Everybody Leads with Tim Lupinacci

Hosted by Timothy M. Lupinacci

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Dec 2025

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In the Everybody Leads podcast, Baker Donelson Chairman and CEO Tim Lupinacci talks to inspiring leaders from corporate C-Suites, to non-profit organizations changing the world, to individuals impacting their world without formal title, position, or authority. Listen for engaging, real-life stories of leadership growth with practical, actionable leadership principles honed over decades of leading in the trenches that can be put into practice by anyone. We encourage everyone to step up in their leadership potential regardless of their present situation or past failures because Everybody Leads.

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December 3, 202544 min

2025 in Review

In this special episode of the Everybody Leads podcast, host Tim Lupinacci reflects on an incredible second year of inspiring conversations with remarkable guests. Tune in for memorable moments and key leadership ideas from guests that have inspired Tim and impacted listeners, including how to build purpose into your organization, overcome setbacks, engage in mentorship, and build credibility through mastery. You’ll Hear From: Lindsey Davis Stover and Shivam Mallick Shah, Co-Founders of 1953 Tequila Daniel Pink, New York Times Bestselling Author Craig Glidden, Former President and Chief Administrative Officer of Cruise and Executive Vice President of Legal and Policy at General Motors Denson (D.) Franklin III, Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary of Vulcan Materials Company Liz Wiseman, New York Times Bestselling Author and CEO of The Wiseman Group Lang Wiseman, Senior Executive Vice President and General Counsel of First Horizon Corporation Jennifer Keller, President and Chief Operating Officer of Baker Donelson Jody Luke, President of Love Does Jonathan Litt, Principal, Co-Founder, and Board Member of MONTICELLOAM, LLC Jon Olson, Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary of Blackbaud Lara Simmons Nichols, Senior Vice President, State and Federal Regulatory Legal Support of Duke Energy Lisa Calhoun, Founding Managing Partner of Valor Ventures Additional Resources: Books Book by Tim Lupinacci: https://everybodyleads.org Books by Daniel Pink: https://www.danpink.com/books/ Books by Liz Wiseman: https://thewisemangroup.com/books/impact-players/ Thank you for listening, and please join us again to hear from more exceptional leaders. Click for more: https://everybodyleads.org https://www.bakerdonelson.com Producer: Jason Plank Intern: Claudia Bonney Amamoo

November 19, 202521 min

Talking Leadership with Bestselling Authors Jon Acuff and Clay Scroggins

In this episode of the Everybody Leads podcast, bestselling authors Jon Acuff and Clay Scroggins join Tim Lupinacci to delve into Tim’s powerful message from his Book “Everybody Leads: How You Lead and Why It Matters,” and how their leadership books have served as inspiration and encouragement during Tim’s Leadership Journey. As Jon and Clay discuss their endorsement of Tim’s book, they share tips to help you strengthen your leadership acumen. Jon shares the idea behind building a goal ladder and the three steps to building a winning mindset: retiring broken soundtracks, replacing them with new ones, and repeating the new ones so often that they become as automatic as the old ones. Clay shares how cultivating influence from your current seat can unlock opportunities and empower you to lead with greatness, a sense of purpose, and a clear mission. He also offers insights on building relationships with others and developing healthy habits, such as self-reflection. Jon Acuff is a renowned author, speaker, and career expert who is celebrated for his engaging writing style and practical wisdom. Jon is a New York Times bestselling author of several books, including “Do Over,” “Soundtracks,” and “All It Takes Is A Goal.” He blends humor with actionable advice, helping people overcome challenges, silence self-doubt, and turn ideas into reality. Clay Scroggins is a powerful voice in modern leadership and personal growth. He is the author of several best-selling books, including “How to Lead When You're Not in Charge” and “The Aspiring Leaders Guide to the Future.” Clay helps leaders navigate change, distraction, and uncertainty with clarity and confidence. Other Topics Discussed Jon’s Key Steps to Building a Winning Mindset The Leadership Symbolism Behind Tim’s Rear-view Mirror and Jon’s Pinecone. The Vision Behind the Goal Ladder Clay’s Leadership Journey Building and Leveraging Relationships The Importance of Finding Some Quiet Time in Your Leadership Additional Resources: Books Books by Jon Acuff: https://jonacuff.com/books Book by Clay Scroggins: https://www.clayscroggins.com/how-to-lead-when-youre-not-in-charge Book by Tim Lupinacci: https://everybodyleads.org Contact Jon Acuff Website: https://jonacuff.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonacuff/ Contact Clay Scroggins Website: https://www.clayscroggins.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clay-scroggins/ Thank you for listening, and please join us again to hear from more exceptional leaders. Click for more: https://everybodyleads.org https://www.bakerdonelson.com Producer: Jason Plank Intern: Claudia Bonney Amamoo

