And it’s Rocky’s relentless focus on Mustard’s mission that has helped him and his team set clear priorities, attract top talent, and get those A-list investors on board. It can help you do the same for your organization—listen now and see how!  You’ll also learn: How to get better at practically anything The #1 trait you need when hiring for a startup What matters most when you’re developing technology The hidden side of your priorities ——— FEATURED RESOURCE 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 Q2 features leadership insights from these incredible leaders: Neil Blumenthal and Dave Gilboa, co-CEOs of Warby Parker Jon Rahm, Professional golfer Kevin Hochman, CEO of Brinker International (Chili’s and Maggiano’s) Hal Rosenbluth, Chairman & CEO of New Ocean Health Solutions Bill Mudd, President & COO at Churchill Downs Val Ackerman, Commissioner of the Big East Conference Rory McIlroy, Professional golfer Steve Squeri, Chairman and CEO of AMEX David Novak, Cofounder and former CEO of Yum! Brands Steve Duncker, Former Chairman of NYRA Irina Novoselsky, CEO of Hootsuite and former CEO of CareerBuilder Eric Church, CMA Entertainer of the Year and a 10-time GRAMMY nominee ——— 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 is your favorite Eric Church song? As a huge fan of giving and receiving feedback, what's your take on the idea that getting feedback when you have a strong vision can be dangerous?  What’s the best advice you can give leaders trying to determine their vision for their company? ——— 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 leader needs to have the courage of their convictions.  If you’re not committed to your vision, why should anyone else be?  Listen to this episode with Eric Church, a country music artist, 10-time GRAMMY nominee, and entrepreneur. You’ll find a new source of strength as a leader when you learn how to commit to your vision. You’ll also learn: How to recognize the “right” risks to take Advice for balancing your vision with others’ feedback How to differentiate your product in a crowded category What Taylor Swift told him after he got fired from the Rascal Flatts tour ——— 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 does your concept of recognition play into creating psychological safety for people at work? What advice do you have for leaders who need to understand how to better manage people that are different from them? What’s a story from your career where you stood near a closed door and knocked … and got a great outcome as a result? ——— 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!

Has social media ever felt a little mystifying to you? If so, you’ll love today’s episode with Irina Novoselsky, the CEO of the social media management platform Hootsuite. Get practical tips to improve your social media strategy, including tips for boosting ROI.  Plus, discover the career-transforming power of making bold connections—something that Irina excels at.  You’ll also learn: Three ways leaders can maximize their use of social media How to open up new career opportunities What you might be getting wrong in your job postings A new way to develop mentor relationships ——— 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 advice would you give to someone in a large firm looking to differentiate themselves while also being a team player?  What would you have done in Steve's situation where he went from an incredibly strong company to one on the brink of bankruptcy? What do you believe has made Steve successful in these different industries, and what can other leaders learn from it? ——— 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 leader has their own style and their own way of leading. And that’s true – but sometimes, you have to adapt that style, depending on who and where you’re leading. If you want to learn how it’s done, listen to this episode with Steve Duncker. He’s a former partner at Goldman Sachs and the former Chairman of the New York Racing Association, which operates the three largest thoroughbred horse racing tracks in the state of New York. You’ll also learn: Practical ways to drive culture at every level of your organization What to pay attention to when you make big career decisions Why your words matter How he won a horse playing backgammon  ——— 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 very special edition of 3 More Questions, you'll hear some behind-the-scenes stories about the creation of David's brand new book "How Leaders Learn." If you don't already have your copy, head over to Amazon and order yours today: https://www.amazon.com/dp/164782754X?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_T2X790FAP8VQ8PQWKPRD ——— 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 isn’t a guest at all. It’s David Novak himself! We’re turning the tables and putting David in the hot seat, so you can hear more about how he leads. This conversation is full of stories and insights into how he’s leveraged the superpower of being an active learner in order to drive success, both as the CEO of Yum! Brands but also now with David Novak Leadership.  If you want to learn how to find new ideas and turn them into action, listen now! You’ll also learn: The most important thing to know if you want to build a culture of recognition A simple exercise you can do each year to focus on your own growth How to galvanize an unmotivated team The two big lessons David learned from his Crystal Pepsi debacle All about David’s new passion for country music songwriting (no, really!)  ——— 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 are other ways leaders can show their people that they’re acting on the feedback they receive? What’s your take on Steve wanting the organization to operate more as an enterprise as opposed to individual business units that competed against each other? How should a leader adjust their approach to leading people who have very different experiences? ——— 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!

As leaders, we all want to get better. But we often overlook the level of self-reflection it takes to actually improve. It can be really uncomfortable to ask for feedback and reflect honestly on your shortcomings. If you want to learn to embrace self-reflection and feedback, listen to this episode with Steve Squeri, the CEO and Chairman of American Express. He’s a phenomenal example of how that mindset can unlock incredible new growth for you! You’ll also learn: Practical strategies to navigate hybrid and in-person working decisions Four powerful questions to ask your team when you start a new role One mistake you don’t want to make as a manager or supervisor Why staying even-keeled is a leadership superpower  ——— 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 is your take on how to handle business relationships with close friends … ? Are there certain boundaries you have to have to maintain the friendship while also working together? What can other leaders learn from Rory's approach to goal setting?  How do leaders find the balance between having conviction in their points of view… while also maintaining the ability to change their minds? ——— 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 it a sign of weakness to change your mind? Sure, leaders need to have the courage of their convictions. But often, good leadership means hearing others’ perspectives and letting your perspective evolve as you get more information. Nobody understands that better than professional golfer Rory McIlroy, who, like all pro players, has had to navigate the seismic conflict between PGA Tour and the LIV Tour. In this episode, hear what it looks like to keep an open mind as you lead—plus see how Rory mentally prepares to be at his best in the biggest moments. You’ll also learn: What you might be getting wrong about goal-setting Rory’s ideas on how the PGA and LIV could work together for the greater good of golf One crucial habit you need to work well with friends How juggling (yes, juggling!) has helped Rory’s golf game, plus other mindset tricks  ——— 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: Can you explain what you mean when you say “involving others” is a key pillar in your leadership framework?  What would you say to leaders who are tasked with recruiting people when their organization might not be performing at its potential? What are the things YOU focus on when assembling a team of great 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!

If you want to accomplish something big, you won’t get very far without a team.  And Val Ackerman knows a LOT about the power of teamwork. She’s the Commissioner of the Big East Conference and one of the executives behind the iconic “Dream Team” at the ‘96 Olympics. She was also the first-ever President of the WNBA. And as the new WNBA season tips off May 14th, it’s the perfect opportunity to sit down with Val and get some great insights on how to foster teamwork. You’ll also learn: Tips for leading in high-bureaucracy circumstances  How to react when someone moves on to a new job The mindset you need when the pressure’s high Must-hear advice for women leaders ——— 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 lead in rooms where the people you're talking to know more about a subject than you? What kept you up at night when you were running a massive business at Yum! Brands with 1.5 million employees? What do you think of Bill's thoughts about innovation and galvanizing your team around the right kind of ideation? ——— 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 does it take to create a memorable customer experience? A lot of leaders think it’s just about branding and customer service, but they’re missing an important piece of the puzzle  In this episode with Churchill Downs COO Bill Mudd, you’ll see how the right operational processes and systems are key to wowing your customers. You’ll also learn: How to put structure around your operational priorities A question you can ask your team to root out potential liabilities One powerful reason to get your employee training right The fascinating history of the Kentucky Derby ——— 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 process did you use when you had 1.5 million employees across the world to ensure your cultural values were implemented globally? How do you know when it’s time for someone to move on … or if they just need a bit of coaching to get back on track? What would you say to leaders who find it hard to implement change or innovation in their companies? ——— 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!

It’s risky for leaders to be too content with the status quo. If you’re not pushing forward, then you’re probably missing opportunities and failing to spot threats. In this week’s episode, see what it looks like to challenge the status quo by learning from Hal Rosenbluth. He’s currently the Chairman & CEO of New Ocean Health Solutions, and he’s built his career by not being afraid to shake things up. You’ll also learn: Why consistency in your work culture is so important What to look for if you want to disrupt the status quo Advice for fostering more innovation in a traditional workplace How to spot unmet, unnamed needs that you can build a business around ——— 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 much value should leaders place on making FUN part of their culture? How should leaders evaluate their menu of products as they think about scaling their business? What else would you tell leaders to consider when driving innovation? ——— 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 people talk about cutting and simplifying parts of your business, it can feel scary.  But as you’ll hear in this conversation, that’s what you’ve got to do if you want to free up resources for the BIG things that really drive BIG growth. You’ll also learn: The first thing to do in a new role (especially a turnaround) A powerful insight on pricing strategy Three keys to smarter innovation What every young leader needs to do to get buy-in on a big initiative ——— 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 is your favorite Masters memory? How would you advise leaders to tackle criticism after having changed their minds? What’s your mental process for staying focused when coming down the proverbial stretch in 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!

A big part of any leader’s job is to make decisions. But making a decision is just the beginning. You’ve also got to own your decisions. Listen to this episode with professional golfer and defending Masters Champion Jon Rahm to see what that looks like—and why it’s crucial to your success. You’ll also learn: The power of setting short-term goals One surprising insight about happiness  Practical ways to achieve better work-life balance Stories from the 2023 Masters you may not have heard yet ——— 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 can leaders eliminate silos and bureaucracy so that the right information gets to each department in the company? What advice can you give leaders about how to price their products competitively? Where should leaders look when they’re trying to innovate while also staying true to their core brand and product? ——— 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 information doesn’t get to the right people at the right time, it’s a recipe for disaster.  People can’t make smart decisions. It creates unnecessary conflict. And teams end up siloed and not aligned.  If you want to make sure information is moving fast in your organization, listen to this conversation with Neil Blumenthal and Dave Gilboa, the co-CEOs of the incredibly successful eyeglass company Warby Parker. You’ll also learn: One habit that every strong partnership needs Why a clearly defined brand identity is key for creativity What to do when disagreements arise How to be successful in retail today ——— FEATURED RESOURCE 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 Q1 features leadership insights from these incredible leaders: Brian Niccol, CEO of Chipotle Deion Sanders, University of Colorado Head Football Coach Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, Former CEO of Celebrity Cruises Dan Hurley, UConn Men's Basketball Head Coach Tim Schurrer, Author and CEO of David Novak Leadership Admiral Mike Mullen, 17th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Walter Driver, Cofounder and CEO of Scopely Lynn Swann, NFL Hall of Famer Aylwin Lewis, Former Chairman & CEO of Potbelly Joe Scarlett, Former CEO of Tractor Supply Michelle Korsmo, President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association Matt Doherty, Author and former head basketball coach at North Carolina ——— 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 advice do you have for leaders who are recruiting in very competitive industries?   What advice do you have for leaders who are managing change within their organizations? How should a leader handle the relationship with their predecessor when he or she is still very much involved in the organization that they’re running?  ——— 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 lead long enough, you’re bound to find yourself in a situation that’s hard, unfair, or even downright painful. In those moments of adversity, how do you respond? And what can you learn from them?  This week’s episode gives you an honest, vulnerable look into those questions and can help you uncover the opportunities waiting in whatever adversity you’re dealing with. You’ll also learn: The big risk you take in not holding people accountable Three fun (but practical) tips to be a better salesperson An open and honest look at how to deal with getting fired What it was like to win a national title alongside Michael Jordan ——— 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 can leaders stay steady and consistent after really high highs or really low lows? How does a leader instill that sense of want and drive in their people? How should leaders go about processing what others would see as a failure? ——— 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!

It’s Prime Time, baby! Get inside the mind of one of the most charismatic and inspirational leaders out there—the one and only Deion Sanders. If you’re trying to make big changes, level up your leadership, or get motivated, this conversation is the inspiration you need to do it. You’ll also learn: One habit every great communicator has Why it’s important to define what a “win” is for your team How to lead, even if you’re not in charge The mentality you need in order to lead a massive turnaround ——— 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 should leaders think about evaluating a team and defining vision? Are those two things inherently linked? What is your take on having your business strategy be a living, breathing document? What’s one piece of advice you can give leaders who have to unite and engage people across multiple different sectors? ——— 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 can you get people engaged with your big plans and strategies? It starts with how you engage with them.  Michelle Korsmo is the President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association, and she understands the power of drawing people out in order to get them engaged with her big goals. Listen to this episode and see how it’s done!  You’ll also learn: How to turn big strategies into real plans Two key factors to advancing your agenda The mindset shift you need to make after getting promoted Advice for women who want to advance in their careers  ——— 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 are some ways leaders can hone in on who their customers really are? Why do you believe Tractor Supply Company's stock performed as well as it did from 2000-2020? How do you train your people to do the right thing with customers?  ——— 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!

Let’s be honest: just because people work for the same company doesn’t mean they’re on the same team. As a leader, how can you truly get your team unified and working together? This conversation with Joe Scarlett, the former CEO of Tractor Supply Company, is full of practical ideas and insights. You’ll also learn: One small tweak you might need to make to your bonus structure A blueprint for conducting a successful site visit Why it’s important to open up and share company details with your team How Tractor Supply Company avoided getting squashed by big competitors like The Home Depot and Walmart  ——— 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 made you hire Tim in the first place? What’s your vision for the How Leaders Lead app and why do you believe it will be so powerful for leaders? What’s a story from your career about a time when someone helped you win, and how did that impact you 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!

When you think about success in your career, you usually think about your own goals and growth. But if you really want to accomplish big things in your career, you have to shift your focus from “me” to “we.” In this episode, you’ll see how to help others win and become the kind of leader everyone wants to work for. You’ll also discover: Something to try in your next staff meeting to make your team feel more recognized Two common marketing mistakes (and how to fix them) A question that can help you refine your own definition of success Innovative programs to help the kids in your life become stronger leaders ——— 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: Why do you think hiring might be the key to fixing high turnover? What mindsets should leaders look to develop if they have their sights set on a C-level job? What are things leaders ought to seek out when they join a new company in a different industry?  ——— 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!

You want to take care of your people. But you also gotta take care of business. If you want to create happy teams and cultures without compromising on the results, don’t miss this conversation with Alywin Lewis, the former Chairman and CEO of Potbelly Sandwich Works and the former CEO of Sears Holdings. You’ll also learn: Why strong cultures drive more efficient operations The secret to lowering your turnover rate How to listen to your frontline employees 3 practical tips for better public speaking ——— 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!

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: How can leaders prepare someone they fire for their next role? What advice do you have for leaders who find it difficult to make time to listen? How can leaders recognize and encourage the people who are behind the scenes, creating opportunities for their team to win when it matters most? ——— 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!

Want to build strong relationships with your team, no matter what your role is? It starts with how you see the people around you.  Discover this powerful outlook for yourself as David talks with NFL Hall of Famer and 4x Super Bowl champ Lynn Swann! You’ll also learn: The one thing all high-performing teams have in common What to hire for if you want to develop more leaders How to navigate major career transitions successfully What it’s really like to play in a Super Bowl ——— 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!

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: What advice do you have for leaders who get turned down from the job they believe they’re capable of having? How should leaders keep track of where their customers are going? What type of leadership skills does it take to pull off something that has never been done before? ——— 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’re a leader, you’re going to face big obstacles, skepticism, and rejection. How can you tap into the power of persistence to overcome that stuff – and even leverage it to drive success? Also in this episode: How to truly dial in what customers want The mindset you need when others doubt you Why you might to adjust your leadership style The key to uniting a team (even when there’s disagreement) How consumers’ definition of luxury has changed The groundbreaking way Celebrity Cruises celebrated International Women’s Day  ——— 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!

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: What were some of your best recruiting strategies when you were hiring for key positions at Yum! Brands? How should Founder/CEOs be thinking about mergers and acquisitions? What’s your take on the importance of learning how to manage your inner 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!

How can you help your organization get better at learning and incorporating feedback? And why could it make or break your success? Also in this episode: A key factor in professional success that most young people overlook Five keys to building a curious and driven culture Tips for making smart acquisitions and other partnerships Why the idea of a single founder’s bold vision can be problematic The #1 thing leaders can do to bring more stability to their company A controversial take on soup (yes, soup) ——— 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!

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: If you had a trust profile that helped inform you whether or not to trust someone, what would be on it? How can leaders make sure they’re evaluating every perspective when they’re faced with a tough decision? How did you know when it was time to step away as CEO of Yum! Brands after nearly 20 years in your role? ——— 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 you speak truth to power? And as a leader, are you surrounding yourself with truth tellers?  Also in this episode: Keys to driving more accountability on your team How to leverage media opportunities to tell your story What values-driven communication looks like in leadership What it was like behind the scenes of the mission to take out Osama bin Laden His expert take on Israel, China, Russia, and more ——— 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!

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: How can leaders push their teams even when they’re winning by a big margin? How does a leader teach good decision making to their teams? What are ways to increase the level of intensity at work? ——— ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 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 Dan Hurley, the head men’s basketball coach at UConn. If you watched last year’s March Madness Tournament, then you know: he’s the guy that led the Huskies to the NCAA title, with dominant performances throughout the tournament.  Here’s this incredible coach who’s reached the pinnacle of success for collegiate coaching. But to listen to him, you would never know it. As you’ll hear for yourself in this episode, there is a relentless drive and work ethic to the way Dan leads. And it’s a powerful reminder that no matter what level of success you’re at now, you’ve always got to find a way to keep pushing yourself to the NEXT level. And Dan’s going to show you how it’s done! You’ll also learn: Secrets of dialing in a happy, healthy team dynamic  How to boost someone’s confidence (especially if they’re in a slump) One powerful reason you might want to “stress-test” your team Why your whole team gets better when you push yourself ——— ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 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!

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: How can leaders get better at making the tough decisions they need to make? How'd you get up-to-speed in terms of working with Wall Street when you became CEO of Yum! Brands? How can a leader build this type of fail-then-learn mindset on their team? ——— ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 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! This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

Happy New Year! Our guest today as we kick off 2024 is Brian Niccol, CEO of Chipotle. Chipotle has just wrapped up a banner year with Brian at the helm. They’re posting record growth and revenue, all while doing innovative stuff with their marketing and menu. But as you’ll hear today, it’s not just about big ideas. Brian knows how to focus on the RIGHT ideas and then create the kind of structure, execution, and team motivation to really make ‘em happen. And with Chipotle doing better than ever, it’s clear that he’s found a recipe for success … and you’ll get a ton of value when you hear how he leads. You’ll also learn: How to get people to believe in you as a leader Three steps to follow to lead a successful turnaround One way to tell if it’s time for a job change How to properly vet great ideas Tips for tackling tough performance-related conversations ——— ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 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! This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

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 Q3 features leadership insights from these incredible leaders: Mark King, CEO of Taco Bell Mike White, Former Chairman & CEO of DIRECTV Dr. Mark Esper, Former United States Secretary of Defense Mignon Francois, Founder and CEO of The Cupcake Collection Bill George, Former Chairman & CEO of Medtronic Joe Moglia, Former CEO of TD Ameritrade Michael Bungay Stanier, Bestselling author and founder of Box of Crayons Jim Levine, Literary Agent Yamini Rangan, CEO of Hubspot Paul Sarvadi, CEO of Insperity Liz Elting, Former CEO of Transperfect Bret Baier, Chief Political Anchor of Fox News Channel and Executive Editor of "Special Report with Bret Baier" ——— ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 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! This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: How can leaders study their own performance as a means of getting better? When has one of your "truth tellers" given you some truth you didn't want to hear? How have you learned to stay calm even when being attacked? ——— ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 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! This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

Today’s guest is Bret Baier, the Chief Political Anchor of Fox News Channel. He’s also the Executive Editor and host of “Special Report with Bret Baier” which airs live, every weeknight, to millions of viewers. Now, there’s a lot we could say about the worlds of politics and media. But one thing’s for sure – there is never a dull moment! In Bret’s world, things are always happening and changing. As the anchor of a live news program, he has to be ready for anything. How does he do it? As you’re about to hear, Bret keeps his eyes and ears open all the time. He is always asking questions, listening, and staying tuned in to what’s going on. That kind of attentive mindset can help you, too, and you’ll find a ton of insights when you see how Bret works and leads. You’ll also learn: • The mindset you need in big, nervy moments • How to respond when things go wrong, get tense, or change unexpectedly • Bret’s expert take on how the current political climate (including the 2024 Presidential election) • What it’s like to ask the Dalai Lama about Caddyshack or have an impromptu interview with Jimmy Buffet! ——— ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 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! This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: What advice would you give to entrepreneurs who are grinding everyday to make their ideas come to life? Should leaders be vulnerable with their teams? (And if so, what's the appropriate amount?) What role should faith play for a leader of a for-profit business? ——— ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 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! Become a better leader in 5 days with our free, 5-Day Leadership Tune Up. This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

Today’s guest is Mignon Francois, the founder and CEO of The Cupcake Collection, a destination bakery with locations in Nashville and New Orleans. Mignon started her business with nothing but a five dollar bill. She turned that $5 into $60 with her first order. Sixty dollars became $600. And now, she’s sold over five million cupcakes and has won all kinds of entrepreneurial awards. And as sweet as her success has been (no pun intended!), it hasn’t come easy. As you’ll hear today, Mignon has persevered through some real adversity. But you’ll also hear just how strong her mentality is. And for her, that strength comes from her faith. Faith is an incredibly personal thing. And it looks different for each one of us. But when you know what you believe in—whether that’s religious faith, a sense of spirituality, or simply core values you hold dear—you’ve got an anchor that will help you stay strong and grounded as you navigate all the challenges of leadership. Listen in and see what leadership looks like when you know what you believe in! You’ll also learn: • The five qualities every entrepreneur needs • A new (and refreshing) way to look at competition • The #1 thing you need to run a family business well • How being transparent can strengthen your relationships ——— ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 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! This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: How did you turn self-awareness into a competitive advantage? Why is it important know how people function under stress when considering them for a position? What did you do to deal with naysayers? ——— ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 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! Become a better leader in 5 days with our free, 5-Day Leadership Tune Up. This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

Joe Moglia is the former head football coach of Coastal Carolina University AND the former chairman and CEO of TD Ameritrade. There aren’t a lot of people out there who can be both an award-winning coach AND a world-class CEO. That is some serious range! And yet Joe has an incredibly consistent leadership style, no matter what he’s doing. For him, it is ALL about the people he serves. Whether he’s leading football players or sales people, he knows… it’s not about him. It’s about his team. They’re the ones out there getting stuff done. And his job is to support them and serve them and coach them to success. When you approach leadership with a coaching mentality like that, EVERYTHING changes. Listen to this episode and see how it’s done! You’ll also learn: One exercise to help you make strong, successful career decisions Why you can’t overlook the importance of someone’s skill set The danger of making excuses A key to reaching goals that most people overlook ——— ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 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! Become a better leader in 5 days with our free, 5-Day Leadership Tune Up. This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: What’s the biggest goal you’ve ever set and how’d you go about getting there? Can you trust your direct reports to tell you the truth about what's going on in the business? What's the difference between managers and leaders? ——— ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 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! Become a better leader in 5 days with our free, 5-Day Leadership Tune Up. This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

Today’s guest is Mark King, the CEO of Taco Bell. Of course, Taco Bell was already an iconic brand when Mark took over in 2019, but he has helped them achieve even more success and innovation.  Get this: he even had the Taco Bell logo shaved into the side of his head, if that tells you ANYTHING about the kind of leader you’re about to learn from.  That’s the thing about Mark. He is NOT afraid to go big. In fact, he believes leaders have to set big aspirational goals. That’s what he’s doing at Taco Bell, and it’s also how he led incredible turnarounds at both TaylorMade and Adidas North America. It’s not enough to just aim for incremental growth. If you really want to disrupt the status quo, you’ve got to chase something extraordinary.  This is one of those conversations that’s gonna leave you buzzing with practical ideas AND big time inspiration.  You’ll also learn: How to find the best hybrid and return-to-work solutions The key to becoming a more innovative organization Two practical ways to find out what’s really going on in your organization Three things to look for when you’re interviewing job candidates The key difference between managers and leaders ——— ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 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! Become a better leader in 5 days with our free, 5-Day Leadership Tune Up. This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: What’s your experience been like writing your new book compared to books you’ve written in the past? How should leaders go about hunting down new ideas? Have you ever been in a role where you’ve faced a lot of rejection? ——— ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 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! Become a better leader in 5 days with our free, 5-Day Leadership Tune Up. This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

