Beyond the Title is a series of Q&As with alumni of Madison365’s Most Influential lists.
Will Green (Wisconsin’s Most Influential Black Leaders, 2022) is the executive director of Mentoring Positives, an organization he cofounded in 2004 to provide opportunities and support for young people in Madison’s Darbo-Worthington neighborhood. Through their Off the Block program, they provide food service job training and experience and raise funds for additional programming. He is also head coach of the Madison La Follette High School girls’ basketball program and previously served as director of the Darbo Salvation Army Community Center. He played college basketball at UW-Eau Claire, where he was named team MVP.
What does presence before performance mean to you – and how do you stay grounded when the pressure to perform is high?
Presence before performance means being fully centered in who you are before you ever step into what you do. It’s about leading from a grounded place not reacting to pressure, but responding from purpose. For me, preparation is what allows me to perform under pressure. When I’ve done the work whether that’s studying film, planning strategy, or mentally getting my spirit aligned I can be present, calm, and confident. Presence is the foundation. Performance is just the outcome of that preparation.
What’s the best advice you’ve received from a mentor?
When your working on big projects and being an entrepreneur. It’s a journey not a sprint.
Tell us about a time you had to lead before there was consensus – when you were the only one who saw it, believed it or were willing to act. What gave you the courage to move anyway?
When I lost my mother, everything shifted for me. I was working a full-time job at the time, but I knew deep in my spirit that I was called to do something more. Something that honored her legacy and served our youth. There was no consensus. No blueprint. People thought I was crazy to leave a stable paycheck and start something from scratch. But I believed in the vision of Mentoring Positives before anyone else could see it.
My courage came from purpose. Losing my mom made me realize life is too short to ignore your calling. I stepped out on faith, not because it was easy or safe, but because I knew our young people needed someone to believe in them the way my mother believed in me. That conviction rooted in love, legacy, and community gave me the strength to lead even when I was standing alone.
What’s one question every new leader should ask during their first 100 days and why?
A question that leaders can ask in their first 100 days is
“How can I best serve the people I’m leading while advancing the mission?”
I use basketball as a model for life. Leadership is about building your team, knowing your players, understanding their talents, and aligning everyone toward one common goal. You can’t lead effectively if you don’t know who you’re leading. When you start with service and team alignment, you build trust, establish culture, and set the foundation for winning together on and off the court.
Who’s in your “corner” – that voice of wisdom you trust when things get tough? How do you build and protect that circle?
I’ve been blessed to have a circle of mentors, consultants, and elders who pour into me and speak truth when I need it most. These are people who don’t just tell me what I want to hear they challenge me, hold me accountable, and remind me of the bigger picture. I protect that circle by staying humble, being intentional about our conversations, and making sure it’s a space built on trust, respect, and shared purpose. When your circle is rooted in wisdom not ego you stay grounded no matter what comes your way.
Leadership can be exhausting. What practices or boundaries help you avoid burnout and stay aligned with your purpose?
Leadership can definitely be exhausting, so I’ve learned I have to be intentional about pouring back into myself. Basketball is my therapy it keeps me competitive and connected to my joy. Lifting weights helps me release stress and stay sharp mentally. Cooking is another space where I can be creative and relaxed, and nothing resets me more than quality time with my family. I also make sure to build in some “veg time” moments where I don’t have to lead, decide, or fix anything. Those practices keep me grounded and aligned with my purpose, so I can keep showing up strong for others.
Clout fades. Calling lasts. How do you stay anchored in impact over recognition?
For me, it’s simple I’m not in this for clout, I’m in it for calling. Clout fades, but impact lasts generations. I’m completely comfortable being behind the scenes because true leadership isn’t about spotlight, it’s about service. I stay anchored by remembering this work is bigger than me. It’s about our youth, our community, and the legacy we’re building. As long as lives are being changed, I don’t need my name called. The results speak louder than any recognition ever could.
What’s a leadership value you refuse to compromise even when its inconvenient?
A leadership value I refuse to compromise on is integrity. Even when it’s inconvenient, even when it costs me time, resources, or relationships. I’m going to tell the truth and stand on what’s right. For me, leadership isn’t about titles or being in front; it’s about modeling character in real time. People, especially our youth are always watching how we move, not just what we say. If I compromise my integrity, I lose their trust, and without trust, you can’t lead anybody anywhere.
What book, quote, lyric or even scripture captures how you lead or how you live?
Inspirational Quotes from Tupac Shakur
“You gotta make a change. It’s time for us as a people to start making some changes.”
“I’m not saying I’m gonna change the world, but I guarantee that I will spark the brain that will change the world.”
“They have money for war but can’t feed the poor.”
When life gets heavy or leadership feels overwhelming, what’s something you turn to: music, travel or cultural connection that helps you feel like yourself again?
For me, it’s not just one thing. I lean into music, travel, and culture. Music is universal, and I’m all about that old school R&B—Luther, the Isley Brothers, Earth, Wind & Fire, Teena Marie, Shalamar—nothing beats the ‘90s vibe. That music brings me back to center.
I also love to just get on the highway and drive—sometimes with no music at all. There’s something therapeutic about a good 2–3 hour drive that clears my head and helps me process life.
And connecting with my culture keeps me grounded in who I am and the legacy I’m carrying. When leadership gets heavy, those things don’t just help me escape they reconnect me to my purpose and remind me of what really matters.
Who is your favorite sports team?
Los Angeles Lakers
What is your favorite holiday and why?
Christmas-as it is the end of the year. it allows you to spend good family time together as you get ready for the New Year!!
