Author: David Novak

David’s passion is to make the world a better place by developing leaders at all ages through David Novak Leadership, his family’s Lift-a-Life Foundation, Lead4Change, Global Game Changers and The Novak Leadership Institute at the University of Missouri.

Novak has been recognized as “2012 CEO of the Year” by Chief Executive magazine, one of the world’s “30 Best CEOs” by Barron’s, one of the “Top People in Business” by FORTUNE and one of the “100 Best-Performing CEOs in the World” by Harvard Business Review…

Podcast

Rory McIlroy: Beginnings, Golf & Leadership | Part 1

Post author By David Novak
Post date 03/27/2018

Today’s guest is professional golfer, Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland who is a member of both the European and PGA Tours. He was world number one in the Official World Golf Ranking for 95 weeks. He is a four-time major champion, winning the 2011 U.S Open, (setting a tournament record score of −16), 2012 PGA Championship (with a tournament record margin of victory (8 strokes)), 2014 Open Championship, and 2014 PGA Championship. Along with Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth he is one of four players to win three majors by the age of 25.
Listen to PART 2 of our podcast with Rory McIlroy.
[bctt tweet=”“To be a great leader, you need to lead by example.””]

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This great resource will help you along the way, during or after you listen to the podcast. Not only will you get to know our guest, you will be asked tough questions to really spearhead your journey to becoming a better leader! And look below for more insights and clips!!

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Novak:
What traits do you admire in leaders?
McIlroy:
You have to lead by example. You can’t just preach about what people need to do, you have to show them. If you look to your boss or leader and they are practicing what they preach, it is more authentic, so that’s a big thing. With leadership, you don’t want to lead by fear, you want to make the people you are leading feel a part of things. You don’t want a separation between people and a leader. Make it feel like one big team and make everyone feel valued.
(12:13-13:02)

Would people who work with you describe you as someone who leads by example or someone who says, “Do what I say, not what I do?”
What is one action you can take this week to lead by example and show others you value them?

Novak:
I see that authenticity is really important to you – you are the real deal.
McIlroy:
I try to be me, not somebody else. Once I became 100% comfortable in my own skin, if not everyone likes me, that’s ok as long as I stay true to myself, the values I believe in and be authentic.
(13:02-13:54)

What fears keep you from staying true to yourself?

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The One Truth You Should Know That Most Leaders Keep Quiet

Post author By David Novak
Post date 03/23/2018

Read this Forbes article on David’s one truth about being successful in any industry! …

“I never saw myself as a leader,” he told us. “I just went to work every day and tried to do my best, while helping the people around me become their best.” This a sentiment many of us share. But these humble words were spoken by David Novak, Founder and CEO of David Novak Leadership and Former Chairman and CEO of Yum! Brands, Inc. “Everyone has the power to be a leader but it’s important to realize that you can’t achieve anything big in life if you try to do it alone, you need to take people with you. We all need people to help us along the way,” added Novak. Read the Article.

David Novak Leadership in the News Recognition

CEO FORUM: David Novak shares why recognition is the key for major enterprise success

Post author By David Novak
Post date 03/22/2018

Last week David and I were talking about how to build a great culture. He said, “Robert one word … recognition”. As background, he was the 17-year CEO of Yum! Brands and actually founding CEO where he had 1.4 million associates through brands like KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell. David has a unique perspective on managing and elevating large scale global cultures through recognition. More recently he wrote a riveting book, O Great One, which is a business fable about the specifics of building recognition. LISTEN to the INTERVIEW.

Podcast

Larry Senn: Create Healthy, High Performing Cultures

Post author By David Novak
Post date 03/22/2018

Today’s guest is Dr. Larry Senn. Larry is a pioneer in the field of corporate culture. He is the chairman and co-founder of Senn-Delany, a leadership consulting group that created a transformational process to assist leaders in creating healthy, high-performing cultures. Larry has extensive experience working with top leaders at different organizations in a wide range of industries and is often referred to as the “father of corporate culture”. Larry is an accomplished consultant, business advisor, group facilitator, author and CEO coach. He was also a finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year in Southern California. He is an avid fitness enthusiast and was also an assistant coach of UCLA’s championship gymnastics team.