Today’s guest is Jim Levine, who is the founder and principal at his literary agency, LGR. He represents authors like Tom Brady, Ray Dalio, Patrick Lencioni, and our very own David Novak! As a literary agent, Jim’s mentality is all about helping others win. He wants to land good deals for his authors, help publishers find the right books, and coach everyone on his team to succeed. There’s a level of satisfaction you just can’t get until you learn to help others win. It’s a mentality every leader needs to develop, and Jim is the perfect person to show you how it’s done. Plus, if you’ve ever thought about writing a book, you’re about to get a rare inside look into the world of publishing. You’ll also learn: The three elements of a successful nonfiction book The most important thing to do when you offer feedback  The aspect of listening most people miss Insider tips on what it really takes to write a book (and it’s not what you think) A piece of parenting advice that has nothing to do with parenting ——— ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 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! Become a better leader in 5 days with our free, 5-Day Leadership Tune Up. This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: What impressed you most about Yamini? What advice can you give CEOs who are taking over from founders of companies, particularly in a scenario when the company is healthy and thriving? What’s something leaders can learn from treating their culture as a product? ——— ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 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! Become a better leader in 5 days with our free, 5-Day Leadership Tune Up. This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

As a leader, you’ve got a LOT of things vying for your attention. How do you know what deserves your time and focus … and what doesn’t? Today’s episode will help you answer that big question! David is joined by Yamini Rangan, the CEO of HubSpot, a popular online CRM platform that’s growing by leaps and bounds. A big reason for HubSpot’s success is the clear sense of focus that Yamini has instilled to help everyone make better decisions and prioritize the right opportunities.  In fact, Yamini even has a phrase for it: fortune favors the focused. The way you apply your attention and focus has a huge bearing on the results you can achieve. So if you’re feeling spread a little thin, or you’re just not sure what you need to be focused on right now to really move the needle for your organization, then you’re going to love this episode! You’ll also learn: Your most strategic tool in leadership (this one will surprise you!) A paradigm-shifting way to think about company culture Practical advice for shifting out of functional roles into management A helpful mindset to overcome imposter syndrome Fresh ideas to put customers at the center of your business ——— ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 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! Become a better leader in 5 days with our free, 5-Day Leadership Tune Up. This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: How should leaders at the very top stay informed about what’s actually going on in their business? How should leaders handle disagreements with their boss? What do leaders need to be thinking about when it comes to recruiting? ——— ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 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! Become a better leader in 5 days with our free, 5-Day Leadership Tune Up. This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

Today’s guest is Dr. Mark Esper, who served as the 27th United States Secretary of Defense. He has spent his whole life in military service, and he is proof positive that we can accomplish amazing things when we stay focused on the mission.  If you’re like most leaders, you’re dealing with a million details a day. It’s far too easy to take your eye off the bigger goals you’re working toward. This conversation with Mark will remind you why it’s vital to stay focused on the mission. It’s how you bring a team together and navigate situations where people don’t see eye to eye.  And Mark knows a thing or two about that after his time in the Trump administration, when he and the President weren’t always aligned. If you’ve ever disagreed with your boss (and, let’s be honest, who hasn’t?!), then you’re going to love these insights.  You’ll also learn: Practical insights for anyone who doesn’t see eye to eye with their boss  Why every leader needs to understand history One strategy to try if you need to boost innovation How to unify a group of people, even if they’re from different walks of life The best way to deflate a big ego As we observe Veterans Day this Saturday, November 11th, this episode is dedicated to all the brave men and women of our military who serve and sacrifice on behalf of our great country. From all of us at How Leaders Lead, thank you for your service. ——— ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 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! Become a better leader in 5 days with our free, 5-Day Leadership Tune Up. This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: Should you hire people for their input or their output? When have you failed fast and what did you learn from it? What’s your take on how companies today should incorporate DE&I into their organizations? ——— ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 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! Become a better leader in 5 days with our free, 5-Day Leadership Tune Up. This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

It’s our responsibility as leaders to make sure that people from every walk of life are included and heard and valued when they come to work.  But how do we do that? This is a challenge that everyone is working on, though, let’s be honest: a lot of diversity, equality, and inclusion initiatives at the corporate level just aren’t moving the needle enough.  Our guest in this episode thinks about DEI (diversity, equality, and inclusion) differently. Paul Sarvadi is the Chairman and CEO of Insperity, an HR solutions company for small and midsize businesses. Hear how Paul and his team embrace diversity as a starting point and then build on it to find a true sense of commonality and cohesion.  Instead of just checking off a box for DEI initiatives, they’re actually developing genuine connections that really move their business forward, all while making sure everyone has a voice at the table.  You’re going to love hearing how Paul values people and how it shows up in the way his company operates. You’ll also learn: Why you need a people plan (and how to build one) A better way to think about hiring that goes beyond a boost in productivity The reason many DEI programs fall short The powerful insight Paul got by talking to his closed-lost accounts early on  Tips for growing as a leader as your company grows, too ——— ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 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! Become a better leader in 5 days with our free, 5-Day Leadership Tune Up. This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: What advice can you give leaders about how to negotiate well? What can someone do to move from a specialized role to one of a leader / General Manager? Why do you think leaders derail and what can leaders do to avoid that? ——— ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 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! Become a better leader in 5 days with our free, 5-Day Leadership Tune Up. This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

Today’s guest is Mike White, who served as the Chairman and CEO of DirecTV from 2010 until his retirement in 2015. As you might recall, that’s exactly when streaming services really took off. People were cutting the cord on traditional TV left and right and the whole media landscape got turned upside down.  So what does it take to be a great leader when the world is changing right before your eyes?  It takes resilience—and a lot of it! And if you’ve ever wanted to really see what resilience looks like in action, then you’re going to love this conversation.  Mike doesn’t lose his stride when things get tough. He knows how to see around corners and anticipate what’s coming. And most importantly, he knows how to keep people going when things feel uncertain. The truth is, the world is ALWAYS changing, and this conversation will help you tap into the power of resilience in a changing world.  You’ll also learn: What it’s like to be a CEO on the TV show Undercover Boss Three big-picture market trends that every leader needs to understand The most common blind spot in business (and how to account for it) How to leverage the advantages of being an underdog to a major competitor Three negotiation tricks—including one weird one you’ve probably never heard The #1 factor that derails leaders  ——— ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 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! Become a better leader in 5 days with our free, 5-Day Leadership Tune Up. This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: For leaders trying to scale their business, what should they be focusing on? What are ways leaders can reward their hard-working team in a time that demands more of their employees? What kind of balance do leaders need to have between instructing people on what to do, then setting them loose to go and do it? ——— ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 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! Become a better leader in 5 days with our free, 5-Day Leadership Tune Up. This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

There are few things more frustrating than a leader who sets up a bunch of meetings, presents ideas, and talks strategy… … but then doesn’t know how to motivate everyone to actually get all that stuff done! Fortunately, our guest today is NOT that kind of leader. Liz Elting is the former CEO of TransPerfect, a translation solutions company that she started and built into a billion-dollar business.  Today you’re going to hear how she did it. And as you’ll see, a huge part of her success comes from Liz’s strong bias toward action. She is willing to put in the hard work and long hours. She is incredibly goal-oriented. And best of all, she knows how to motivate a team to go out and operate in the same way. If you’re feeling stagnant or weighed down by too much bureaucracy, this episode is going to help you be the kind of leader who’s biased toward action – and whose teams are, too.  You’ll also learn: What to focus on early in a startup if you want to get out of the weeds and scale quickly A big personnel mistake Liz made early (and how she fixed it) One big reason you might not be hitting your goals A key characteristic to look for when you’re hiring for a sales role Practical sources of new ideas that you’re probably overlooking Three critical safeguards EVERY business partnership needs ——— ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 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! Become a better leader in 5 days with our free, 5-Day Leadership Tune Up. This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: Was there a time in your career you resisted the urge to dispense advice and instead, asked more questions to your team to pull out their insights? What practices have you used to celebrate others' ideas? What are some practical ways to shift from “boss” to “coach”? ——— ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 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! Become a better leader in 5 days with our free, 5-Day Leadership Tune Up. This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

Picture this: Someone on your team comes to you with a question about how to approach a problem theyr’e facing.  What do you do?  If you’re like most leaders, your first instinct is to dispense some advice. And that’s understandable! You’re sitting in that leadership role precisely because you’ve got all kinds of great wisdom and insight to share. But according to today’s guest, that approach can backfire. Michael Bungay Stanier is a bestselling author and the founder of a company called Box of Crayons that equips leaders to become better coaches. He’s on a mission to help leaders move away from giving advice and instead leverage the power of curiosity to draw out their team. For Michael, curiosity is a leadership superpower that helps you find better ideas, pinpoint the right problems, and get more from your teammates. And this conversation is jam-packed with practical ways to help you do ALL that.  You’ll also learn: One three-word question that will change the way you coach your team The three different kinds of “Advice Monsters” (and how to tame yours!) How to use the power of silence The one thing you need to do in a difficult working relationship A practical framework to navigate a big company leadership transition  One specific question that will help you dig deeper in any relationship Three principles to improve your communication skills ——— ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 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! Become a better leader in 5 days with our free, 5-Day Leadership Tune Up. This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: How can leaders eliminate the layers that build up between them and the people who work on the front lines of their organization? What do you do when you've lost the passion for your job? How can leaders convey the big-picture mission of their company to the employees so they don’t get distracted by temporary challenges? ——— ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 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! Become a better leader in 5 days with our free, 5-Day Leadership Tune Up. This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

We all have those days where we hop from meeting to meeting, only to look back on the day and wonder what we really accomplished.  If that sounds familiar, then you’re going to find a lot of value in this conversation with Bill George, the former Chairman & CEO of Medtronic. He’s also an executive fellow at Harvard Business School and, like all of us here at How Leaders Lead, he is passionate about developing great leaders. But he sees so many leaders spending more and more time in meetings, and less and less time with customers and front-line employees. How can you eliminate the layers that tend to build up between you and the people who work on the front lines of your organization? Hit play if you want to see how to do it and why it matters so much. Plus, you’ll hear great wisdom about leading with authenticity, finding your purpose, and so much more. You’ll also learn: How to calibrate your ambition and drive, especially early in your career Advice for forging a career path that fits who you are and what you want The danger of making your job your identity—and how to avoid it The reason behind great successions (Microsoft) and not-so-great ones (GE)  Tips for focusing on long-term goals without ignoring immediate issues ——— ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 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! Become a better leader in 5 days with our free, 5-Day Leadership Tune Up. This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

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 Q3 features leadership insights from these incredible leaders: Alan Mulally, Former CEO of Ford Brandon Beane, GM of Buffalo Bills Kevin Warsh, Former Member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors Diana Murphy, Former President of the USGA Geoff Colvin, Fortune Magazine Senior Editor at Large Ben Weprin, CEO of AJ Capital and Graduate Hotels Jim Fish, CEO of Waste Management Mike McCoy, Walker Cup captain Dr. Bob Grossman, CEO of NYU Langone Health Scott Redler, Cofounder of Freddy’s and Chairman of the National Restaurant Association Korie Robertson, Television star on Duck Dynasty Patrick Lencioni, Bestselling author and Founder of the Table Group ALSO... 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! Become a better leader in 5 days with our free, 5-Day Leadership Tune Up. This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: What characteristics would you look for if you were on the search committee for a new CEO? What advice would you give to a leader trying to keep a sales team motivated? How would you suggest people navigate working for a boss they don't like? ALSO... 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! Become a better leader in 5 days with our free, 5-Day Leadership Tune Up. This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode!

Today’s guest is Diana Murphy, the former President of the USGA. She also serves on the boards of AIG, Landstar, Synovus, and the Atlanta Braves – and it’s no surprise, because she’s a phenomenal leader who really knows how to get people working together. Everybody talks about collaboration these days, but Diana has always had it in her DNA. Teams who can collaborate well tend to do better work in less time … and they have more fun doing it, too! If you want to tap into the power of collaboration for your own team and career, you are going to get a ton of insight from Diana in this episode. And if you’re a golfer, don’t miss the story about Arnold Palmer playing golf with her husband on their wedding day! You’ll also learn: The mindset you need when you’re facing a new challenge The “secret sauce” to motivate a sales force How to handle internal dissent in a healthy way The most important traits to have if your goal is the C-suite ALSO... 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! https://howleaderslead.com/plan/ Become a better leader in 5 days with our free, 5-Day Leadership Tune Up. This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. https://howleaderslead.com/5-day-leadership-tuneup/ Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-lead-with-david-novak/id1223803642

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: Why is a mindset of "helping others be successful" as a leader so critical to the longevity and growth of an organization? What happens when your team members function like entrepreneurs? How do you keep your own opinion out of the way (and just stick to the facts) as a leader? ALSO... 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! https://howleaderslead.com/plan/ Become a better leader in 5 days with our free, 5-Day Leadership Tune Up. This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. https://howleaderslead.com/5-day-leadership-tuneup/ Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-lead-with-david-novak/id1223803642

You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that quality matters in your organization.  But a lot of leaders struggle to take that ideal of quality and actually turn it into a day-to-day reality for their team. In other words, how do you operationalize quality?  This conversation with Scott Redler will help you answer that question. Scott is the Cofounder of Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers and the Chairman of the National Restaurant Association. He’s passionate about doing things the right way, with quality and attention to detail. But he doesn’t just leave it to chance. In this conversation, you’ll see how he’s codified those standards. And you’ll discover how, as a leader, he’s creating a clear picture of what quality means by building it into the culture. You’ll also learn: Why you need a long-term approach to delivering value Advice for anyone who works in a franchise model A helpful process for balancing short-term and long-term decisions A fun (and productive!) way to boost innovation Why you should incentive long-term thinking in your team ALSO... 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! https://howleaderslead.com/plan/ Become a better leader in 5 days with our free, 5-Day Leadership Tune Up. This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. https://howleaderslead.com/5-day-leadership-tuneup/ Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-lead-with-david-novak/id1223803642

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: How do you handle letting people go even when they are talented or really good team players? How have you bounced back from a loss you've experienced in your life? When leaders face traumatic situations with their teams, how do they take care of them in the midst of it? ALSO... 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! https://howleaderslead.com/plan/ Become a better leader in 5 days with our free, 5-Day Leadership Tune Up. This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. https://howleaderslead.com/5-day-leadership-tuneup/ Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-lead-with-david-novak/id1223803642

The 2023-2024 NFL season kicks off tonight! And behind all the big plays and personalities, there are a LOT of leadership lessons to learn. Starting with today’s guest, Brandon Beane, who’s the General Manager of the Buffalo Bills. His job is to head up all the operations, including trades, drafts, contract negotiation, salary cap management, and – of course – collaborating with the coaches on the roster. THAT is a LOT of things to be good at!  And when you hear this conversation with Brandon, you’ll see it doesn’t just happen. He’s very intentional about the way he builds his know-how in all these areas. He’s got the humility to spot what he doesn’t know. And he’s got the confidence to go out and learn it.  To grow as a leader and build the career you want, you’ve got to understand where the gaps are in your knowledge and be willing to fill them. Listen to this conversation to see how it’s done! You’ll also learn: Tips for a successful collaborative relationship One key piece of wisdom to help you communicate big “shock-the-system” changes What it’s like behind the scenes of the NFL draft (including the year they got Josh Allen) Practical advice for personnel decisions—even when it means making tough cuts How to recover from a big loss The powerful leadership lessons from Damar Hamlin’s life-and-death situation last season ALSO... 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! https://howleaderslead.com/plan/ Become a better leader in 5 days with our free, 5-Day Leadership Tune Up. This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. https://howleaderslead.com/5-day-leadership-tuneup/ Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-lead-with-david-novak/id1223803642

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: What have you learned on the golf course that translates into the business and leadership space? What are some tactics you use to quickly get back on track and regain confidence and self-belief after a setback? When you’re preparing for an important performance on a big stage, what are some of the things you do to get your mind and emotions right? ALSO... 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! https://howleaderslead.com/plan/ Become a better leader in 5 days with our free, 5-Day Leadership Tune Up. This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. https://howleaderslead.com/5-day-leadership-tuneup/ Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-lead-with-david-novak/id1223803642

“Grit” is one of those buzzwords people throw around a lot.  And it can be hard to define! But you know it when you see it – and you can certainly see it in Mike McCoy.  This upcoming weekend, Mike has the honor of captaining the U.S. team at the Walker Cup as our top amateurs compete against Great Britain and Ireland at St. Andrews’ legendary Old Course. Mike is one of the world’s top amateur golfers, and he has been for decades. He even earned a coveted amateur spot at the 2014 Masters. And he’s done it all while also building a successful career as an insurance executive! That level of achievement in BOTH areas doesn’t just happen. It takes an elite mentality, a big commitment, and a willingness to do the hard stuff. In other words, it takes grit. In this conversation, you’ll see what grit really looks like and why there is just no substitute for it when it comes to your success. You’ll also learn: Why to prioritize training and preparation for your team The competitive advantage a lot of people shy away from  One practical way to help your team deal with setbacks What it’s like playing the Masters as an amateur ALSO... 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! https://howleaderslead.com/plan/ Become a better leader in 5 days with our free, 5-Day Leadership Tune Up. This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. https://howleaderslead.com/5-day-leadership-tuneup/ Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-lead-with-david-novak/id1223803642

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: Are leaders born with natural, God-given talent or can anyone get good at anything with deliberate practice? Will humans be replaced by tech and AI? How would you advise a leader to enhance human capital within their organization? ALSO... 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! https://howleaderslead.com/plan/ Become a better leader in 5 days with our free, 5-Day Leadership Tune Up. This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. https://howleaderslead.com/5-day-leadership-tuneup/ Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-lead-with-david-novak/id1223803642

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to be excellent at something?  If so, you’re going to love this episode with Geoff Colvin. He’s the Senior Editor-at-Large for Fortune magazine and one of the most curious and articulate people I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know over the years. Geoff is also fascinated by excellence in human performance, especially as it pertains to business leaders. He’s spent decades talking to experts, analyzing research, and asking big questions. Today, you get to benefit from his know-how. If there’s ANYTHING you want to get better at – whether it’s at work or at home – this conversation basically gives you a playbook for it. Plus, we get into some bigger questions around AI and the skills leaders really need to be focusing on right now. Your mind is going to be spinning with big insights – listen now! You’ll also learn: Why talent is overrated (and why that’s good news for you!) The key to improving performance at practically anything The 4 characteristics of practice that actually help you improve Three qualities of a top-notch coach The most important trait for us to develop as AI takes off ALSO... 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! https://howleaderslead.com/plan/ Become a better leader in 5 days with our free, 5-Day Leadership Tune Up. This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. https://howleaderslead.com/5-day-leadership-tuneup/ Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-lead-with-david-novak/id1223803642

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: What’s a story from your upbringing that shaped the way you lead today? What would you say to people that argue compensation is the most important retention factor? When a company is doing well and growing, how can a leader create that sense of urgency that continues to drive performance? ALSO... 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! https://howleaderslead.com/plan/ Become a better leader in 5 days with our free, 5-Day Leadership Tune Up. This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. https://howleaderslead.com/5-day-leadership-tuneup/ Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-lead-with-david-novak/id1223803642

Okay, imagine this… Your alarm goes off at 1 a.m.  In an hour, it’s your job to be on the back of a trash pickup truck.  Oh, and by the way? You’re one of the top leaders of the company. Believe it or not, that’s exactly what today’s guest did … every week, for seven and a half years! Jim Fish, the CEO of Waste Management, is just that kind of leader – one who spends time on the front lines to be with his team and truly listen to them.  Jim is connected to the people he leads, and he’s focused on putting them first when he makes decisions. And he knows that by taking care of his people, they’ll then take care of customers, and that, in turn, provides value to shareholders. It’s a fantastic formula, and it’s inspiring to hear how Jim is putting it to work while also finding new ways to think about sustainability. That includes being the title sponsor of the Waste Management Open on the PGA Tour, which SOMEHOW is a zero waste event despite the 700,000 fans who come for the party. We get into all that and more in this episode, so listen now!  You’ll also learn: Two practical ideas to help you deal with a shrinking trade labor pool How to use technology to minimize the impact of turnover How they’ve reduced customer call volume by 25% What really goes into making the Waste Management Open a zero-waste event Four traits of a healthy CEO Tips for assessing risks for your business – and protecting your business from them The weirdest piece of garbage they’ve ever seen ALSO... 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! https://howleaderslead.com/plan/ Become a better leader in 5 days with our free, 5-Day Leadership Tune Up. This five-minute-a-day program is designed for the busy leader – it cuts right to the chase and gives you the practical know-how you’ll need to boost your confidence as a leader. https://howleaderslead.com/5-day-leadership-tuneup/ Subscribe to the How Leaders Lead podcast to ensure you never miss an episode! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-leaders-lead-with-david-novak/id1223803642

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: How do you sniff out conflict as a leader (and why should you do it)? Which is more important — talent or teamwork? How do you avoid a crash as a leader? ... BONUS RESOURCE: To gain confidence as a leader, you need a plan for tackling common leadership challenges. My new online course "Taking People With You" will give you practical ways you can resolve issues and keep your team moving forward toward your biggest goals. Get free access here — https://howleaderslead.com/courses/

Today’s guest is Patrick Lencioni, the founder of The Table Group. His books on teams and leadership have sold more than eight million copies around the world! Patrick’s ideas are just that good – and today’s podcast is no exception. Now, it’s no secret that leaders need to show vulnerability and humanity with the people they lead. But what does being vulnerable actually look like? How can it change the way you lead meetings, tackle conflict, or even look at your whole career? Listen to this episode and see for yourself just how much you can grow and succeed when you tap into the power of vulnerability. You’ll also learn: The first (and most telling) thing Patrick does to evaluate the health of an organization One surprising aspect of humility you’ve probably never considered before A powerful way to reframe conflict A wild story about the day Pat interviewed with Steve Jobs at Pixar The key to disseminating information to a team so everybody actually gets it Why you need to understand your unique “working genius” (and how to do it!)

