Empowered Women Take Action: Heels & Handshakes Nashville Welcomes Jon Acuff
At Heels & Handshakes' Nashville Chapter June 12th in-person monthly meeting, a diverse and dynamic group of professional women in business gathered for an unforgettable morning of insight and inspiration. Our guest speaker, bestselling author and recovering procrastinator, John Acuff, delivered an empowering keynote filled with real talk, laughs, and the kind of motivation that sparks action.
From Consuming to Creating
Jon opened by reflecting on a time when he read over 100 books a year but struggled to write his own. He explained that consuming content without execution can give a false sense of progress. Through personal stories and research-backed insights, he challenged attendees—many of whom are entrepreneurs, business leaders, and female founders—to stop waiting and start doing.
The 4 Permissions for a Remarkable Life
Jon introduced a simple but powerful framework for creating meaningful momentum in both personal growth and professional development:
Permission to Dream – Ask yourself, “What do I really want?”
Permission to Plan – Visualize your future and prepare for it.
Permission to Do – Take action, even if it’s imperfect.
Permission to Review – Regularly reflect on your progress.
According to his research, 96% of people feel they aren’t living up to their full potential. These four permissions are a framework for ambitious women to reclaim their time, energy, and direction.
Breaking Free from Fear and Comparison
Jon also tackled some of the common traps faced by high-achieving women—like comparison, self-doubt, and perfectionism. He emphasized how powerful it is to shift your mindset, manage your time with intention, and lean into supportive business communities for women, like Heels & Handshakes.
Why Community Matters
Heels & Handshakes is more than a women’s networking group—it’s a space where women entrepreneurs, executives, and creatives gather to build connections, gain resources, and grow in community. Whether you’re scaling your business or navigating your next professional move, our events are designed to support your next step.
Final Thought
As Jon reminded us, progress starts with permission—permission to show up, speak out, and stay the course. At Heels & Handshakes, we’re proud to foster a community of motivated women in business who are ready to lead, learn, and level up.
Thank you to our sponsors and to everyone who attended the program
Factory at Franklin
Southern Events Party Rental Company
Puttshack
Brandon Allan Photography
Diana Marie Photography
Signature Transportation
Suzette Catering and Events
Belles and Buttercups
Let’s Keep the Momentum Going
If you couldn’t make it, we hope these takeaways spark something in you—to stop waiting, start doing, and give yourself permission to move forward.
Join us for our next women in business networking event on July 10th! You can join the waitlist, stay updated on our monthly events, and discover future workshops and professional development opportunities by visiting our events page here.
Photography provided by Diana Marie Photography