Episodes
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...
Published 05/09/24
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...
Published 05/06/24
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...
Published 05/02/24
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...
Published 04/29/24
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...
Published 04/25/24
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...
Published 04/22/24
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...
Published 04/18/24
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...
Published 04/15/24
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...
Published 04/11/24
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...
Published 04/08/24
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...
Published 04/04/24
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...
Published 03/28/24
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...
Published 03/25/24
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...
Published 03/21/24
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...
Published 03/18/24
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...
Published 03/14/24
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...
Published 03/11/24
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...
Published 03/07/24
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...
Published 03/04/24
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...
Published 02/29/24
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...
Published 02/26/24
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...
Published 02/22/24
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...
Published 02/19/24
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...
Published 02/15/24