David Novak Leadership Blog – Page 10

David Novak Leadership in the News Inspiring Others

The Novak Center for Children’s Health

Post author By David Novak
Post date 06/01/2018

The retired CEO of Louisville-based Yum! Brands, David Novak headed the lineup of dignitaries launching the building’s debut, including University of Louisville Board of Trustees Chair David Grissom, UofL President Neeli Bendapudi, Ph.D., and UofL Executive Vice President for Health Affairs Gregory Postel, M.D.

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Podcast

Ed Stack, Chairman & CEO, Dick’s Sporting Goods

Post author By David Novak
Post date 05/31/2018

Ed Stack is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DICK’s Sporting Goods since 1984. He leads the largest, full-service sporting goods retailer in the country. Ed Stack has led this Fortune 500 Corporation through a remarkable period of growth from just two stores in upstate New York to 713 DICK’s Sporting Good’s stores, 98 Golf Galaxy stores and 35 Field & Stream stores.

Do absolutely the best job you can do. Go that extra mile and even if you’re not recognized right away, continue to go that extra mile…because great leaders and great performers will stick out.”

From Podcast PowerNotes

Ed likes to include his team members in the decision-making process. They are closer to the customers and know them best, which gives them better insight about what people want. For instance, at one point customers were asking for a brand called Under Armor. Ed listened to the store manager who suggested they stock the brand. The product ended up driving a lot of business.
If you don’t let people be a part of the decision process, you’ll miss out on good feedback. If Ed hadn’t gone out to the store and listened to the team there, they would’ve missed a big opportunity.
(19:27-21:18)

Does your organization include all of its team members in decision making?
Are you good at listening to your team members, or could you do better?

Ed says that to be a good leader you need to be a great listener. Listen to what’s going on in your organization. Make sure your team members have a voice. Of course, leaders should be visible and heard, but most importantly, they should listen.
(34:09-35:10)

What happens in an organization when team members don’t have a voice?
Do you consider yourself a good listener?

Get all the details by downloading this episodes Podcast Notes:

Podcast

Chef Edward Lee – Food, Culture and a Recipe for Leadership

Post author By David Novak
Post date 05/17/2018

Today’s guest is Chef Edward Lee. Edward is a Brooklyn-born chef and restaurateur currently based in Louisville KY and Washington D.C. He has made numerous television appearances on shows including The Mind of a Chef on PBS and as a contestant on the ninth season of Top Chef. He is a seven-time James Beard Award nominee and currently owns five restaurants in both Louisville and Washington, DC. In his latest book, Buttermilk Graffiti Edward Lee dives into the intersection of food and culture on a trip across America where he finds exceptional food in unconventional places. Now here is our host David Novak and special guest Edward Lee.

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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!!

From Podcast Action Journal

Edward spent a lot of time with his grandmother. She was always cooking, and Edward was fascinated by what she did in the kitchen. She’d make tea and miso soup from scratch and haggle at the local ethnic market.
Edward remembers how he would try to spend time with her in the kitchen, but she would make him leave. In Korean culture, cooking was considered a woman’s work. Edward had to fight his way in. He told his grandma, “I live here, too, and you can’t kick me out.” She relented and gave him little jobs to do. He used that time to learn everything he could. That was the beginning of his culinary career.
(5:18-7:39)

Have you ever felt so passionate about something, you couldn’t be told no?
What are some ways you have you fought to be where you are today?

Edward believes in leading by example. He is never above doing any job. He has washed dishes and cleaned toilets. If he sees a problem, he deals with it. “This is not just a business, it’s about taking care of people,” he says. Edward wants everyone to feel like they are coming into his home. He cares about his people and thinks of his team as more than employees; they are family.
(17:35-19:05)

When a leader leads by example, how does it affect the organization?
How do you show your team that you care about them?

Podcast True Self

Jonathan Blum, Co-Founder, Bad Martha Beer

Post author By David Novak
Post date 05/03/2018

Today’s guest is Jonathan Blum. Jonathan is a self professed workaholic and entrepreneur, whose accomplished career reflects his tremendous energy, creativity and tactical leadership. He served in the Carter White House, working directly for the president. He spent time in Asia working for Ogilvy and Mather public affairs as the Asia Pacific regional director. He finally landed at YUM brands and served as the Senior Vice President, Chief Public Affairs & Global Nutrition Officer, and took the restaurant company’s profile to new height’s over a 23 year career. He is the creator of the largest April fools joke in Public Affairs history and even started his own brewery called Bad Martha Beer.
[bctt tweet=”“Im learning every day, I love it.””]