November 5, 202546 min

Jennifer Keller – President and Chief Operating Officer, Baker Donelson

This week, Tim Lupinacci celebrates the 50th episode of the Everybody Leads podcast with Jennifer Keller, president and chief operating officer of Baker Donelson, one of the largest law firms in the United States. In her role as President and COO, Jennifer’s leadership extends across multiple operational areas, including information technology, marketing, and business development. Before assuming her current role, she chaired Baker Donelson’s nationally recognized Labor and Employment Department and served on the firm’s board of directors. She also served clients as an employment litigator, defending and advising them on a wide variety of workplace issues. She has been listed in Chambers USA as a leading Labor & Employment lawyer and recognized by Lawdragon and Human Resource Executive Magazine as one of the most powerful employment lawyers since 2017. Beyond her professional achievements, Jennifer is deeply committed to community service and leadership development. She has served as President of the Johnson City Evening Rotary Club and the President of the Southern Appalachian Ronald McDonald House Board of Directors. Jennifer received her J.D. from the University of Tennessee School of Law, where she graduated with highest honors, and received her B.S. from the University of Tennessee. Her leadership is characterized by authenticity, strategic insight, and a relentless focus on excellence. Jennifer discusses her leadership journey and how she applies her core values while leading a large organization. She shares her perspective on what it means to treat your job as a calling, give grace, and pivot from mistakes. She also shares how making lists and writing notes to others helps her stay grounded and start her day with gratitude and perspective. Other Topics Include: Jennifer’s Leadership Journey Early Inspirations How Jennifer Lives Out Her Values Learning From Mistakes and Showing Grace What Inspires Jennifer to Keep Moving Forward Jennifer’s Daily Disciplines to Take Care of Herself Leadership Books and Resources Emerging Interests and Topics Stepping into Leadership as President and COO Jennifer’s Passion for Serving the Community Advice to Young Leaders and Professionals Impactful Individuals Who Lead Without a Big Title Additional Resources: Charity This episode is in support of Jennifer’s designated charity, the Johnson City Salvation Army. We have made a donation to the Johnson City Salvation Army as a thank you to Jennifer for joining Everybody Leads. To learn more about the Johnson City Salvation Army, please visit https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/Johnson-City/ . Books Radical Candor by Kim Scott New Rules of the Game by Susan Packard Books by Jon Acuff Baker Donelson Website: https://www.bakerdonelson.com Contact Jennifer Keller LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-keller-72a5a0b/ Thank you for listening, and please join us again to hear from more exceptional leaders. Click for more: https://everybodyleads.org https://www.bakerdonelson.com Producer: Jason Plank Intern: Claudia Bonney Amamoo

October 22, 202533 min

Kareem "K.W.O.E." Wells – Entrepreneur, Motivational Speaker, and Level Next Music Artist

