ATG 226: No Elevator at Everest: A Candid Conversation with my brother, Will Acuff
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Apr 21, 2025
Join two brothers as they candidly share stories from their childhood, reflecting on how family dynamics shaped their ambitions. They dive into the mission of Corner to Corner, a nonprofit empowering entrepreneurs from low-income communities, showcasing transformative journeys. Expect laughs and insights on recommended books that influence leadership and personal growth. The conversation wraps up with a heartfelt reminder about the importance of family support and the pursuit of personal goals amidst life's challenges.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Corner to Corner's Impact
Will Acuff co-founded Corner to Corner to equip underestimated entrepreneurs in low-income Nashville neighborhoods.
The nonprofit creates economic opportunity by launching businesses that fuel community growth and prosperity.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Challenges of Raising Kids with Disabilities
Will and his wife adopted children with disabilities, leading to chronic sleep challenges and intense caregiving.
He adapts by going to bed early and creating a specialized morning routine to maintain his energy.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Own Your Joy and Delegate
Refuse to let your context determine your daily joy; claim ownership over your emotional state.
Delegate tasks that drain you to preserve energy for what fuels your passions and purpose.
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In this book, Henri Nouwen reflects on Rembrandt’s painting of the Prodigal Son, using it as a lens to explore the classic parable. He delves into the several movements of the parable, including the younger son’s return, the father’s restoration of sonship, the elder son’s resentfulness, and the father’s compassion. Nouwen’s meditation is deeply personal, drawing from his own life experiences and spiritual struggles, and it highlights themes of homecoming, affirmation, and reconciliation. The book is structured into three major parts: The Prodigal Son, The Older Son, and The Father, through which Nouwen finds himself in each of these roles, ultimately leading to a stage of spiritual maturity[1][3][4].
The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership
A New Paradigm for Sustainable Success
Diana Chapman
Kaley Warner Klemp
Jim Dethmer
This book distinguishes between unconscious and conscious leadership, offering a roadmap to help leaders transition from fear-based to trust-based leadership. The 15 commitments outlined in the book aim to enhance self-awareness, accountability, and collaborative relationships. By practicing these commitments, leaders can achieve more energy, clarity, focus, and healthier relationships, both personally and within their teams. The commitments include ending blame and criticism, speaking candidly, finding unique genius, and creating win-for-all solutions, among others. The authors provide practical exercises and resources to help leaders implement these commitments effectively[2][3][4].
The Soul of Money
Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Life
Lynne Twist
In 'The Soul of Money,' Lynne Twist delves into the psychological, spiritual, and practical aspects of money and its impact on our lives. She argues that our relationship with money is deeply intertwined with our values, sense of purpose, and overall well-being. The book provides guidance on how to reevaluate and transform this relationship to achieve greater fulfillment and alignment with one's true values.
The big leap
Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level
Gay Hendricks
In 'The Big Leap,' Gay Hendricks addresses the concept of the Upper Limit Problem, where individuals subconsciously sabotage their own success and happiness due to deep-seated fears and limiting beliefs. The book introduces four zones of activity: the Zone of Incompetence, Zone of Competence, Zone of Excellence, and Zone of Genius. Hendricks emphasizes the importance of identifying and operating in the Zone of Genius, where one combines what they love doing with what they are exceptionally good at. He also outlines four common hidden barriers to success: feeling fundamentally flawed, fear of disloyalty and abandonment, believing more success brings a bigger burden, and the fear of outshining others. The book provides practical advice on overcoming these barriers, embracing continuous growth, and achieving a balance between professional success and personal fulfillment.
In this episode, I sit down with my younger brother Will—founder of Corner to Corner and author of No Elevator at Everest—for a raw, hilarious, and deeply meaningful conversation about goals, grit, and joy in the midst of real-life challenges. We talk about family dynamics, stolen cars, late-night wake ups, and the kind of leadership that gets built when nobody's watching. If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to lead with purpose when life doesn’t slow down, this episode is for you.
All It Takes Is A Goal 
