What does it take to lead a 1,400-person organization while staying grounded, resilient, and connected to what truly matters?
I sit down with Tim Lupinacci, CEO of Baker Donelson, to explore how he balances running one of the largest law firms in the U.S. with personal mental fitness practices, authentic leadership, and a vision for the future.
Tim shares the pivotal moments that shaped his leadership philosophy, how reading and music fueled his early growth, and why he believes mental fitness is a competitive advantage in today’s world. We also dive into how AI is reshaping the legal profession, the concept of micro-resilience, and how leaders can clear the path for others while taking care of themselves.
Don’t miss Tim’s new book Everybody Leads, now available!
Show Notes
00:00 – Who is Tim Lupinacci? Family, faith, and leadership roots
02:00 – Growing up on the move: books, music, and self-discovery
05:00 – Building daily reading habits and why they fuel his leadership
07:00 – The importance of mental recovery for leaders
09:00 – How Tim stumbled into law and found a passion for problem-solving
11:00 – A tough lesson: the mistake that sparked his leadership journey
14:00 – The internal wrestling before stepping into the CEO role
16:00 – Launching "Baker Next" and overcoming early setbacks
19:00 – Staying the course through crisis and building team accountability
20:00 – The future of law and AI disruption
24:00 – Lessons from other industries and trusted advisor principles
27:00 – Tim’s core leadership values and Disney-inspired analogies
31:00 – Mental fitness on the road: the state of his team in 2025
36:00 – Why mental health must be seen as a strategic advantage
40:00 – Writing his book and why everyone can lead without a title
47:00 – Micro-resilience: the power of small, consistent actions
50:00 – Daily journaling and framing each day for success
52:00 – Closing reflections on leadership, mental fitness, and impact
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