This week on the Everybody Leads podcast, Tim Lupinacci welcomes Kareem "K.W.O.E." Wells, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and Level Next Music Artist. As the founder and CEO of the K.W.O.E Group, Kareem channels his entrepreneurial instinct that he honed growing up on the West Side of Chicago into various ventures under the group’s umbrella. In 2006 he launched Flow Entertainment, Chicago’s most sought after interactive entertainment company, which hosts bar and bat mitzvahs, birthdays, weddings, and corporate events. Kareem started the K.W.O.E. Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that channels time, resources, and mentorships to organizations across Chicago. He works with the C.H.A.M.P.S Male Mentoring Program to mentor young men and challenge them to dream big, never give up, and always give back. Kareem is also the architect of the K.W.O.E. theory of change, a framework that embodies how he lives, leads, and lights the way for others from the West Side of Chicago to the C-suites of corporate America. Kareem delves into his leadership journey, emphasizing faith, service, and purpose. He imparts valuable lessons from his early beginnings on the streets of the West side of Chicago to becoming a CEO of an entertainment company and finding purpose in hosting bar and bat mitzvahs. Kareem highlights the importance of self-reflection, youth mentorship, building a sense of community, and spreading agape love. Other Topics Include: Kareem’s Leadership Journey Having a Vision for Leadership and Becoming a CEO Becoming “King of the Mitzvahs” and Finding Purpose in Hosting Bar and Bat Mitzvahs The Meaning Behind the K.W.O.E. Theory of Change How Kareem Takes Care of Himself Inspiring Hope in His Mentees Ways to Support the K.W.O.E. Group Additional Resources: Charity: This episode is in support of Kareem Wells' designated charity, the K.W.O.E. foundation. We have made a donation to the K.W.O.E Foundation as a thank you to Kareem for joining Everybody Leads. To learn more about the K.W.O.E Foundation, please visit https://www.kwoefoundation.org/donation/ K.W.O.E. Group, LLC Website: https://www.kwoegroup.com/ Contact Kareem Wells LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kareemkwoewells/ Thank you for listening, and please join us again to hear from more exceptional leaders. Click for more: https://everybodyleads.org https://www.bakerdonelson.com Producer: Jason Plank Intern: Claudia Bonney Amamoo

October 8, 202534 min

Denson (D.) Franklin III – Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary, Vulcan Materials Company

This week on the Everybody Leads podcast, Tim Lupinacci interviews Denson (D.) Franklin III, Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary of Vulcan Materials Company. Vulcan is the nation’s largest producer of construction aggregate, primarily crushed stone, sand, and gravel, and aggregates-based construction materials, including asphalt and ready-mixed concrete. The guiding principles of Vulcan include integrity, excellence, and people. Before joining Vulcan, D. was a partner at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, where he served as Vulcan's primary outside counsel for more than 20 years and advised other companies in the construction materials, building, and engineering industries. He has been recognized in Chambers USA in the area of corporate and commercial law and is listed in The Best Lawyers in America. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Birmingham-Southern College and received his law degree from Vanderbilt University School of Law. He is the former Chair of the Birmingham-Southern College Board of Trustees, a member of the Birmingham Rotary Club, and Chair of Gateway, a nonprofit organization that provides family and financial counseling. D. shares his leadership journey and key takeaways from Vulcan’s Leadership Program, which focuses on leading oneself, leading others, and leading leaders. He reflects on the impact of mentorship and observing various leadership styles, the leadership lessons he has learned from historical biographies, and the importance of leading with empathy and giving oneself grace. He also shares his philosophy of surrounding himself with individuals with “Big Brains, a Good Heart, and Good Work Ethic.” Other Topics Include: D.’s Leadership Journey Transitioning from Managing a Practice to Becoming General Counsel Leading with Empathy and Being a Servant Leader D.’s Daily Practices to Lead Himself The Importance of Listening and Learning from Others Moving Forward from Mistakes Advice for Young Leaders Additional Resources: Charity This episode is in support of D.'s designated charity, Advent Episcopal School in Birmingham, Alabama. We have made a donation to Advent Episcopal School as a thank you to D. for joining Everybody Leads. To learn more about Advent Episcopal, please https://www.adventepiscopalschool.org/ Books Custer’s Trials: A Life on the Frontier of a New America by T.J. Stiles The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt by T.J. Stiles Vulcan Materials Company Website: https://www.vulcanmaterials.com/ Contact Denson Franklin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denson-franklin-a4324626/ Thank you for listening, and please join us again to hear from more exceptional leaders. Click for more: https://everybodyleads.org https://www.bakerdonelson.com Producer: Jason Plank Intern: Claudia Bonney Amamoo

