340: You Should Be Moving at the Speed of Relationships (Will Acuff)

SUMMARY

Special thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life and for their ongoing support of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership and their commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help you at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.

How can you build stronger community impact without burning out or losing sight of your mission? In episode #340 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Will Acuff, Co-Founder of Corner to Corner in Nashville, Tennessee, shares how relationship-driven leadership has fueled his organization’s growth and sustained its mission.

Will explains why authentic connection - not control - is the key to lasting impact. He discusses the importance of leading with empathy, setting boundaries that protect your energy, and prioritizing community trust over quick wins. His insights offer practical tools to deepen relationships, strengthen organizational culture, and build a team that moves together with purpose. If you’re striving to scale your nonprofit while staying grounded in your values, this conversation will help you lead with authenticity, humility, and resilience.

ABOUT WILL

Will Acuff is the Co-Founder of Corner to Corner, a Nashville-based nonprofit that equips neighbors with the tools and relationships they need to thrive. Under his leadership, Corner to Corner has grown into a nationally recognized organization known for its entrepreneurship programs, youth education initiatives, and storytelling platforms that celebrate community success. Guided by his belief that relationships drive sustainable change, Will has dedicated his career to creating pathways to opportunity for underserved communities. Through innovative programs like The Academy - which has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs launch and grow local businesses - he continues to prove that lasting impact begins with trust and collaboration. Will is a frequent speaker on leadership, faith, and social innovation, and his approach has inspired nonprofit leaders nationwide to “move at the speed of relationships.”

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• No Elevator to Everest by Will Acuff — Amazon
• Learn more about Corner to Corner at cornertocorner.org
• Ready for your next leadership opportunity? Visit Armstrong McGuire & Associates
• Explore the Mastermind Leadership Development Program, now accepting applications for 2026