How Leaders Lead with David Novak
David Novak
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How Leaders Lead gives you a front-row seat to exclusive conversations with the world’s most iconic leaders across business, sports, and entertainment. Hosted by David Novak, Co-founder and former CEO of Yum! Brands, this podcast pulls back the curtain on how top CEOs, founders, and game-changers make things happen. When you tune in, you’ll learn from legends like Tom Brady, Condoleezza Rice, Jamie Dimon, Coach Prime (Deion Sanders), Indra Nooyi, Stanley Druckenmiller, and more. David’s unique perspective and thought-provoking questions distill the wisdom of these leaders into actionable insights you can use to elevate your own leadership game.
Epizódy
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#294: Bobby Long, Partner and Co-Founder, Piedmont Capital Partners – See the best in people 04.06.2026 1h 8minAs the Partner and Co-Founder of Piedmont Capital Partners, Bobby Long invests in big problems that need big solutions – stuff like Alzheimer’s research and lithium ion technology. But he does it all in the most relational way: listening with humility, doing deals on a handshake, and looking for ways to truly serve everyone he meets, regardless of their status. In this episode you're going to find out what happens when someone decides to use everything they've built to actually change the world. These days, it can feel like climbing the ladder of success means we have to be a little cynical and disingenuous in our relationships. But in this episode, you’ll see a better way – one where seeing the best in people can be what actually makes you successful. You’ll also learn: The refreshing sales philosophy that made Bobby successful in the insurance business How to be generous to others without being a doormat What it really means to be a great communicator The shocking move he made to save a longstanding PGA golf tournament 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.
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#293: David Lafitte – CEO, Tecovas – Serve others with radical hospitality 28.05.2026 1h 9minIf you lead a business, you know providing great service is vital. But what does that actually mean? For David Lafitte, CEO of the popular Western retailer Tecovas, it means radical hospitality. Stuff like offering shoppers free drinks, personalization, and a space to linger. Treating everyone who walks through the doors like a high-value customer. Encouraging staff to create relationships, not just transactions. And as you’ll see in this conversation, that kind of people-first mentality doesn’t apply only to customer service. It can also change the way you build your whole business, and it might just be the competitive advantage you’ve been looking for. You’ll also learn: The hard truth about scaling your culture Why a loyalty program might actually backfire A practical way to stay connected to daily operations A great tip that can help your brand stay authentic 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.
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#292: Kecia Steelman, CEO, Ulta Beauty – Progress over perfection 21.05.2026 1h 4minToday, she is the CEO of Ulta Beauty, leading over 1500 stores worldwide, striking partnerships with Chanel and Beyonce, and creating record growth since she took over in early 2025. That kind of career momentum doesn’t happen by accident. And in this conversation, you’ll see the “progress over perfection” mentality that’s helped Kecia do it – all while building a strong team culture that’s laser focused on serving customers. If you’ve ever felt stuck overthinking a decision, here’s what it takes to beat analysis paralysis and keep pushing forward even when you don’t have all the answers. You’ll also learn: Kecia’s 80/20 rule for faster, bolder decisions Why your company strategy might not be sticking (and what to do about it) How to respond when you get passed over for a promotion The advice she wants every other woman in leadership to hear 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.
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#291: Mark Smucker, Chair and CEO, The J.M. Smucker Company – Understand the soul of your brand 14.05.2026 55minWhat’s the soul of your brand? And why might it be the secret to unlocking a new chapter of growth for your company? Today, David sits down with Mark Smucker. He’s the CEO and Chair of The J.M. Smucker Company, which is home to iconic brands like Smucker’s, Folgers, Uncrustables, Hostess, and Milk Bone. And he’s obsessed with understanding the soul of a brand. By knowing what his brands truly stand for, he and his team can make smarter creative decisions, take the right risks, and keep growing even when consumer tastes shift. If you want a brand that’s relevant, authentic, and successful, don’t miss this episode. You’ll also learn: The question Mark asks before making any creative decision How to make your core values more than just a list of ideals Why it took 10 years to scale Uncrustables (hint: it involves bread bubbles) The marketing principle that put Ludacris in a JIF commercial 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.
