Ep. 52 | David Novak on Recognition, Leadership, Inventing Doritos Cool Ranch, and Leading The Biggest Fast Food Brand In The World

David Novak is an American businessman, author, and philanthropist. He is the founder and CEO of David Novak Leadership, and co-founder and former CEO of YUM! Brands Inc. During Novak's tenure at Yum! Brands, the company doubled the number of restaurants to 41,000, market capitalization grew to almost $32 billion from just under $4 billion and it was an industry leader in return on invested capital.


Novak was president at KFC and Pizza Hut, and held senior management positions at Pepsi-Cola Company, including chief operating officer and executive vice president of marketing and sales. In 2022, Novak, along with three other long-time members, bought Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky from the PGA of America.

In this episode, we discuSS:

  • David’s career trajectory, from starting in an advertising agency to breaking into the marketing industry with an unconventional background

  • Power of having a learning mindset in career growth

  • Qualities to be a high performer

  • What it takes for high performers to transition into management & leadership

  • Cultivating a culture of leadership through purposeful recognition

  • Fun Facts: He invented Cool Ranch Doritos and the Meat Lover’s pizza

 
 

Connect

Follow David: @davidnovak
Follow Mac: @mactoddlife
Follow Leo: @leo_ugp
Follow UGP: @urbangolfperformance

TransCript

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