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: What are the first steps to transforming a command and control culture? How can leaders create a customer-centric product development focus? How can transparency from a leader bring a team together? ... BONUS RESOURCE: To gain confidence as a leader, you need a plan for tackling common leadership challenges. My new online course "Taking People With You" will give you practical ways you can resolve issues and keep your team moving forward toward your biggest goals. Get free access here — https://howleaderslead.com/courses/

Today’s guest is Alan Mulally, who served as the CEO of Ford during their incredible turnaround. And when we say served as the CEO, we mean it!  That’s because, in Alan’s words, to serve is to live.  And it’s not just a warm-fuzzy philosophy. His service-centered style of leadership really gets results. It’s how he motivates people to actually work together. And it’s how he led Ford through one most extraordinary turnarounds – from operating at a $17 billion loss to making $9 billion in profit … in just two years!  So if you want to learn how to get people working together, then you’re going to LOVE all the incredible insights and stories Alan shares in this episode.  You’ll also learn: Alan’s #1 piece of advice for anyone in a turnaround situation A practical way to stay attuned to the reality of your business One unexpected question to add to your next employee survey The surprising shift leaders of the future need to make (and how to do it) How to reframe issues in your company in a way that unlocks teamwork The common mistake leaders make when a team member brings up an issue A paradigm-shifting way to think about “work-life balance”

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: If a business is experiencing explosive growth, what can leaders do to navigate that successfully? What’s your advice to leaders who are assessing whether or not to partner with other companies? How do you know when to “give up” and go a different direction and when to stay the course and grind it out in a new business? ... BONUS RESOURCE: To gain confidence as a leader, you need a plan for tackling common leadership challenges. My new online course "Taking People With You" will give you practical ways you can resolve issues and keep your team moving forward toward your biggest goals. Get free access here — https://howleaderslead.com/courses/

Today’s guest is Korie Robertson, one of the stars of the hit reality TV show Duck Dynasty. In fact, it was Korie’s idea to take their small family duck call business and turn it into a TV show about the quirky Robertson family.  Duck Dynasty became one of the most successful reality shows in history, and Korie and her husband Willie were the business minds behind it all.  But through it all, Korie has been herself, through and through.  She’s true to her values. She trusts her gut. And she understands exactly where her boundaries are. That sense of personal integrity – of really being true to yourself – is something practically every respected leader has. People are drawn to that kind of authenticity because they know that’s a leader they can trust. And when you listen to Korie in this episode, you’re going to get an up-close-and-personal look at how to stay true to yourself even in the midst of big changes. Plus, she has some fantastic insights on scaling up, managing brands and partnerships, leading through chaos, and so much more. You’ll also learn: How they scaled up their business when the TV show brought in new levels of demand One trait they hired for that helped them succeed even in seasons of rapid change Practical tips for finding the right partnerships (and avoiding the bad ones) The role faith can play in your life as a leader A practical strategy to recalibrate after a busy season

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: Which leaders have been instrumental to your growth and development and what’d they teach you? Has there been a time when you’ve had so much conviction about a decision only to rethink it? Have you ever gone public about something controversial? And should you do that as a leader of a business in the first place? ... BONUS RESOURCE: To gain confidence as a leader, you need a plan for tackling common leadership challenges. My new online course "Taking People With You" will give you practical ways you can resolve issues and keep your team moving forward toward your biggest goals. Get free access here — https://howleaderslead.com/courses/

Today’s guest is Kevin Warsh, a brilliant economist who served on the Federal Reserve board of governors during the 2008 financial crisis.  In this episode, you’ll get his powerful insights into our current economic climate. These are trends every business leader needs to be aware of right now. But there’s an even bigger insight for you here, too. When you ask Kevin about his success, he is quick to give credit to the other leaders he’s worked for. That’s how he’s grown his own leadership skills. That’s a must-have mindset for any leader. We’ve got to actively pay attention to the leaders around us and learn from them.  Whether you’ve got a boss who’s fantastic … or whether you don’t … you’ve still got a huge opportunity either to adopt or avoid the strategies you see other leaders using. And this episode will help you do just that!  You’ll also learn: How to deal with doubters – especially if you’re younger than those you lead What we can learn from the 2008 economic crisis (and why it matters right now) The strength of a team that (respectfully) disagrees with each other A powerful framework to analyze big trends in order to make sound decisions What it’s like to walk into the Oval Office and interview to be Fed Chair

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: What’s one thing leaders can take away from the idea of storytelling? When have you created value for your company where it didn't already exist? How can leaders balance recognizing their teams’ accomplishments with the drive to always grow and achieve more? ... BONUS RESOURCE: To gain confidence as a leader, you need a plan for tackling common leadership challenges. My new online course "Taking People With You" will give you practical ways you can resolve issues and keep your team moving forward toward your biggest goals. Get free access here — https://howleaderslead.com/courses/

Our guest today is Ben Weprin, the CEO of AJ Capital, which includes the iconic line of Graduate Hotels.  He’s also developed partnerships with Field and Stream and Chip and Joanna Gaines. Oh, and get this: he’s even got a hotel right on the eighteenth green at Saint Andrews! But no matter what he’s working on, Ben always taps into the power of storytelling to connect with people and create brands they love. Stories are at the heart of every hotel and space his company creates. And it’s a big factor in how he’s building and inspiring his team, too. When you listen to Ben, it’s clear: if you want to connect with people, you need to understand how to use storytelling.  Listen to this episode for lots of insights on how YOU can leverage the power of story to make stronger connections with your customers and your team. You’ll also learn: The secret ingredient you need to execute big ideas How to create a team culture that loves to learn The mindset you need to celebrate accomplishments without losing your edge

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: How do you build a department of excellence in an overall environment that’s on the decline? How do you get the courage and conviction to do the thing you know is right when you know it might be met with resistance? How did you encourage cross-functional collaboration among teams? ... BONUS RESOURCE: To gain confidence as a leader, you need a plan for tackling common leadership challenges. My new online course "Taking People With You" will give you practical ways you can resolve issues and keep your team moving forward toward your biggest goals. Get free access here — https://howleaderslead.com/courses/

Today’s guest is Dr. Bob Grossman, the CEO of NYU Langone Health.  When he took over in 2007, the hospital had a structural deficit, run-down facilities,  and a team that wasn’t really tuned into a bigger vision. Today, they’re ranked as the number three hospital in the U.S. He’s grown their revenue from $2 billion to $11 billion. And they’re studied as THE model of how to run a patient-centered, successful health organization. You’ll hear how it happened in this conversation. And as you might expect, Bob shares a lot of wisdom about culture and vision and all that good stuff. But you need more than that to make big things happen.  You need accountability – because that’s how you make sure those big ideals are actually showing up in the work day to day. If you want your team performing at the highest level… If you want them to really own their actions and decisions … Then listen to this episode and see how to create more accountability for your organization. You’ll also discover: How to turn a lack of experience into a massive leadership advantage The importance of early, swift action in a new position The #1 ingredient that’s missing in a dysfunctional workplace How to lead through a crisis How Bob communicates with his team – and the surprising response it’s gotten The 50-year-old problem Bob addressed that changed everyone’s daily workflow 

In this episode, we take all the great wisdom from the last three months and highlight the most impactful takeaways for you. ... BONUS RESOURCE: To gain confidence as a leader, you need a plan for tackling common leadership challenges. My new online course "Taking People With You" will give you practical ways you can resolve issues and keep your team moving forward toward your biggest goals. Get free access here — https://howleaderslead.com/courses/

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: How do you get your mind right for the big moments? What are best practices for those transitioning from individual contributor to leader? What can leaders do to protect and continue to nourish their culture? ... BONUS RESOURCE: To gain confidence as a leader, you need a plan for tackling common leadership challenges. My new online course "Taking People With You" will give you practical ways you can resolve issues and keep your team moving forward toward your biggest goals. Get free access here — https://howleaderslead.com/courses/

Today’s guest is Brad Richards, two-time Stanley Cup champion and MVP of the 2004 Stanley Cup Finals. In the world of hockey, he is also Mister Clutch! He has a perfect 8-0 record in Game Seven play—something NO other hockey player in history can claim. He also set a record for the most game-winning goals in a single playoff season. In his career, Brad consistently came through in clutch situations. That’s a quality EVERY leader needs, whether you’re on the ice or in the office. When you listen to this conversation, you’re going to see why. Brad is an even-keeled guy who knows how to put his head down and work hard.  And all that effort and preparation gives him confidence that he’s ready to step up and deliver in big moments. You may not be skating out on the ice with a Stanley Cup on the line … but if you lead, you’re going to face high-pressure situations.  Listen to this conversation and learn how to walk into them with confidence, because you know how to trust the hard work you’ve put in. You’ll also learn: The key to keeping your competitive drive in check The surprising thing every great hockey team had in common (which actually had nothing to do with hockey) An inspiring story that shows what effective mentorship looks like The hard reality you need to accept if you want to truly improve

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: Should every leader be in the details of their business? Is it important for leaders to know the history of their company? Is "quality" alone a legitimate business plan? ... BONUS RESOURCE: To gain confidence as a leader, you need a plan for tackling common leadership challenges. My new online course "Taking People With You" will give you practical ways you can resolve issues and keep your team moving forward toward your biggest goals. Get free access here — https://howleaderslead.com/courses/

Today’s guest is Gil Hanse, one of the world’s most sought-after golf course architects.  As the U.S. Open tees off this weekend, his beautiful renovation at the North course of the Los Angeles Country Club will be front and center.  But even if you’re not a golf fan, you can learn a lot when you dig into the creative process behind these golf course designs.  To turn those designs into a reality, it doesn’t just take a big, bold vision. It also takes an incredible attention to detail. And whether you’re trying to build a golf course or build a business … the details matter. Listen to this conversation with Gil and learn how to prioritize details and quality execution, so you can see YOUR big plans turn into reality, too.  You’ll also learn: Two ways to get others on board with your creative vision A practical tip so people will actually listen to your next presentation How execution impacts your strategy – and why you can’t overlook it The attitude you need when you don’t have the proper resources for your job The incredible story of winning the bid for the Olympics golf course in Brazil (hint: he almost didn’t)

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: How can leaders balance being performance-driven and also not lose sight of the personal nature of leadership? How do you figure out what to do first in a turnaround situation? How have you used vulnerability to build trust with your team? ... BONUS RESOURCE: To gain confidence as a leader, you need a plan for tackling common leadership challenges. My new online course "Taking People With You" will give you practical ways you can resolve issues and keep your team moving forward toward your biggest goals. Get free access here — https://howleaderslead.com/courses/

Today’s guest is Oscar Munoz, the former CEO and Chairman of United Airlines. Oscar led United through a massive turnaround. And this conversation is a fascinating, story-filled look at how it happened.  It’s also a great reminder for every leader:  You’ve got to do more than just create smart strategies and solve technical problems.  The real challenge is how you do all that while also reaching the hearts of the people you lead. That was the driving force of the turnaround at United, and it’s true for whatever challenges you’re facing, too.  To make big things happen, you’ve got to appeal to both minds AND hearts. Listen to this conversation and see how it’s done. You’ll also learn: • Why he went “off script” after a high-profile social media disaster • One reason to have tough performance conversations OUTSIDE of traditional reviews • Why Oscar was always the last person to board a flight • What you need to successfully navigate career transitions • The #1 thing to do when you’re in a turnaround situation • The one situation in which growth is NOT the right mindset

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: Is leadership about what David Solomon says "taking people where they don't want to go"? When should you stay in your company and when is it time to go? What should leaders keep top of mind when they decide to adjust the company's strategy? ... BONUS RESOURCE: To gain confidence as a leader, you need a plan for tackling common leadership challenges. My new online course "Taking People With You" will give you practical ways you can resolve issues and keep your team moving forward toward your biggest goals. Get free access here — https://howleaderslead.com/courses/

Every leader feels a pressure to deliver. People want results, and they want them now. Because of that, it’s easy to get short-sighted. Sometimes, we don’t really give ourselves permission to think too far ahead.  But if you want success that’s sustainable, you’ve got to learn how to take a longer view of things.  That’s exactly what you’ll learn from today’s guest, David Solomon. He’s the CEO of Goldman Sachs, one of the most renowned companies in the financial industry. David faces a lot of short-term pressures. But those don’t keep him from looking down the road and taking a long-term approach. In this conversation, you’re gonna learn how it’s done – and why it’s crucial for any leader who wants to build trust and be a part of something that lasts. You’ll also learn: An economic outlook and summary that every leader needs to hear right now 3 questions to evaluate your career path An important mindset shift you need to make if your company operates in multiple divisions Why it’s important to make time for your hobbies (you won’t believe David’s side hustle!) Two keys to success for any small business leader

On this episode of 3 More Questions, you'll hear David Novak's answers to: Do you have any advice for leaders about how to select a business partner? How can leaders overcome the fear of getting started and just do it? Is there a time in your career where you’ve had "strong opinions loosely held" ... or maybe where you've done that poorly? (SPOILER ALERT: he's done it poorly at times and shares those incredible stories) ... BONUS RESOURCE: To gain confidence as a leader, you need a plan for tackling common leadership challenges. My new online course "Taking People With You" will give you practical ways you can resolve issues and keep your team moving forward toward your biggest goals. Get free access here — https://howleaderslead.com/courses/

Today’s episode starts with 20 snakes getting loose in the Houston airport and it only gets better from there!  See what we mean when you listen to today’s episode with Nat Turner. He’s the CEO of Collectors, which helps collectors buy, sell, trade, and even authenticate their collections. Nat is one of those people who has entrepreneurship running through his veins. He has been building businesses since he was 12 years old. And at every point, he has this fearless ability to jump in the deep end and get started with the work, instead of waiting around for perfect timing or the perfect idea. It’s the kind of courage and hard work we can ALL learn a lot from and get inspired by. Listen and see what kind of incredible things can happen in your life when you just get started.  You’ll also learn: The #1 quality to look for in new hires if you want to boost execution The power of an outside perspective when it comes to innovation A practical (and old school!) way to be more observant during the day One question to ask at the end of every meeting when you’re in the discovery process The most dangerous thing once you’ve become successful – and how to avoid it

On 3MQ, we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Justin Thomas, pro golfer and defending PGA Championship winner, to learn even more about how great leaders manage their mindset. ... BONUS RESOURCE: To gain confidence as a leader, you need a plan for tackling common leadership challenges. My new online course "Taking People With You" will give you practical ways you can resolve issues and keep your team moving forward toward your biggest goals. Get free access here — https://howleaderslead.com/courses/

The PGA Championship tees off today at Oak Hill East in Rochester! And if you were watching this event last year, then you got to see today’s guest, Justin Thomas, make an absolutely epic comeback. He came from seven strokes back to win in a playoff and notch his second win at a Major. He’s an extraordinary player who knows the importance of managing his own mindset out on the course.  That’s true for great golfers … and it’s just as true for great leaders. You’ve got to understand how much your mentality affects your performance and your team. If you’re not intentional about what’s going on inside your own head, it can cost you.  Whether you’re a golf fan or not, Justin has so many great insights that will help you manage your own mindset better. You’ll also learn: How to stay positive and yet learn from failures The mentality you need to play from behind – whether on the golf course or at work How to manage your nerves in pressure-packed situations Why a results-oriented approach to goal-setting can actually help you achieve more The powerful advice Justin got from Tom Brady that helped him snap out of a funk  A funny story that shows what it’s like to be Tiger Woods’ partner on the golf course

On 3MQ, we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Bonnie Hill, the co-founder of Icon Blue who's also served on over a dozen Fortune 500 boards, to learn even more about how great leaders set a tone of respect. ... BONUS RESOURCE: To gain confidence as a leader, you need a plan for tackling common leadership challenges. My new online course "Taking People With You" will give you practical ways you can resolve issues and keep your team moving forward toward your biggest goals. Get free access here — https://howleaderslead.com/courses/

Today’s guest is Bonnie Hill, Cofounder of Icon Blue, a brand marketing company based in L.A.  Bonnie has had an incredibly varied and successful career, leading in practically every area – business, government, education, and philanthropy.  She’s also served on over a dozen corporate boards – including Yum’s, where she and David got to work together.  She’s accomplished so much in her career – and she has gleaned so much about what great leaders and great organizations have in common. In this conversation, you’ll hear an absolute goldmine of wisdom and big insights.  You’ll also hear how Bonnie puts a high priority on respect.  When respect is your guiding principle, it’s a game changer. You listen more closely. Your awareness and understanding go to another level. You can navigate conflicts and tough situations. And ultimately, you earn the respect of everyone around you, too, just like Bonnie has.  You’ll also learn: How to excel in a role that seems outside of your comfort zone The most important thing to do when you start a new leadership position One common trap that causes leaders to get off track – and how to avoid it Three practical ways to lead calmly in tense or charged situations Unmissable wisdom for women and minority leaders

On 3MQ, we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Bill Farish, Founder of Woodford Racing and GM of Lane’s End Farm, to learn even more about how great leaders invest in their industry. ... BONUS RESOURCE: To gain confidence as a leader, you need a plan for tackling common leadership challenges. My new online course "Taking People With You" will give you practical ways you can resolve issues and keep your team moving forward toward your biggest goals. Get free access here — https://howleaderslead.com/courses/

Just in time for this Saturday’s Kentucky Derby, today’s guest is Bill Farish. He’s the founder of Woodford Racing and the general manager of Lane’s End Farm, one of the world’s premier thoroughbred breeding farms. Their horse Charismatic actually won the Derby in 1999. And just last year, their horse Flightline won the 2022 Breeders’ Cup by a record distance.  This conversation will give you a rare, close-up look into the world of horse racing. But it will also give you a close-up look at a REALLY special leader.  For all his success and world-class reputation, Bill is an incredibly humble guy with the heart of a genuine caretaker. He loves his work. He loves his horses – his athletes, as he rightfully calls them. He loves to see the people he hires succeed. And he’s trying to leave his industry better than he found it.  It’s the kind of quietly outstanding leadership that we don’t always see elevated or showcased, but it teaches us SO much about what it really looks like to lead well.  Plus, he gives us HIS pick for the horse he’s backing this weekend, and you do NOT want to miss that!  You’ll also learn: Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about horse racing, ownership, and breeding The #1 thing you need to do as a leader to create alignment and ownership One hiring practice that can help you attract great talent (but it has a downside, too) Practical advice for working in a family business What it was like to host the Queen of England at his farm

Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Michael Walrath, Chairman and CEO of Yext, to learn even more about how great leaders build what's missing. ... BONUS RESOURCE: To gain confidence as a leader, you need a plan for tackling common leadership challenges. My new online course "Taking People With You" will give you practical ways you can resolve issues and keep your team moving forward toward your biggest goals. Get free access here — https://howleaderslead.com/courses/

Today’s guest is Michael Walrath, Chairman and CEO of Yext, and a remarkable entrepreneur. In three years, he built a $35 million company called Right Media – and then sold it to Yahoo for almost $800 million.  No doubt about it – those are some impressive numbers.  But when you dig a little deeper, what makes Michael truly impressive is how he’s found lessons and growth and opportunities along the way.  He is always looking for what’s missing and how he can build it.  If you can see what problems haven’t been solved yet – for your industry, your customers, or even your team – and then build something to solve it, you’re going to find success. It’s a vital skill for entrepreneurs and every other kind of leader. Listen to this conversation with Michael and see how it’s done.  You’ll also learn: Why organizations in turmoil can be fantastic learning opportunities A process you can use to navigate change The #1 piece of advice for entrepreneurs when building a product The surprising advantage you have if your career path hasn’t been a straight line  Why your point of view on humanity impacts your success as a leader

Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Annie Young-Scrivner, CEO of Wella, to learn even more about why you should surround yourself with different perspectives. ... BONUS RESOURCE: To gain confidence as a leader, you need a plan for tackling common leadership challenges. My new online course "Taking People With You" will give you practical ways you can resolve issues and keep your team moving forward toward your biggest goals. Get free access here — https://howleaderslead.com/courses/

Today’s guest is Annie Young-Scrivner, CEO of Wella, one of the world’s top beauty companies.  Annie is a seasoned leader with a phenomenal track record of growth in her prior roles at Godiva, Starbucks, and PepsiCo. You don’t get that kind of consistency without being a strong leader. And one thing that makes Annie a strong leader is that she intentionally surrounds herself with diverse perspectives. Even more importantly, she really listens and learns from them.  It’s a must-have skill for leaders. You’ve got to seek out people who see things differently than you if you want to make better decisions, build stronger teams, and really push yourself and your organization to grow.  Listen to this conversation to see how it’s done.  You’ll also learn: Three practical tips to manage people who are older than you  Specific questions to ask in order to understand and grow a business Priceless advice for perfectionists who feel like they need to have all the answers Why every leader needs an external network – and how to develop it One idea to use next time you present over Zoom to ensure you connect with your team

Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Chris Gheysens, the President and CEO of Wawa, to dive even deeper into the idea of why when you do the right thing, the right things happen. ... BONUS RESOURCE: To gain confidence as a leader, you need a plan for tackling common leadership challenges. My new online course "Taking People With You" will give you practical ways you can resolve issues and keep your team moving forward toward your biggest goals. Get free access here — https://howleaderslead.com/courses/

Today’s guest is Chris Gheysens, the President and CEO of Wawa.  If you’ve spent time in the Philadelphia area, you know: Wawa is one of the most beloved convenience store chains in America. Chris has been with Wawa for more than 25 years, and he has played a huge role in growing Wawa to what it is today.  He believes that putting customers and employees first – truly taking care of people – is the key to scaling a successful business. In other words, when you do the right thing, the right things happen.  If you want to learn how to operationalize that big idea… If you want to build a people-first culture… If you’re trying to scale something without losing that human element… Then this is the episode for you!  You’ll also learn: What to prioritize when you’re scaling a people-first culture The importance of storytelling to growing an organization  Two key advantages of an employee-owned company When to honor tradition versus when to innovate  Why knowing your authentic self is key to long-term career satisfaction

Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Uri Levine, co-founder of Waze, to learn even more about why you shouldn't be afraid to fail. ... BONUS RESOURCE: To gain confidence as a leader, you need a plan for tackling common leadership challenges. My new online course "Taking People With You" will give you practical ways you can resolve issues and keep your team moving forward toward your biggest goals. Get free access here — https://howleaderslead.com/courses/

Today’s guest is Uri Levine, the co-founder of the navigation app Waze. Get this: Uri has built not ONE but TWO companies that have reached a valuation of one billion dollars without going public. That is some rarified air among entrepreneurs!  He’s passionate about using technology to solve real-world problems that actually make people’s lives better. And he knows exactly what it takes to do it!  But – as you’ll hear in this conversation – for all his success, Uri is not afraid to fail.  Because let's face it, in business, things don't always go according to plan. But if we can learn to see failure as a valuable experience and use it to our advantage, we can achieve amazing things. You’ll also learn: • A practical idea to help you build a better culture • The #1 reason entrepreneurs say their startup failed – and how to avoid it • The question you need to ask yourself 30 days after each new hire • Game-changing insights to help you find your product market fit • Three tips to manage your boss (or your board)

In this episode, we take all the great wisdom from the last three months and highlight the most impactful takeaways for you. ... BONUS RESOURCE: To gain confidence as a leader, you need a plan for tackling common leadership challenges. My new online course "Taking People With You" will give you practical ways you can resolve issues and keep your team moving forward toward your biggest goals. Get free access here — https://howleaderslead.com/courses/

Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Dawn Hudson, the former President and CEO of Pepsi-Cola North America and former CMO of the NFL, to learn even more about why you should evolve your culture. ... BONUS RESOURCE: To gain confidence as a leader, you need a plan for tackling common leadership challenges. My new online course "Taking People With You" will give you practical ways you can resolve issues and keep your team moving forward toward your biggest goals. Get free access here — https://howleaderslead.com/courses/

Today’s guest is Dawn Hudson, the former President and CEO of Pepsi-Cola North America and former CMO of the NFL.  Now, you don’t work for Pepsi unless you love competition. And Dawn absolutely has that competitive drive to keep pushing for better ideas and bigger impact. But she’s also passionate about helping leaders build cultures that allow EVERYONE to win.  We may not even realize the ways we’ve allowed assumptions and biases to shape our team’s culture. But they’re real. If we aren’t intentional about eliminating them, they can hamper the growth of our people – and the growth of our organizations, too.  Like every great leader, Dawn understands the power of a strong, diverse culture where everyone can win – and this conversation is full of practical ways YOU can build one. You’ll also learn: • Small ways our language can create gender bias in the workplace • Why you have to pay closer attention to your work culture, especially right now • What “office housework” is and what every leader needs to know about it  • Key insights into generational shifts in consumers • What every woman needs to hear before her next performance review

Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Jay Bilas, an outstanding basketball analyst for ESPN, to learn even more about why you should put substance before style. ... BONUS RESOURCE: To gain confidence as a leader, you need a plan for tackling common leadership challenges. My new online course "Taking People With You" will give you practical ways you can resolve issues and keep your team moving forward toward your biggest goals. Get free access here — https://howleaderslead.com/courses/

As the NCAA March Madness tournament kicks off this week, David talks with ESPN basketball analyst Jay Bilas.  Jay knows the game inside and out. And he has a way with words that really draws you into the game. He’s a master of his craft because he truly honors the work he does – and the work of those around him.  As you’ll hear in this episode, he is thoughtful with his opinions. He is deliberate about his work. And in his words, he has stuck to the substance of the job rather than the flash of it.  In this episode, you’ll hear how to put substance before style – and so much more – including some great stories about Coach K and Michael Jordan from Jay’s years playing at Duke. You’ll also learn: • Three questions you can ask yourself whenever someone gives you criticism • The tactics he learned to motivate and instruct others while playing for Coach K  • A powerful analogy that can help any team work better together • What kind of upsets we can expect in this year’s March Madness tournament

Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Ray Scott, President & CEO of the Lear Corporation, to learn even more about why you should never lose sight of what’s next. ... BONUS RESOURCE: To gain confidence as a leader, you need a plan for tackling common leadership challenges. My new online course "Taking People With You" will give you practical ways you can resolve issues and keep your team moving forward toward your biggest goals. Get free access here — https://howleaderslead.com/courses/

Today’s guest is Ray Scott, President & CEO of the Lear Corporation. If you’re thinking of jets, think again. This Lear Corporation works in the automotive industry, providing seating and electronic systems to major companies like GM, Ford, BMW and Mercedes. They were also just named one of Fortune’s most admired companies. Since he took over in 2018, Ray has led through COVID, supply chain issues, inflation, and rising fuel prices. It’s really been one challenge after another – maybe you can relate! But Ray hasn’t let those short-term pressures keep him from focusing on long-term strategy. He knows how critical is it to keep innovating and planning so they can be successful when they *do* get out of those tough short-term situations. He’s got some really practical advice for you, too, so hit play on this episode and see the kind of successful culture you can build when you never lose sight of what’s next. You’ll also learn: • The kind of opportunities to look for if you’re ready to grow as a leader • A practical way to structure teams so you balance short-term and long-term thinking • The kind of answer you need to watch out for (and confront) in your next meeting • Why you need to STOP hiring people who think like you • The jaw-dropping innovations coming soon to the seats in your car

Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Dr. John Noseworthy, CEO Emeritus of Mayo Clinic to learn even more about improving what’s already working. ... BONUS RESOURCE: To gain confidence as a leader, you need a plan for tackling common leadership challenges. My new online course "Taking People With You" will give you practical ways you can resolve issues and keep your team moving forward toward your biggest goals. Get free access here — https://howleaderslead.com/courses/

