Leadership Lessons and Life Reflections with Chris Womack, CEO of Southern Company 

We recently had the honor of hosting Chris Womack, CEO of Southern Company, as our guest for “Meaningful Conversations,” a Jackson Spalding series on leadership.  

Leadership expert, author and agency co-founder, Glen Jackson, interviewed Womack, who shared reflections on resilience, community, and of course, leadership. He offered invaluable lessons for anyone striving to lead with integrity and purpose.  

Following are key takeaways and memorable quotes from Chris’s inspiring discussion. 

Foundations of Leadership: Vision, Culture, and Positivity

Chris Womack’s approach to leadership is rooted in clarity and optimism. He believes the best leaders create a clear vision. They establish a culture where every team member feels they belong and set the tone for collaboration and fun. 

“Work is work – it takes up so much of my time. It’s a big part of our lives. I think we have to make it as enjoyable as possible.”  

His emphasis on positivity (even during challenging times) serves as a powerful reminder. Whether navigating industry changes or striving to meet our goals, maintaining an optimistic mindset can inspire teams and strengthen relationships. Chris said regardless of challenges and obstacles, his glass is always half full. Always. 

Lessons from Capitol Hill: Hard Work and Collaboration

Chris reflected on his early career working alongside Leon Panetta, former U.S. Secretary of Defense. He shared how his Capitol Hill experience instilled in him a relentless work ethic and a commitment to building unity. 

“If something didn’t work, we were challenged to change it.” 

At a very young age, Chris had a strong work ethic and a desire to make a difference. He reminded attendees that our ability to adapt and bring diverse perspectives together can lead to more effective solutions. 

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) 

For Chris, DEI is not just a talking point – it’s deeply rooted in Southern Company’s culture. He emphasized the company’s “intentional inclusion” initiatives, which aim to ensure fairness and equality for all employees. 

“This work isn’t political. I’m not trying to make a political statement. I’m trying to create an environment inside our company, that creates fairness and equality for every employee to be all that they desire to be.” 

From rethinking hiring policies to supporting adaptive activities and criminal justice reform, Chris underscored the importance of embedding DEI into a company’s values. For him, it’s not about checking a box.

Work-Life Balance: The Power of Self-Care 

As a CEO, Chris’s schedule is demanding, but he prioritizes self-care to maintain his energy and focus. His routine includes fitness, a healthy diet, journaling, and intentional moments of stillness to just breathe. 

“Take care of yourself and take care of each other.” 

This is a crucial reminder to us that self-care isn’t optional—it’s a necessity. Taking time to recharge allows us to show up as our best selves.

Inspiration and Impact: Giving Back to the Community 

One of the most inspiring aspects of Chris’s leadership is his dedication to community impact. From tackling homelessness in Atlanta to supporting local organizations, he believes in leveraging his position to make a difference. 

“The problem will not be solved by us ignoring it. No matter how difficult it is, no matter how dirty it is, no matter how challenging it is, we have to lean in.” 

He encourages his teams and all of us to face challenges head-on and always look for a better way. 

Final Thoughts: Lessons for Leading in Your Career

Chris Womack’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, optimism, and intentional leadership. Whether he’s navigating challenges as CEO or finding peace in the quiet moments, his story is inspiring across industries and geographies.   

In a surprising twist for some, Chris shared during Q&A that he never aspired to be CEO – at Southern Company or any company. In fact, he never looked for the next promotion. He always has, and says he always will, remain laser focused on addressing what needs to be done. And his impactful leadership continues to scale. 

For more insights and stories about leadership, strategy, and meaningful work, visit our blog.  

On we go!