Make Your Big Goals Happen

Lead By Taking People With You

Welcome to the world’s first institute for strategic communication leadership.

The Novak Leadership Institute offers a fresh approach to leadership education rooted in the principles of strategic communication and advertising. We help you effectively lead yourself and others through a mix of research, strategy, creativity, and collaboration. We call it leading by taking people with you.

Innovative courses, industry-tested ideas

Hands-on learning, real-world experiences

Collaborative classrooms, personalized coaching

World-class faculty, global connections

Housed at the world’s first school of journalism

Rooted in principles of strategic communication

Student Courses

Gain practical knowledge and experience in the areas of personal leadership, organizational leadership, entrepreneurial leadership, and more through on-campus and online courses for MU students.

3-credit-hour or 1-credit-hour courses for undergraduate and graduate students
Chancellor’s Leadership Class for first-year students
Online courses for graduate and MBA students

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Student Programs

Discover experiential learning programs designed to accelerate your leadership growth and build your network of peers and professionals.

Industry trips and tours
Mentoring
Service learning

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Alumni

Participate in our growing alumni network and stay connected to the Institute and MU students.

Mentor Novak Leadership students
Host student trips
Network with peers and professionals
Access to leadership events and resources

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Novak Resources

Browse our library of online resources with insights and tools for leaders at every level.

Articles
Downloads
Podcasts

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David Novak, co-founder and retired chairman and CEO of Yum! Brands, is the inspiration for our people-first approach to leadership education. Rooted in the principles of advertising and marketing, Novak laid the groundwork for his leadership career and our institute.

About David Novak

We challenge you to answer the question, “What is the single biggest thing you could accomplish that would change your life or the lives of others?”

Meet students who answered this question with ambitious goals, including launching a tech startup and working at the U.S. Olympic Committee.

Our Courses

David Novak

“Believe in the power of people. Start with a deep down belief that every person on your team wants to be part of something great. Then cast a vision for greatness and get your people involved in making that vision a reality.”