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#290: Mariam Naficy, Founder and Chairman, Minted – See the possibilities in people 07.05.2026 57minMinted Founder Mariam Naficy was ready to shut it all down. She’d spent nearly all the capital from her angel round, but nothing was selling. Then, she experimented with crowdsourcing stationery and card designs from independent artists, and everything changed. Sales exploded. And 18 years later, Minted is in 75 million homes worldwide, empowering tens of thousands of independent artists and designers to make a living. And it’s a testament to Mariam’s ability to find the potential in people that others miss. Whether it’s with customers, independent artists, or her own team, she leads with the belief that people are full of possibilities, and it’s up to leaders to draw them out. Hit play and see how to become the kind of leader who gets the best out of the people around them. You’ll also learn: The question to ask before you fire someone How to build a competitive moat around your business Why your brand should be a big factor in your approach to AI One surprising strategy that can help you be a better listener 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.
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#289: Kurt Kane, CEO, TruGreen – Fall in love with customer retention 30.04.2026 1h 4minYou’re hustling to land new customers … but what if the ones you already have are quietly slipping away? Kurt Kane saw this problem on day one as CEO of TruGreen. And after years of driving transactional growth as CMO of Wendy’s, he saw the opportunity to grow TruGreen by leaning into long-term customer satisfaction and retention. Now, he’s revitalizing the brand and getting his team engaged in the mission, too. This episode will help you see your customers (and their feedback) in a whole new light – and reveal just how important it is to fall in love with customer retention if you want to grow your business. You’ll also learn: Stealable marketing strategies from P&G, Wendy’s, Coors, and more A practical way to get your entire team focused on the right work One question to ask if you want to boost employee engagement How to keep your culture informal without sacrificing results 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.
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#288: James “JC” Curleigh, CEO, Pelican Products – How to reframe what you sell 23.04.2026 1h 11minMost leaders think they’re in the business of selling their product. JC Curleigh thinks that’s exactly what limits your growth. And as CEO of Pelican, he’s helping the company make a profound shift: they’re not in the protective case business, they’re in the protection business. JC understands that great brands sell more than products, and he knows how to position them the right way. In fact, it’s how he led turnarounds at iconic brands like Levi’s and Gibson Guitars. In today’s episode, you’ll see how to use the same thinking to revitalize and expand your own brand. You’ll also learn: How to make better decisions by being “aggressively patient” The incredible story behind the naming rights for Levi’s Stadium What “helicopter vision” is, and why every leader should have it What you need instead of a “Plan B” 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.
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#287: Julie Hansen, CEO, Babbel – Don’t fear change 16.04.2026 1h 5minMost leaders say they’re comfortable with change. But what happens when the change is so big, it threatens your entire business model? Julie Hansen is no stranger to disruption, having spent her career in online media. Now, as CEO of the language learning app Babbel, she’s facing the biggest one yet. AI is changing the way we learn languages — and raising questions about whether we’ll need to at all. But Julie doesn’t fear change. In fact, in her words, “if your business isn’t changing, it’s dying.” In this episode, she shares how to lead through uncertainty with clarity and conviction — and how to help your team see disruption as an opportunity, not a threat. You’ll also learn: How to navigate cultural differences in working styles A surprisingly simple strategy to get buy-in on an idea How to help your team get more comfortable with AI What it means to “rip the band-aid off” 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.
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#286: John Donahoe, Former CEO of Nike, Director of Athletics at Stanford – Create strategy from the outside in 09.04.2026 1h 23minMost organizations look inward when they build strategy. How did we do last year? Can we do 10% better this year? But that internal focus makes you miss the big changes happening in your market. When it comes to disruptive change, John Donahoe has seen it all — as the CEO of Nike, eBay, and ServiceNow. Today, he’s navigating the seismic changes in college sports as Athletic Director at Stanford. In this conversation, he’ll unpack how to navigate big changes with smart strategy and servant-minded leadership. Plus, he gets vulnerable about the mistakes he made at Nike and the 10-minute ritual he starts every morning with. You’ll also learn: How to create strategy from the outside in A powerful way to reframe AI (hint: it’s not about AI) The mindset shift that helps you see adversity as opportunity The leadership lessons he learned from Colin Powell and Coach K 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.
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#285: Ted Scott, Caddie for Scottie Scheffler, PGA Tour – Great questions demand great answers 02.04.2026 1h 19minIn his 29 years as a PGA Tour caddie, Ted Scott has won four Masters and an Olympic gold – not by having all the answers, but by asking the right questions at the right time. It’s how Ted guides the #1 player in the world, Scottie Scheffler, without getting in the way of his greatness. It’s his go-to strategy for getting better at anything. And it’s why he’s considered by many to be one of the best caddies to ever pick up a bag. If you’ve ever struggled with when to speak up and when to stay quiet, or how to guide people without micromanaging them, then this is the conversation you need. Plus, it’s full of memorable golf stories that you’ve probably never heard before, all told with Ted’s signature wisdom and charm. You’ll also learn: The first question Ted asks any golfer he works with (and why it changes everything) How to disagree with someone without it becoming an argument A refreshingly simple formula for getting better at anything The (somewhat) shocking way he helped Scottie win the Olympics 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.
