This week on the Everybody Leads podcast, Tim Lupinacci welcomes Jon Olson, Senior Vice President, General Counsel, & Corporate Secretary at Blackbaud, a leading provider of software services for the social good sector. Jon oversees a diverse portfolio of legal matters, including litigation, intellectual property, and privacy, while managing a 40-person team and a $50M annual spend for Corporate Real Estate and Procurement. He is passionate about sustainability, employee engagement, and business technology innovation and has received many accolades. Jon is a member of the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Hollings Cancer Center Citizens Advisory Council and serves on the board of the Charleston Symphony and Charleston Jazz.

Jon discusses a hallmark of his leadership style, which involves empowering motivated individuals and letting them take the initiative on projects. He also shares insights on building a successful legal team at Blackbaud, the importance of communication, trusting your intuition, making decisions by balancing matters of the head and the heart, and building a learning organization by creating roles in which individuals can grow.

Other Topics Discussed Include:

• Jon’s Leadership Journey 
• The Importance of Empowerment and Creating a Shared Vision as a Leader
• The Mission of Blackbaud
• Learning and Pivoting from Setbacks 
• Adjusting to the Remote Work Dynamics
• Building a Learning Organization
• What Inspires Jon to Be the Best Version of Himself
• Advice for Young Leaders and Beneficial Resources 
• Leaders in Jon’s Life Who Made an Impact Without a Big Title

Additional Resources: 

Charity:

• This episode is in support of Jon Olson's designated charity, the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center. We have made a donation to the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center as a thank you to Jon for joining Everybody Leads. To learn more about the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, please visit https://hollingscancercenter.musc.edu/. 

Books:

• Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
• Grant by Ron Chernow

Blackbaud: 

• Website: https://www.blackbaud.com/

Contact Jon Olson:

• Website: https://www.blackbaud.com/company/executive-leadership/jon-olson
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonwolson/

Thank you for listening, and please join us again to hear from more exceptional leaders.

Click for more: 

• https://everybodyleads.org
• https://www.bakerdonelson.com

Producer: Jason Plank
Intern: Claudia Bonney Amamoo

This week on the Everybody Leads podcast, Tim Lupinacci sits down with Kevin Williams, a Chick-fil-A franchise owner, to discuss his leadership journey. Kevin owns and operates three Chick-fil-A restaurants in Canton, Georgia, and has been a Chick-fil-A franchisee for over 30 years. Kevin is also a best-selling author and investor in the next generation, which inspired his book Irrational Kindness: A Crazy Pursuit of an Extraordinary Life. Irrational Kindness is an operating manual for life and part employee handbook that highlights principles that have shaped Kevin’s approach to leadership.

Kevin discusses insights from his book Irrational Kindness, including seeing failure as an opportunity to get better, holding on to values like hospitality, and impacting the lives of others. He emphasizes cheering on your team, creating an environment for people to grow, and celebrating the beauty of people.

Topics Discussed Include: 

• Kevin’s Leadership Journey to Becoming a Successful Chick-fil-A Franchisee Owner and Author
• Unconventional Business Decisions and the Influence of S. Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A
• People Who Believed in Kevin and Cheered Him On
• Inspirations For Kevin’s Book Irrational Kindness
• How to Accept Failures as Lessons and Respond Positively 
• Living Out Your Values
• Kevin’s Daily Disciplines and Principles
• Advice to Young Leaders to Grow Their Leadership
• People Who Lead Without Titles
• The New Ground Foundation

Additional Resources: 

Charity:

• This episode is in support of Kevin Williams's designated charity, New Ground Foundation. We have made a donation to New Ground Foundation as a thank you to Kevin for joining Everybody Leads. To learn more about New Ground Foundation, please visit https://www.newgroundfoundation.org/.

