234: The Hidden Role of Great Leaders | Tim Lupinacci

From million-dollar mistakes to leading one of America’s largest law firms, this episode with Tim Lupinacci is a masterclass in practical leadership, influence, and everyday impact. Damon sits down with Tim to explore the core ideas from Tim’s widely praised book, Everybody Leads, and to unpack what real-world leadership looks like for professionals at every level—not just those with fancy titles or corner offices. Tim’s candid stories (including being called an “idiot” by a mentor), hard-won lessons, and actionable tools lay out a blueprint for how anyone can own their career, build their influence, and create resilient, thriving teams. 

With honesty and vulnerability, Tim details his journey from “stumbling into law school” to becoming CEO and Chairman of Baker Donaldson. Along the way, the conversation dives into imposter syndrome, self-mastery, consistency, the power of curiosity, and why influence beats formal authority every time. From cascading vision across thousands to practical daily habits, you’ll leave this episode fired up to lead with more intention—wherever you are. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• How Tim’s early career mistake became the spark for a lifetime of leadership growth 
• Powerful ways to redefine leadership as influence and everyday impact—not just hierarchy 
• Why vulnerability and curiosity are Tim’s go-to habits for self-leadership (and how he builds these muscles) 
• Simple, repeatable tips for daily self-mastery and growth—even with a packed schedule 
• The four traits that decades of research show the best leaders have in common 
• How to cascade organizational purpose and vision from the top down (and bottom up) 
• What “leadership aroma” means—and why every interaction counts 
• Tim’s view on using storytelling, gratitude, and encouragement to build culture and drive team buy-in 
• Real strategies for handling imposter syndrome, setbacks, and owning your impact at work 

Timestamps: 

00:00 – Tim’s definition of leadership: influence and impact 

00:51 – Tim’s million-dollar mistake and Bob’s tough mentorship 

04:46 – How Tim handles mistakes as CEO (and builds resilience) 

06:48 – Tim’s journey to CEO: building teams and pouring into others 

09:06 – Imposter syndrome and the “soundtracks” in your head 

13:00 – Leadership transparency, feedback, and culture 

17:35 – What does it mean to be a leader? (Everyday influence) 

21:09 – The role of curiosity in personal leadership 

23:43 – Quick tips to build daily curiosity 

26:35 – Tim’s daily disciplines for self-mastery 

29:24 – Four most-admired leadership traits—what research says works 

31:44 – How to find your North Star values as a leader 

33:57 – AI, vision, and strategic planning for the future 

38:12 – Cascading vision and purpose across a huge organization 

41:14 – Leadership aroma: why every interaction matters 

43:31 – Modeling behavior—why leaders are “always on stage” 

44:59 – A few words can change careers: examples of encouragement 

47:44 – Giving life vs. taking it: our responsibility as leaders 

49:29 – Churchill’s dinner table diplomacy (and building authentic connections) 

51:40 – What Tim learned as a podcast host (curiosity in action) 

53:09 – One more tip for team leadership: don’t take yourself too seriously (have fun!) 

54:52 – Tim’s legacy: practical encouragement for everyday leaders 

56:12 – Where to connect with Tim and Everybody Leads nonprofit 

About Tim Lupinacci 

Tim Lupinacci is Chairman and CEO of Baker Donaldson, one of the top 100 largest law firms in the United States. A lifelong “leadership junkie,” Tim’s journey spans decades of resilience and impact—from early career setbacks to steering a 1400-person organization. Tim is the author of Everybody Leads, a book dedicated to empowering professionals at every level to embrace influence, purpose, and fulfillment. He also founded the nonprofit Everybody Leads to share practical, positive leadership tools. Tim is passionate about making leadership accessible—and showing that anyone can own their impact at work, at home, and in the community. 

Resources & Mentions: 

• Website: Everybody Leads 
• Website: Baker Donaldson 
• LinkedIn: Tim Lupinacci 
• Tim’s book: Everybody Leads (Amazon) 
• Tim’s nonprofit: Everybody Leads 
• Tim’s podcast: Everybody Leads Podcast 
• John Maxwell, 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership 
• Leadership Challenge, Kouzes & Posner 
• Ryan Holiday, The Daily Stoic 

Podcast Contact Information: 

Website: www.learnit.com 

Email: podcast@learnit.com 

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