
#273: Tony Capuano, President & CEO, Marriott International – Success is never final
08.1.2026 | 1 Std. 7 Min.
How do you keep your team motivated, even when things are going well? Just ask Marriott President and CEO Tony Capuano. As the guy in charge of the world’s largest hospitality company (10,000 hotels in 143 countries!), he knows a thing or two about success. But he’s also keenly aware that success is never final. And it’s up to leaders to set the pace and keep raising the bar. So if you want to build a culture that never settles, this is the episode for you! You’ll also learn: Three traits he sees in every growing leader How technology can create more human connection, not less The time Bill Marriott turned a kitchen mishap into a leadership masterclass An insight that will fundamentally change how you relate to everyone on your team 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.

#272: 5 ideas to lead with more clarity in 2026
01.1.2026 | 12 Min.
Happy New Year! We’re ringing in 2026 with a special episode to help you lead with more intention and focus this year. And this time, Koula puts David in the hot seat! He shares the five simple practices he returns to every year to build momentum (without burning out by February). One is simple enough to fit on an index card.If you want to make 2026 the year you focus on the right things (not just more things), then this is the episode for you. 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.

#271: Childhood moments that shaped the world’s top leaders
25.12.2025 | 29 Min.
In this special holiday episode, David and Koula revisit one of our favorite questions around here: What’s a story from your childhood that shaped the kind of leader you are today? You’ll hear funny, insightful stories from past guests like Jamie Dimon (CEO of JPMorgan Chase), Lynsi Snyder (Owner of In-N-Out), Andy Jassy (CEO Amazon), and many more top leaders. As you slow down for the holiday season to spend time with your loved ones, let this episode remind you how important it is to know your own story and learn from it at every stage of life 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.

#270: Allison Ellsworth, Founder & Lead Creative, poppi – Build your brand
18.12.2025 | 1 Std. 4 Min.
Go behind the scenes of one of today’s hottest brands with Allison Ellsworth, founder and Lead Creative at poppi. After a memorable Shark Tank appearance, poppi exploded into the cultural zeitgeist – going viral on TikTok, getting shout-outs from celebrities, and scaling from startup to $500 million in just four years. In this episode, Allison shares how to build a brand that moves fast, disrupts in all the right ways, and knows exactly how to stay culturally relevant. You’ll also learn: What a “black ops budget” is – and why you need one! The importance of building a brand, not just selling a product What it’s really like to pitch on Shark Tank Channel-by-channel social media tips (one might make you squirm) 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.

#269: Damola Adamolekun, CEO, Red Lobster – Show the path to success
11.12.2025 | 59 Min.
Can Red Lobster pull off the greatest comeback in restaurant history? After filing for bankruptcy, shedding value, and losing relevance, it won’t be easy. But it’s the kind of challenge that Damola Adamolekun thrives in. After returning P.F. Chang’s to profitability, he is now making waves as Red Lobster’s youngest-ever CEO. In this episode, he shares what it’s like to lead at a young age, the strategies that work in a turnaround, and how to show your team a clear path to success without sugarcoating the truth. You’ll also learn: The #1 reason companies falter after longstanding success Practical tips for anyone leading in a struggling business A mindset shift to help you better at accepting criticism Why your energy around the office matters more 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.



How Leaders Lead with David Novak