How Leaders Lead with David Novak · 2026-06-18 · 1h 11m
The World Cup is in full swing, and if you’re watching, you know - the intensity and stakes are unlike anything else in sports. So it’s the perfect time to sit down with Landon Donovan, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest American soccer players of all time. But after a disappointing performance in the 2006 World Cup, he nearly walked away from the sport entirely. That crisis taught him a powerful leadership lesson: you can’t make your job your whole identity. And that insight - alongside some therapy - gave him the freedom to be his best, both on the field and off it. The lines between our professional and personal identities can get blurry, especially for leaders. If you make your job your whole identity, it can lead to burnout, fear of failure, or worse. Landon’s candor and fresh perspective can show you a different way. This episode is for you if: You’ve questioned your own self-worth after a professional disappointment You’ve struggled with burnout (or coached someone who has) You want to create more accountability in your company culture You avoid conflict when it arises You love sports, especially soccer, or just appreciate a good story Take your learning further.
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