Books:

• Irrational Kindness by Kevin Williams: https://www.irrationalkindness.com/shop
• Bob Goff’s Books: https://www.bobgoff.com/books/
• The Power of Positive Thinking by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale
• Boundaries by Henry Cloud and John Townsend
• Elon Musk Book by Walter Isaacson

Podcasts:

• Andy Stanley Leadership Podcast
• Dr. Laura Call of the Day Podcast

Contact Kevin Williams:

• Website: https://www.irrationalkindness.com/whoskevin
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-williams-90b183151/

Thank you for listening, and please join us again to hear from more exceptional leaders.

Click for more: 

• https://everybodyleads.org
• https://www.bakerdonelson.com

Producer: Jason Plank
Intern: Claudia Bonney Amamoo

This week on the Everybody Leads podcast, Tim Lupinacci welcomes Liz Wiseman, CEO of the Wiseman Group, a leadership research and development firm in California. Liz is a researcher and an executive advisor who teaches leadership to global organizations, including Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Tesla. She is also a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of various books, including “Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter” and “Impact Players: How to Take the Lead, Play Bigger, and Multiply Your Impact.” Liz previously served as a former executive at Oracle Corporation, where she worked as the Vice President of Oracle University and the global leader for Human Resource Development.

Liz discusses her leadership journey, traits and mindset of an impactful leader, and how to become more of an impact player. She also shares insights from her books, highlighting embracing uncertainty, having an opportunity lens, being proactive and adaptive, and doing work that creates value. Liz emphasizes how leaders' acts of mercy and coaching can create powerful teaching moments and influence others. 

Topics Discussed Include: 

• Liz’s Leadership Journey and Lessons from Her Early Career Experiences
• How Observing Leaders Inspired Her Research and Her Book “Impact Players: How to Take the Lead, Play Bigger, and Multiply Your Impact”
• Traits of an Impactful Leader 
• How to Become an Impact Player and Multiply Your Influence
• Balancing the Creation of an Environment of Safety and Stretch as a Leader
• How Liz’s Faith and Family Keep Her Centered
• Advice to Young Leaders Without a Formal Title
• People Who Have Influenced and Impacted Liz

Additional Resources: 

Charity: 

• This episode is in support of Liz Wiseman’s designated charity, Ravenswood Classroom Partners (RCP). We have made a donation to RCP as a thank you to Liz for joining Everybody Leads. To learn more about RCP, please visit https://www.ravenswoodclassroompartners.org/donate.html.

List of Liz Wiseman’s Works:

• Impact Players: How to Take the Lead, Play Bigger, and Multiply Your Impact https://thewisemangroup.com/books/impact-players/
• Rookie Smarts: Why Learning Beats Knowing in the New Game of Work
• https://thewisemangroup.com/books/rookie-smarts/ 
• Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter https://thewisemangroup.com/books/multipliers/
• The Multiplier Effect: Tapping the Genius Inside Our Schools https://thewisemangroup.com/books/the-multiplier-effect/

Contact Liz Wiseman:

• Website: https://thewisemangroup.com/who-we-are/our-team/liz-wiseman/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizwiseman/

The Wiseman Group: 

• Website: https://thewisemangroup.com/

Thank you for listening, and please join us again to hear from more exceptional leaders.

Click for more: 

• https://everybodyleads.org
• https://www.bakerdonelson.com

Producer: Jason Plank
Intern: Claudia Bonney Amamoo

In this episode of the Everybody Leads podcast, host Tim Lupinacci looks back on the first year of the show, sharing highlights and lessons from past guests. Tim focuses on important leadership ideas like staying persistent, being open about your struggles, helping others, and staying positive. Listen back through highlights from several episodes from 2024 as guests share their tips on leading well, from breaking down barriers to building strong teams and taking care of yourself.

You’ll hear from:

• Bob Goff
• Brian Hamilton
• David Walker
• Justin Pitt
• Staci Pierce
• Laura McDonald
• Dr. Harsh Trivedi
• Paul Eremenko
• Bryan Jordan
• Stephanie Nelson
• Karl Schledwitz
• Patrick Darby
• Alycia Sutor
• Dan Haseltine
• Tara Plimpton
• Steve Foster
• Sarah Duggan

Thank you for listening, and please join us again to hear from more exceptional leaders.