Today’s guest is Dr. John Noseworthy, CEO Emeritus of Mayo Clinic. People come from all over the world to get treatment at the Mayo Clinic. It’s always ranked at or near the top of the best hospitals in the country.  And it takes a special leader to step into an established organization with a sterling reputation – and make it even better. And Dr. Noseworthy is a special leader! He knew it was critical not only to keep that level of excellence but also to build on it. In his ten years at the helm, he relentlessly drove out inefficiency and waste. That freed up resources they could reinvest in even more of the research and care they’re known for.  Now, it wasn’t easy. Change never is! And that’s especially true in an organization like Mayo where people already feel like things are working well. But a great leader drives change even in high performing organizations. Listen to learn how John does it, and how you can do it, too. You’ll also learn: How to spot and eliminate inefficiency, even in a high-performing culture Advice for young people who want to find a satisfying career  Practical tips for helping subject-matter experts understand business principles What he would do about the US healthcare system if he had a magic wand

Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Junior Bridgeman, former NBA player and leading entrepreneur to learn even more about how to go farther together. ... BONUS RESOURCE: To gain confidence as a leader, you need a plan for tackling common leadership challenges. My new online course "Taking People With You" will give you practical ways you can resolve issues and keep your team moving forward toward your biggest goals. Get free access here — https://howleaderslead.com/courses/

Today’s guest is Junior Bridgeman, a former NBA player who’s now one of the greatest entrepreneurs in our country. When he retired from the NBA after twelve years, he jumped headfirst into the restaurant business. He eventually owned 450 Wendy’s locations all over the country. And now he's doing it all again, becoming one of the leading Coke bottlers in the U.S. and all of Canada.  And if all that weren’t enough, in 2020, he surprised a lot of people when he bought Jet and Ebony after they went into bankruptcy. But as you’ll hear him talk about, Junior sees the opportunity to preserve and amplify the stories those magazines have told over the years – something that’s so important year round but is especially top of mind right now during Black History Month.  In fact, Junior was recently honored with Louisville’s prestigious Keepers of the Dream Freedom Award for all the ways he exemplifies the ideals of Martin Luther King, Jr. So, it’s easy to see why Junior Bridgeman is the real deal! And at every step along the way – from playing basketball, to serving his community, to building these incredibly successful businesses – he is ALL about the power of teamwork.  As leaders, we use the word “team” a lot, but when you listen to Junior, you realize that true teamwork doesn’t just happen because you’ve assembled a group of people together. It has to be nurtured and led. You’ll hear exactly what Junior does to create that kind of teamwork-driven culture where people feel cared for, and where they’re motivated to go farther, together, than they ever could have by themselves. You’ll also learn: The practical strategy he used to turn around low-performing stores Advice for leaders who are naturally quiet or introverted How to build a culture where people are truly cared for The key mindset shift every entrepreneur needs to be successful Behind-the-scenes stories of playing with some NBA legends of the 70s and 80s

Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Bill Rhodes, the CEO of AutoZone, to learn even more about how to value those you lead. If you want a simple plan to improve as a leader, sign up here and I'll send a weekly email right to your inbox. By reading these emails each and every week and applying the simple lessons, you'll build the confidence you need to lead well! https://howleaderslead.com/plan

Today’s guest is Bill Rhodes, the CEO and Executive Chairman of AutoZone. Get this: AutoZone is one of the only companies around who has grown both their earnings per share AND their revenue EVERY year for the past TWENTY years. That kind of consistency is just remarkable. But you won’t hear Bill take the credit for it. For him, it is all about his team and what they can do together.  He’s got this deep and genuine admiration for his people, whom he calls AutoZoners. That respect drives how he makes decisions, implements, finds and trains talent, and more. When we truly respect those we lead, we see leadership for the privilege it really is. It’s the secret to getting big things done – and to getting the kind of growth we all want to have.  You’ll also learn: The surprising benefit of a company culture that’s not for everybody How to grow both a retail and wholesale business A practical idea to help you find great team members (even in a tough labor market) What “executive courage” means and how it can change your approach to decisions How golf helped Bill get his foot in the door at a top accounting firm

Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Dr. Condoleezza Rice, former Secretary of State and National Security Advisor, to learn even more about how to play to your strengths. If you want a simple plan to improve as a leader, you can get one here for free — https://howleaderslead.com/plan

Today’s guest is Dr. Condoleezza Rice, the former U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor. She’s undoubtedly one of our nation’s most admired and successful leaders. These days, she’s the Director of the Hoover Institution at Stanford and recently became a part owner in the Denver Broncos, where she led the hiring effort for their new head coach. It’s not every day that you get to learn from a leader who’s negotiated with Vladimir Putin and performed a piano concert for the Queen of England!  There is so much we can learn from Condi’s remarkable leadership skills. And while she is incredibly humble, she also knows how to play to her strengths.  She understands her unique skills and contributions. And she steps into any situation with a firm grasp on how she can apply those strengths and get the right outcome.  Now, that’s something that all great leaders need to understand.  You’ll also learn: Practical advice for making tough decisions One key aspect of smart diplomacy every leader can put to use The three qualities you should look for in a mentor The mindset you need when you’re the one who’s “different” from everyone else The leadership traits she looked for in the new coach for the Denver Broncos

Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Dr. Holly Andersen, the renowned cardiologist and founder of the Hands Only CPR movement, to learn even more about how to use passion to drive change. If you want a simple plan to improve as a leader, you can get one here for free — https://howleaderslead.com/plan

Today’s guest is Dr. Holly Andersen. She’s a renowned cardiologist at New York Presbyterian Hospital and the founder of the Hands Only CPR movement. She is on a mission to make sure everybody knows how to help someone in cardiac arrest. Because, as you’ll hear today, we can save a lot of lives if ordinary people like you and me know what to do when that happens. Unfortunately, most people don’t … and it’s not easy to create the kind of awareness you need to change that. But Holly is an extraordinary leader. She is passionate about this mission. And she knows how to leverage that passion in order to drive change and action. Now that’s a skill every great leader needs to master – and this episode will help you do it! You’ll also learn: One practical way you can naturally teach your team more in your day to day work What to do when you have to deliver bad news Tips for motivating stubborn people How to bring awareness to your big goals >>> LEARN HANDS ONLY CPR [30 seconds]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsH7l5jkanY

Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Bernie Marcus, Co-founder of The Home Depot, to learn even more about how to do what's GREAT for customers. If you want a simple plan to improve as a leader, you can get one here for free — https://howleaderslead.com/plan

Today I’m joined by Bernie Marcus, the cofounder of The Home Depot. At 93 years young, Bernie is an absolute icon. The Home Depot broke the mold for retail and is continuing to succeed where lots of other retailers are struggling. And you can really understand why when you spend time with Bernie. From the very beginning, he made decisions based on what’s great for the customer. Because for Bernie, customer service isn’t just a transaction. It’s a relationship. If you want to succeed in your work, you’ve got to take care of your customers and do right by them. And this conversation is gonna get your wheels turning with ideas to do just that. And it’s gonna have you laughing, because, I gotta tell ya, Bernie has got some incredible stories! So here is my conversation with my good friend – and soon to be yours – the one and only Bernie Marcus.

Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Carol Tomé, the CEO of UPS, to learn even more about how to see people as an investment, not an expense. If you want a simple plan to improve as a leader, you can get one here for free — https://howleaderslead.com/plan

My guest today is Carol Tomé, the CEO of UPS. And let me tell you, there aren’t a lot of leaders out there who have the smarts and empathy and energy that Carol has.  She actually retired in 2019 after nearly two decades as the CFO of The Home Depot. She was already a legend. But then, the opportunity to take the helm at UPS came along. It got her out of retirement and back doing what she loves – which is helping people develop. And boy, does that passion for people come through in this conversation. But that’s not the only thing. You can also hear just how committed Carol is to being financially successful. If you’ve ever felt like you had to choose between focusing on your people or making money, then keep listening. Carol is proof positive that you can do both. Everything changes when you see your people as an investment – not an expense. It’s such a powerful mindset, and it’s one YOU can learn from Carol right now. So here is my conversation with my good friend – and soon to be yours – Carol Tomé.

Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Chris Kempczinski, the President and CEO of McDonald's to learn even more about how to make your key strategies more memorable. If you want a simple plan to improve as a leader, you can get one here for free — https://howleaderslead.com/plan

I gotta make a little confession. Back when I was the CEO of Yum! Brands, my team and I would do what we called McDonald’s Immersion Days. We just went into McDonald’s restaurants for the whole day and observed all the smart things they were doing. Then we’d figure out how we could make those smart ideas work at KFC, Taco Bell, or Pizza Hut. That’s just how much we admired McDonald’s. These days, McDonald’s is still at the top of their game – and I’m honored to have McDonald’s President and CEO, Chris Kempczinski, joining me today. As you’ll hear in this conversation, Chris leads in the real world. He’s not the kind of guy who’s just locked away in an office lost in data and paperwork and big-picture strategies. In fact, he believes that your strategies really don’t count for much unless they’re actually showing up in the day-to-day operation of your business. And when you listen to this conversation, you will learn a LOT about how to take a smart strategy and then actually make it memorable and easy for everyone to implement.  So here is my conversation with my good friend – and soon to be yours – Chris Kempczinski.

Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Tyler Toney and Coby Cotton, two of the Co-founders of Dude Perfect, in order to learn even more about how to prioritize quality over quantity. If you want a simple plan to improve as a leader, you can get one here for free — https://howleaderslead.com/plan

Today I’m talking with Tyler Toney and Coby Cotton, two of the five “dudes” who created Dude Perfect. They have racked up over 15 billion views on YouTube – yup, that’s billions, with a b – and have built an incredible business with live shows, merchandise, and more. And I gotta tell ya, my wife Wendy and I have been watching a ton of their videos to prep for this interview and I don’t think we’ve ever laughed so hard!  But behind all the trick shots and stereotype videos, Dude Perfect is a serious brand and a fast-growing company. These five friends have been partners for thirteen years – and in a space where attention tends to be pretty fleeting, that’s some serious longevity.  What I love is how they prioritize quality above quantity. They’re really selective whenever they vet content ideas and sponsorship opportunities. And that’s helped them build a brand that people truly trust and keep coming back to. If you want to build something that lasts, then keep listening, because boy, you are going to learn a ton. So here is my conversation with my good friends – and soon to be yours – Ty and Coby from Dude Perfect! -- Do you want to find more joy in your life and career this year? I've got a book that will teach you the tools for coaching yourself to success in 2023. Just go to https://takechargeofyou.com/guide

With this being the last episode of 2022, we’re going to have some fun listening to and reflecting on some of the best insights from the podcast this year.  And I’ve gotta tell you, picking clips was as difficult for me as trying to pick my favorite day of the week to play golf! These episodes are all like my children — I love every one of them and they’ve all got great insights on business and leadership. But we had to choose, so let’s dig into some of the best insights of the year.

Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Eric Wood, the former NFL center for the Buffalo Bills and author of the great new book, Tackle What's Next, to learn even more about how to develop positive habits. If you want a simple plan to improve as a leader, you can get one here for free — https://howleaderslead.com/plan

Well, my guest today is Eric Wood, who is a former NFL center for the Buffalo Bills. Eric was in the prime of his career in 2017 when he was forced to retire due to a neck injury.  Now, for a lot of people, that would have been an absolutely crushing blow. But as you’ll hear today, Eric has navigated this big life and career transition with an incredible positive mindset.  Now, let’s be honest, sometimes you talk to optimistic people and it’s all just puppies and rainbows. But Eric doesn’t ignore the tough stuff. He just has a different perspective on it. For him, things don’t happen to us, they happen for us. We can develop that mindset, too – by creating positive habits of gratitude, learning, and generosity.  You’re gonna be so encouraged by this conversation, especially if you’re going through any kind of transition right now. So here is my conversation with my good friend – and soon to be yours – Eric Wood.

Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Lindsay Tjepkema, the Co-founder and CEO of Casted, to learn even more about how to focus on making a human connection in a data-driven world. If you want a simple plan to improve as a leader, you can get one here for free — https://howleaderslead.com/plan

Well, my guest today is Lindsay Tjepkema, and she is the CEO and Co-founder of a company called Casted. Their whole mission is to help businesses understand the return they’re getting from podcasts and other amplified marketing channels. Now, clearly you and I both love podcasts. And so does Lindsay. For her, they forge a connection like nothing else can. Every marketer needs to find ways to connect with customers on that human level. And so does every leader.  When you focus on connection – both in your marketing and in your leadership – you’re gonna unlock a whole new level of trust and growth in your business. Lindsay is proof positive that it works. Plus, she’s got a ton of practical advice if you want to up your podcasting game!  So without further ado, here is my conversation with my good friend – and soon to be yours – Lindsay Tjepkema. -- If you want a simple plan to improve as a leader, you can get one here for free — https://howleaderslead.com/plan

Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Steve Holmes, the Non-Executive Chairman of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and Travel + Leisure Co., to learn even more about how to create consistency through your core values. If you want a simple plan to improve as a leader, you can get one here for free — https://howleaderslead.com/plan

Today’s guest is Steve Holmes, the Non-Executive Chairman of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and Travel + Leisure Co. When I think about Steve’s career, the word that comes to mind for me is consistency. With Steve, you know what you’re going to get. He has a set of core values that he brings to any role. He has lived by them in every company he’s ever worked at, whether he’s crunching numbers in finance as the CFO or growing Wyndham as its Chief Executive Officer. Steve reminds me that the truly great leaders I know aren’t just great for a while, or in one place, or only in good times. They consistently deliver excellence no matter what circumstances they’re in, and they do so in a way that’s consistent with the values they have. If you want to bring that same stability to your leadership, keep listening. Steve will show you how to be more consistent by defining your core values and then living them out. So here is my conversation with my good friend – and soon to be yours – Steve Holmes. -- If you want a simple plan to improve as a leader, you can get one here for free — https://howleaderslead.com/plan

Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with David Gibbs, the CEO of Yum! Brands, to learn even more about how to flip the script and move forward in tough situations. If you want a simple plan to improve as a leader, you can get one here for free — https://howleaderslead.com/plan

Today’s guest is David Gibbs, the CEO of Yum! Brands. That’s Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, KFC and The Habit Burger Grill. And yes, it’s also my former job! David is doing some incredible things to continue to drive big growth at Yum! Brands. And as you’re about to hear, he has a unique mentality that helps him do it. You see, David stepped into the role as CEO back in January of 2020 and was immediately faced with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. But throughout his career, when David has found himself in challenging situations, he looks for the opportunities. For the upside. For what’s positive. And if you’ve got that ability to reframe a situation, well, you’ve got the key to unlocking growth – for your business, for your team members, and for yourself too!  When you listen to David, you can’t help but learn that you can inspire others and drive big growth when you flip the script in a tough situation. So here is my conversation with my good friend – and soon to be yours – David Gibbs.

Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Edward Lee — celebrity chef, author, and restaurateur — to learn even more about how to show others they matter. If you want a simple plan to improve as a leader, you can get one here for free — https://howleaderslead.com/plan

Well, it’s Thanksgiving, and since we’re gathering together this week for quality time and quality food, it’s the perfect chance for us to learn some leadership lessons from my favorite chef, Edward Lee.  You know, when people come to visit us here in Louisville and they ask where they should eat, I always recommend Edward Lee’s restaurant 620 Magnolia. His food is incredible and I gotta say, his carrot cake is absolutely out of this world. On top of being a successful restaurateur, he’s also competed on Top Chef, written two wonderful books, and has even been nominated for an Emmy! Really, he’s built a thriving career in an industry that can be pretty cutthroat – and he’s done it by showing people how much they matter. When he prepares a dish, when he’s talking to his staff, he treats every single person as an individual. People matter, and when you can show YOUR people that they matter to you, well, that’s the hallmark of a great leader. Keep listening to see how it’s done.  So here is my conversation with my good friend – and soon to be yours – Edward Lee.

Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Gayle Troberman, President and CMO of iHeartMedia, about how to fight to bring big ideas to life in your company. If you want a simple plan to improve as a leader, you can get one here for free — https://howleaderslead.com/plan

You know, for us leaders, there’s just nothing quite as exciting as a good idea. But for a lot of leaders, what comes next is a real struggle. They’ve got a good idea, but they don’t know how to build traction for it and give it the buy-in it deserves.  That’s why I’m excited for you to hear from Gayle Troberman today. She’s the President and Chief Marketing Officer of iHeartMedia. They’ve got eight hundred and fifty broadcast stations putting music, news, and podcasts in the ears of 90% of Americans. For Gayle, that means a whole lotta opportunities to find great ideas. And boy, she’s doing just that. She is a vibrant, creative leader – but she doesn’t just have good ideas. She knows how to elicit those ideas from her team. And she knows how to make sure they actually get traction and become reality.  If you want to see how to fight for big ideas, then keep listening, because here is my conversation with my good friend – and soon to be yours – Gayle Troberman.

Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Lt Col Dan Rooney, Founder and CEO of Folds of Honor to learn even more about how to embrace challenges in order to ascend. If you want a simple plan to improve as a leader, you can get one here for free — https://howleaderslead.com/plan

Today’s guest is Lieutenant Colonel Dan Rooney, a highly decorated Air Force fighter pilot, and the founder and CEO of Folds of Honor. Now, Folds of Honor is an amazing nonprofit that gives scholarships to family members whose loved ones have died or become disabled while serving in the Armed Forces. And – get this – they just expanded their mission to include first responders as well. You know, Dan is just the perfect person to talk to this week as we’re reflecting on Veterans’ Day and all the incredible sacrifices our military servicemen and women have made for our freedom. Dan’s got the kind of leadership wisdom you can only earn when you’re flying through a dust storm in Iraq going a thousand miles an hour with the wing of your aircraft literally six inches away from your buddy’s.  I mean, the stakes are high and the challenges are nonstop – but hey, that’s where great leaders shine. We’re defined by how we respond when we face tough moments. In this conversation, Dan shares how we can actually be ready for those difficult times, embrace them, and come through them even stronger.  So here is my conversation with my good friend – and soon to be yours – Dan Rooney. --- If you want a plan to help you improve as a leader each week, you can get a free one here at https://howleaderslead.com/plan/

Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Oz Pearlman, the nation's top professional mentalist, to learn even more about how to create memorable moments for your customers and improve as a communicator and leader. If you want a simple plan to improve as a leader, you can get one here for free — https://howleaderslead.com/plan

Well, buckle up, everybody, because today I’m talking with the country’s top mentalist, Oz Pearlman. He entertains NFL teams and big corporations with astounding tricks that make it seem like he’s actually reading minds. And you know what, he even does one of his tricks with me during this episode, and it’s honestly going to blow your mind. Let’s be honest – it’s one thing to have this incredible skill that Oz has. But it’s a whole other thing to turn that skill into an incredible business. Oz has done just that, and he’s done it by taking risks, honing his craft, and being incredibly strategic about his brand.  Most of all, though, he makes sure that every performance is about his audience, NOT about him. He doesn’t want to show off. He wants to give every person in his audience a memorable moment – and that’s why he’s one of the most in-demand performers around. Oz is gonna inspire you to create more memorable moments for your customers … PLUS he’s gonna make you think more about who you are, what your brand is, and how you can be an even better leader. So without further ado here is my conversation with my good friend and soon to be yours, Oz Pearlman. --- If you want a plan to help you improve as a leader each week, you can get a free one here at https://howleaderslead.com/plan/

Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Jim Weber, the CEO of Brooks Running, to learn even more about mastering the power of focus. If you want a simple plan to improve as a leader, you can get one here for free — https://howleaderslead.com/plan

Let me ask you, have you felt stuck not knowing how to prioritize areas of your business? It’s hard to figure out what’s worth focusing on and what isn’t. And hey, let’s face it, it’s tempting to chase every shiny new opportunity that comes along! But when you listen to today’s episode, you’ll see that some pretty incredible things can happen in your business when you understand the power of focus.  My guest today is Jim Weber, the CEO of Brooks Running. When he took over 20 years ago, they were trying to compete in every athletic category – and they were losing 4 or 5 million bucks a year doing it. Jim said, "Hey, let’s focus on ONE category – running – and let’s master it." And at first, the business shrank. But the very next year, the strategy was working. Now, they’ve crossed over the 1 billion dollar milestone in revenue. And they’ve got an extremely loyal customer base of runners, including my daughter Ashley, who ran a half marathon in Brooks!  It all started with the power of focusing on a single type of customer. If you want to learn how it happened – and how to use the power of focus in your business – well, keep listening! Here is my conversation with my good friend – and soon to be yours – Jim Weber.

Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Maritza Montiel, former Deputy CEO and Vice Chairman of Deloitte, to learn how to summon the courage to take on big challenges. If you want a simple plan to improve as a leader, you can get one here for free — https://howleaderslead.com/plan

I hate to break it to you, but you won’t make it very far as a leader unless you know how to summon courage. See, leaders have to speak their minds. They gotta get out of their comfort zone. They gotta take risks and dream big. All of that takes courage, and lots of it!  That’s why I’m so excited for you to hear from today’s guest, Maritza Montiel, who has GOT to be one of the most courageous leaders I know. She’s the former Deputy CEO and Vice Chairman of Deloitte and has blazed a trail as one of the most accomplished and admired women in corporate leadership. She believes we all have courage, and when you can tap into it, you can dream bigger, learn more from failure, take charge of your own career, and so much more. So here is my conversation with my good friend – and soon to be yours – Maritza Montiel.

Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Peyton Manning, the legendary NFL quarterback, to learn even more about how to be guided by authenticity as a leader. If you want a simple plan to improve as a leader, you can get one here for free — https://howleaderslead.com/plan

Today’s guest hardly needs an introduction because joining me is legendary quarterback Peyton Manning. After his extraordinary career in the NFL, Peyton is now succeeding in the business world – leading his own production house, bourbon brand, charitable foundation … I mean, is there anything this guy can’t do!? But here’s what I really love about Peyton: no matter what he does, he leads with authenticity. He doesn’t feel like he has to know all the answers in these new ventures. He’s comfortable asking questions and getting his team on board to figure out solutions. That authenticity also helps him know when to say yes to an opportunity – and when to pass when it doesn’t work for him and his family. In fact, he decided against a traditional broadcast career for that very reason. Instead, he and his brother Eli host the “Manningcast,” which is an alternate live broadcast of Monday Night Football with famous guests and lots of candid conversations. It’s creating a TON of buzz and even took home a Sports Emmy. People are drawn to the authenticity in the Manningcast and in Peyton’s leadership style. That’s why it’s so darn important for us to learn from leaders who aren’t afraid to be themselves. So here is my conversation with my good friend…and soon to be yours…Peyton Manning.

Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Geoff Yang, the Founding Partner and Managing Director of Redpoint Ventures, to learn even more about how to assess people for the skills and traits your team needs. If you want a simple plan to improve as a leader, you can get one here for free — https://howleaderslead.com/plan

Today’s guest is my friend Geoff Yang, the founding partner and managing director of Redpoint Ventures. He’s a legendary venture capitalist who’s backed companies like Stripe, Netflix, Sonos, and DraftKings … just to name a few. I gotta say, Geoff really knows how to spot what ideas are gonna catch on. And in this conversation, we go into detail about what he looks for in a new idea and the big trends he’s excited about. But Geoff doesn’t just assess the ideas. He assesses the people behind them. He has to decide whether an entrepreneur has what it takes to turn that idea into a thriving company.  So he’s become an expert at knowing exactly what traits great entrepreneurs have. And he’s gotten really good at assessing whether or not someone has them. That’s a skill EVERY leader needs because the consequences of making a poor assessment of talent and character can be pretty darn painful. But Geoff is proof positive that amazing things happen when we get it right.  So if you want to know how to assess people, then you will love this conversation with my good friend, and soon to be yours, Geoff Yang.

Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Brian Cornell, the Chairman and CEO of Target, to learn even more about how to manage your energy for peak performance as a leader. If you want a simple plan to improve as a leader, you can get one here for free — https://howleaderslead.com/plan

As a leader, you face long days, tough decisions, and constant pressure. And you want to navigate it all with courage and creativity and all the other great qualities we talk about here on the podcast. But to do ALL that, day in and day out, you need one thing: energy! And lots of it. Without it, you just won’t have the strength and stamina it takes to inspire others. If you want to become a great leader, you have to know how to manage your mental and physical energy. Fortunately, today’s guest is the perfect person to help you learn how. I’m talking with Brian Cornell, who has served as the Chairman and CEO of Target for the last eight years. I gotta tell ya, he is so upbeat and positive. He is ALWAYS dialed in. And it’s that unrelenting energy that has helped him lead Target as they’ve navigated massive retail challenges and come out even stronger. He’s going to inspire you with his energy – and he’s also going to tell you exactly what changed 15 years ago when he started to manage it differently. So here is my conversation with my good friend, and soon to be yours, Brian Cornell.

Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Stan Druckenmiller, the #1 investor in the world. Listen in to hear even more about how to see the future differently and make more strategic investments in business, philanthropy, and life. If you want a simple plan to improve as a leader, you can get one here for free — https://howleaderslead.com/plan

Welcome to How Leaders Lead where every week, you get to listen in while I interview some of the VERY best leaders in the world. I break down the key learnings so that by the end of the episode, you’ll have something simple you can apply as you develop into a better leader. That’s what this podcast is all about! Today’s guest is Stanley Druckenmiller, the #1 investor in the world. I know, that’s a big claim! But get this: during his 30 years managing money for investors, he had an average annual return of 31%. And he NEVER had a down year. So if you’re even a little interested in finance, you’re going to learn a lot from Stan – including some really practical investment advice and his take on the future of our economy. But more importantly, there’s a huge leadership lesson to learn. Stan isn’t afraid to envision the future differently than other people. He can see trends and patterns others can’t – and then he has the courage to act on them. That’s a skill EVERY leader needs to develop. Seeing the future differently allows us to spot opportunities and prepare for what’s coming. If we just go with the flow of what’s current, we’ll always just be a part of the trend, not ahead of it.  You’re about to see for yourself how great leaders aren’t afraid to see the future differently. So here is my conversation with my good friend, and soon to be yours, Stanley Druckenmiller.

Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Mark Erwin, the President and CEO of Bardstown Bourbon. Listen in to hear even more about how to achieve high performing success by equipping your team properly. If you want a simple plan to improve as a leader, you can get one here for free — https://howleaderslead.com/plan

If you want a high performing company, you need to build a high performing team. And we all want to get the most from our teams, but what do they need from us as leaders in order to succeed? Fortunately for us, I’m talking with Mark Erwin today. Now, this is a guy who has spent decades building and leading strong teams. He’s currently the President and CEO of Bardstown Bourbon, where he and his team are doing incredible things to stand out in a really crowded category. And he spent 25 years serving the Army, where he led the super elite Delta Force on countless top-secret missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. In fact … I’m just gonna go ahead and say it … if you live in America, you’re safer today because of the way Mark Erwin built and commanded his teams. And as we mark the anniversary of 9/11 this week, I sure as heck am grateful for it. Some really incredible things are possible when we as leaders build strong teams – and Mark says that starts by equipping them properly. If you’re ready to see how that’s done, keep listening, because here is my conversation with my good friend, and soon to be yours, Mark Erwin.

Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Roger Goodell, Commissioner of the NFL. Listen in to hear even more about why it's important to fight complacency when your organization is doing well. If you want a simple plan to improve as a leader, you can get one here for free — https://howleaderslead.com/plan

Well I couldn’t be more excited, because the new NFL season kicks off this week! Yeah, that’s right … football is back, baby! And it’s the perfect time to sit down and talk with my friend Roger Goodell, the Commissioner of the National Football League.  He is starting his sixteenth year as NFL Commissioner, and if you follow the news at all, you know Roger has had to make some tough decisions and deal with his fair share of challenges. And of COURSE we’re gonna dig into that during this conversation because there’s a lot we can learn about how he leads. But on the other hand, he’s the chief executive of the most popular pro sports league in the U.S. That kind of success comes with its OWN challenges. What does great leadership look like when your product is so dang popular? How do you fight against the complacency that often comes when you’re succeeding? Keep listening so you can learn exactly how to keep pushing the status quo, no matter what level of success you’ve achieved.

Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Kelly Coffey, CEO of City National Bank. Listen in to hear even more about why it's important to embrace feedback and create new channels for getting it. If you want a simple plan to improve as a leader, you can get one here for free — https://howleaderslead.com/plan

Ask any decent leader if it’s important to get feedback, and you’ll get the same answer. Of COURSE it is.  We have to listen to what our teams and customers are saying if we want to improve our businesses. But getting good feedback is harder than it sounds. You can’t just put a comment box in the break room and call it a day! If you truly want to embrace feedback, you need a plan to get it and a genuine desire to listen to it.  And nobody embraces feedback better than today’s guest, Kelly Coffey. She’s the CEO of City National Bank, where she oversees 5,000 associates in 70 offices, PLUS over 56 billion dollars in assets. And she’s building something really special because she is SO open to her team’s ideas, and her team knows exactly how to share those ideas with her.  You’re about to learn so much about how great leaders embrace feedback.  You’ll also discover: How to get more feedback and collaboration from your team A critical reminder for ALL leaders, no matter how fast-paced your world is One practical idea to boost your confidence and quell those internal doubts A key insight for anyone who works in a job where you need to be highly responsive Advice for women who work in a male-dominated industries

Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Cyrus Freidheim, Management Consultant and Former CEO of Chiquita and Chicago Sun-Times. Listen in to hear even more about why it's important to get an outside perspective. If you want a simple plan to improve as a leader, you can get one here for free — https://howleaderslead.com/plan

Today’s guest is Cyrus Freidheim, the former CEO of both Chiquita and the Chicago Sun-Times and an absolutely legendary management consultant. Consultants often get a bad rap for over-charging and under-delivering. (And let’s be honest – sometimes, they deserve it!)  But the RIGHT consultant delivers something that’s vital for your business: an outside perspective. It’s often the only way you can diagnose and fix your blind spots. And if you don’t, those blind spots will come back to haunt you! In this conversation, Cyrus will show you how to use that outside perspective to grow your businesses. As a consultant, he’s turned around countless organizations. He’s served on dozens of boards, and of course, he’s faced his own leadership challenges as CEO of the Chicago Sun-Times. He really has seen it all, and there is so much we can learn from him about the power of an outside perspective. You’ll also learn: The first question you need to ask if you want to turn a business around What to do when you face a major disagreement you just can’t resolve Two vital ingredients in a successful consultant-leader relationship  Why having (and becoming) a mentor is crucial to your success

Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Jesse Cole, the owner of the Savannah Bananas. Listen in to hear even more about why it's important to get people's attention. If you want a simple plan to improve as a leader, you can get one here for free — https://howleaderslead.com/plan

You can have the very best product, service, or cause in the world, but in order for it to really succeed, you need to be able to get people’s eyes and ears on it.  You need their attention. But it’s harder than ever to get it. Fortunately for us, this episode features Jesse Cole, the Owner of the Savannah Bananas baseball team. He is an absolute genius at getting attention. And even better, he knows how to turn it into lasting loyalty. The Bananas are not your everyday baseball team! They are out to make baseball fun – they’re putting pitchers on stilts and lighting bats on fire and doing all kinds of wacky stuff. And it’s working. They sell out every game … they have over 2 million followers on TikTok … and they’re attracting serious attention from MLB teams who want to know how they do it.  Jesse is gonna help you apply his strategies, so your organization can get the attention it really deserves. You’ll also learn: What to say to your team when big ideas don’t work  One strategy you can use this week to inject fresh ideas into your organization Why it’s okay to be misunderstood (and how to cope when it’s hard) How to shift your focus from getting customers to getting fans

Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Marisa Thalberg, the chief brand and marketing officer of Lowe's. Listen in to hear even more about why it's important to embrace big changes with curiosity. If you want a simple plan to improve as a leader, you can get one here for free — https://howleaderslead.com/plan

There’s that old saying that the only constant is change. Isn’t that the truth? And it’s especially true for leaders. We’ve always got to be scanning the horizon for the next disruption or big idea. Some leaders see those shifts coming and feel threatened. But great leaders know how to embrace those big changes with curiosity – and they’re the ones who find the new opportunities that big changes always bring.  This conversation is going to help you become that kind of leader. Our guest is Marisa Thalberg, the Chief Brand and Marketing Officer of Lowe's – and an absolute legend in the marketing world.  She was out ahead of digital and social at Estee Lauder. Her keen instincts at Taco Bell redefined the brand at a crucial time. And now, she’s at Lowe’s, looking ahead to how data and loyalty are once again changing the game. If you want to learn how to leverage big changes for your business, this is the conversation for you. We’re going to see exactly how great leaders embrace big changes with curiosity. You’ll also learn: The trick to connecting dots that others might miss in order to differentiate a brand How to lead a creative process – and the #1 thing to avoid when you start Practical ways you can maximize sponsorships Three things every business leader should know about working moms

Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Guy Raz, the host and creator of two wildly popular podcasts "How I Built This" and "Wisdom from the Top." Listen in to hear even more about why it's important to act in the service of others. If you want a simple plan to improve as a leader, you can get one here for free — https://howleaderslead.com/plan

Guy is a remarkable leader who not only has the most soothing voice you’ll ever hear, but the motivation behind all that he does is something we can all learn from and be inspired by. And it’s this: he wants to serve his listeners and add value to their lives.  I’ll tell ya’ ... I can’t think of a better quality of leadership than that—doing all that you do in service of others.

Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Bill Harrison, the former Chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase. Listen in to hear even more about why it's important to prepare the next leader. If you want a simple plan to improve as a leader, you can get one here for free — https://howleaderslead.com/plan

Have you ever worked for somebody who’s taken you under their wing and believed in you enough to pave the way for you to take his or her job?  Let me tell you, throughout my career, I’ve had the great fortune of this happening to me multiple times.  But here’s the sad thing, I don’t think this is all too common of a story. Too many leaders have a “you work for me” mentality and the last thing they want is for you to take their job. So they actually hold you back. So what do we do about this? Well, we can learn to be the kind of leader who can identify top talent and do whatever is required to help them succeed in their careers, so that they’re prepared to take your job or another another job like it. On this week’s episode, you’re going to learn how to do this from one of the all-time greats. Bill Harrison is an example to follow in how he prepared the next leader of JPMorganChase (Jamie Dimon).

Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Dawn Sweeney, former President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association. Listen in to hear even more about why speaking up when something can be better is a quality of great leaders. If you want a simple plan to improve as a leader, you can get one here for free — https://howleaderslead.com/plan

Today’s guest is Dawn Sweeney, the former President & CEO of the National Restaurant Association. Steve Jobs used to say of Apple: “Excellence is the price of admission.” What he meant by that was that excellence was standard operating procedure. It’s what was expected. In an environment like this, colleagues push each other to make things better. They push the boundary of what’s possible, and if someone feels like a project or an idea can be better, they speak up! Dawn Sweeney, and the great leaders I know, do this very same thing. They speak up when something can be better. They don’t accept the status quo, but instead have the courage to push for making everything the best it can be. This, my friends, is what it looks like to strive for excellence. And doing things with excellence is the mark of a great company. If you haven't already, sign up for my weekly leadership development plan and get the tips you need to get prepare for a busy week straight in your inbox on Sunday evenings. Go to https://howleaderslead.com/plan and sign up today.

Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our featured guest. On this episode, we're talking about our interview with Rob Manfred, Commissioner of MLB. Listen in to hear even more about how finding common ground is a quality of every great leader. If you want a simple plan to improve as a leader, you can get one here for free — https://howleaderslead.com/plan

Have you ever been in one of those situations where you have to make a tough call and you know that no matter what you choose, someone won’t be happy? What are you supposed to do in those moments? Well, Rob Manfred is no stranger to this dilemma. Each and every day, he has to manage relationships with the 30 team owners, the players, the fans, and the union. What you’ll hear in this conversion is how Rob finds common ground to keep moving forward. Finding common ground is not always easy, but it’s a skill that I’ve found in so many of the leaders I respect. Baseball fan or not, I know there’s a lot for you to learn about leadership from today’s conversation. If you haven't already, sign up for my weekly leadership development plan and get the tips you need to get prepare for a busy week straight in your inbox on Sunday evenings. Go to https://howleaderslead.com/plan and sign up today.

Welcome back to 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our guests. This week, we're talking about Jason Kelly, Cofounder and CEO of Ginkgo BioWorks. Today my co-host Koula Callahan asks me about learning from companies in other industries, communicating vision to get employee buy-in, and explaining the complexities of Yum! Brands with clear and compelling stories. If you haven't already, sign up for my weekly leadership development plan and get the tips you need to get prepare for a busy week straight in your inbox on Sunday evenings. Go to https://howleaderslead.com/plan and sign up today.

Today’s guest is Jason Kelly, the cofounder and CEO of Ginkgo Bioworks, the largest designer of synthetic DNA in the world. Think back to the last time someone asked you what you did for a living. For as simple of a question this is, it can actually be really hard to answer. The reason is, in the back of your mind you might be thinking “where do I even start?!”  Running a business is complex! But until you learn to simplify all of the complexity and learn to talk about what you do in a simple way, you’ll be limiting the kind of impact you could be making as a leader. And this is something that Jason Kelly has mastered. I mean, tell me a more complex business to have to explain than a synthetic biology platform company. And yet, Jason has learned to simplify the complex. I’m no bioengineering buff but when I hear Jason talk about Ginkgo and what’s possible with the technology they’re pioneering and scaling, he has me leaning in!  So whether you’re leading a billion-dollar brand or a small business, how you communicate as a leader matters. The great leaders I know have learned to simplify the complex.

Today is the first edition of 3 More Questions, an episode series where we continue the conversation that we started last week with our guests. This week, we're talking about Ken Langone, Cofounder of The Home Depot. To co-host the show, I’m bringing in someone from my team so we can dive deeper into my conversation with Ken and learn a little more about leadership. Koula Callahan leads our content and marketing, and today she gets to turn the tables and ask ME three questions based on last week's episode. Let's get started! If you haven't already, sign up for my weekly leadership development plan and get the tips you need to get prepare for a busy week straight in your inbox on Sunday evenings. Go to https://howleaderslead.com/plan/ and sign up today.

Today's guest is really special. He’s a person I love with all my heart and who's been a mentor of mine for several years. He's Ken Langone, the Cofounder of The Home Depot and Chairman of NYU Langone Health.  Now, here's a guy who's had more success than you could ever imagine in almost every way you could think about it. He's the most popular guest host of Squawk Box. He’s sought out on every major issue by the media. He's even been featured on 60 Minutes for his breakthrough thinking at NYU Langone Health. He's an incredible business leader and a renowned philanthropist.  And one thing will be absolutely clear when you listen to this conversation. The reason why he's had so much success is his deep down belief in the power of people. There's no doubt Ken believes that you have to recognize people, recognize talent, believe in them and show up for the people you have the privilege to lead.

Today’s guest is Carol Loomis, Former Senior Editor-at-large at Fortune magazine. There’s so much I admire about how Carol has navigated her career. She’s blazed her own trail and done things no women had ever done before in the journalism field, which has paved the way for women in other industries too. Not only did she create what is known today as the Fortune 500 list, she was an advisor, editor, and friend to Warren Buffet, who she’d talk to almost daily for decades. She even wrote a book about him called “Tap Dancing to Work.” But what stands out to me about how Carol leads is that she’s taken one step at a time. She pushed through barriers and made a name for herself by doing excellent work until she retired from Fortune after working there for 60 years. There’s a lot to learn about her tenacity and drive, and her one step at a time approach.

There's so much to admire about Jon Rahm. He's obviously super talented, absolutely the real deal, and an extraordinary competitor. But I think you'll be surprised to learn that one of his most distinguishing characteristics is his love for the history of the game.   Not only does it help him to appreciate those who’ve come before him, but he uses what he’s learned to give him a competitive edge and help him in the heat of battle.  Knowing your history can be your advantage too. Because here's the thing: the best leaders I know use history to learn from and inspire them about what’s possible.

Today’s guest is Bill Acquavella, one of the most renowned art dealers in the world and Head of Acquavella Galleries. In the art business, reputation is everything. Bill has sold hundreds of millions of dollars worth of art and his customers, people like Mick Jagger and Steve Wynn and Henry Ford II, have absolute trust in what they’re buying from him. They’re confident spending money with Bill like they do because of the confidence they have in him. So the question for us is: how do we build up our reputations as leaders where people will trust us in the big moments?  Well, this is an episode chock full of stories from some of Bill’s biggest deals. We can learn to build up trust by hearing how he’s built up his. It’s true for Bill and it’s true for leaders … reputation is everything.

Today’s guest is Juliet Funt, the CEO of the Juliet Funt group where she’s a tough-love advisor to Fortune 500 companies like Google, Costco, Nike, and Spotify. She’s also an author and we’re going to be talking about her book A Minute to Think throughout the conversation.  Now when was the last time you had a minute to think? Because if you’re like a lot of leaders, your calendar is jam packed and when you’re not in meetings, you can hardly keep up with constant emails and a task list that seems to have no end.  So what are we supposed to do about the kind of work where we need to stop and think before we respond? Or when we need to strategize about a crisis that’s imminent?  There just doesn’t seem to be time! And it’s costing us in more ways than we even realize. Juliet is about to teach us how we can get rid of the busyness in our lives so that we can show up as better leaders. There are so many practical takeaways in this episode and I can’t wait for you to listen in.

Today’s guest is Ryan Serhant, star of Bravo’s television series Million Dollar Listing: New York and Sell it Like Serhant. He also runs a wildly successful real estate firm. We all know that a leader casts a shadow in their organization, meaning the people in the company mirror what they see in their leader. The truth is, some leaders aren’t fully committed. While they may be clocking in everyday, their teams can see them going through the motions, and so what they get in return is a disengaged team that’s mirroring their lack of commitment. But then there are leaders like Ryan who go ALL IN! They are the leaders who are excited to go to work, and their excitement and energy spill over to their teams, and as a result, they have engaged teams who bring their best each and every day. My guess is that you probably want to be a leader—and have a team—more like Ryan. How can you make that happen?  Well, what you’re about to learn from Ryan Serhant is what it looks like to go all in and the impact that approach will have on the team you lead.  And boy, does Ryan have some crazy stories! I’ll let him tell the full version, but there was a time he flew to Europe in an attempt to close an $8 million deal for an apartment in New York. Talk about going all in!

Today’s guest is Paul Varga, the former Chairman and CEO of Brown-Forman, the largest distilling company in the world with brands like Jack Daniels and Woodford Reserve.  They have a saying at Brown-Forman, “Build Forever.” The company started in 1890, and the way Paul sees it, it was his responsibility to steward two key parts of the business. He wanted to continue to build their iconic brands, but he also made it a top priority to build their people up as well. Because what a tragedy it would be if the brands grew and their people didn’t grow with it!  What you’re about to hear is why Paul cared so deeply about developing his people and ultimately, how that drove success in their business. The great leaders I know build forever, stewarding both their brands and their people. 

Today's guest is Molly Fletcher, who CNN hailed as the female Jerry Maguire, for her work negotiating over $500 million in contracts as a sports agent.  If I were to ask you what you do for a living, my guess is you likely wouldn't respond with “I'm a negotiator.” But when you think about it, you're in negotiations multiple times a day: as you collaborate with your team about a project deadline, as your leadership team debates what the company should focus on, and even something as simple as which restaurant you should go to for a client meeting. You constantly have to work through a variety of priorities to settle on a satisfactory decision. The great leaders I know understand that they are constantly negotiating and have learned to navigate these situations extremely well. And you're about to learn negotiation from someone who has done a lot of it. 

Today's guest is Patrick Spence, the CEO of Sonos. So many tech companies that build consumer products are set up in a way where they make their products obsolete every time they launch a new product. The idea is that the minute the new device is available, their customers will abandon the old product and buy the newest model.  But what's interesting is that Sonos has a very different strategy. They set out to build their products to last. They want their customers to have their products for a long, long time. It's a unique approach in their industry. But there's something about it, that core principle that ties in well with the mark of a great leader.  You see, the great leaders, I know, they build the last, they make decisions to keep the brand strong beyond just the present moment. They develop leaders in their organization. So there's always a pipeline of strong talent when new opportunities arise. They treat their customers with dignity and respect, which breeds long term brand loyalty.  I could go on and on and what you're about to hear from Patrick Spence, and how he leads Sonos as their CEO, is that he's leading with this build the last approach in all aspects of the business. I can't wait for you to listen in.

Today's guest is Terry McGurk, the Chairman of the Atlanta Braves. In 2016, right after the Braves went 68-93 (a pretty rough season), Terry told me that it would take five years to turn the franchise around. Well guess what? He had a turnaround plan that worked. And in 2021, the Braves won the World Series, which is exactly what he predicted.  In this episode, you'll hear him talk about how they did this. But the lesson for us here as leaders is that Terry had extreme clarity about where he and the organization needed to go.  Many leaders don't have a clear vision for their teams. Instead, they get caught in a vicious cycle of responding to emails and attending meetings without doing the necessary work to pause and zoom out and get clear about where the company needs to go.  The goal of the leader is to take their team to victory. And we can't do that if we haven't first identified exactly where we need to go.  You're about to hear how a great leader like Terry McGuirk had a clear view of success and how he assembled a team around him to execute that vision.

Today’s guest is Larry Bossidy … the former chairman and CEO of Honeywell International and author of the book Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done. Have you ever put together a business strategy that didn’t work? Or perhaps the plans to execute that strategy weren’t effective and ultimately, you failed? Building a strategy is one thing and executing it successfully is another.  But Larry knows what it takes to get things done and in this conversation, you’re going to hear how he leverages three things, just three things to make big things happen: people, strategy, and operations. It was the process and discipline he put around those parts of the business that made his teams successful and it’s what you can focus on as a leader if you too want to be successful.

Today’s guest is Elane Stock, the CEO of ServiceMaster Brands. There’s an adage I’m sure you’ve heard: the only way to gain control is to give up control. If you’ve ever run a business or led a team, you know how true this statement is. I’m sure you also know how hard it can be to give up control.    But if we want our companies to grow, we have to learn to trust our partners and team members and allow them to do their part to build the business. What you’re going to hear in this episode is how Elane has learned to give up control while running a franchise system where her company owns the brands and the franchisees own their independent businesses. Whether you’re struggling to give up control running a large business with franchisees or running a small business, there’s a lot here for you on today’s episode.  And here’s what I want you to learn today: the great leaders I know have learned to give up control. 

Today’s guest is James Gorman, the Chairman and CEO of Morgan Stanley. In Australia, there’s something known as the Tall Poppy Syndrome. In a field of poppies, there are always one or two that stand out from the rest and it disrupts the beauty of the field. And so for that reason, they’ll snip off those poppies … they trim them down so they don’t stand out amongst the others. What’s interesting is that as a culture, Australians do this with one another. If someone starts to succeed and think too highly of themselves, they help to keep each other grounded. And it’s important for all of us, as leaders, to know who keeps us grounded. Humility is vital if we want our success to be sustainable.

Today’s guest is Jim Nantz, an Emmy Award winning sports commentator, and in my opinion, the top sports commentator in the world! He’s the voice of the NFL on CBS, the NCAA’s March Madness, and golf—in particular, the Masters. As you well know, Jim is an incredible storyteller and communicator. He is able to pull stories and statistics seemingly from nowhere that really capture the moment.  What you may not realize is just how much work he puts in to prepare for every broadcast. Regardless of how much time you spend in front of a camera, showing up prepared is a quality of great leaders. And I’ll tell you, Jim is an exceptional leader who’s at the top of his game. I think you’re going to learn a lot from Jim and be inspired by how he does his work.

Today, we're going to talk about a book that I coauthored with my friend Jason Goldsmith, a sports performance coach for world class athletes. The book is available now wherever you buy books, and is titled Take Charge of You: How Self-Coaching Can Transform Your Life and Career. Now, what makes this book different is you can obviously read this book from front to back, and I know you'll enjoy the stories that Jason and I tell. But the big differentiator is that we have great exercises and tools that you can use in this book to help you coach yourself to reach your full potential in your life and career. This is a book you can not only read, it's a book you can use again and again to take yourself to new heights. Now, you know, I usually do these podcasts myself and ask all the questions, but I thought it'd be a lot of fun to let you hear from both Jason and I and have someone else interview us. So I asked my friend Donna Barton Brothers to sit in and guide our conversation. Donna is a former jockey and world renowned broadcaster for NBC. She's the one you see at the Kentucky Derby interviewing the winner on horseback (while riding backwards). So we're off to the races! Let's not wait any longer. Here's a very fun conversation with two of my good friends, Donna Barton Brothers and Jason Goldsmith.

In this BONUS episode of How Leaders Lead, David shares the introduction to his new book, Take Charge of You: How Self-Coaching can Transform your Life and Career. Find out how to take the methods and metrics of coaching into your own hands and find the success you want in life.

This week’s guest is Dr. Tom House, a world-renowned expert in the biomechanics of throwing who's coached elite athletes like Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Nolan Ryan, and Greg Maddux. He's been called a quarterback whisperer and a pitching guru, but if you ask him, he prefers to simply be called “coach.”  Tom is the preeminent pioneer who brought science into the coaching equation. For decades, Tom has used elite athletes to create models that others can replicate. For example, if you're a little league pitcher or high school quarterback, Tom has developed technology that will compare your mechanics and timing to Nolan Ryan or Tom Brady. Now just think about the coaching that provides young up-and-coming athletes! The leadership lesson for us here is that we should do the same in business. We should look to those who’ve come before us that have been wildly successful and mirror our approach to what they do to build healthy, high-performing businesses. The great leaders learn from the best and then apply those learnings to be even more successful themselves. You're going to learn: How to learn from the best and democratize that information How to make a habit of continuous improvement How to embrace failure as a more valuable learning experience than success What Tom learned when he slowed down Sandy Kofax’s pitch, and how that information transformed coaching How to turn broken players into top-performers Why preparation is more valuable than talent How Tom Brady became one of the fastest quarterbacks in NFL history How Drew Brees went from a busted, career-ending shoulder injury back to top-performance The story behind Disney’s movie Million Dollar Arm How to bring out the best in your team members PLUS, Tom’s advice the parents of student athlete (hint: the struggle is worth it).