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After his time working in the White House, Jonathan went to law school. He also worked for two law firms during that time, but two years in he realized he didn’t want to practice law.
Jonathan didn’t know what to do. He turned to his mentor because he felt stuck. His mentor had been in a similar situation; he left law to go into public affairs. After their conversation, Jonathan decided that was what he wanted to do, too.
(6:46-8:11)

Jonathan was fortunate to have a great mentor. Have you had a mentor who’s been influential in your career?

Jonathan gives the following tips to leading others:
• Catch people doing things right.
• Build up instead of tear down.
• Give people ownership.
(25:55-27:17)

Which of these could you do more of when leading your team?

Blog Lead Others Lead Yourself

How to Handle Unexpected Surprises in Your Career

Post author By David Novak Leadership
Post date 05/01/2018

Have you ever started a job with high hopes only to be surprised by the reality of your responsibilities? Maybe your current job is taking you in a direction you hadn’t planned for yourself, or perhaps you feel stuck and aren’t sure if the organization you work for is a good fit.

How you navigate these unexpected surprises matters. And getting advice from others who walked this road before you can help.

First, keep in mind that the path to success isn’t always straight forward, and more than likely you’ll end up taking a few pit-stops before you reach your destination.

In the early days of his career, David Novak never imagined he would become the CEO of a multinational company. Like many, he started at the bottom and worked his way up. Whenever he was presented with a new opportunity, he jumped at it.

If you’re like David and want to reach the next level, it’s important to keep getting better at what you do. Read up on the latest trends. Discover better methods. Know what works well and hone in on that. This is called being an avid learner. Choosing to be an avid learner will not only help you grow in your knowledge and skills, but it will also help you grow as a person and a leader.

Everyone worries about their future at some point; however, it’s important to stay focused. Throughout your career, you will probably deal with obstacles and anxieties, but trust that time and experience will take care of everything.

When faced with unexpected twists and turns on your career path, keep pressing on because you never know what you’ll be capable of. Always aim to be the best you can be, and maybe one day you’ll find yourself in a position beyond anything you’ve dreamed of. Then it will be your turn to share your wisdom and advice with others so they can learn navigate the unexpected surprises too.

Podcast Training

Carol Loomis, Trailblazer in Financial Journalism

Post author By David Novak
Post date 04/26/2018

Today’s guest is Carol Loomis. Carol is one of the best Financial Journalists of our time. Her six-decade career with Fortune Magazine began in 1954 as a researcher until her retirement in 2014 as Fortune Magazine’s senior editor at large. Along the way, she blazed a trail for women journalists, wrote a famous article about Alfred W Jones that coined the term “hedge fund” and became close friends with a little-known Omaha investor named Warren Buffett.
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From Podcast Action Journal

Carol gives the following advice to aspiring female leaders:
• Run your division or organization with the same rules men use.
• Find a mentor.
• When taking on a new initiative, learn as much as you can.
(29:44-30:30)

Which of these is most important for an aspiring female leader?

Because Carol had a family and a career, balance was really important. Having a great caregiver helped tremendously, but Carol recalls coming home after work and preparing dinner. Summers were more difficult. She went to her boss and asked for 3 months off a year, and fortunately he agreed.
Overall, Carol found a good balance, but juggling work and home was hard. People don’t give enough credit to women who work.
(48:58-51:50)

How does an imbalanced schedule affect you?
What are some ways you find balance in your work and home life? Or do you need to reevaluate your situation and make adjustments?

Podcast

Tressie Lieberman: Marketing for Start-ups & Going Beyond Expectations

Post author By David Novak
Post date 04/13/2018
2 Comments on Tressie Lieberman: Marketing for Start-ups & Going Beyond Expectations

Today’s guest is Tressie Lieberman. Tressie is a rising leader in the marketing world. She is currently the Chief Marketing Officer at the start up Snap Kitchen charged with taking the brand to the next level. She was formerly at Taco Bell and Pizza Hut leading their digital efforts and well known social media campaigns. Her professional journey reveals her ability to scale the corporate ladder while maintaining a focus on the importance of leadership.
[bctt tweet=”“A lot of times as a leader you don’t even realize the impact that you’re having on people…you can make a fundamental difference in someone’s life.””]