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#284: Shea Ralph, Head Coach of Women’s Basketball, Vanderbilt – Ground your team in values, not results 26.03.2026 1h 5minFive years ago, Shea Ralph walked in as head coach of Vanderbilt’s women’s basketball team and inherited a broken program. There wasn’t much trust or talent left. But now, Vandy is flying as a #2 seed in this year’s NCAA tournament, and Shea has just been named National Coach of the Year. Go behind the scenes of their turnaround, and see how Shea’s unique story and perspective helped drive it – including how she motivates her team to get good results without letting those results define who they are. You’ll also learn: Why she calls herself “the weather” (and what it means for how you show up today) The importance of learning how to lose How she finally got her team to own their core values Why care comes first, no matter what leadership role you’re in 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.
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#283: Roy Williams, Former Men’s Basketball Head Coach, North Carolina – Get better every single day 19.03.2026 1h 23minRoy Williams is without a doubt one of the best college basketball coaches of all time. As the men’s head basketball coach at two storied programs – Kansas and UNC – he won three national championships and made nine Final Four appearances. And through every moment, Roy had one standard: don’t step off the court until you’ve gotten better. That applied to his players, his staff, and himself. Most leaders know they should focus on daily improvement. The hard part is actually making it into something real instead of just empty words. In this episode, Roy will show you how to build that discipline into your team without it feeling like a grind, and how to push your team toward big goals without burning them out. Plus you’ll hear some incredible off-the-court stories, including one about Michael Jordan that just might explain his legendary work ethic. You’ll also learn: The daily practice system that kept his teams sharp How to lead with emotion and vulnerability The trick to recruiting (which applies to any sales job) Why just setting a high standard for your team isn’t enough 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.
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#282: Peter Wharton-Hood, CEO, LIFE Healthcare Group – Pick team players over individual performers 12.03.2026 1h 7minPeter Wharton-Hood became CEO of LIFE Healthcare in August 2020 – right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic – with no healthcare experience. He was an accomplished banking executive, but he had zero context for what it takes to run a hospital. And it was his job to lead 16,000 healthcare workers through a generational crisis. But Peter stepped into the role with a team-first philosophy that’s shaped his whole career. His people are his priority. He puts the team’s best interest before his own, and he isn’t afraid to cut a top performer if they aren’t a team player. This episode will help you think differently about what really matters when building a team, and it’ll give you the courage to make the hard calls that great team culture requires. You’ll also learn: The most important factor when making a career move (most people miss it) A fun exercise you can use to bring your team into the vision and strategy process How to have a tough personnel conversation Why you may NOT want to be a tech trailblazer 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.
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#281: Tom Wilson, Chair, President and CEO, Allstate – Be brutal with your time 05.03.2026 1h 9min“You have to be brutal with your time.” As the Chair, President and CEO of Allstate, Tom Wilson knows that time is the one resource you can’t get more of. And he is the master of every hour on his calendar. But Tom’s discipline with time isn’t about shutting people out. It’s about being present for what matters – and knowing exactly what that is. In this episode, Tom shares how to be ruthlessly disciplined with your time while staying deeply connected to your team and purpose, why clarity is the ultimate form of empowerment, and why he’s OK being “relentlessly boring.” You’ll also learn: Why silence is one of your most powerful leadership tools The difference between being “in the business” versus “over the business” How to decide what problems deserve your attention What it was like to film an Allstate commercial with the iconic “Mayhem” guy 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.
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#280: Blake Mycoskie, Founder, TOMS Shoes and ENOUGH – Stay connected to your why 26.02.2026 1h 5minContent Warning: This episode includes a candid conversation about depression and suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It’s free, confidential, and available 24/7. You’re not alone. — Blake Mycoskie built TOMS into a $700 million business with a simple idea: sell a pair of shoes, give a pair away to a child in need. But that success didn’t protect him from a seven-year battle with depression. And after selling TOMS, he lost his sense of purpose – and nearly lost himself. Today, Blake is back with a new mission: tackling the mental health crisis through his brand ENOUGH. And for him, staying connected to your “why” is important in business. But in life, it’s essential. In this episode, Blake shares how to stay connected to a sense of purpose and galvanize a team around it, too. You’ll also learn: The marketing strategy that propelled TOMS faster than any traditional approach Why starting a business with zero experience might be your biggest advantage How to recognize the warning signs of depression (even if you “shouldn’t” be struggling) The daily mantra that’s guiding everything Blake does now 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.