Today's guest is Stephanie Stuckey, the CEO of Stuckey’s. This company started in 1937 by Stephanie's grandfather who opened a single store in eastern Georgia. It was one of the country's first roadside retail shops. At its peak in the 1970s, Stuckey’s had grown to 368 stores in 40 states, along pretty much every major interstate. From humble beginnings to a roadside empire. But then, things turned for the worst due to external threats and internal weaknesses. When Stephanie took over the business in 2019, she was faced with challenges in every aspect of the business.  How do you reimagine a brand and get the train back on the track? Well, you can't live in the past. You can't be thinking about how it used to be. You have to think about how it has to be TODAY. So she went to work thinking about new possibilities, new ways to make money, and new ways to satisfy customers. The result? A company that was losing money is now profitable again and the brand legacy has been restored.  So whether you're leading a turnaround like Stephanie is or simply need to reimagine the way you get things done in your company or with your team, there's a lot you can learn from this week’s episode, like: How to revive a brand How to generate new revenue streams The benefits of an entrepreneurial mindset  How to build rapport with customers and partners How to cultivate employee involvement  PLUS, how a has-been company is making a comeback in 21st century style.

Today’s guest is Shantanu Narayen, the Chairman and CEO of Adobe. It’s the leader’s job to communicate the vision of the company in a way that ignites the hearts and minds of the people they lead and plant the flag of a big idea. Our teams don’t show up simply for the paycheck. They want something bigger to be a part of, a compelling vision to get behind that infuses all kinds of meaning and passion into their day to day. Since 2018, Adobe’s valuation has tripled and is now at 300 billion dollars. That type of growth is possible because of the work Shantanu has done to lead his team toward a compelling vision. Adobe is a team of innovators and they’re chasing a vision they believe in, one their team is pursuing together, and with passion. There’s a lot we can learn from Shantanu and how he’s igniting the hearts and minds of the people he leads. In this episode, you’ll learn: How a software engineer becomes a CEO, and what roads and flags have to do with it How to prioritize long-term innovation AND short-term execution How to disrupt your own company in order to stay ahead of competitors Why having data AND a narrative matters in an Adobe performance review Why this year’s stock price is not a good indicator of current performance PLUS, Why your vision may not yet be aspirational ENOUGH

Today's guest is Larry Senn, who's actually the father of corporate culture, and the Chairman and Senn Delaney. Larry and his business partner were hired by Sam Walton in the early days of Walmart. And it was there that Larry began to understand the intangible part of an organization that really makes a difference. Today, we call this company culture, which is simply defined as the way people behave and the way they work together. Believe it or not, Larry published the world's first research on corporate culture, and has spent his entire career helping organizations be at their best, when you think about it, helping others be at their best. That is what being a great leader, and a great coach is all about. And I'll tell you, Larry has made quite an impact in my life as my coach over the years. In this episode, you’re going to learn: How Larry built a flower business and bought a Jaguar K 120 sports car at age 18 How Larry learned that he was in the wrong career after college, and what he did to make a change What Larry learned as a consultant for Sam Walton before Walmart went big How to build exercises that inspire employees to embrace change  What jigsaw puzzles reveal about teamwork How to build actionable work values and principles  Why it’s hard to get company cultures to change How to develop the mindset of a leader The best and worst things leaders can do for (and to) their companies PLUS How to thrive at work and home without making compromises

Today's guest is Brittany Fuisz, the Founder and CEO of Malibu Mylk. Building something from scratch is not easy. In fact, the majority of businesses that launched don't make it past five years. So what is it that allows some companies to thrive while others fail? Whoever leads the business in the mindset they approach their work with is a key ingredient in the success of a company. And in my conversation with Brittany, you're about to see a unique mindset on full display as she tells a story of launching Malibu Mylk. Brittany has what I call a startup mindset, and what I mean by that is incredible passion to make something big happen and truly change the world. They're not willing for someone to tell them what to do. They think outside the box, they give themselves the permission to charge forward and they attack every unknown and challenge with optimism. In this episode you’ll learn: What’s going on in the milk category How to build a brand from scratch as an outsider How a celebrity’s advice sent Brittany down an unexpected career path How Brittany scaled the success of her blender to something that could be mass-produced How to respond to setbacks in quality What it really takes to be ready for a meeting with Whole Foods How the Malibu Mylk subscription model works The formula for a great culture How to embrace pushback that improves the brand PLUS, Brittany shares a promo code for getting your own batch of Malibu Mylk! Find the tools you need to become a better leader at https://howleaderslead.com. Get your first order of Malibu Mylk 20% off when you use the promo code LEAD20 at checkout.

Today's guest is Scott Hamilton, an Olympic gold medalist and founder of the Scott Hamilton Cares Foundation, an organization that is working to eliminate cancer. Now, Scott obviously doesn't need much of an introduction. You already know about his gold medal and figure skating. You probably have seen his incredible backflips on the ice. And you have likely watched him as a commentator on the Olympics over the years. And while you may know him for his successes, you may not know about the challenges that he's had to overcome to win. His childhood illness, cancer, multiple brain tumors, the times he's fallen on the ice in critical situations. Scott says any goal will always have obstacles, difficulties and setbacks. You will be defined not by those setbacks, but by how you respond to them. There's so much that we can learn from Scott about how to get up after we all fall and let me tell you something, we all do. I'm so excited to have you listen in. Here's my conversation with my new friend – and soon to be yours – Scott Hamilton.

Today's guest is Ken Chenault, the Former Chairman and CEO of American Express, and the current Chairman and Managing Partner of General Catalyst, a dynamic private equity firm. Now, if you run a business or lead a team, there are moments when you need to lean into confrontation. And I don't mean dance around the confrontation, I'm talking about facing it head on. For a lot of people, this can be really hard to do, really intimidating. But the great leaders I know, like Ken, have learned how to engage in constructive confrontation. In this episode, you'll also learn:

Today's guest is Aneel Bhusri, the Co-Founder, Co-CEO and Chairman of Workday, an American on‑demand financial management and human capital management software vendor. When Aneel started Workday with David Duffield, they defined a handful of core values for their company. Now this is pretty common practice for business leaders, but here's the problem. A lot of leaders write down the company values and never think about them again. They even laminate them, put them up on the wall, but I’ve got to tell you, all they do is collect dust. But that wasn't the case with Aneel and his Co-Founder Dave Duffield, they decided that investing in their people was going to be the number one value at their company. So how did they live out that value?  Well, believe it or not, they personally interviewed the first 500 team members they hired. Now that's something that says they value people over anything else. The key lesson here is that they aligned their schedules and their priorities with the company's number one value. You see, the great leaders I know walk the talk of their core values. They just don't write them down and forget them. They actually use their core values to dictate how they spend their time, and how they focus their energy. We have a lot to learn from today's conversation, including: Why Aneel shifted from applying for a job at Apple to join an HR software startup instead How a hostile takeover led to a new venture What value system Aneel and Dave built the company around Why the Co-Founders interviewed the first 500 employees together, regardless of other work and time priorities  Why Aneel looks for “shiny new penny folks” when hiring talent Why the tech team goes off-site every few years to talk about the future How to get customers involved in innovation How to build partnerships between humans and machines that don’t compromise the work value of either Why Aneel prefers having a Co-CEO Why Phil Mickelson does Workday advertising PLUS Aneel’s advice for aspiring leaders Find the leadership tools and resources you need to up your game at https://howleaderslead.com

Today’s guest is Ginni Rometty, the Former Chairman, President and CEO of IBM and current Co-Chairman of the OneTen Initiative. Rising through the ranks from systems engineer to CEO, Ginni has learned to be comfortable with situations outside her comfort zone, because that’s where she grew the most in her journey as a leader. While leading IBM, Ginni learned what was essential about IBM that must endure before making changes that set the company up for future growth in new industries. And so what you're about to hear from Ginni, and what you'll learn from her journey to become CEO of IBM, is that great leaders are comfortable being uncomfortable.  In this episode, you’ll learn:  How to mentally process a promotion to the top job - especially as a woman How Ginni’s mother modelled the courage and leadership Ginni needed to succeed Why propensity to learn is more important than a college degree in a job candidate Why women don’t put themselves forward for new assignments and how to help them go the distance Why preparing for the next job might actually a bad idea How to make the leap from being an individual contributor to a leader who coordinates other people effectively How to focus on the long-term with conviction and a thick skin Why Ginni’s favorite IBM achievement is employee engagement How the hybrid cloud works and the future of artificial intelligence at IBM and around the world How the OneTen Initiative intends to tap hidden pools of talent by changing priorities in hiring PLUS, Ginni’s single biggest piece of advice for reinventing yourself and your company   Check out videos from this episode and other great interviews at https://howleaderslead.com

Today's guest is Dave Calhoun, the President and CEO of Boeing, the largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners Defense, Space and security systems. Dave joined Boeing as CEO in January of 2020, and little did he know the challenges that he’d be up against only a couple months later, when COVID hit. But what Dave has shown is the great leaders restore stability in the midst of a crisis. When we are thrown a right hook that we don't expect when things are a bit chaotic, we look to great leaders to show us how we should think and behave. Now what you're going to hear in this interview is how Dave helped Boeing navigate not only COVID and the massive impact that it had on the airline industry, but also how Boeing has handled the situation of their 737 Max, which was banned from flying passengers due to two plane crashes in 2018 and 19. Now it takes a strong leader to navigate those situations and restore stability on the other side.

Today's guest is Will Ahmed, the Founder and CEO of WHOOP, a wearable fitness tracker that measures a few key metrics to help top athletes and everyday consumers achieve peak performance. You're going to learn that Will is an incredibly sharp young leader. Believe it or not, he's in his early 30s, running a company that was recently valued at $3.6 billion. Running a company at that level requires a whole other level of discipline, when it comes to focusing in on what truly matters. If you want to keep your business healthy, no matter what size a company you lead, it's imperative that you measure and keep your eyes on a few vital metrics at all times. You're going to learn: How problems with athletic overtraining led to a company that helps monitor sleep The hidden side of sleep and the WHOOP tracker How WHOOP can compete with the Apple Watch How simple metrics lead to better decision-making How Will went from student athlete to company builder How Will maintains steady focus through delegation and meditation Why the WHOOP business model emulates Peloton instead of FitBit How to “Growtain” your customers How to be excellent in multiple complication industries at once How WHOOP built promotion partnerships with top athletes and sports networks How to find and develop people who are high intensity AND high humility Why WHOOP pays its employees to sleep PLUS Will’s best advice for entrepreneurs

To round off 2021, today’s episode features six of David’s favorite insights from the year from leaders like Marvin Ellison, Indra Nooyi, and Tom Brady. You’re going to learn about how to react to overwhelming and scary situations with focus, confidence, planning, and communication. Plus, David will teach you his number one exercise for taking stock of where you are now in order to work towards where you want to go. In this episode, you’ll learn: David’s 3x5 exercise for self-evaluation going into a new year Tom Brady’s model for clear, current communication with teammates Niren Chaudhary’s process for bringing clarity and purpose to overwhelming situations Indra Nooyi’s advice for balancing work and home life Kara Goldin’s conviction about how to escape the bondage of fear in business Andy Roddick’s ritual for staying focused to play point after point in tennis without losing it Marvin Ellison’s story about learning to stand out as himself rather than blend in as someone else Check out https://howleaderslead.com/best-of-2021/ for more great leadership insights, and go to https://howleaderslead.com/survey to share your great insights about the podcast!

Today's guest is Steve Kerr, the head coach of the Golden State Warriors. Earlier in his career as a player, Steve won three NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls alongside the one and only Michael Jordan. He then went on to win two more titles playing for the San Antonio Spurs, and then he became a coach and won three more titles for the Warriors. Needless to say, this guy knows how to win, and he knows how to build teams that win. What you may be surprised to learn, though, is how he does it. The way Steve leads is by understanding the power of the team, from superstars to bench and everything in between. You're going to hear all about this on today's episode, as well as how you too can apply Steve's insights to whatever team you happen to be leading. In this episode you'll learn: Who Steve Kerr learned from in order to coach Why joy matters in casting the vision for a team What a great team player looks like How to coach superstars and the bench What it takes to rack up 300 passes a game How to work past mental barriers to perform with excellence How to motivate the team How to delegate areas of weakness with strength What Steve learned from playing with Lute Olson, Phil Jackson, and Gregg Popovich Why Steve wanted to let the Warriors coach themselves one game Who Steve would pick if Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant all came out in the draft in the same year What Steve thinks about The Last Dance documentary How Steve balances priorities at home and on the court Find the tools you need to become a better leader at https://howleaderslead.com.

From the United States Marine Corps to Wall Street, Eric Gleacher believes the world belongs to the aggressive. After one round of golf with the right person, the trajectory of his career changed as he pursued his dream of working in finance. After only four years at Lehman Brothers, Eric became a partner and was a large part of establishing the merger and acquisition department. Against the advice of many around him, Gleacher left Lehman Brothers to start his own firm. These risks and experiences have culminated in Gleacher’s book, Risk, Reward, Repeat. Listen as David and Eric discuss the indelible impact of the Marines, working with flawless integrity, and how to take the right risks. in this conversation, you're going to learn: The story behind Eric’s new book, Risk. Reward. Repeat How golf helped Eric get to Wall Street Where mergers and acquisitions all started What the Marines taught Eric about confidence, integrity, and leadership How to take risks in your career How the My Nickel argument can transform your meetings with potential clients

A force of positivity and pioneer of Financial Technology, Alexa von Tobel felt so strongly about democratizing financial advice for Americans that she dropped out of Harvard business school to build her first business, LearnVest, in 2008. After revolutionizing digital financial services, she sold LearnVest the very same week that she gave birth to her first child. Now, Alexa von Tobel is the Managing Partner of Inspired Capital, a venture capital firm which she founded in 2019.  You'll also learn: How growing up in a medical family and losing her Dad in high school prepared Alexa for life and leadership. How studying the psychology of happiness prepared Alexa to quit business school during a Recession and start a finance education company. What leaders can do to lead through uncertainty and stay sane, healthy, and fulfilled. Why Alexa sold LearnVest to Northwestern Mutual and started a venture capital firm in New York City. The fastest way to get “no” and “yes” when fundraising. The importance of having people around you who believe in you, encourage you, and keep you accountable. The one thing you need to do in order to succeed.

Scott Mahoney, the Chairman and CEO of Peter Millar, goes the distance to for quality in how he shapes the brand and develops his people. Coming up in business, it wasn’t until Scott worked at Polo that he found his love for golf and apparel sales married in an exciting career. He was inspired to buy Peter Millar during the long drive back from a USGA meeting, and moved quickly to scale the brand up. Scott leads with attention to getting things done more efficiently by getting people excited to do them. For example, knowing that Peter Millar product can only be sold once store associates put it on the floor, Scott and his team designed the shipping arrangements to be intuitive for stockroom employees to handle. He even threw a mint in the shipping box to sweeten the deal. Scott was quick to bring nearly everything in house to ensure the quality of product, marketing, promotion, finance, and production, and has taken the apparel world by storm as a result. SHOW NOTES Peter Millar then and now How Scott got into fashion and sales at Polo How the crazy idea to buy Peter Millar became reality  Turning a golf sweater company into a lifestyle brand Getting into Nordstrom and the trick to getting product from box to shelf Getting into brick and mortar Clothing the US President’s Cup golf team Building an e-commerce business with the same great quality Getting to the top and staying focused  Building a high-quality culture Lightning Round Find the tools you need to become a better leader at https://davidnovakleadership.com and https://howleaderslead.com.

Dr. Neal ElAttrache is a renowned American orthopedic surgeon best known as the Lead Physician for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Rams — as well as his patents and innovation in sports medicine. As a leader, Neal believes strongly in the three “A’s” — Affability, Availability, and Ability. Listen as David and Neal discuss why chasing passion is a sure way to set yourself up for failure and burnout, and that there’s something better to chase. Show Notes Intro Finding joy in performing Tommy Johns surgery Growing up to become a surgeon Pursuing purpose over passion in your career How to think critically and sensitively as a surgeon What it's like serving as team physician for the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Dodgers Working with Baseball Hall of Famer Joe Torre, NFL coach Sean McVeigh, golfer Brooks Koepka, and the legendary Tom Brady How to be mentored and mentor others Lightning Round Advice for aspiring leaders Find the tools you need to become a better leader at https://davidnovakleadership.com and https://howleaderslead.com.

Every leader knows how important listening is. But how often do we break it down and try to understand what it actually means to be a good listener?  Today’s guest, Rob Light, can really help us answer that question. He’s the Managing Partner of Creative Artists Agency, the world’s largest talent and sports agency. As the head of their music division, he has represented some huge names like Bruce Springsteen, Beyonce, Prince, Dua Lipa, and more.  Being a good listener is key to Rob’s success – from landing new clients, striking great deals, mentoring young talent. He knows how to be present, ask questions, and genuinely care about the answers. This conversation is the perfect reminder that we can accomplish so much more as leaders when we learn to listen.  You’ll also learn: One practical strategy you can ask to close deals decisively and get a win-win How to spot opportunities and holes in the market The power of giving credit to your team – and how it helps you win, too Practical strategies for getting more meaningful responses when you communicate

How do leaders navigate conversations about the challenges parents, and especially women, face in the workplace? The first step is to simply have the conversation and get the shared perspectives of men and women. In this special episode from the How Leaders Lead Insight Series, Ashley Novak Butler, the Executive Director of the Lift-a-Life Foundation, interviews her dad, David, and Indra Nooyi about Indra’s new New York Times best-selling book, My Life in Full: Work, Family, and Our Future. Indra shares her story about growing up in India and the support she had to pursue her career while being a devoted mom, and the challenges she faced that she wants to remove for women coming up behind her in business, including problems with HR, childcare, and even cobblestone paths. 0:00 | Show intro 2:16 | The story behind Indra Nooyi’s memoir, and why work-life balance is the wrong goal. 9:48 | Upbringing: What Indra and David learned from their families that equipped them for future success, and how to extend those benefits to others. 16:42 | Coming up next week… Rob Light, Managing Partner of Creative Artists Agency 24:39 | How to set expectations for juggling the priorities of work and family with your spouse in order to have a fulfilling marriage. 35:15 | The surprising link between Mom guilt and the perfection gene. 40:01 | Expanding the presence of women in leadership. 46:26 | Advice for dealing with condescending behavior towards women.  49:47 | How to protect your reputation and health in business. 55:10 | Insights on mentorship and advocating for talent in general and women in particular. 58:51 | How to improve human resources to better serve all talent, and the implications of how two different people viewed the same cobblestone pathway. 1:08:48 | How to help women re-enter the workforce. 1:11:07 | Family lightning round 1:13:01 | How to make work-family life work. 1:14:45 | Farewell Find the tools you need to become a better leader at https://davidnovakleadership.com and https://howleaderslead.com.

Today’s guest is Jessica Kim, Co-Founder and CEO of ianacare, a digital platform that connects family caregivers with the resources they need to care for their loved ones.  Jessica founded ianacare because she herself was a caregiver in her mother’s last days of life. She saw firsthand how frustrating, exhausting and isolating the experience was, and she knew there had to be a better way.  That’s how great entrepreneurs think. They truly understand their customers’ problems on a human level, and then they set out to solve those problems with excellence.  So if you run a business yourself, or if you want to someday, or if your company simply serves customers in any way…  Listen to this conversation and see how to solve your customers’ problems at a human level.  You’ll also learn: The perspective you absolutely must have before you launch anything digital How the hiring process changes through various stages of your business What to do if you don’t have much expertise for your startup (and why that’s actually okay)  Practical tips for leading hybrid and remote teams

Anyone listening this show knows that I am absolutely passionate about the game of golf, and how blessed I am to have been able to play with some of the top players in the game. So we thought we'd mix things up a little bit and create an episode featuring some of the best stories we've heard from around the golf course - some that I'm sure you've never heard before, and you definitely don't want to miss. Grow yourself as a leader with resources from https://davidnovakleadership.com and https://howleaderslead.com.

Today’s guest is Dan Cathy, Chairman & CEO of Chick-fil-A. With Dan at the helm, Chick-fil-A has become the envy of the restaurant industry. The average unit volumes in their stores are absolutely unheard-of – even though they’re only open six days a week. And they’ve had sales increases every single year of the 75 years they’ve been in business. You can’t do that kind of growth for that long without being really good at innovating and adapting. But somehow they’ve done it while also staying true to their founding principles and values.  The secret, Dan says, is to “marry the mission and date the methods.”  That means they’re not afraid to try new ideas or get rid of whatever’s not working – whether that’s a strategy or a process or a menu item. But the core mission never changes.  If you’re the kind of person who wants to chart a bold path forward but you don’t want to lose sight of what got you to where you are, then you’re going to love this conversation. You’ll also learn: Two often-overlooked aspects of innovation How to create margin for unexpected opportunities  One key step you need when you develop your idea – and it’s something most people skip The most important thing you need to get right in order to delight customers

Today’s guest is Tom Brady, the quarterback of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and – let’s be honest – the greatest of all time. Now, we all go into new situations where we're expected to come in, turn the team around, and perform. And that’s exactly what Tom did at the Bucs, winning the Super Bowl in his very first season at Tampa Bay. That’s why we call him the GOAT, right!? In this conversation, we really dig into what made that transition from the Patriots to the Bucs so darn successful. Of course, Tom is known for his elite discipline and his grit. And with good reason! But Tom is also incredible at building relationships with his teammates, coaches and management.  For us leaders, so much depends on how we connect and communicate with people. Do we know how to convey our expectations clearly? Do we know how to build consensus? Do we have the courage to tackle the tough conversations right away and not let them fester? Tom sure does! And this conversation is a goldmine of wisdom for how to build strong relationships through clear communication – especially if you find yourself leading in a new situation.  You’ll also learn: Specific ways to build trust when you step into a new situation  One critical thing to avoid in your one-on-one relationships at work How to adjust to a new boss A key mindset shift you can use when things don’t go as planned 

Today’s guest is Johnny Taylor, President & CEO of SHRM, the Society of Human Resource Management, which is the association for over 300,000 human resource officers in 165 countries. The formula for success in any business is to get your people capability right. That’s how you’re going to satisfy more customers. That’s how you make more money. And more importantly, that’s how you make a bigger difference in the world. When it comes to getting your people right, Johnny Taylor has figured out a huge piece of the puzzle. And it’s something a lot of us overlook: empathy. Not sympathy! But empathy – the ability to see a situation from someone else’s perspective and respond with compassion.  He says empathy isn’t just a mushy feeling or moral idea. It’s a business skill – something we actively need to be working toward in our organizations and developing in our leaders.  If you’re not sure how to do that, don’t miss this episode! You’ll also learn: Three benefits of remote work (and one huge danger)  The paradigm shift every HR department needs in order to shake the bad rap The #1 reason you’re overlooking great talent How to keep your best people Specific ideas to drive diversity and inclusion

Today’s guest is Jimmy Dunne. He’s the Vice Chairman and Senior Managing Principal at Piper Sandler. He was one of the founders of Sandler O'Neill + Partners which was acquired by Piper Jaffray in 2020. He is renowned for how he led his firm in the wake of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center. Sixty-six of his associates tragically died that day, including the firm’s founder Herman Sandler and Jimmy’s best friend Chris Quackenbush.  Jimmy made the incredible decision early on in the wake of the attacks that the firm needed to provide for the families of fallen associates, including a college education for every child who lost a parent.  Jimmy’s ability to anticipate the needs of others not only helped him lead through the crisis, but also helped him prepare for that awful day before it even arrived. And it’s a wonderful reminder for all of us to look out for the people we serve by thinking about what they need even before they do. It’s such a privilege to talk to Jimmy today and I know you are going to be so inspired by his incredible empathy and humility.   You’ll also learn: An honest reflection on what it was like to lead after the devastating losses his firm suffered in the 9/11 attacks What to rely on when you’re not feeling confident or at your best  The importance of responsibility, especially in tough situations What you should never do when you make a mistake – and what to do instead