September 17, 202540 min

Hon. Ruben Castillo (Ret.) – Mediator, Arbitrator, and Litigation Consultant, Federal Arbitration (FedArb)

This week on the Everybody Leads podcast, Tim Lupinacci welcomes the Honorable Ruben Castillo, former Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Ruben is a trailblazer in the American judiciary and a steadfast advocate for justice and equity. He has accomplished many firsts in his career and broken barriers, including becoming the first member of this family to graduate from college and making history as the first Hispanic federal district judge of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois in 1994 and the first Hispanic chief judge of that court in 2013. Throughout his 25-year tenure on the bench, Ruben was known for his unwavering commitment to fairness, his mentorship of young legal professionals, and his deep connection to the communities he served. Ruben was appointed by President Clinton as the Vice Chair of the United States Sentencing Commission in 1999 and then reappointed by President George W. Bush to a second term as Vice Chair in 2004. He also served in the Special Prosecution Unit of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois, where he received numerous awards. Ruben now serves as a mediator, arbitrator, and litigation consultant for the Federal Arbitration (FedArb). Ruben shares his leadership journey, highlighting the leadership skills he learned from playing hockey at a young age and serving as a lawyer for the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund. He also delves into his early inspirations during his journey, how serving as a clerk for the night court influenced his career trajectory, and the lessons he learned from managing a court. Ruben emphasizes the importance of time management skills, mentorship, gaining exposure to diverse leadership styles, understanding one's own strengths, leading by example, and creating a fun culture. Other Topics Include: Ruben’s Leadership Journey The Impact of Ruben’s Parents and Other Inspirations Ruben’s Commitment and Persistence During Law School Discipline and Leadership in Private Practice Ruben’s Seed of Ambition to Become a Judge The Ins and Outs of Managing a Court Mindset for Succession Planning Advice and Encouragement for Young Leaders Additional Resources: Charity This episode is in support of Ruben's designated charity, the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. We have made a donation to St. Jude as a thank you to Ruben for joining Everybody Leads. To learn more about St. Jude, please visit https://www.stjude.org/ Federal Arbitration Website: https://fedarb.com/ Contact Ruben Castillo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruben-castillo-8b321b198/ Thank you for listening, and please join us again to hear from more exceptional leaders. Click for more: https://everybodyleads.org https://www.bakerdonelson.com Producer: Jason Plank Intern: Claudia Bonney Amamoo

