This week, Tim Lupinacci celebrates the 50th episode of the Everybody Leads podcast with

Jennifer Keller, president and chief operating officer of Baker Donelson, one of the largest law firms in the United States. In her role as President and COO, Jennifer’s leadership extends across multiple operational areas, including information technology, marketing, and business development. Before assuming her current role, she chaired Baker Donelson’s nationally recognized Labor and Employment Department and served on the firm’s board of directors. She also served clients as an employment litigator, defending and advising them on a wide variety of workplace issues. She has been listed in Chambers USA as a leading Labor & Employment lawyer and recognized by Lawdragon and Human Resource Executive Magazine as one of the most powerful employment lawyers since 2017.

Beyond her professional achievements, Jennifer is deeply committed to community service and leadership development. She has served as President of the Johnson City Evening Rotary Club and the President of the Southern Appalachian Ronald McDonald House Board of Directors. Jennifer received her J.D. from the University of Tennessee School of Law, where she graduated with highest honors, and received her B.S. from the University of Tennessee. Her leadership is characterized by authenticity, strategic insight, and a relentless focus on excellence.

Jennifer discusses her leadership journey and how she applies her core values while leading a large organization. She shares her perspective on what it means to treat your job as a calling, give grace, and pivot from mistakes. She also shares how making lists and writing notes to others helps her stay grounded and start her day with gratitude and perspective.

Other Topics Include:

• Jennifer’s Leadership Journey
• Early Inspirations
• How Jennifer Lives Out Her Values
• Learning From Mistakes and Showing Grace
• What Inspires Jennifer to Keep Moving Forward
• Jennifer’s Daily Disciplines to Take Care of Herself
• Leadership Books and Resources
• Emerging Interests and Topics
• Stepping into Leadership as President and COO
• Jennifer’s Passion for Serving the Community
• Advice to Young Leaders and Professionals
• Impactful Individuals Who Lead Without a Big Title

Additional Resources:

Charity

• This episode is in support of Jennifer’s designated charity, the Johnson City Salvation Army. We have made a donation to the Johnson City Salvation Army as a thank you to Jennifer for joining Everybody Leads. To learn more about the Johnson City Salvation Army, please visit https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/Johnson-City/.

Books

• Radical Candor by Kim Scott
• New Rules of the Game by Susan Packard
• Books by Jon Acuff

Baker Donelson

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

Contact Jennifer Keller

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-keller-72a5a0b/

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