David Novak, the cofounder and former CEO and chairman of Yum Brands, exemplifies how a commitment to active learning can propel one from humble beginnings to the apex of corporate leadership. As he narrates in his latest book, “How Leaders Learn: Master the Habits of the World’s Most Successful People,” and through his business podcast, “How Leaders Lead with David Novak,” his journey is a testament to the power of curiosity, adaptability, and relentless pursuit of knowledge.

In his late thirties, Novak made a bold move that defined his career trajectory. Lobbying for the role of chief operating officer of Pepsi’s beverage division in the east, he secured the job despite his limited operations experience. His career until then had been rooted in marketing. To convince the CEO and chairman to take a chance on him, Novak proposed a high-stakes deal: if he didn’t prove his worth in six months, they could fire or demote him. This was a substantial risk for someone whose career was primarily in marketing, not operations.

What gave Novak the confidence to leap into the unknown? His unwavering belief in his ability to learn actively. This mindset had been cultivated from an early age, influenced by his unique upbringing. With his father working for the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, Novak lived in over 30 trailer parks across 23 states before high school, experiencing a diverse array of environments and people. His teacher in Dodge City, Kansas, Mrs. Anschultz, once reassured his worried mother that this constant movement was an unparalleled education, shaping Novak into a master of learning from every situation and individual he encountered.

Novak’s active learning habits became his hallmark, driving his reputation as a problem-solver and team builder. His tenure as COO of Pepsi’s beverage division began with hands-on learning. He toured bottling plants, engaging directly with route salespeople, line workers, and warehouse staff. By asking probing questions and observing operations firsthand, he quickly identified core issues like faulty forecasting and stock shortages. This approach, grounded in direct interaction and humble inquiry, distinguished him and laid the foundation for his success.

This discipline of learning from every possible source was integral to Novak’s ascent. It not only enabled him to adapt swiftly to new roles but also fostered a culture of innovation and responsiveness within his teams. As he progressed, he maintained a practice of asking incisive questions that challenged conventional thinking and expanded possibilities. This strategy was evident during his tenure at Pizza Hut, where he led marketing initiatives that boosted weekday sales, such as the successful Kids’ Night on Tuesdays.

Novak’s leadership philosophy also emphasized the importance of joy and recognition. He believed in pursuing work that was not only challenging but also enjoyable, fostering a positive environment that enhanced learning and productivity. This ethos guided his decision to remain in the restaurant industry despite lucrative offers elsewhere, ultimately leading him to the top position at Yum Brands.

At Yum, Novak championed a culture of recognition, which he credits as a key driver of the company’s extraordinary growth from a market cap of $8 billion to $32 billion. By celebrating and showcasing exemplary behaviors, he created a feedback loop that encouraged continuous improvement and engagement across the organization.

David Novak’s story is a powerful reminder that active learning is the cornerstone of effective leadership. By staying curious, embracing new challenges, and valuing insights from all quarters, leaders can unlock greater possibilities for themselves and their teams. His journey from trailer parks to the helm of a global corporation underscores the transformative power of learning with purpose and passion.