Click for more: 

• https://everybodyleads.org
• https://www.bakerdonelson.com

Producer: Jason Plank
Intern: Claudia Bonney Amamoo

This week, Tim Lupinacci welcomes Maya Eventov to the Everybody Leads podcast. Maya is an acclaimed artist whose artwork is showcased in the finest galleries throughout Canada, Great Britain, and the United States. Her artwork features vibrant colors that evoke feelings of happiness, well-being, and joy of life. Maya shares her leadership journey, artistic evolution, interest in various art techniques, including the impasto technique, and the importance of discipline. Maya’s journey emphasizes the power of resilience, hard work, and creating your own path to success. 

Topics Discussed Include: 

• Maya’s Leadership Journey and Artistic Evolution
• Sources of Inspiration 
• Reflections on the Impact of Her Art 
• Maintaining Discipline in Her Creative Process 
• Creating Art During the COVID-19 Pandemic
• Being Persistent and Breaking Conventional Molds in the Art World
• Daily Motivations 
• Advice to Young Professionals and New Artists

Additional Resources: 

Charity: 

• This episode is in support of Maya Eventov’s designated charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. We have made a donation to St. Jude as a thank you to Maya for joining Everybody Leads. To learn more about St. Jude, please visit https://www.stjude.org/. 

Contact Maya Eventov:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mayaeventovart/

Thank you for listening, and please join us again to hear from more exceptional leaders.

Click for more: 

• https://everybodyleads.org
• https://www.bakerdonelson.com

Producer: Jason Plank
Intern: Claudia Bonney Amamoo

This week, Tim Lupinacci welcomes Steve Dubbeldam to the Everybody Leads podcast. Steve is the founder and CEO of the Wilderness Collective, which operates best-in-class adventures to help people disconnect and discover character through exploration. The Wilderness Collective is a team of talented guides, filmmakers, chefs, photographers, and people who work to bring together some of the best things in life into one experience—adrenaline-filled adventure, exploration of wild spaces, incredible food, and deep, soulful conversation. Having founded multiple companies in the lifestyle and fashion space, Steve has enjoyed building community among people. Steve discusses his leadership journey, using his business acumen to build the Wilderness Collective, and infusing values of hospitality and empathy into his team. Steve also shares other foundational principles, such as leading by example, taking on responsibility, staying focused, and implementing a culture of honor. 

Other Topics Include:

• Steve’s Leadership Journey and His Experience with Building Brands.
• How Steve Infused his Brand Expertise into Building the Wilderness Collective. 
• The Importance of Hospitality and Empathy.
• Connecting with Your Team and Providing Positive Reinforcement.
• Improvising When Things Go Sideways and Remaining Calm.
• Building a Collaborative Team. 
• Helping Your Team to Feel Safe to Take Risks. 
• Starting Meaningful Conversations by Being Bold and Vulnerable

Additional Resources: 

Charity: 

• This episode is in support of Steve Dubbeldam’s designated charity, Father’s Uplift. We have made a donation to Father’s Uplift as a thank you to Steve for joining Everybody Leads. To learn more about Father’s Uplift, please visit https://www.fathersuplift.org/.

Wilderness Collective:

• Website: https://wildernesscollective.com/

Contact Steve Dubbeldam:

• LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-dubbeldam-b95557a1/

Thank you for listening, and please join us again to hear from more exceptional leaders.

Click for more: 

• https://everybodyleads.org
• https://www.bakerdonelson.com

Producer: Jason Plank
Intern: Claudia Bonney Amamoo

This week, the Everybody Leads podcast welcomes Sarah Duggan, the Executive Director of Wholesale Banking / Seniors Housing Healthcare Lending at Synovus Bank. Sarah graduated as an accounting major from the University of Alabama. She worked at Ernst and Whinney, South Trust Bank, and GMAC Commercial Mortgage before joining Synovus to help start the Seniors Housing and Healthcare Lending Group. Synovus is one of the country’s most respected financial institutions, and its senior housing and healthcare lending team brings over thirty years of experience in providing various services, including construction, value add, acquisition, and mini-perm loans to owners and operators in the senior housing and skilled nursing industry. Sarah’s leadership has influenced her team through pillars of strong industry reputation, certainty of execution, and creativity.