September 3, 202538 min

Andrea Shelton – Founder and Executive Director, HeartBound Ministries

This week, Tim Lupinacci welcomes Andrea Shelton, founder and executive director of HeartBound Ministries, a nonprofit organization committed to breaking generational cycles of crime and incarceration. Under Andrea’s leadership, HeartBound Ministries delivers transformative programming within the prison system, equipping incarcerated individuals to return to their families and communities as empowered, purpose-driven citizens. Andrea graduated from Oglethorpe University with a bachelor’s degree in political studies. She began her professional career at Lockheed Aeronautics before obtaining a law degree from the University of Tennessee. Following law school, she served as a Special Assistant Administrative Law Judge with the Office of State Administrative Hearing. Andrea’s contribution to criminal justice reform and prison outreach has earned her widespread recognition and accolades. Andrea shares her powerful leadership journey and insightful stories about individuals who have inspired and motivated her along the way. She also discusses the importance of second chances and forgiveness, the empowering value of creativity, and how she deals with setbacks and obstacles. Andrea also delves into the story and impact of HeartBound Ministries, encouraging others to identify a need and give to social causes. Other Topics Discussed Include: Andrea’s Leadership Journey Early Inspirations Who Encouraged Andrea The Founding of HeartBound Ministries How Creativity Impacted Andrea and HeartBound Ministries Dealing with Setbacks and Obstacles Andrea’s Daily Practices to Show Up as Her Best Self Leadership Books and Resources New Areas of Impacting Others at HeartBound Ministries Andrea’s Advice for Young Leaders Ways to Support and Engage with HeartBound Ministries Individuals Without Big Titles Who Had an Impact on Andrea Additional Resources: Charity This episode is in support of Andrea’s designated charity, HeartBound Ministries. We have made a donation to HeartBound Ministries as a thank you to Andrea for joining Everybody Leads. To learn more about HeartBound Ministries, please visit https://www.heartboundministries.com/ Book How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie Contact Andrea Shelton LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-shelton-501246139/ Thank you for listening, and please join us again to hear from more exceptional leaders. Click for more: https://everybodyleads.org https://www.bakerdonelson.com Producer: Jason Plank Intern: Claudia Bonney Amamoo

August 20, 202539 min

Lara Nichols – SVP, State & Federal Regulatory Legal Support, Duke Energy

This week, Tim Lupinacci welcomes Lara Nichols, senior vice president, state and federal regulatory legal support for Duke Energy. Lara is responsible for advancing rate and regulatory initiatives and updating regulatory models. In addition, her team provides legal advice on state and federal public utility regulatory matters. Since joining the company in 1998, she has held several prominent positions at Duke Energy, including serving as vice president, nuclear and environmental, health and safety, legal support for Duke Energy, and the Secretary of the Operations and Nuclear Oversight Committee of the Duke Energy Board of Directors. Lara graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and holds a Juris Doctor degree, with high honors, from the University of North Carolina School of Law. Lara reflects on her leadership journey, her gravitation towards collaborative work, the value of building empowered teams, and the importance of empathy and humility in leadership. She also shares her passion for Duke Energy’s mission, supporting her team and encouraging team members to take risks, and her powerful advice to young leaders, including balancing being ambitious and focusing on the job at hand. Other Topics Discussed Include: Lara’s Leadership Journey Early Inspirations Who Encouraged Lara’s Leadership How Lara Provides Her Team with the Opportunity to Grow and Take Risks Growing and Learning from Mistakes Showing Up with Empathy and Humility as a Leader Lara’s Daily Disciplines to Lead Effectively Leadership Resources Lara’s Actionable Advice to Young Leaders People Without Big Titles Who Had an Impact on Lara Additional Resources: Lara’s Actionable Advice to Young Leaders: Take ownership of your development and speak up about what you are interested in Seek out a mentor you connect with Ask people how they got to where they are Ask what it would take to be a viable candidate for your next role and get genuine feedback on what it will take to get there Charity This episode is in support of Lara’s designated charity, the Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy. We have made a donation to the Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy as a thank you to Lara for joining Everybody Leads. To learn more about the Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, please visit https://charlottelegaladvocacy.org/ Books: Smart Brevity by Jim VandeHei, Mike Allen, and Roy Schwartz Start with Why by Simon Sinek Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler Feminist Fight Club by Jessica Bennett Duke Energy Website: https://www.duke-energy.com/home Contact Lara Nichols LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larasimmonsnichols/ Thank you for listening, and please join us again to hear from more exceptional leaders. Click for more: https://everybodyleads.org https://www.bakerdonelson.com Producer: Jason Plank Intern: Claudia Bonney Amamoo

August 6, 202535 min

Misty Miller – Senior Vice President, Organizational Development, Boys & Girls Clubs of America

