Leadership Without Limits: Tim Lupinacci on Influence, Courage, and Living a Fantastic Life

Introduction

In this episode of the Celebrity Edition Podcast, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Tim Lupinacci, CEO and Chair of Baker Donelson, one of the 100 largest law firms in the United States. Leading over 1,300 team members across 24 offices, Tim is a passionate advocate for practical leadership and founder of the nonprofit Everybody Leads. His podcast of the same name highlights changemakers from boardrooms to the front lines, sharing personal journeys shaped by resilience, ownership, and growth. Today, Tim empowers listeners to lead regardless of title or background.

Tim’s Leadership Journey

Tim’s path began as a young lawyer without role models, where a critical early mistake taught him the importance of ownership and responsibility. That experience sparked a decades-long journey to understand what it truly means to lead. He emphasizes that leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about influence, impact, and helping others achieve their goals. Drawing inspiration from the ancient Roman concept of anti ambulo—clearing the path for others—Tim believes leadership is about enabling others to succeed while fostering purpose and growth.

Defining Leadership and Courage

Tim and Dr. Lycka explore the qualities of unshakable leadership: having a compass instead of a map and inspiring others to follow. Tim shares his daily acronym for COURAGE: Confidence, Out front, Unshakable, Resilience, Adaptable, Growth mindset, and Encourager. He explains how each principle guides his leadership style and daily decision-making, including practical habits such as journaling successes, setbacks, and tomorrow’s priorities to maintain focus and growth. Encouragement, he notes, is often the most overlooked yet critical component of leadership.

Living a Fantastic Life

Beyond professional success, Tim emphasizes daily disciplines to nurture mental health and personal fulfillment. Morning reading, journaling, walking, digital sabbaths, and immersion in creative arts help him show up fully. He encourages listeners to identify activities that energize them, prioritize relationships, and maintain intentional habits. Tim also highlights the value of regular conversations with a therapist as a tool for reflection, mental wellness, and sustained leadership effectiveness.

Resources and Closing

Tim’s book, Everybody Leads: How You Lead and Why It Matters, offers practical strategies for leadership, resilience, and influence. Available on Amazon and via everybodyleads.org, it complements his nonprofit’s mission. Connect with Tim on LinkedIn and Instagram, or visit bakerdonelson.com to explore his work. Dr. Lycka encourages listeners to visit drallenlycka.com and subscribe to Golden Pearls for weekly insights to live a fantastic life.

BIO:

Tim Lupinacci is the CEO and Chair of Baker Donelson, one of the 100 largest law firms in the U.S., where he leads over 1,300 team members across 24 offices. A passionate “leadership junkie,” he founded the nonprofit Everybody Leads to bring practical leadership training to underserved communities and hosts a podcast of the same name featuring changemakers from boardrooms to the front lines. With a powerful personal journey shaped by lessons in ownership, resilience, and growth, Tim empowers others to lead—regardless of title or background.

Social Media Links:

www.bakerdonelson.com

www.everybodyleads.org

https://www.instagram.com/timlupinacci/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-lupinacci

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1XpDFby2pE