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Larry’s experience managing 100 kids taught him about team building. Even at a young age, he understood that if you can get the right energy from people, they will perform well in their jobs.
He encouraged his workers and made them feel like they were doing important work. He says, “If people felt good about what they are doing, they will work harder and do better.”
(3:30-4:10)

Think about a boss who inspired you. What did that person do to get you motivated?

Larry says understanding your moods and having self-awareness is critical. The best leaders understand themselves, and if they don’t, that means they lack emotional intelligence.
Larry gives the following advice to leaders: Don’t make decisions if you’re not in a good state of mind.
(17:30-18:07)

Are you self-aware of your moods?
How might waiting on a good state of mind lead to better decision-making?

David Novak Leadership in the News Training

THE INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM: Accidental CEO with David Novak

Post author By David Novak
Post date 03/20/2018

In this Innovative Ecosystem Podcast episode, we are joined by David Novak, former CEO and Founder of Yum! Brands which includes Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and KFC. David is the author of several books including Taking People With You and his biography The Education of An Accidental CEO. Most recently, David has co-founded David Novak Leadership, a digital leadership training platform that aims to change the world by building better leaders.

LISTEN to the PODCAST.

David Novak Leadership in the News

FORBES PODCAST: Marketing And Leadership Secrets From Yum! Brands Founder David Novak

Post author By David Novak
Post date 03/14/2018

On this episode of the Forbes Interview, Novak shares the secrets he’s learned about leadership, culture, and of course, marketing. Remember Crystal Pepsi? That was his brainchild–and what he calls one of his best ideas gone wrong.

LISTEN to the PODCAST.

Podcast

Tom O’Keefe: Leadership in advertising and Heartwiring a creative culture

Post author By David Novak
Post date 03/08/2018

Tom O’Keefe is the founder and CEO of O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul, a creative advertising agency located in Chicago’s West Loop. OKRP is the 2015 recipient of Advertising Age’s prestigious Small Agency of the Year Award. Tom is a creative leader who’s never been shy about saying his job is to deliver results to clients.

He’s been behind transformational campaigns for Taco Bell, Amazon.com and MillerCoors, among many others, and currently applies his style of rigorous creativity to O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul’s clients every day. He believes great work is about feeling, that every message should be musical (even when it’s not a song), and creative awards are more fun when earned, not chased. Over his career, he’s earned awards to demonstrate success at all measures.

Learn about how Tom Heartwires a creative culture while hardwiring success for his clients on this episode of the David Novak Leadership Leadership Podcast with host, David Novak.

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Tom shows how one can build a career in one place. He worked in the same organization for several years and built many great relationships. While this method will work for some, it won’t work for all. Tom recommends abiding by your natural way of operating. Do what seems right for you and be comfortable in that.
(14:50-15:48)

Do you think it’s realistic for leaders to build their careers in one place, or should they gain experience by working for different organizations?
How would you describe your natural way of operating?

Tom says leaders need to be open-minded and self-aware. Sometimes leaders struggle with knowing their strengths and weaknesses, and knowing that they don’t always have the answers.
(27:51-29:32)

Which describes you more: open-minded or self-aware?
Identify your weaknesses. How can your team fill in those areas of weaknesses?

David Novak Leadership in the News Training

David Novak Leadership Launches New Online Leadership Program

Post author By David Novak
Post date 02/22/2018

Toxic Leadership, Rock Bottom Trust and Demand for Leadership Skills in the Workplace Fuels David Novak, Former Yum! Brands Chairman, to Launch David Novak Leadership ‘Heartwiring and Hardwiring Your Leadership™’ Digital Training Program. Novak attacks today’s leadership gap that is reducing employee morale, engagement and the business bottom line by teaching proven, real-world global leadership lessons to help people take control of their careers and become stronger, more successful leaders.

See full press release…

Podcast

Larry Bossidy, retired Chairman and CEO of Honeywell

Post author By David Novak
Post date 02/21/2018

Lawrence A. Bossidy is the retired Chairman and CEO of Honeywell International Inc., a global $40-billion advanced technology, controls and manufacturing company. Mr. Bossidy is the co-author of the best-selling book Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done and its sequel Confronting Reality: Master the New Model For Success. You won’t want to miss Mr. Bossidy’s wisdom and leadership insights on this episode of the David Novak Leadership Leadership Podcast with David Novak.

