December 2024
We recently had the honor of hosting Chris Womack, Chairman, President and CEO of Southern Company, as our guest for “Meaningful Conversations,” a Jackson Spalding series on leadership.
Agency co-founder, Glen Jackson, interviewed Chris, who shared reflections on resilience, community, and leadership. Chris offered invaluable lessons for anyone striving to lead with integrity and purpose.
Following are key takeaways and memorable quotes from Chris’s inspiring discussion with Glen.
Chris Womack’s approach to leadership is rooted in clarity and optimism. He believes the best leaders have a clear vision. They establish a culture where every team member feels that they belong and help 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. We have to make it as enjoyable as possible.”
Chris Womack’s emphasis on positivity (even during tough 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.
Chris reflected on his early career working alongside Leon Panetta, former White House Chief of Staff and U.S. Secretary of Defense. Chris shared how his Capitol Hill experience instilled in him a tireless work ethic and a commitment to always building unity.
“If something didn’t work, we were challenged to change it.”
At a young age, Chris had a strong work ethic and a desire to make a difference. He reminded Meaningful Conversations attendees that our ability to adapt and bring diverse perspectives together can lead to more effective solutions.
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 fosters 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.
As a CEO, Chris’s schedule is demanding yet 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.”
The above quote is a crucial reminder that self-care isn’t optional—it’s a necessity. Taking time to recharge allows us to show up as our best selves.
One of the most inspiring aspects of Chris’s leadership is his dedication to community impact. From tackling homelessness in Atlanta to supporting various nonprofits, Chris believes in leveraging his position to make a real difference.
“The problem [of homelessness] 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.”
Chris encourages his teams and all of us to face obstacles head-on and keep looking for a better way.
Chris Womack’s journey is a master class in endurance, optimism, and intentional leadership. Whether he’s solving problems as the leader or finding peace in the quiet moments, his story is a compelling one across industries and geographies.
In a surprising twist, Chris shared during the Q&A that he never aspired to be CEO at Southern Company. He never looked for the next promotion. He just always remained laser focused on addressing what needs to be done next. And his impactful leadership continues to scale.
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On we go!
