2025 in Review

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 [https://everybodyleads.org] * Books by Daniel Pink: https://www.danpink.com/books/ [https://www.danpink.com/books/] * Books by Liz Wiseman: https://thewisemangroup.com/books/impact-players/ [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://everybodyleads.org] * https://www.bakerdonelson.com [https://www.bakerdonelson.com] Producer: Jason Plank Intern: Claudia Bonney Amamoo

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 [https://jonacuff.com/books] * Book by Clay Scroggins: https://www.clayscroggins.com/how-to-lead-when-youre-not-in-charge [https://www.clayscroggins.com/how-to-lead-when-youre-not-in-charge] * Book by Tim Lupinacci: https://everybodyleads.org [https://everybodyleads.org] Contact Jon Acuff * Website: https://jonacuff.com/ [https://jonacuff.com/] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonacuff/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonacuff/] Contact Clay Scroggins * Website: https://www.clayscroggins.com/ [https://www.clayscroggins.com/] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clay-scroggins/ [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://everybodyleads.org] * https://www.bakerdonelson.com [https://www.bakerdonelson.com] Producer: Jason Plank Intern: Claudia Bonney Amamoo

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/ [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 [https://www.bakerdonelson.com]  Contact Jennifer Keller * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-keller-72a5a0b/ [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://everybodyleads.org] * https://www.bakerdonelson.com [https://www.bakerdonelson.com] Producer: Jason Plank Intern: Claudia Bonney Amamoo

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/ [https://www.kwoefoundation.org/donation/] K.W.O.E. Group, LLC * Website: https://www.kwoegroup.com/ [https://www.kwoegroup.com/] Contact Kareem Wells * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kareemkwoewells/ [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://everybodyleads.org] * https://www.bakerdonelson.com [https://www.bakerdonelson.com] Producer: Jason Plank Intern: Claudia Bonney Amamoo

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/ [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/ [https://www.vulcanmaterials.com/] Contact Denson Franklin * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denson-franklin-a4324626/ [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://everybodyleads.org] * https://www.bakerdonelson.com [https://www.bakerdonelson.com] Producer: Jason Plank Intern: Claudia Bonney Amamoo