This week, Tim Lupinacci welcomes Misty Miller to the Everybody Leads podcast. Misty is the Senior Vice President of Organizational Development for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, one of the nation’s largest youth-serving nonprofits. The non-profit has more than 5,500 locations serving more than 4.2 million kids and teens annually. Misty has dedicated her career to Boys & Girls Clubs of America for nearly 25 years, including past roles as director of operations, director of resource development, and president and CEO for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Coastal Plain in eastern North Carolina. Before her time with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Misty served as a nonprofit consultant, advising organizations on complex projects, capital and annual fundraising campaigns, and board development. Misty is a proud alumna of East Carolina University and serves on the Board of Directors for the ECU Foundation. Misty discusses her leadership journey, the importance of being authentic and showing up as your best self, and the value of seeking out feedback and relying on colleagues. She also shares more about the history, mission, and impact of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and its efforts to work through a trauma-informed lens. She offers insights into the importance of staying connected with your organization’s purpose, taking advantage of opportunities to grow as a leader, and bringing others along with you as your organization scales and grows. Other Topics Discussed Include: Misty’s Leadership Journey The Mission and Impact of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Consistency and Showing Up as Your Best Self Connecting With the Purpose of Your Organization as a Leader Increased Challenges of Youth Across the Country How Ideas of Leadership are Infused in the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Individuals Who Encouraged Misty’s Leadership Turning Mistakes into Learning Opportunities Leadership Resources that Have Helped Misty Advice to Young Leaders Impactful Individuals Who Lead Without a Title Ways to Connect and Support the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Additional Resources: Charity This episode is in support of Misty Miller’s designated charity, Boys & Girls Clubs of America. We have made a donation to Boys & Girls Clubs of America as a thank you to Misty for joining Everybody Leads. To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of America, please visit https://www.bgca.org/ Contact Misty Miller LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/misty-miller-06785b1b/ Thank you for listening, and please join us again to hear from more exceptional leaders. Click for more: https://everybodyleads.org https://www.bakerdonelson.com Producer: Jason Plank Intern: Claudia Bonney Amamoo

July 23, 202530 min

“Everybody Leads: How You Lead and Why It Matters”

In this special episode of the Everybody Leads podcast, New York Times bestselling authors Daniel Pink and Bob Goff join Tim Lupinacci to discuss insights from Tim’s highly anticipated book Everybody Leads: How You Lead and Why It Matters. The book delves into many of the leadership insights shared on the Everybody Leads podcast; it also features a foreword by Bob Goff and a review by Daniel Pink. Daniel Pink is the author of several bestselling books on science, business, and creativity. His books include the New York Times bestsellers The Power of Regret , Drive , and To Sell is Human . Bob Goff is an author, attorney, and Honorary Consul to the Republic of Uganda. He is also the founder of Love Does, a global non-profit human rights organization. His books include the New York Times bestsellers Love Does and Dream Big . Daniel and Bob discuss their endorsement of Tim’s Book, Everybody Leads: How You Lead and Why It Matters, and how their work influenced Tim’s leadership journey, as well as the practical tips shared in the book. Other Topics Discussed The Value of Offering Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose to Your Team Intensifying Purpose with Anchoring Devices The Idea that Everybody Leads How Looking Backwards Moves Us Forward Not Letting Closed Doors Steer You from Your Goals Dinner Table Diplomacy and Being in Community The Importance of Reflection and Sabbath Lessons From Lost: The Idea of the Others Additional Resources: Books Books by Daniel Pink: https://www.danpink.com/books/ Books by Bob Goff: https://www.bobgoff.com/books/ Everybody Leads: How You Lead and Why It Matters Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Everybody-Leads-How-Lead-Matters-ebook/dp/B0FJ8Z2QKZ Alabama Booksmith (Signed First Edition): https://www.alabamabooksmith.com/signed-copies/everybody-leads-how-you-lead-and-why-it-matters Contact Daniel Pink Website: https://www.danpink.com/about/ Contact Bob Goff Website: https://www.bobgoff.com/about/ Thank you for listening, and please join us again to hear from more exceptional leaders. Click for more: https://everybodyleads.org https://www.bakerdonelson.com Producer: Jason Plank Intern: Claudia Bonney Amamoo