Yum! Brands Co-Founder David Novak shares the secret weapon for every leader
Release Date: 01/15/2025
Coach K shares two questions you should ask to elevate team performance
Corporate Competitor Podcast
REWIND EPISODE: In celebration of March Madness, we are “rewinding” back to my conversation with 5-time National Champion Coach K! In his 42 seasons at Duke, Mike Krzyzewski built a dynasty that few programs in the history of the game can match. As the head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Basketball Team, he brought home six gold medals. So you might say that Coach K knows a little something about getting “buy in” from his team. Our for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply today’s insights. Do you...
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Summize CEO Tom Dunlop asks: How are you controlling the uncontrollables?
Corporate Competitor Podcast
Ep. 222: Europe’s top badminton player turned founder and CEO of the AI-powered platform revolutionizing contract management joins the show! You'll learn how to: - Use customer feedback wisely – Stay true to your vision without trying to please everyone. - Prioritize progress over perfection – Keep moving forward instead of getting stuck on minor setbacks. - Stay competitive – Track ideas, obstacles, and strategies to anticipate challenges before they happen. Our for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can...
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Nucor Executive Tabitha Stine was taught, “Pick up your hammer and do your job.”
Corporate Competitor Podcast
Ep. 221: As an executive at the largest steel producer in the U.S., Tabitha brings her softball and volleyball experience to the world of structural engineering. Our for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply today’s insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we’re making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: Looking for a speaker for your...
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Empower Chief Investment Strategist Marta Norton shares practical tips to avoid burnout
Corporate Competitor Podcast
Ep. 220: Marta described herself as a “maniac about soccer,” but by her senior year of high school, she walked away from the game, a choice she later regretted. Years later, as an accomplished investment strategist, that lingering regret shaped a critical career decision—one that taught her the power of seizing opportunities, even when they feel overwhelming. Learn why elite leaders step up in defining moments—and how to recognize yours! Our for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply today’s insights. Do...
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REI COO Cameron Janes’ coach told him, “If you have to dig a ditch, you might as well whistle while you do it.’’
Corporate Competitor Podcast
Ep. 219: Brown University’s rowing team shaped Cameron as he endured grueling six-day-a-week practices under the relentless watch of Coach Scott Roop. Exhausted and frustrated, he hit an all-time low. Then, during a brutal practice, as the crew rowed endlessly with no relief in sight, Roop’s words stuck with him for life: "If you have to dig a ditch, you might as well whistle while you're doing it." Learn how he applies that to his leadership today! Our for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply today’s...
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CEO Coaching International Founder Mark Moses: Are you asking yourself the right questions?
Corporate Competitor Podcast
Ep. 218: This U.S. Squash National Champion and 12X IRONMAN teaches you how to “Think Big” in your business. You don’t necessarily have to write an 8,000lb elephant into a meeting like Mark did, but this episode will show you how to elevate your team’s vision, break down massive goals into achievable steps, and create a culture of execution that drives results. Our for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply today’s insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes...
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Restaurant Executive George Tinsley Sr. asks: What’s left on your customer’s plate?
Corporate Competitor Podcast
Ep. 217: After playing for the Kentucky Colonels in the ABA, George transitioned from professional basketball to business, learning from another Colonel – Founder of KFC Harlan Sanders. Sanders’ attention to detail was unmatched. He didn’t just talk to customers—he observed them, analyzing what they left uneaten, what made them smile, and what didn’t meet their expectations. His commitment to understanding his customers was one of the key reasons KFC became a global powerhouse. Our for this episode will help leaders in any industry understand their...
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GFI CEO Eric Olson asks: What if everything you've done prepared you for this moment?
Corporate Competitor Podcast
Ep. 216: Instead of dwelling on the disappointment that his San Jose State Football career was cut short due to injury, this CEO chose to view his past experiences as preparation for his next chapter. He leaned into the discipline, teamwork, and mental toughness learned on the field to build one of the fastest-growing organizations in the financial services industry. Our for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply today’s insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and...
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Socure CEO and Founder Johnny Ayers says: Fuel Your Competitive Spirit—Have You Tried Underwater Hockey?
Corporate Competitor Podcast
Ep. 215: Boston College Football and Baseball shaped the founder of the world’s leading identity verification company. Learn how his athletic background influenced the leadership that earned him the EY Entrepreneur of the Year award, helped Socure land on Inc.'s Best Places to Work list, and inspired his surprising new hobby—underwater ice hockey. Our for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply today’s insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the...
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Red Roof President Zack Gharib shares the conversation that changed his career
Corporate Competitor Podcast
Ep. 214: College basketball in Lebanon played a pivotal role in shaping Zack’s leadership. With more than two decades of experience in the lodging industry, he now manages 700 properties and 60,000 rooms across the United States and Japan. Our for this episode includes Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply today’s insights. Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we’re making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story....
info_outlineEp. 213: The parent company of KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell thrives on a leadership philosophy rooted in recognition—a principle David Novak first learned from his dad while playing Little League.
In this episode, you’ll get a masterclass in:
- The importance of heartfelt, consistent recognition and how simple gestures can significantly boost employee morale and performance.
- How David’s “aha moment” at Pepsi highlighted the critical need to acknowledge contributions and ensure every team member feels valued.
- The strategies David used to create cohesion across global brands while celebrating their unique identities.
Our downloadable BONUS RESOURCE for this episode is a PDF with Don’s favorite quotes from today’s episode and a reflection question so you can apply today’s insights.
Do you want to write a book? In my new role as Publisher at Forbes Books and with the incredible resources and expertise of their team, we’re making it easier than ever to help YOU to tell your story. Send us a message here to get started: https://books.forbes.com/don/
Looking for a speaker for your next event? From more than 30 years of interviewing and studying the greatest winners of all time Don offers these live and virtual presentations built to inspire your team towards personal and professional greatness.
Special thanks to Jack Martha and Brian Schnorr for making this episode possible.