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Tressie says you have to know who you are and be confident in it.
When Tressie was first appointed to leadership role, she tried to be like other leaders. She eventually learned it was better to be herself. It took her a long time to truly embrace her own style, and it’s still a work in progress.
(6:19-7:31)

Is it possible to become a better leader by copying another person’s leadership style?
What can leaders do to be more comfortable with their own styles?

Tressie is passionate about future female leaders. She encourages them to be curious and passionate. You shouldn’t wait to be asked, instead, take initiative and go for it. Be vocal about your career goals. Spend time on self-development. Don’t worry about what you’re not great at, just lead into your strengths.
(37:40-38:41)

In your own career, do you think you are vocal enough about your goals?
If you invest in future female leaders, what will your organization gain?

Podcast

Rory McIlroy: Staying Hungry & Inspirational Leadership | Part 2

Post author By David Novak
Post date 03/27/2018
1 Comment on Rory McIlroy: Staying Hungry & Inspirational Leadership | Part 2

This is Part 2 of our podcast with guest, Rory McIlroy. Rory is from from Northern Ireland and 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.

To listen to Part 1 of our podcast with Rory McIlroy, click here.

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From Podcast Action Journal

Novak:
How much is gratitude a part of your life?
McIlroy:
It’s huge. I think everyone has to be thankful for what they have. I think to receive something, you first have to be thankful for it and I’ve been very thankful for everything that’s happened to me in my life. I’ve got a deep gratitude to my parents and what they’ve done for me. I’m thankful every day I can get up in the morning and do what I do and spend time with very special people and learn from these people.
(22:55-23:34)

What are three things you’re grateful for today? To take this to the next level, write down three things you are thankful for each day this week.

Novak:
Any advice for up and coming leaders?
McIlroy:
Never be afraid to ask for advice, too proud or stubborn to take advice from people. Everyone is trying to help in some way. Lead by example, the way you want to be led. Be engaging and inspiring. Try to help others. Be selfless; if you help others, it will help you along the way as well. Keep a great perspective on things.
(32:36-33:43)

Do you struggle with asking for or taking advice from others?

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.
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From Podcast Action Journal

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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David Novak Leadership in the News Recognition

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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From Podcast Action Journal

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?

Blog Inspiring Others Job Hopping Lead Others

Leading with Risky Ideas

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

Imagine you are given an opportunity that could be the chance of a lifetime…but there’s a catch. You can’t pull it off on your own and there is risk involved. You know without a doubt this is a risk worth taking. What do you do?

Successful leaders will tell you that taking risks is part of their job. But the other part of the job that rarely gets talked about is how to lead a team when you are ready to take the jump.

Taking risks doesn’t have to be a daunting endeavor. Make the process less stressful by applying this 2-step method

1. Get all the facts

Do research and explore your options. Find stats to support your decision and list the reasons why this risk is worth taking.

2. Get your team give input

Give your team a chance to voice their thoughts and concerns. They might bring up a point you haven’t considered.

Following these steps will solidify your reasons for taking the risk, and will ensure you don’t leave your team behind.

Now, imagine you are presented with the same incredible opportunity. There are still two catches, only this time you’re unsure if this decision is the right next step.

You are bound to have points in your career when you’re not 100% certain about a decision. As a leader, how do you instill confidence in your team about a risky idea or concept when you might not feel so confident about it yourself?

Don’t worry, we have steps for that, too:

1. Be honest

Admit that you don’t know. Your team will appreciate you being upfront. By being honest, you give your team a chance to get involved in the decision. Then, after considering the options, if you still think that it is right to take the risk, you make the call. If you decide to take the risk, follow the next step.

2. Ask for a team together/team apart execution

Team together happens when your team aligns as a whole to make the decision. Then, once the decision is made, everyone must be a team apart. They choose to follow the decision, even if they don’t entirely agree. They know it’s time to move forward and they set out to execute the decision to the best of their abilities.

Once your team is on board, put your sights ahead and give it your best shot. Stay on course, and only change if the data shows you’re headed in the wrong direction.

Hopefully, you will have the success that comes with taking risks, but even if you don’t, at least you’ll know that you were smart about it.

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?