One of your most important jobs as a leader is to define reality. You have to figure out what is really happening in your organization if you want to make it better. And today’s guest is Alberto Carvalho, the Superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, and someone who knows exactly how to define reality. He leads the fourth largest school district in the nation, and it’s quite the success story today.  But it sure wasn’t when Alberto took charge. Schools were failing. The finances were an absolute mess. And there was a real lack of conviction in leadership positions. Alberto had to define a tough reality at Miami-Dade. But once he understood what wasn’t working, he used it as the foundation for their turnaround – and you’ll hear exactly how he’s done it.  This conversation is going to give you the inspiration and courage you need to tackle whatever tough reality you may be facing right now. You’ll also learn: One breakthrough idea to help you build unity in your top leadership team What to do when a major disruption hits your space (instead of panicking or giving up) Practical ways to bust through bureaucracy and eliminate roadblocks Why it’s so crucial for kids to learn about leadership while they’re young

Today’s guest is hall of fame and former world #1 tennis player, Andy Roddick. You may remember him destroying opponents with his serve, or winning the 2003 US Open, or even hosting Saturday Night Live!  But these days, he’s doing all kinds of other fun stuff. He’s the CEO of the Andy Roddick Foundation, which supports kids in low-income communities. He’s co-founded two companies, one in healthcare and another in commercial real estate. And if all that weren’t enough, he has also launched Sweetens Cove Spirits and is out there making Tennessee bourbon! Can you imagine pivoting from what you’ve known your whole life and jumping headfirst into one new situation after the other?  Andy knows what it’s like to feel out of place and uncomfortable doing something new. But he also knows what it takes to get comfortable. He asks lots of questions. He prepares diligently. And he knows how to develop the right relationships.  Every leader finds themselves in new situations, where we don’t know the lay of the land. This conversation will show you exactly how to navigate those situations. You’ll also learn: How to overcome the resistance of getting into a new venture you don’t understand A mindset shift that will change the way you think about preparation The power of a simple ritual to stay mentally resilient The surprising benefits of productive conflict and how to lean into it

Today’s guest is Becky Frankiewicz, President of ManpowerGroup North America, which is the leading workforce solutions company in the world. Now when she took the job, she was stepping into a whole new world. Why? Because Becky actually made a name for herself in various marketing, sales, and finance roles at PepsiCo.  And not every leader can go from finding breakthrough marketing ideas for snacks to leading a workforce solutions company!  But Becky is one of the most creative problem solvers around. She has a really clear grasp of what she’s good at. And with that, she’s confidently taking all those skills she developed in the consumer world and using them to help connect workers to jobs. This conversation will help you understand the trends and big ideas in today’s workforce – including artificial intelligence, and career training, and managing multiple generations. Plus, it will inspire you to learn what makes you truly unique in the workforce – so you can thrive in any career you pursue, too. You’ll also learn: 3 major workforce insights you need to know to be prepared for the future One trick to get to the heart of an issue so you truly solve the problem The #1 thing you need to do as a company to truly attract great talent The big danger we risk if we don’t give or ask for feedback

​​Today’s guest is Timo Boldt, Founder and CEO of Gousto, the largest meal kit company in the United Kingdom, which Timo founded at the ripe old age of 27. In the last seven years, its valuation has grown to over one billion dollars!  That is some seriously impressive growth.  And you’re going to love hearing how Timo and his team have done it.  He is constantly pushing himself and his company to grow and get better. They’ve been through all the standard founder-led challenges and have come through them with a culture that’s obsessed with delivering great value, working collectively, and dreaming big dreams. It takes a lot of intention to push yourself and stretch your beliefs. But it’s worth it. Because to paraphrase Timo, setting mediocre targets is a really good way to get mediocre results! This conversation is basically a blueprint you can follow if you want to find creative ways to stretch yourself and your team and go for big goals. You’ll also learn: The most crucial aspect of leadership that no one will teach you at business school How to push for high performance while still being supportive of your team The #1 mistake every founder should avoid when making their first senior hire  One practical (and fun) strategy any leader can use to stay connected to a fast-growing business Why feedback to your employees isn’t enough – and how to actually apply it

In this special episode of the How Leaders Lead podcast, listeners will learn that all top leaders are incredible “AVID LEARNERS” - people who’ve demonstrated a real commitment to continuous learning throughout their careers. They all learn by DOING. They all ASK a lot of QUESTIONS and LISTEN CLOSELY for real insights. And at some stage of their career, each of them has learned from FAILURE. So subscribe, and we’ll deliver more impactful – and actionable – insights as the year continues!

Get ready for an inspiring conversation with today’s guest, Lonnie Ali. She’s the wife of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali and a powerful leader in her own right. She incorporated, built, and sold, Greatest of All Time, Inc. and also founded the Muhammad Ali Center, which is a nonprofit museum and cultural center devoted to inspiring the world through Muhammad Ali’s legacy. Lonnie is an extraordinary leader with a big heart and a clear moral compass. It’s easy to see why she and the GOAT had such a great partnership.  If you need a jolt of inspiration in your life, this is the conversation for you. It’s going to remind you that the best things in life and business often happen when we give without expecting something in return.  Plus Lonnie shares a few beautiful stories of Muhammad Ali, including the backstory of when he lit the Olympic torch at the 1996 Games in Atlanta. You’ll also learn: The practical things we can do each day to make sure we lead with a moral compass Why self-belief is important – but not enough – for success The hidden power of gratitude for leaders Beautiful and inspiring stories of the GOAT himself, Muhammed Ali

Today’s guest is Bob Greifeld, the former CEO of NASDAQ. These days, the NASDAQ is a powerhouse market. But that was not the case when Bob took over. It was small and struggling. During his time in charge, he grew the market by a whopping 2000%, attracting companies like Apple, Microsoft, Starbucks, and Amazon.  In this conversation, we go behind the scenes of that amazing turnaround. You can see for yourself how Bob’s relentless focus and drive helped make it happen. If you’ve ever looked at a big project or even just your day’s to-do list and felt overwhelmed, this conversation is going to help you tap into that power of focus, too.  You’ll also learn: What you absolutely have to do in your first 100 days in a new job A specific formula to balance promoting from within versus hiring from outside How to sift through your to-do list to determine what you should actually work on What you’re really trusting when you go with your gut

Today’s guest is Jeff Lawson, the co-founder & CEO of Twilio, one of the world’s fastest growing technology companies. Millions of software developers use their platform to add communications to apps and websites we all use, like airbnb and Lyft. Jeff has a unique point of view as an entrepreneur. He has a foot in both the technical developer world AND the executive world. So if you need to make your business more digital or get more from your technical talent, then his perspective is going to be invaluable to you. But he may also challenge you a bit. So often in business we get wrapped up in our solutions – features, shiny products, sales roll-outs, and all that good stuff. But in all our obsession over the solution, we often overlook the problem. What huge unsolved issue is out there that customers are struggling with every day? Jeff says THAT’S what we should all be looking for. And if you want to find it, this conversation is a great place to start. You’ll also learn: Two things you can take away from any startup experience, even if it doesn’t work out  How to structure teams so even big companies can stay agile and innovative One often-overlooked insight to getting the most out of your technical talent How to inject accountability and leadership at every level of your organization

Today’s guest is Wendy Clark, Global CEO of Dentsu International, and the first female CEO of a big six global advertising agency. Before that, she did incredible work as a marketing executive at Coca-Cola and AT&T. She’s a giant of the advertising world. She is literally in the hall of fame. But despite all her success, Wendy is the absolute master of embracing the underdog mentality.  It’s how she stays motivated, both personally and professionally, and how she continues to over-deliver and outperform. She really is the master of mindset, and she will show you how to lean into the underdog mentality and use it as fuel to work for you. If you’ve ever felt underestimated at work or like the underdog in your industry, then you are going to love this conversation. You’ll also learn: How to use marketing savvy in a leadership setting so your big ideas connect Three questions you can ask to evaluate a creative idea  Key insights about social media that every leader should know A better approach to work and life than “balance”

Today’s guest is Mickey Drexler, the former CEO of The Gap, J. Crew, and Banana Republic. He’s the legendary king of retail who put all those stores (and several others) on the map. These days he and his son have teamed up to build a new clothing brand called Alex Mill. Mickey is a hard-charging guy with plenty of conviction. When you listen to him, you remember just how compelling it is when a leader has a unique vision and really believes in it.  But visionaries like Mickey usually don’t reach the heights they do unless they’re willing to break some rules along the way. You’ll be so inspired by all the stories he tells of times he had to go against the grain in order to see his vision through – including how he helped Steve Jobs shape the timeless clean aesthetic of the very first Apple store. If you’re a rule breaker yourself, you’re going to love this. And if you’re not, you may just want to become one after you listen!  You’ll also learn: Tips for eliciting great creative marketing and advertising work How to go through the firing process with decency and integrity Why you need to develop an inner circle of trusted partners  The most important person you need to talk to if you work in retail

Today’s guest is Stephen MR Covey. As the CEO of Covey Leadership Center, he built the largest leadership development company in the world, and orchestrated the successful merger of Franklin Covey. He’s also the New York Times bestselling author of the excellent book, Speed of Trust. If you’ve ever felt like your business just doesn’t move fast enough, you’re going to love this conversation. Stephen believes there’s one secret ingredient in a business that can help a team move faster and be more successful. That secret ingredient is trust. And it makes sense, right? If our team members feel like they’re always jumping through hoops and being micromanaged, they’re never going to do their best work. And they’re certainly not going to work quickly. As leaders, it’s up to us to extend that trust to our teams so they can go out and do amazing things. That’s easier said than done, though! How can we trust our teams more while still minimizing risk and keeping people accountable?  Stephen is going to help us learn to extend trust the right way.  You’ll also learn: Three ingredients that can build trust on a team – starting in a single day Why a team with stark differences can be an advantage instead of a liability Tips to navigate the risks associated with extending trust The surprising risks of not trusting people (and how you can avoid them)

Today’s guest is Milind Pant, CEO of Amway. Amway is the largest direct selling company in the world, with over ONE MILLION independent business owners – a.k.a. entrepreneurs. Milind has tapped into something that’s helping him grow as a leader AND helping his entrepreneurs at Amway grow their businesses. That secret ingredient is community. We all want to do business with people we know and trust. But the big question is … as leaders, how do we build those relationships in today’s digital landscape? How can we develop that sense of community with our customers? If you’re not sure, listen to this episode. There is a wealth of wisdom and inspiration here to help you build trust by building community. You’ll also learn: A proven blueprint to set yourself up for success in any new role The opportunity awaiting when social media and e-commerce intersect The most dangerous thing to avoid in leadership, especially in seasons of big change How to differentiate your business from a huge competitive force like Amazon

Today’s guest is Cathy Engelbert, the first Commissioner of the WNBA. She is a trailblazer, having also served as the first-ever female CEO of Deloitte. But the WNBA is a whole new challenge. She is leading with an incredible drive, using her “players first” philosophy to take women’s sports to the next level. Cathy knows how to get big things done – and as you’ll hear, it’s often the small things that matter more than we realize.  Plus: don’t miss the story of the incredible two-hour conversation Cathy got to have with the late Kobe Bryant. You’ll also learn: How to build consensus by building relationships One practical strategy you can use in a new role to create trust with your team  Hard-won advice for aspiring young leaders, especially women What it’s like behind the scenes of negotiating a collective bargaining agreement

Today’s guest is John “Spider” Miller, a legendary amateur golfer who captained the US team in the 2015 and 2017 Walker Cup. If you have never seen the Walker Cup, it’s a biennial competition where leading amateur golfers of the US go head to head with the best amateurs from Great Britain and Ireland. In both his golf game and his career as a beer distributor, Spider is living proof of the power of responsibility. When we diligently focus on our own duties – and then trust others with theirs – we can accomplish amazing things. Listen to this episode for timeless leadership wisdom, plus some great stories about golf legends like Fuzzy Zoeller, Arnold Palmer, and more. You’ll also learn: The #1 mindset you need to succeed as a franchisee  What to look for when you hire if you want to build a trustworthy team The small but powerful trait that speaks volumes about someone’s character Why giving your team responsibility is one of your key roles as a leader

Today’s guest is Daniel Lubetzky, Founder of KIND Snacks – which is the fastest growing snack brand in the world. It’s not every day that you can find a snack that’s healthy AND tasty.  But as you’re going to hear in this conversation, Daniel is really good at finding a way to advance two seemingly contradictory goals, and it’s been a game changer for both his business and his life. He calls it the philosophy of “AND.” With this insight, you can maximize value with every decision you make. Listen to this conversation to see how you can apply it. Oh, and don’t miss the behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really like to be a shark on Shark Tank!  You’ll also learn: The #1 trait that levels the playing field for small companies against larger competitors Indispensable advice for anyone thinking about expanding into a new category How to build a culture where your team isn’t afraid to disagree with you What it really means to be kind (and why it’s different than just being nice)

Today’s guest is Donna Barton Brothers, the COO of Starlight Racing. She also just happens to be one of the most decorated female jockeys in the horse industry and the leading on-track television broadcaster for NBC. If you watch the Kentucky Derby, she’s the reporter at the winner’s circle, riding her horse backward as she talks to the winning jockey in the moments after the race. Now that takes some talent! But that’s not the only thing that makes Donna remarkable. She is full of insight into what it takes to win. And as you’ll hear in this conversation, there are so many parallels between how jockeys get the most out of their horses and how we as leaders can get the most out of our teams.  You’ll also learn: The importance of understanding your own unique gifts and niche skills Why you can be an influential leader even if you don’t have a large team What elite race horses can teach us about leading teams to victory An indispensable piece of advice for anyone who speaks to the media

Here is part two of my conversation with Fred Ridley, Chairman of the Augusta National Golf Club. If you haven’t had a chance to listen to part one yet, stop and do that first. It’s not easy to preserve the incredible tradition of a place like Augusta National while also making sure you’re moving into the future with new ideas. That tension between tradition and new ideas is something we can probably all relate to. But Fred is surrounded by an incredible team that he genuinely loves being around and learning from. And that’s at the heart of how he leads: he puts people before processes.  His team members come first, because they’re the ones who are going to make the experience for patrons and players and guests the legendary experience Augusta is known for. They also have the ideas that are going to pave the way forward. Fred shares a lot of strategies for how we, too, can put people before processes. You’ll also learn: The key mentality you need to preserve an organization’s tradition while also blazing new trails Practical tips to speak to the press (or anyone who asks you tough questions) A surprising way to develop your organization’s core values – and why it’s so much more effective than the traditional method  One small thing you can do at the start of every meeting that will boost team morale

Today’s guest is Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club, and the man behind the Masters. Fred has so much love and respect for the game of golf, and he’s quite a player himself – he won the 1975 US Amateur and competed in a few Masters tournaments. But after a successful career as a commercial lawyer and overseeing the Masters Championship Committee for ten years, Fred took over as Chairman in 2017. It’s never easy to step into a high-profile role, especially when it comes with the responsibility of a legendary brand and event like the Masters. But he’s up for the challenge, leading with a smart eye for detail and a big heart for people. And he’s shaping an incredible vision for the future of Augusta National while upholding the history and tradition that makes it so special. You’re going to learn so much about how he balances those two things – and how every decision he makes is really all about the people around him, not just the processes of the organization.  In part one of this two-part conversation, you’ll learn:  The mentality that helped Fred become the surprise champion of the 1975 US Amateur What Fred learned about leadership after a controversial ruling involving Tiger Woods The inspiring story behind launching the Augusta National Women’s Amateur (and how it can inspire you to launch a new initiative) One key trait of any worthwhile community involvement effort

Today’s guest is Kara Goldin, the CEO and Founder of Hint Water, which is the leading brand for unsweetened flavored water.  It may surprise you to learn that Kara founded this company having no experience at all in the beverage industry.  It all started when she wanted to swap her diet soda for water, but she found drinking plain water too boring. So she created a whole new product category that’s disrupted the beverage industry and helped a lot of people live healthier lives. For Kara, her lack of experience in the industry was just an obstacle she needed to tackle, nothing more. If there’s something she’s afraid of or unfamiliar with, she just takes it head on.  She sees fears and obstacles as opportunities to grow – and sure enough, that’s just what they become. It’s the kind of perspective all leaders need, and you are going to get a ton out of this conversation – including the inside scoop on how Kara got a KILLER deal on SuperBowl airtime!  You’ll also learn: What to do if you have a great idea – but not much experience in a certain space One important thing to keep in mind if you want to motivate your team around a mission What to remember the next time a door slams in your face How to get a bargain on a SuperBowl ad (and whether or not the ad worked!)

Today’s guest is Jesse Cole, the Founder of Fans First Entertainment & Owner of Savannah Bananas. He’s the one-of-a-kind innovator behind the incredible (and unlikely) popularity of this small Coastal Plain League baseball team. That’s because the sell-out crowds at a Savannah Bananas game aren’t really there for the baseball. They’re there for the dancing grandmas and conga lines and – get this – the underwear salute! Now, there’s a phrase you never saw coming on a leadership podcast!   But this is all a part of Jesse’s plan. He knows how to stand out and get attention – and even better, he does it all because he truly loves fans and customers. If you want your business to stand out, this conversation is going to be an absolute game changer for you.  You’ll also learn: One simple exercise to help you disrupt a category A question you can ask to get more attention for your product or service How to get inside the head of your customer so you can serve them better Two ways you can bring your core values to life for your staff and customers

Today’s guest is Joey Zwillinger, Co-Founder of Allbirds, the world’s most comfortable shoe according to Time Magazine. His company is growing by leaps and bounds, and they’ve pioneered a truly sustainable shoe that people really love. But all of it almost never happened. Fortunately, a few years ago, Joey had the courage to ask himself one really powerful question. And when he did, he got a healthy sense of urgency that NOW was the time to start a company that could make a significant impact on the problems surrounding climate change. That healthy sense of urgency is something we can all use, even in our day-to-day lives, to help us figure out what we really want to focus on. In this conversation, you’ll hear how Joey tapped into it for himself, his team, and his company. Plus, you’ll get great insights on making business more sustainable, marketing your products’ differentiators, and lots more. You’ll also learn: How to leverage the power of mentorship, both for corporate leaders and entrepreneurs Tips for navigating business decisions while still upholding your most important values A practical strategy you can use the next time you face a sticky problem A dangerous mindset you have to weed out, especially in successful companies

Today’s guest is Niren Chaudhary, CEO of Panera. Have you ever been absolutely overwhelmed by a challenge? Maybe it was a crisis … or a huge turnaround effort … or just a really complex problem you had to fix? Those are the moments that define us as leaders. And Niren Chaudhary can teach us so much about how to turn those challenging moments into defining wins. When he took over at Panera in 2019, Niren had an uphill challenge to revitalize a fading brand. He made some big shifts and got the company back on track … And then – wham – the COVID crisis hit and they lost 50% of their business in a week.  Talk about big challenges! In those moments, Niren says, we have “begin with the end in mind.” What does reality look once we get through that challenge? That big vision gives our teams the hope, optimism, and clarity they need to move through it.  When it comes to tough situations, few people have more wisdom than Niren. This episode will inspire you to tackle your next big challenge. You’ll also learn: A priceless blueprint for any leader tasked with a big revamp Four key insights for building a business in a post-COVID world The game-changing mindset you can use when you feel overwhelmed How to communicate a big idea so people actually remember it

Today, you’ll see that business wisdom and leadership insight can come from ANY age – because our guest for this episode is 15-year-old Mikaila Ulmer, the Founder and CEO of Me and the Bees Lemonade. Mikaila turned the lemonade stand she started as a four-year-old into a nationally distributed brand that has sold 2 million bottles of honey lemonade and is backed by Shark Tank investor Daymond John. She is a fearless leader with a big heart who is wise beyond her years. And you are going to see your big ideas and dreams in a whole new way after you listen to this conversation. You’ll also learn: One incredible idea you can use to inspire your team at the start of each meeting Why telling the story of your product or service is so vital Two big takeaways from Shark Tank investor Daymond John The #1 ingredient (no pun intended) to succeeding in sales Advice for parents whose kids have an entrepreneurial idea

Today’s guest is Marvin Ellison, CEO of Lowe’s. Have you ever taken over in a position after the previous person left under bad circumstances?  If you have, then you know – those are some of the toughest situations to walk into. Marvin is amazing for a lot of reasons … but check this out: in EVERY new role during his 25-year career, he has taken over for someone who’s been fired or forced out. Now, that is a man who is not afraid of a tough assignment!  Marvin was born as the son of sharecroppers and got his start as an hourly retail worker. He has risen through the ranks over the years with a ton of courage, taking the jobs other people didn’t want because he knew it was how he could prove his abilities. Marvin is also one of the few Black Fortune 500 CEOs in our country, and it’s an honor to have him here to teach us that incredible things can happen when we are brave enough to tackle the tough assignments. You’ll also learn: A valuable point of view if you ever find yourself working for a competitor One practical way you can avoid the leadership bubble and ensure you actually hear directly from your front line team members A priceless piece of wisdom for what to do when you don’t feel like you fit into your work culture One surprising element of work-life balance that doesn’t get talked about a lot

Today’s guest is Lauren Hobart, President & CEO of Dick's Sporting Goods. If you look at any job description for a leadership role, the one thing that’s ALWAYS going to be listed there is … drumroll, please … excellent communication skills. In fact, we talk about communication skills in leadership so often that it’s easy to forget what it actually means to communicate well. Today’s conversation with Lauren is the perfect reminder of what great communicators do.  It’s not just about being well spoken – although Lauren certainly is. It’s more than that.  Lauren sees communication as a way to connect with people. It’s a huge reason she has been tapped to take the reins at Dick’s Sporting Goods, making her one of only 41 women CEOs leading a Fortune 500 Company. This conversation is a masterclass in great communication – how you can relate better to your direct reports, address conflict, get your vision across, and so much more. I can’t wait for you to learn how to communicate by making a connection. You’ll also learn: One super practical strategy to use with your direct reports if you don’t already  Tips for navigating disagreements with a colleague you really respect What to do (and not do) when you’ve got a toxic person on the team Why giving your team clear objectives isn’t enough (plus what you need to add)

Today’s guest is General Ray Odierno, the former Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army – which is the top job in the Army. He retired in 2015 as a four-star general and now works in the private sector, consulting on minor little subjects like country risk and cybersecurity Now it’s one thing to talk about trusting a leader in a workplace setting. But trusting a leader in the military goes up a whole other level, where the stakes can literally be life and death.  After 39 years of military service, through three tours in Iraq, Ray is absolutely a leader people trust – and he knows how to help others become trustworthy leaders, too.  He believes there are three key qualities, and we dig into each one in this incredible conversation. You’ll also learn: One practical tip to become a better speaker, especially if public speaking doesn’t come naturally to you What one Army study said made a leader “toxic” (and it probably isn’t what you think) How to spot a team who is thriving under their current leadership What leaders can do to balance immediate needs with long-term strategies

Today’s guest is Kevin Johnson, CEO of Starbucks. Do you ever feel like your organization is incredibly complex? Like it takes forever to get anything done? It’s a pretty common issue, especially if you lead in a big or fast-growing organization. Now, obviously, Starbucks is a massive company. They operate in 82 countries with 383,000 employees. But they’re still able to innovate and adapt quickly. In fact, they embrace the mantra that they can go from idea to action in 100 days.  This works because Kevin uses something called distributed leadership – where employees are empowered to make decisions themselves but also given common values and strategies to guide them. Kevin tells us how we can use the same principles to stop getting bogged down and instead unleash some really great energy and innovation in our own organizations.  You’ll also learn: The unforgettable image that influences every decision Kevin makes Two key components of building trust in relationships – and how to incorporate them at work How to transition a business from founder-led to founder-inspired Why empowering your employees isn’t enough (and what you need to add to it) The 3 things you cannot afford NOT to do in a crisis

Today’s guest is Madeline Bell, President & CEO of the world-renowned Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Now you’ve probably heard how important it is for leaders to “walk the talk” – for our actions to sync up with our words. After all, our people are only listening to us some of the time. But they are watching us all the time. What’s our tone? Our body language? Do we listen? Do we take time off?  That kind of visibility can be a lot of pressure. But it’s also a huge opportunity to model the behaviors we want to see more of from our team. And a lot of us miss that opportunity. But Madeline doesn’t! She knows how powerful her own behavior is for setting the tone at her hospital. She recognizes people watch her – and that visibility is an opportunity for her to shape a stronger culture. And it has helped guide her team through a global pandemic – despite staff exhaustion, financial strain, and rapidly shifting information. And she’s still been a champion for the incredible medical innovation the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is known for. So let’s dive in and see how she does it – and how we can also build stronger teams simply by modeling the right behaviors for them. You’ll also learn: How to get comfortable saying “I don’t know” – while still offering reassurance The key to finding the silver linings in a crisis or tough situation An incredibly practical strategy to help your team bounce back after a big disappointment Advice for anyone who struggles with the dreaded “imposter syndrome”

