What if the people in your life aren't problems to solve, but opportunities to truly know and enjoy? In this episode of Seek Go Create, host Tim Winders sits down with Will Acuff—cofounder of Corner to Corner and author of No Elevator to Everest—to explore how resilience, faith, and purposeful leadership can help you find joy even in life's toughest challenges. Will opens up about parenthood, navigating disability, redefining success, and building thriving communities. If you’re looking for real talk about intentional living, embracing your calling, and finding peace in the midst of struggle, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
"The people in our life are not problems to solve, but they're people to know and enjoy." - Will Acuff
Access all show and episode resources HERE
About Our Guest:Will Acuff is the co-founder of Corner to Corner, a Nashville-based nonprofit dedicated to fostering economic development and supporting underestimated entrepreneurs. With a background in nonprofit leadership, software development, and a heart for community transformation, Will has guided Corner to Corner in launching over 1,600 entrepreneurs and generating millions in neighborhood economic impact. He is also the author of No Elevator to Everest, where he shares his personal journey through challenges, faith, and the pursuit of joy, emphasizing intentional leadership and spirit-led self-awareness. Will’s story is marked by resilience, entrepreneurial vision, and a deep commitment to building purpose-driven community initiatives.
Reasons to Listen: 1. Discover how Will Acuff, cofounder of the Nashville nonprofit Corner to Corner, blends faith, entrepreneurship, and community to empower underestimated entrepreneurs—uncovering insights you can apply whether you lead a business or serve in ministry. 2. Hear a raw and honest discussion about navigating family challenges, including disability and mental health, and how radical self-awareness and intentional practices can lead to deeper joy and resilience. 3. Explore practical, spirit-led techniques for shifting from survival mode to a purpose-driven, thriving life—and find out how deep breaths and daily stillness can truly reshape your leadership and relationships.
Episode Resources & Action Steps:Resources Mentioned:
- No Elevator to Everest – Will Acuff’s book, No Elevator to Everest: Shift from Survive to Thrive Through Spirit Led Self Awareness, is discussed in detail. It includes practical tools and stories for cultivating joy and navigating challenges. Available on Amazon and at local bookstores.
- No Elevator to Everest Website – For more resources, to sign up for Will’s Substack or get a free guide on his practices: noelevatortoeverest.com
- Corner to Corner (Nonprofit Organization) – The Nashville-based nonprofit cofounded by Will Acuff, focused on economic development and supporting underestimated entrepreneurs. Learn more or get involved at Corner to Corner (website mentioned contextually even if not listed out loud on air).
Action Steps:
- Practice Daily Stillness – Will emphasizes the importance of starting each day with intentional stillness, reflection, and breathing to activate self-awareness. Try setting aside 10 minutes daily, before engaging with others, to reflect on your emotions and align yourself with your purpose.
- Get Honest About Your Inner Life – Take time to regularly check in with yourself throughout the day, especially after challenging or draining moments. Ask, “What am I feeling? What story am I telling myself?” and consider whether your actions come from a place of joy and alignment, not just survival or obligation.
- Share Your Struggles With a Trusted Person – If you’re feeling stuck, reach out to someone you trust and ask for support or prayer, as suggested by Will in the episode’s closing advice. Being open about your struggles is often the first step to healing and moving forward.
Key Lessons:1. Presence Over Problem-Solving - Will Acuff emphasizes that the people in our lives are not problems to fix but individuals to know, love, and enjoy. True support comes from being fully present, holding space, and walking alongside others—especially during tough times—without trying to “solve” their challenges. 2. Alignment Leads to Joy - Will shares the importance of living life in alignment with God, self, family, and work. When we’re out of alignment, we experience stress and pressure; when we’re in alignment, life feels more like “flow” instead of a continual grind. 3. Joy Is a Daily Practice, Not a Mountaintop Moment - Joy isn’t found only at the Grand Finale of a journey but in the deliberate, everyday practices—like stillness, intentional check-ins, and self-awareness. Joy is accessible and must be cultivated daily, no matter the circumstances. 4. Transformation Through Spirit-Led Self-Awareness - Facing personal and family challenges, Will learned that abiding (or “rest”) doesn’t mean avoidance or inactivity. Instead, it’s about grounding your actions and identity in a deeper sense of purpose, faith, and self-awareness—shifting from reacting to choosing how to engage with life. 5. Redeeming Work and Money Mindsets - Will discusses how deeply rooted beliefs from childhood—especially around money and faith—can shape our attitudes and decisions as adults. Honest self-reflection and curiosity can guide us to a healthier relationship with work, finances, and our sense of worth.
Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction: Embracing Presence in Relationships
00:54 Guest Introduction: Meet Will Acuff
01:37 Deep Breaths and Being Present
02:30 Who is Will Acuff?
03:47 The Journey of Alignment and Abiding
06:17 Navigating Life's Challenges
12:53 The Concept of Abiding and Rest
17:11 Will's Upbringing and Early Influences
20:21 Rockstar Era and Personal Growth
25:31 Money and Mission: A Personal Journey
28:20 Unwinding Financial Beliefs
31:22 The Journey to Corner to Corner
34:03 Launching Corner to Corner
36:52 Personal Struggles and Family Challenges
44:26 Finding Joy Amidst Hardships
53:42 Practical Steps for Daily Joy
58:28 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Resources for Leaders from Tim Winders & SGC:🎙 Unlock Leadership Excellence with Tim
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