215. How to lead with confidence, not control. With law firm CEO, Tim Lupinacci

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Jul 17, 2025

Tim Lupinacci is the CEO and Chair of Baker Donelson, a renowned U.S. law firm. He talks about his innovative leadership approach that emphasizes vulnerability and service over control. Tim reveals how he fosters a culture of trust and transparency, especially in the high-stress legal sector. He shares insights on the significance of empathy, emotional intelligence, and authentic relationships in leadership. By challenging outdated norms, Tim inspires leaders to embrace humility and prioritize their teams' well-being.

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ADVICE

Take The Next Right Step

When facing uncertainty, focus on taking the next right step consistently.
Surround yourself with experts and be willing to ask for help to move forward.

INSIGHT

Vulnerability Builds Trust

Vulnerability builds trust by showing up authentically as a leader.
Authentic relationships increase loyalty, engagement, and resilience in teams.

INSIGHT

Empathy Drives Results

Soft leadership skills like empathy are essential for business success.
Investing in people’s mental health and wellbeing improves organizational performance.

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Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture — brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network, the audio destination for business professionals.
Hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott, this is your Thursday deep-dive with a workplace expert.

🎙️ This Week’s Guest: Tim Lupinacci

He runs a law firm with hundreds of employees across the U.S. — and he’s doing it by flipping traditional leadership on its head.

Tim Lupinacci is the CEO and Chair of Baker Donelson, a 130-year-old U.S. law firm. But unlike the archetype of a power-hungry managing partner, Tim leads through vulnerability, service, and personal values.

In this conversation, Tim shares how he’s built a culture of trust and transparency in a sector that’s famously high-pressure, high-burnout, and historically low on empathy. Expect real-world lessons on humility, motivation, and leading with impact in complex, change-resistant environments.

💡 Key Takeaways from Tim Lupinacci

Service is power.
Tim explains why true leadership means removing barriers — not issuing commands.
Vulnerability builds trust.
By showing up as a real human, Tim found his team became more loyal, engaged, and resilient.
Law firms don’t have to be toxic.
Culture change is possible — even in legacy-driven sectors — when leaders go first.

🔗 Connect with Tim Lupinacci
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-lupinacci/

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Truth, Lies & Work on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truth-lies-and-work/
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Email: hello@truthliesandwork.com
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