Listen as Sarah discusses her leadership journey, passion for her industry, and team-building philosophy. She also delves into best business practices for succession planning, recruiting talent, minimizing mistakes, and timing decisions. Sarah also highlights the importance of trusting your team and delegating responsibilities that can help them develop their leadership skills. 

Other Topics Discussed Include: 

• Sarah’s Leadership Journey and How She Developed a Passion for the Senior Housing and Healthcare Lending Industry
• Developing Leadership Skills Through Mentorship
• The Importance of Succession Planning and Empowering Your Team
• How to Recruit and Hire Good Talent Who You Can Trust
• The Power of Preparation and Avoiding the Word “Never”
• What Motivates Sarah to Keep Going and Finish Strong Before Her Upcoming Retirement
• Leadership Resources That Helped Sarah Develop Her Leadership Skills and Talents
• Managing a Team During the Pandemic by Creatively Solving Problems
• Lessons Learned and Advice to Young Professionals Launching Their Careers
• People During Sarah’s Leadership Journey Who Had an Influence and Impact Without a Big Title

Additional Resources: 

Charity: 

• This episode is in support of Sarah Duggan’s designated charity, STAIR of Birmingham. We have made a donation to STAIR of Birmingham as a thank you to Sarah for joining Everybody Leads. To learn more about STAIR of Birmingham, please visit https://www.stairbirmingham.org/

Additional Reading

• Nine Lies About Work: A Freethinking Leader’s Guide to the Real World by Marcus Buckingham and Ashley Goodall

Synovus Bank

• Website: https://www.synovus.com/

Contact Sarah Duggan: 

• Website: https://www.synovus.com/corporate/finance/specialty-financing/senior-housing-and-healthcare-lending/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-duggan-a0458516/

Thank you for listening, and please join us again to hear from more exceptional leaders.

Click for more: 

• https://everybodyleads.org
• https://www.bakerdonelson.com

Producer: Jason Plank
Intern: Claudia Bonney Amamoo

This week on the Everybody Leads podcast, Tim Lupinacci welcomes Andrea Sanders, Commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services. Andrea leads the almost 1,500-member State Child Welfare Agency in its mission to protect Mississippi’s most vulnerable children. Andrea previously served as general counsel and principal deputy executive director for the Mississippi Department of Human Services, where she served on the senior leadership team and held administrative responsibility for the Division of Early Child Care and Education.

Our host, Tim Lupinacci, asks Andrea to discuss her leadership journey, early leadership influences, creating a positive work environment and systemic change, learning from mistakes, and her daily disciplines and motivations. Andrea also shares insights on building trust within your team, taking risks, acknowledging blind spots, and leading with humility. 

Other Topics Discussed Include: 

• Andrea’s Leadership Journey and Passion for Child Welfare 
• Using Leadership as a Necessary Vehicle to Make a Broader Impact
• Being Intentional About the Culture You Create in Your Organization
• Building Trust by Opening Up as a Leader and Owning Mistakes 
• Taking Risks Outside of the Status Quo
• Encouraging People to Challenge You Respectfully
• Leadership Motivations and Resources 
• Studying What Drives People and Motivates Them
• Pursuing a Passion as a Young Leader

Additional Resources: 

Charity: 

• This episode is in support of Andrea Sanders’ designated charity, CarePortal Mississippi. We have made a donation to CarePortal Mississippi as a thank you to Andrea for joining Everybody Leads. To learn more about CarePortal Mississippi, please visit https://lifelinechild.org/careportal/.

Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services:

• Website: https://www.mdcps.ms.gov/

Contact Andrea Sanders:

• Website: https://www.mdcps.ms.gov/about/leadership/andrea-sanders

Thank you for listening, and please join us again to hear from more exceptional leaders.

Click for more: 

• https://everybodyleads.org
• https://www.bakerdonelson.com

Producer: Jason Plank
Intern: Claudia Bonney Amamoo

This week, Tim Lupinacci welcomes Jon Acuff to the Everybody Leads podcast. Jon is the New York Times bestselling author of ten books, including his most recent book, All It Takes is a Goal. He is also one of INC’s Top 100 Leadership Speakers. Jon discusses his leadership journey, managing perfectionism, and translating big goals into actionable steps. Jon also shares key lessons from his book All It Takes is a Goal, which gives practical advice on measuring goals, tracking results, and setting sustainable goals in the five big game areas: career, finances, relationships, health, and fun. 

Other Topics Include:

• Jon’s Journey to Becoming a Bestselling Author and Leadership Speaker
• Avoiding Perfectionism and Giving Yourself Grace 
• Setting Easy Goals, Middle Goals, and Guaranteed Goals
• The Five Big Game Areas: Career, Finances, Relationships, Health, and Fun
• Building a Foundation as a Young Leader by Being Consistent 
• Influencing and Impacting Others Without a Title 

Additional Resources: 

Charity:

• This episode is in support of Jon Acuff’s designated charity, Corner to Corner. We have made a donation to this charity as a thank you to Jon for joining Everybody Leads. To learn more about Corner to Corner, please visit https://cornertocorner.org/

Jon’s works:

• All It Takes Is a Goal (Jon’s most recent book)
• Complete listing of Jon’s books
• Podcast: All It Takes Is a Goal

Contact Jon:

• Website: https://jonacuff.com/
• LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonacuff/

Thank you for listening, and please join us again to hear from more exceptional leaders.

Click for more: 

• https://everybodyleads.org
• https://www.bakerdonelson.com

Producer: Jason Plank
Intern: Claudia Bonney Amamoo

This week, the Everybody Leads podcast welcomes Laura McDonald, Senior Vice President and Chief Mortgage and Real Estate Officer at Protective Life Corporation. Laura has over 31 years of commercial real estate lending and corporate banking experience. She currently serves on the University of Alabama’s Culver House College of Business Board of Visitors and the advisory board of the O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB. Laura has served in many leadership capacities with organizations in her community and other charitable organizations.

Our host, Tim Lupinacci, asks Laura to discuss her leadership journey, leadership principles she embraces, learning from mistakes, and leadership inspirations. Laura provides insights into cultivating and maintaining relationships, leading through adversity, and developing a leadership style. 

Other Topics Discussed Include:

• Traits of a Good Leader 
• Leaning into the Power of Building a Strong Team
• The Importance of Learning What Motivates and Drives Others
• Building a Leadership Style by Learning from Mentors
• Being Intentional About the Relationships You Build
• Influencing Others by Modeling Positive Behavior 
• How to Handle Inevitable Mistakes by Taking Accountability and Ownership
• Leading With a Purpose and Making a Difference
• Valuable Leadership Resources and Inspirations 
• Her Advice to Young Leaders 

Charity: 

• This episode is in support of Laura McDonald’s designated charity, the O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB. We have made a donation to the O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB as a thank you to Laura for joining Everybody Leads. To learn more about the O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB, please visithttps://www.onealcanceruab.org/.

Additional Resources:

Books:

• Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy Seals Lead and Win by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
• The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell

Brené Brown:

• Website: https://brenebrown.com/   

College Choice Foundation:

• Website: https://www.collegechoicefoundation.org/about#aboutccf

Protective Life Corporation:

• Website: https://www.protective.com/

Contact Laura McDonald:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-mcdonald-87978225/

Thank you for listening, and please join us again to hear from more exceptional leaders.

Click for more: 

• https://everybodyleads.org
• https://www.bakerdonelson.com

Producer: Jason Plank
Intern: Claudia Bonney Amamoo