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#279: Eric Kutcher, Senior Partner, McKinsey & Company – AI is about growth, not just productivity 19.02.2026 1h 17min“This is a once-in-a-generation technology transition.” That’s how Eric Kutcher, Senior Partner and North America Chair at McKinsey & Company describes the AI moment we’re living through. And he should know: he’s spent 28 years coaching the world’s top companies through massive change. In this episode, Eric breaks down the AI revolution in practical terms, dives deep into what truly makes a team great, and shares a story involving three thousand stress balls that you’ll never forget. You’ll also learn: What it means to work with “long term urgency” How to identify great talent when they have zero experience The mindset you need to bounce back from a big failure Two ways you can drive change in 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.
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#278: Hanneke Faber, CEO, Logitech – Co-create with your team 12.02.2026 1h 16minHow do you get 7,000 people aligned on a new strategy? Ask Logitech CEO Hanneke Faber, who pulled it off in just 24 hours. The former Dutch national diving champion (yes, really) knows that the best strategies aren’t handed down from above. They’re co-created with the people who’ll bring them to life. And at Logitech, the results speak for themselves: eight consecutive quarters of growth and record margins. In this episode, Hanneke shares how she pulled off a 24-hour strategy sprint, why she tells her team “today is the slowest day of the rest of your life,” and what diving from 33 feet in the air taught her about leadership courage. You’ll also learn: How to make your brand sexy (yes, even if you sell mice and keyboards) One popular (but uncommon) employee perk you’ll want to steal A powerful framework for balancing work, family, and everything else without burning out Non-cringey ways to create shared experiences for 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.
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#277: Jimmy Roberts, Emmy Award-winning broadcaster, NBC & Golf Channel – Curiosity builds connection 05.02.2026 1h 10minThe 2026 Winter Olympics kick off tomorrow! And who better to get you in the spirit than the guy who has brought Olympic stories to life for more than four decades! Jimmy Roberts is a 13-time Emmy Award-winning broadcaster for NBC and the Golf Channel, and he’s the voice behind some of the most unforgettable human moments in Olympic history. In this episode, Jimmy shares how curiosity fuels connection, and how it can help you listen more deeply and connect authentically with the people you lead. Whether you’re leading a team, trying to build stronger relationships, or just looking for a fresh way to see the world around you, this conversation is full of insights (and stories that will give you chills). You’ll also learn: What “un-trying” is (and why it’s important) Why storytelling is a leadership skill The #1 thing to prioritize if you want to stay calm in big moments What the Olympics can teach us about inspiring others 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.
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#276: Jason Garrett, 3x Super Bowl Champion and Former NFL Head Coach – You can lead from anywhere on the team 29.01.2026 1h 21minYou don’t win three Super Bowls without knowing how to be a great teammate. Jason Garrett spent years as an NFL quarterback, then served as Head Coach of the Dallas Cowboys. And through it all, he’s learned that strong teams need shared commitment from everyone, not just the leader. In this episode, he shares how strong teams are forged – and it’s often not what you’d expect. If you want to build a culture where anyone can step up and lead, this is the episode for you. Plus, it’s full of great stories about Troy Aikman, Nick Saban, and other legends of the game! You’ll also learn: How to create a supportive culture without lowering standards An unforgettable way to reframe high-pressure situations What you miss when you only focus on outcomes Why your vision isn’t sticking 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.
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#275: Ania Smith, CEO, Taskrabbit – Take risks that teach you something 22.01.2026 56minWhen Ania moved to the US from Poland at the tender age of 12, she didn’t speak a word of English. Today, she’s the CEO of Taskrabbit, after building her leadership chops at Walmart, Uber, and Airbnb. You don’t get that kind of career trajectory by playing it safe. In this episode, Ania shares how taking bold risks has helped her succeed, and why she’s building a culture where people are encouraged to be bold, experiment, and learn both from what works and what doesn’t. If you want to move faster this year, this episode will get you going! You’ll also learn: How to be your own customer What no one tells you about agile companies One strategy that keeps long-term thinking front and center A unique framework for balancing life, work, and 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.