How Leaders Lead with David Novak

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. Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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 Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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 Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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 Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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 Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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 Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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 Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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 Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

​​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 Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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 Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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 Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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 Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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” Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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 Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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) Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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 Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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 Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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 Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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) Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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 Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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 Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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 Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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!) Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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 Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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 Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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 Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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 Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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 Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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) Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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 Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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 Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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” Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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 Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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 Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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 Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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 Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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 Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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 Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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 Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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) Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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 Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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 Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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 Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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) Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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 Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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 Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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 Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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 Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

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 Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources: The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.