Tim Lupinacci | Leadership Doesn't Require a Title

Coming Up Clutch with J.R. Helping Pro and Executive Athletes maximize their success and significance

Think leadership is reserved for the guy with the title, the office, and the polished resume?

You’re not alone. For years, I believed the same thing. Until I realized…

Leadership isn’t a title — it’s a responsibility. And the truth is: you’re already a leader… whether you admit it or not.

Every decision you make… Every conversation you have… Every time your kids, spouse, team, or community looks to you…

You’re leading. The question is — how well?

That’s why I brought Baker Donelson CEO and Everybody Leads author, Tim Lupinacci, on the Coming Up Clutch with J.R.™ show this week. Sure, he’s the CEO of a Top 100 US law firm, but he didn’t wait for that role to start leading — he started with something as small as a podcast, a car ride, and a commitment to show up better every day. Now he’s leading 1,300+ people AND pouring into underserved communities with his nonprofit.

If you want to get better as a leader, or you’ve been doubting your influence or waiting for “the right time” to lead — don’t miss this episode.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Why leadership isn’t about a title — and how to step into your influence right where you are
• The one mindset shift that helped Tim turn a $500M organization around and write his first book
• Why work-life balance is a myth — and what harmony actually looks like for high performers
• A behind-the-scenes look at Tim’s disciplined routine
• How to overcome people-pleasing and lead from your values with confidence and clarity
• What courageous leadership really requires — and a 7-letter acronym to help you live it daily

Key Quotes

• "Everybody's a leader.” - Tim Lupinacci
• “Waters never part until your feet get wet… You have to take that step and believe in yourself.” - Tim Lupinacci
• “Work-life integration isn’t about balance. It’s about harmony.” - Tim Lupinacci
• “Courageous leadership is being confident, out front, unshakable, resilient, adaptable, having a growth mindset, and encouraging others.” - Tim Lupinacci

Resources from this Episode

• Book: Everybody Leads (USE code TIMLEADS for a discount)
• Website (Baker Donelson): https://bakerdonelson.com
• Website (non-profit): https://everybodyleads.org
• LinkedIn: in/Tim-Lupinacci
• IG/FB: @timlupinacci

Connect with J.R.

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesJRreid
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• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesjrreid/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesJRreid
• Website: jamesreid.com
• Check out The Clutch Club™️: jamesreid.com/club (For Men Only)

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Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.