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At one point, Larry worked for someone whom he didn’t have great chemistry with. He wondered whether he should leave the company.
Larry shares how you can know when it is time to leave a role: Are you satisfied with the people you work with? Can you accomplish your personal goals in your current organization. If the answer is yes, then stay. But if not, it might be time to look elsewhere.
(9:09-11:22)

Think of your current role. What would you answer to both of Larry’s questions?

Larry made a point to challenge his people. In meetings, he would ask everyone to give their viewpoint, especially those who didn’t often speak up. His most productive meetings were a result of pushing back. He sought to make people think about the organization’s issues and what to do about them. In the end, they always came up with the right answer.
(13:42-14:54)

Do you think it’s important for leaders to get everyone’s view?
In what ways would your organization benefit if your team committed more time to problem-solving?

Podcast

Jan Helson, Learn how to discover your superpower to ignite good

Post author By David Novak
Post date 02/16/2018
1 Comment on Jan Helson, Learn how to discover your superpower to ignite good

After selling Golden Foods/Golden Brands in 2011 at the age of 51, Jan Helson committed her Second-Act to using her business skills and resources to create Global Game Changers Children’s Student Empowerment Program, a nonprofit organization that she co-founded with her daughter Rachel Annette. Global Game Changers, modeled after their children’s book Global Game Changers is dedicated to teaching elementary school age youth that no matter how young they are and no matter where they come from they can make a difference in the world. Their in-school and after-school service-learning and leadership programs empower kids to discover their inner superpower to IGNITE GOOD!® through a simple equation, MY TALENT + MY HEART = MY SUPERPOWER™. She believes that learning to give back at a young age shapes a child’s life, builds character, leadership and social-emotional strength, and encourages personal responsibility that will help make them more successful and productive citizens.

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Jan counts herself lucky because she didn’t face any obstacles in regards to being a woman in leadership. She recognizes that women do run into issues and gives the following advice for women in leadership:

Stay true to who you are
Work hard
Have open, honest communication

Jan says actions speak louder than words. If you keep going and stay the course you will persevere.
(12:45-15:02)

What challenges do women in leadership face?
Do you think Jan’s advice is helpful?

Jan lives by this personal mantra: strive for excellence. She wants to send a message to those she serves, to inspire kids to be the best they can be.
(38:59-40:09)

Do you agree with the concept that leaders should lead by example?
Do you have a mantra you live by? If so, write it in the comments!

Podcast Training

Fitscript, Founder and CEO, Charles O’Connell

Post author By David Novak
Post date 02/08/2018

In the fall of 2013, Charlie O’Connell opened the Fitscript GLUCOSEZONE Center, a unique facility dedicated to diabetes, exercise, and developing multi-media content related to exercise, diabetes metrics, and integrated data from bio-metric devices.
Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at Yale New Haven Hospital in the fall of 1996, Charlie is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania (’02) where he was a two-sport varsity athlete (Football and Track and Field), as well as high school All-American in Track and Field. Before founding Fitscript, Charlie worked in Business development for a successful software startup in the Homeland Security Industry. Charlie is a father, husband, golfer, skier, runner, speaker and entrepreneur. Episode #27 of the David Novak Leadership Leadership Podcast with David Novak and special guest, Charles O’Connell.

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Charles became very ill during his senior year of high school. After losing 55 pounds, he had to be admitted to the hospital. He was diagnosed with diabetes, and had a very difficult time with the news.
Charles was defiant about his illness and didn’t want to be held back because of it. He learned to manage his diabetes, and ended up playing on University of Pennsylvania’s basketball team. He persevered and went as far as to qualify for the Olympic trials.
(5:30-8:12)

What obstacles have you faced in trying to reach your goals?
Think about a time you persevered. Did it pay off?

After 6 years with E Team, Charles began to feel both physically and emotionally burnt-out. Charles had just returned from the Hurricane Katrina disaster when his boss sat him down and explained that he was letting him go. Because Charles was so invested in his work, he wouldn’t have resigned on his own. Charles’ boss realized that and released him from the company.
Though it was difficult at the time, being fired turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to him—only after that did he realize that his calling was to help those suffering with diabetes.
(13:46-15:59)

Have you ever experienced physical or emotional burn-out?
How do you think leaders should handle burn-out?