Today’s guest is Lindsey Johnson, Cofounder and CEO of Weezie Towels. She and her co-founder Liz Eicholz are long-time friends who joined forces to build something really special. At Weezie, they have made a unique product people love. They’ve created differentiators no one else has. They’ve wrapped it all up in fun, thoughtful branding. They’re making a splash everywhere from Forbes to Southern Living. And it all started because Lindsey and her cofounder were really passionate about this problem of bad towels that were either not absorbent enough or not soft enough. But they took that passion and added substance. Lindsey got a little obsessed with it – in a good way. She dove deep into the technical details of her category. As a result they have developed incredible product innovations that nobody else can rival.  It’s amazing what can happen when a leader has big-picture passion about a problem, and then jumps into the tiny specific details of that problem. And hearing from Lindsey is a great way to learn for yourself how to pair passion with substance. You’ll also learn: An encouraging consumer insight for anyone who works in ecommerce Practical wisdom for working with a friend A unique way to look at balancing growth and profitability Why you shouldn’t overlook your press strategy  How to adapt your management style to draw out the best from different people

Today’s guest is John Calipari, head basketball coach at the University of Kentucky. Yes, the legendary Coach Cal!  I gotta tell you, if you’re listening to this podcast first thing in the morning, you can just skip the coffee. Coach Cal will get you fired up with just his passion and energy alone.  But you know, there’s something even more powerful behind that enthusiasm – and that’s how much Coach Cal cares for his players.  He is always pushing his guys to improve. He knows how to relate to each guy to draw out their best. He is a master at framing up a big goal, and you can see, in every decision, he is putting his players and their families first.  It’s the foundation of every season, and it comes before the tactics and strategies. It’s a huge reason his teams continually do well, and it’s placed Coach Cal in the pantheon of college coaching legends. When we truly care about our people – and they know that we truly care – good things happen.  You’ll also learn: How to take risks to improve even when things are working (fun note: it involves the story of the dribble-drive offense) Secrets of his legendary recruiting skills His process for helping tap into each player’s individual strengths The power of setting one big single goal (and why other good results tend to follow when you do) The one defining trait of leadership he strives to teach his players

Today’s guest is Jack Nicklaus, who is widely regarded as the best golfer to ever play the game. He hardly needs an introduction! He won 117 professional tournaments over his 44 year career, including six Masters, five PGA championships, four U.S. Open titles, and three British Open titles.  But his legendary status doesn’t stop with his playing career. He’s gone on to design world renowned courses and build a fantastic brand. He and his wife Barbara have done a tremendous amount of philanthropic work for children’s health. And he’s kept a humble attitude through it all. There are about a zillion things Jack can teach us about leadership.  But one big takeaway for us is how he is just as eager to learn from his wins as he is from his losses. Now, we all know – failure is a great teacher! But success can be, too. When we have a winning moment, we don’t want to just high five each other and move on. It’s important to understand why it worked so we can do more of it! And you’re about to learn how. You’ll also learn: What you need to understand about yourself in order to come through adversity The “secret ingredient” to being more consistently excellent How visualization can give you a competitive edge at work (not just on the course) Practical advice for working with your family

Today’s guest is Dave Cote, former CEO of Honeywell. Dave led an incredible turnaround at Honeywell. When he took charge in 2002, the company was in dire straits. Dave was in charge for 16 years, and in that time, Honeywell's market cap grew from $20 billion to a whopping $120 billion.  And at every point along the way, Dave fought the misconception that leaders have to choose between two seemingly conflicting things. For example: you can either have short-term results or long-term growth, but not both.  For Dave, you can have both, but it takes a lot of creative thinking. And you’ve got to be able to think for yourself. You can’t fall into the trap of agreeing with the prevailing opinion or what you “should” do. When you listen to Dave, it comes through loud and clear: great leaders know how to think for themselves. And when they do, they get beyond surface-level answers and uncover truly creative win/win solutions.  You’ll also learn: The important mindset you need to lead during tough times (hint: you won’t like it)  A genius way to approach your next meeting if you’re trying to reach a good decision  What the “Any Ninny” theory of leadership is and how to rise above it How to build trust when you’re in an adversarial environment

Today’s guest is Frank Blake, former CEO of The Home Depot. He actually calls himself the “accidental CEO” – and it was a bit of a surprise when he was appointed back in 2007. It’s not every day that a former lawyer for GE finds his way to the top role at a home improvement store. However, his success at The Home Depot has been anything BUT accidental. He made big calls that turned the company around. And one of his biggest strategic moves was to stop relying on opening new stores for growth and instead focus on generating more sales at existing stores. It worked. Sometimes growth, for its own sake, isn’t the right goal. Instead, we want to strive for excellence – getting back to basics and being brilliant at what we do. When we do, growth will follow. In Frank’s words, it’s a “compelling, fascinating, never-ending journey” when we aim for excellence, not just growth. You’ll also learn: What to do if you find yourself unexpectedly in a leadership role The single most important insight you can have about how to communicate to an organization One savvy little trick to get some honest feedback from people who report to you (instead of always just hearing what people think you want to hear) Why “listening to your team” is a lot harder than you think

Today’s guest is Steve Burke, Chairman of NBCUniversal. Since taking over NBCUniversal in 2011, he's almost tripled the profits from around $3 billion to over $8 billion and is leading the fastest growing media company in the world. Before that, Steve was the #2 guy at Comcast alongside Brian Roberts as they acquired NBCUniversal. He’s also led hugely successful efforts at Disney and ABC. He has accomplished SO much. But in every role, Steve just knows how to get the most out of the people around him. It’s how he was able to lead the turnaround at DisneyWorld Paris and how the whole idea of Disney Stores even came to exist! Steve shows us that sometimes, truly breakthrough ideas are already there within your team – and it’s your job as a leader to draw them out.  You’ll also learn: What to look for in great talent, especially if you work in a rapidly changing field The #1 mentality you need to establish in your team members Two things you absolutely must do if you need to make a bold decision How to balance a legacy product with an emerging one

In any organization, there’s always some kind of chaos. It’s just the way of the world. But leaders don’t just face chaos. They’re defined by how they handle it.  And that’s why we’re thrilled to have today’s guest, Mory Fontanez. She's the founder of 822 Group, a consultancy which is helping companies and leaders reconnect with their higher purpose to grow their businesses. Now, if you’re the type who hears that and thinks it sounds a little woo-woo … well … just hang on. Mory actually shares a lot of hard evidence showing that companies and leaders without a higher sense of purpose experience lower productivity, higher turnover, and burnout. But here’s the good news: leaders and companies who actually dig in and connect with a bigger set of values and purpose have a huge advantage. They’re more confident, more clear, and more satisfied at work. And no matter what kind of chaos or crisis they face, they’re ready. So listen in and discover for yourself how you can tame the chaos with a higher purpose.  You’ll also learn: Two incredible benefits to creating a clear company purpose (one is pretty surprising) The #1 mistake companies make when they try to create a list of values How to let go of your need for self-validation, and why it’s crucial for leaders Two practical steps you can use this week to handle conflict at work

Today’s guest is Tim Ryan, US Chair and Senior Partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers, one of the top accounting and consulting firms in the world.  You don’t get elected to this kind of position if you’re not absolutely at the top of your game. And Tim sure is. He is one of the smartest guys around.  But that does not mean he has all the answers. In fact, in his words, he “drives himself crazy with listening.” He’s always seeking out more data points and drawing out differing perspectives. It’s really at the heart of how they serve their clients and formulate strategy. And that willingness to listen has also empowered him to make some really bold decisions.  Right after he was elected to his role in 2016, there was a tragic, racially charged shooting in Dallas. Tim listened to his employees’ rousing response. And it motivated him to drastically shift his entire leadership strategy to focus on racial injustice.  That’s the big leadership lesson waiting for you today. When you know how to listen to different perspectives, you can make even the toughest decisions from a place that’s informed and empathetic. And that’s definitely the mark of a great leader. You’ll also learn: A practical blueprint for making diversity a real priority at your company The #1 thing to focus on when things feel scary or chaotic at work The 3 big trends every business needs to be dialed into right now What to do when you make a mistake (yes, this is the hard-won wisdom after the infamous Oscars blunder)

Today’s guest is Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase. If you haven’t already heard part one of this conversation, check the feed and start there instead. It’s a masterclass in dealing with problems by preparing for them ahead of time. But some problems aren’t possibilities waaaaaay off in the future. They’re right here, right now! And in part two, we get into how Jamie deals with those day-to-day issues. And there’s a real humility in how he does it. He’s always listening and learning. He genuinely wants to know the issues on the ground in his organization. But he doesn’t stop there. He actually follows through so the problems he uncovers get solved. It’s rare to find a leader who is willing to listen to issues. But a leader who follows up and actually fixes those issues? That’s the stuff of legend.  But it doesn’t have to be! You just need a plan. And that’s the big takeaway in this conversation with Jamie: always have a plan to deal with problems. You’ll also learn: Specifics idea for recognizing your team members’ accomplishments Four things young leaders can do if they want to make their mark Why listening to your front lines is half the job – and what you have to do in addition in order to earn your team’s respect One brilliant idea to help you tackle tough conflicts we often tend to avoid Jamie’s unique approach to strategic planning – and why he’s careful about how his company uses it

Today’s guest is Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase. He took this job back in 2006 – and it has not been an easy road. He faced the global financial crisis in ‘08, the COVID-19 pandemic, and all its aftermath. It’s just been one thing after another.  But I love the no-nonsense way Jamie approaches leadership in these tough moments. He isn’t surprised by problems. He’s prepared for them. As he puts it, “you don’t have a war and then decide to have an army. You better have the army first.” As leaders, we have to be real and say that problems are going to come up. They might be big or small, short-term or long-term. But one thing’s for sure: they’re going to be there. And we’ve got to be prepared. There’s just so much we can learn from Jamie so we always have a plan to deal with problems. You’ll also learn: Jamie’s source of motivation in tough times – and why it’s critical for team-building  How to listen to both the data and your gut when you’re making big decisions How Jamie’s readjusted his life and work after a major health scare  Specific ways corporations can be more socially responsible The surprising trait you need more of the higher up you get in an organization

Today’s guest is NHL Hall of Famer Mark Messier. The man hardly needs an introduction! He’s won the Stanley Cup a whopping six times and is one of the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorers.  He’s a legend of the game. But he’s also widely regarded as one of the best leaders in the game – not just in hockey, but in all of sport.  In this conversation, you’ll get a glimpse into his leadership style and the incredible awareness he has of the people around him.  You don’t have to be a hockey coach to know: you can’t win all those Stanley Cups alone. And Mark’s teams succeeded so often because he was always tuned into his teammates. He knew how they were feeling. What would motivate them. What they needed to hear in a big moment.  He calls it a spidey sense. But it’s the kind of superpower we can actually get better at. And this conversation with Mark is the best way to learn that great leaders stay attuned to their people. You’ll also learn: How to navigate the loss of a top talent (from someone who went through Wayne Gretzy getting traded away from his team) Three specific elements that comprise a winning team The #1 reason teams fail – and how you can prevent it What to say (and what not to say) when you step into a new leadership role

Today’s guest is Larry Merlo, CEO of CVS Health. When Larry took the helm at CVS in 2011, they were doing about 100 billion dollars in revenue. That’s a lot of money. But guess what? Now they’re doing almost 250 billion in revenue. It’s a remarkable amount of growth. But it’s not the most remarkable thing Larry has done. He also made the bold decision to remove tobacco products from CVS stores – even though they accounted for two billion dollars of revenue. The story is incredible. But what’s even more incredible is why Larry and his team made that decision in the first place. It came from a very simple statement of their purpose as a company. Literally eight words. And it changed everything for them. As leaders, we all need to remember that the best vision in the world isn’t worth a thing if it doesn’t stick with people. This conversation with Larry shows us how to communicate our big ideas in simple, compelling terms. That way, our team members can actually connect with it and apply it when they’re making their decisions each day. You’ll also learn: One thing Larry did early in his career that prepared him for the C-suite later on How to know when it’s time to re-evaluate your organization’s vision Why you may want to make it easy for your team members to fail – no, really What to look for in customer feedback to help you identify consumer needs (and it’s probably not what you think)

Listen to the second part of our conversation with Tom Brady, quarterback of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If you haven’t heard the first part yet, find it on the podcast feed – you’re going to want to start there.  In the second half of our conversation, we talk about Tom’s upbringing, which is where his incredible discipline really starts.  Tom also talks in depth about the specific mentality shifts that helped him break through the ranks in college – and this was despite being a pretty dispensable sixth round pick in the draft.  Oh, and apologies to Atlanta fans, but yes, he talks about what was going through his head in that epic Super Bowl game against the Falcons when he and the Patriots were down 28-3 and came back to win it all.  In every story, in every answer, Tom is teaching us a huge leadership lesson: if we want to lead well, we have to back up our goals with disciplined action. It’s not enough to just set a goal or want to succeed. We’ve got to show up and make the choices that will actually result in hitting those goals.  That’s the kind of walk-the-walk leadership that people actually follow.  You’ll also learn: Tom’s advice to parents for how to talk to their kids The inspiring question Tom asks when things don’t go right The key advice Tom got that helped him move up the ranks even when opportunities were scarce  The #1 ingredient your team needs to navigate day-to-day conflicts as they arise The mentality you need to muster up when you’re down (and what Tom used in the epic Super Bowl comeback against the Atlanta Falcons) The time Tom got locked in the stadium at Notre Dame and what he had to do to escape

Today’s guest is Tom Brady, the quarterback of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And if you know anything about Tom Brady, you know he’s incredibly disciplined. His nutrition, his fitness, his training, his prep, his mindset – the guy has an elite level of dedication to being his best. And that hard work is a huge reason why he is the greatest of all time, the GOAT! But here’s what a lot of people miss. And I want to make sure you don’t miss it. What we’re really seeing when we see Tom Brady’s hard work is someone who has said: I am willing to back up my goals with disciplined actions. In the NFL and in business, everybody wants to win. But not everybody is willing to work hard in order to win. Tom is. His actions prove just how committed he is. He walks the walk, day in and day out, both off the field and on it. It sets him apart as a leader.  And it’s the big takeaway for you today: as a leader, do you back up your goals with disciplined action?  You’ll also learn: What you can do to change or capitalize on momentum How you establish yourself as a leader in a new environment Why Tom performs at a high level in tough situations (you may not like the answer, but it’s so good!) Tom’s #1 piece of advice for when you don’t feel 100% confident in a situation All the details of Tiger Wood’s mind-blowing warm-up shots before their charity golf match

Today’s guest is Indra Nooyi, the former Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo. Indra is an incredibly accomplished leader. In her twelve years in charge at PepsiCo, she navigated all kinds of challenges – a global recession, major restructuring, sweeping changes in consumer habits. And yet, in those same twelve years, PepsiCo sales had risen by 80%. That kind of leadership is impressive. But what’s even more impressive is how Indra does it – by looking for ways to elevate others and build them up. She intentionally carves out opportunities for the people she serves.  And this isn’t just pie in the sky stuff. It’s practical. In this episode, Indra goes into detail about PepsiCo’s leadership development and retention strategies. She talks about increasing diversity and calling out bias. And she shares her own story as a woman of color and immigrant from India.  Great leaders intentionally elevate the people they serve. And that’s the big leadership lesson waiting for you in this episode today.  You’ll also learn: Creative ways to celebrate your team (including one you HAVE to try) Specific strategies to boost diversity and inclusion How to stick to a vision, even when the naysayers are (very!) loud The one mistake you should never make when communicating during a crisis How to call out workplace bias The single biggest thing consultants can do to add value The six paragraphs Indra reads every week to stay inspired What it’s like working with Jeff Bezos as a board member for Amazon

Today’s guest is Bobbi Brown, Founder of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics & CEO of Beauty Evolution.  She is an absolute creative genius. Not just in makeup. In her whole life! When Bobbi comes up against a problem, she approaches it in the most wonderful and nontraditional ways.  And it works! She basically reinvented makeup in the 80s. She built a billion dollar brand. Today, she’s leading a successful wellness brand called Beauty Evolution. And she’s doing it all by the beat of her own drum. But she’s not doing it alone. Along the way, she has found some incredible partners – people whose skill sets go hand in hand with her creativity. And they’re accomplishing these big goals together. As leaders, we all have unique gifts. But we need the right people alongside us to counterbalance those gifts. To fill in the gaps. To see into our blind spots. And help us do more than we ever could alone. Thanks to Bobbi, you’re about to learn that wonderful things happen when we surround ourselves with the right partners. You’ll also learn: The two biggest qualities you need to have as an entrepreneur  Practical advice for connecting with creative people on your team What traits you need to tap into in order to become a more impactful teacher How to lean into being yourself and knowing yourself – and why it’s crucial for leaders

Today’s guest is Ajay Banga, CEO of Mastercard. Ajay is one of the most respected leaders in the world, and he’s a classic example of that old adage, “When you do the right thing, the right things happen.” In fact, that idea of doing the right thing is so core to his leadership style that he coined a term for it – he calls it the “decency quotient.” As a leader it’s not enough to have a good IQ and EQ. We’ve got to be decent, too – to treat others with fairness, and support, and respect. In Ajay’s words, it’s “having your hand on people’s backs, not in their faces.”  And it’s not just a fluffy feel good thing. This idea of decency really drives growth.  It’s empowering his employees with trust and accountability. It’s ensuring that there is diversity around the decision table in order to guard against blind spots. And it’s helping his team find ways to make the economy more inclusive while still delivering on business goals.  At every turn, Ajay shows us that great leaders are guided by decency. You’ll also learn: How to uncover ideas that benefit both your business and society at large  The #1 thing you need to get right as a leader  The critical mindset you need about your competition, whether you’re ahead or behind What you need to foster innovation (hint: it’s probably not what you expect) Why empowerment and accountability go hand in hand Hard-won advice for other diverse leaders who face discrimination

Today’s guest is Ethan Brown, Founder and CEO of Beyond Meat. You hear a lot of leaders say they want to change the world. But that is literally Ethan’s mission at Beyond Meat. Their company is devoted to getting the same protein as animal meat straight from plants – so they can reduce climate change, improve human health, and help animal welfare. Now that’s an epic mission!  And when you listen to Ethan, you realize just how powerful his sense of purpose is. It’s the driving force behind the incredible product development at Beyond Meat. It’s what influences their marketing and competitive strategy. It’s also a huge piece of their team culture.  That sense of purpose is like the ultimate source of renewable energy!  Now of course, your sense of purpose is going to vary. But great leaders know how to use purpose as motivation when the going gets tough or when they need to reach a big goal.  Nobody does that better than Ethan – and with so much intelligence and humility to boot. So let’s dig in and see how great leaders tap into the power of purpose. You’ll also learn: One common tactic that can actually hold your company back, especially in product development and marketing The surprising mindset that helps you stay relevant in a rapidly shifting world How to encourage the “fail fast” culture on your team Why self-awareness is crucial to your growth as a leader

Today’s guest is Seth Waugh, CEO of the PGA of America. Seth Waugh’s background is actually in finance – most recently, as the CEO of Deutsche Bank. That’s obviously impressive, but what really sets him apart is his unique ability to relate to people at every level of an organization.  And that’s exactly what he did when took over as CEO of the PGA of America. He listened, he learned, and he gave his team members a chance to show their character.  Along the way, he uncovered some tough issues. But he also was able to see for himself how to address them. Now he and his team are really digging into their big mission, which is to grow the game of golf and make it more inclusive and accessible.  Great leaders “get their uniform dirty,” as Seth says, by spending time with all levels of their organization. Seth is a master at this, and you’re gonna be so inspired by this conversation. You’ll also learn: Specific things you need to do in the first six months of any new leadership role What you can do to rebuild trust and communication in an organization  How Seth sees the game of golf evolving for the future  The tough-but-fair policy that Seth uses to hire and develop team members A key caution leaders need to be mindful of as work becomes increasingly virtual

Today’s guest is Tony Xu, Cofounder and CEO of Doordash.  Getting a nice tasty burrito delivered to your door may seem pretty straightforward.  But when you think about all the moving parts – vendors, drivers, logistics, traffic, weather, technology – there are a lot of places where problems can pop up! Tony and his team love to solve those problems. And they do it by breaking them down to their smallest details, so they really get clear on what’s happening.  At Doordash, Tony is creating a culture of action and ownership – where his people have both the skills AND the attitude they need to really dig into details. To be honest, we leaders sometimes overlook those nitty gritty details. And that can be costly, because we never get the full understanding and clarity we really need to solve the problem. Great leaders have to deal in reality. And sometimes, reality is really detailed. Tony is a great leader who has the curiosity and hard work it takes to break problems down into detailed pieces – and there’s a lot we can learn from him!  You’ll also learn: The #1 strategy you need to solve problems – even the really tough ones Two practical ways you can foster more innovation in your company Three standout behaviors to look for as you hire A golden piece of advice for balancing work with the rest of your life The surprising thing Tony teaches everyone at Doordash (and why)

Today’s guest is Evan Spiegel, CEO of Snap.  The tech world is driven by innovation. And Snapchat has set the gold standard for getting new ideas to take off, ever since 2011 when Evan Spiegel co-founded the company while he was a student at Stanford.  But there’s a lot more to Snapchat’s success than just having these good ideas. They have created a culture where those ideas can actually develop. They have communicated those ideas to teams and stakeholders. Oh, and most importantly, they have actually turned those ideas into reality. But it hasn’t always been easy – especially back in 2018 when some of those new ideas triggered an 80% drop in stock price and a very public outcry. Now, of course, you may not be out to build Silicon’s Valley’s next big thing. But every leader needs to know how to create a culture where big ideas thrive and become reality. So if you want to understand the secrets of fostering innovation, then you don’t want to miss this episode. You’ll also learn: A fundamental insight about human nature that will change how you think about product development The one thing Evan wished he’d fully understood about going public The #1 piece of advice Evan got early on – and probably what you need to hear today What mistakes to avoid when you’re growing quickly His surprising response to competitors ripping off his company’s products Practical ways Evan grew – and keeps growing – in his leadership role  The one common denominator in all Evan’s biggest past mistakes (and how it helps him now)

Today’s guest is Larry Fitzgerald, who has played for the Arizona Cardinals for 17 years and is widely regarded as one of the best wide receivers to ever play the game. He’s also an incredible philanthropist, investor, and businessman.  When we think about leadership, often what comes to mind for us is the person who’s up in front of the crowd, leading the meeting, or giving the big speech. But when you listen to Larry you remember: not all leaders are vocal and up front. Our best leaders are often the ones who just quietly go about their work with excellence. And they earn their role as a leader by setting an example that other people just want to follow. In this conversation we cover a lot of ground – how Larry grew up, how he prepares for games, how he is navigating social justice issues, and now how he’s developing as a businessman.  And in every scenario, Larry just quietly exerts so much influence – for the good! – on the people around him. It’s the perfect reminder that great leaders lead by example.  You’ll also learn: Advice for adjusting to new leadership and teammates (from a guy who’s played with almost 20 different quarterbacks over the years!) The simple but powerful way Larry prepared for every game – and how it applies to you Three traits that separate great coaches and leaders from mediocre ones How to lead well even when you’re not the one calling the plays

Today’s guest is Kendra Scott, Founder, Executive Chairwoman of the popular jewelry brand Kendra Scott. Have you ever gotten stuck because you felt so overwhelmed by how complicated something seemed?  It can happen when you launch a new initiative, start a new role, or come up against a new challenge.  In those moments we leaders can overcomplicate things! And when we get bogged down like that, it’s really tough to make good decisions and keep our teams moving.  If you can relate, then you will love this conversation with Kendra. She knows how to strive for simplicity when she comes up against a challenge. And let me tell you, she has faced her fair share of challenges – from a business failing early on in her career … to being pre-judged as a blonde woman from Texas … to now, navigating the ever-shifting landscape of running a retail business. But with persistence, she pinpoints the heart of an issue – and with creativity, she finds a simple, effective solution. And her team loves her for it. There’s a lot we can learn here about how to strive for simplicity. You’ll also learn: The power of showing gratitude to your team How to leverage your failures Practical ways to fight complacency on your team One incredible “rule” that transforms and simplifies customer service Why rejection can work for you The specific ways Kendra developed herself as a “self-taught” entrepreneur How Kendra balances parenthood and business

David Novak lets you be a fly on the wall and learn from the best CEOs, founders & entrepreneurs in business, sports and entertainment to talk about how they lead and get such incredible things done. Past guests include Tom Brady, Condoleezza Rice, Indra Nooyi, Jamie Dimon, Stanley Druckenmiller, Carol Tomé, Ginni Rometty, Ken Langone, Dude Perfect, Roger Goodell, and many others. David, a former cofounder and CEO himself, has been asking great questions and learning from top leaders his whole life. Now he breaks down the key learnings so that by the end of each episode, you’ll have something simple you can apply as you develop into a better leader. That's what this show is all about!