Podcast

Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company, LLC, Owner & CEO, Junior Bridgeman

Post author By David Novak
Post date 02/05/2018

Following his professional basketball career, Junior Bridgeman was the owner and chief executive officer of various companies operating over 450 restaurants in 20 states. Most recently Mr. Bridgeman acquired the Heartland manufacturing and bottling territories from Coca-Cola Refreshments USA, LLC in late February 2017, becoming one of the Coca-Cola systems newest independent bottlers.

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When he joined the basketball team at the University of Louisville, Junior’s coach, Denny Crum, gave a pep talk about motivation.
Coach Crum told the team they had to find their motivation from within, and if they
couldn’t learn to play hard for themselves, they would never be the best. Junior says it’s important to figure out what drives and motivates you. You shouldn’t depend on anyone else for that.
(10:21-11:31)

Think of someone who has coached you. What did that person teach you
about success?
What drives and motivates you?

According to Junior, the key to success lies in your team. If you take care of your people, they will take care of you.
(26:47-28:35)

Have you ever worked for a boss who didn’t seem to care about you? How did it affect your performance?

Podcast

ITT, CEO & President, Denise Ramos

Post author By David Novak
Post date 01/11/2018

Denise Ramos, CEO & President of ITT, Inc. is our special guest on episode #25 of the oGoInsider Podcast. Host David Novak discusses leadership lessons and other keen business insights with Denise. Hear Denise’s perspectives on when it is time to make changes in your career and what she is doing to keep her company successful in a very competitive industry.

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When Denise started her career, she tended to focus on what she could do and achieve. Over time, she became more compassionate for others and found a new a perspective which involved helping others develop and grow in their leadership.
(4:29-5:30)

As a leader, is helping others important to you?
Over the course of your career, have you experienced a shift in perspective? What changed?

To grow in strategic skills, Denise says leaders must be avid learners. They should have open minds and go outside of their organizations to learn what is going on in the world, then bring that learning back with them.
(23:08-24:54)

If you followed Denise’s advice, how would your organization benefit?

Feature Podcast Podcast

Bob Russell, Pastor, Teacher, Author

Post author By David Novak
Post date 12/21/2017
1 Comment on Bob Russell, Pastor, Teacher, Author

At just twenty-two years of age, Bob Russell became the pastor of Southeast Christian Church. That small congregation of 120 members became one of the largest churches in America, with 18,000 people attending the three worship services every weekend in 2006 when Bob retired. Now through Bob Russell Ministries, Bob continues to preach at churches and conferences throughout the United States, provide guidance for church leadership, mentor other ministers and author Bible study videos for use in small groups. An accomplished author, Bob has written over one-dozen books. His latest book, “After 50 Years of Ministry: 7 Things I Would Do the Same and 7 Things I Would Do Differently.”

[bctt tweet=”If you’re not careful as a leader, the people who matter most to you get the least amount of your energy.”]

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Podcast

Ace Hardware Corporation, President & CEO, John Venhuizen

Post author By David Novak
Post date 12/07/2017

John Venhuizen is President and Chief Executive Officer of Ace Hardware Corporation. Venhuizen, 47, is a 25-year veteran of Ace. Hear about his career journey and leadership insights on this episode of the oGoInsider Leadership Podcast with host David Novak.

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John says it’s all about finding a balance in your leadership style. You don’t want to be too big of a cheerleader and have no one’s respect, or be a criticizing slave-driver that no one wants to follow.
There will be times when you need to give slack on the rope, and times when you need to pull the rope taut.
(31:37-33:21)

What kind of leader do you consider yourself, one who gives too much slack or pulls too tightly?
What can you do differently to have more balance in your leadership style?

John says the cardinal sin in leadership happens when a leader overestimates his own abilities and vilifies someone else to justify it. This has a negative impact when it happens in a team, and is the worst for employee engagement.
(43:37-44:25)

Have you ever seen a leader commit the cardinal sin? How did it affect you?
What should a leader do to keep himself from overestimating his abilities?

David Novak Leadership in the News

David Novak Leadership Press Release – Podcast

Post author By David Novak
Post date 12/05/2017

“Now is the perfect time for all aspiring leaders to take stock of how effective and successful they are, and get the help they need to go to the next level in 2018 by listening to oGoInsider Podcasts.” -David Novak.

Learn more here:

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