WHAT OTHER PEOPLE ARE SAYING

“Gravitational field toward best self. Every visit from Debra has left our team in wonder. Her practices and warmth inspired us. Unlike any other coach I have ever met, Debra redefines the standard of care. She brings her full self to every interaction. The work... isn't easy. The journey.. is real. I am forever grateful to Debra for the impact she has and continues to create within our tribe.”

Adam Fridman | Author, Speaker, Founder at Mabbly | Chicago, IL

“The knowledge I have gained since working with Debra has impacted not only my work-life but my personal life as well. I have been a part of her Beyond Forum Conscious Leadership Group 2020, which has awakened in me an awareness that I didn't know I had! As part of the group, we have learned from each other and held each other accountable and as a result, I am a more open and curious leader, able to detect when fear is driving my decisions vs creativity. The principles of the Conscious Leadership Group should be read by everyone! They can be applied to all aspects of our lives from the relationships with our children, spouses, parents and co-workers. Working with Debra has truly changed my life for the better!”

Mary Pillow Thompson | Co-Founder & COO at foh&boh - Co-Founder at Versher | Nashville, TN

“We've been working with Debra since the early days of Spinach.io and she's been instrumental to building our team and culture foundations.

The work with Debra, focused on Conscious Leadership, has helped us foster a culture of taking responsibility, openness and connection. Through the work with Debra our team has become better at communicating and collaborating - getting curious about other perspectives, revealing thoughts and working through conflict. It has also helped us optimize for keeping our team in their zone of genius, which has significantly improved outcomes.

The work with Debra around our enneagrams types has helped us both individually and collectively - see our strengths and limiting patterns, and better understand each other's motivations which led to more empathy.

Any team would be fortunate to work with Debra and see the impact her coaching can have. The sky is the limit!”

Matan Talmi | Co-Founder & CEO at Spinach.io | Nashville, TN

“Debra is a phenomenal presenter. She can take you out of your comfort zone - but in a manner that makes you genuinely examine the “set-in-your-ways” thinking. And that’s how you grow. I found myself really exploring some inner dialogue that was holding me back from exploring my full potential and look forward to continuing that journey. She is engaging, inspirational, and effective.”

Carole Schaeffer | President at Schaeffer Consulting, LLC | Madison, WI

“Debra's conscious leadership coaching has been transformational! It's hard to describe the substantial mindset shift that has occurred because of my work with her. She provides you the tools to take charge of your own development through effective concepts, tools, and exercises. There is true empowerment, and it has helped me overcome overwhelm and negative thought patterns, which has translated into better relationships, mental health, and business performance.”

Sean Patton | Founder & President at Stronger Leaders Stronger Profits | Nashville, TN

“I have been working with Debra one-on-one for a few months now. It’s almost hard to put into words the profound impact our work has had on me as a Leader and as a Person. Debra has a remarkable way of leading conversations to help create self-awareness around the source of behaviors and beliefs. Through our collaborations, I feel I have begun a transformative journey with a whole new perspective on what makes a great Leader. I am always excited to meet with Debra. Her compassion for people and her passion to spark change and awareness is contagious. I would recommend Debra to anyone who is looking to go beyond business as usual and make a meaningful impact as a Leader.”

Howard A. Weiss | President at Esser Hayes Insurance Group | Naperville, IL

“My work with Debra around conscious leadership has made a bigger impact on me than I expected. I thought of myself as a fairly capable, self-aware leader--and by some standards, I imagine I was--but Debra has invited me into practicing commitments of responsibility and candor on a deeper level than I was doing on my own. After just a few months I've seen meaningful change in how I am with other leaders at work, and how I think about and treat myself. I'm experiencing more joy, release from anxiety, release from trying to control others and outcomes, and the ability to be present and be at peace.”

Jon Berbaum | President at Highland Solutions | Chicago, IL

“Initially working with Debra, I soon learned that I was part of the reason that I was not getting the results I wanted. Once Debra showed me how important being a conscious leader (present and curious to learn) is instead of the autopilot baggage cart leader, things started to look up. With Debra’s prompting my senior managers started to gel as a team. We have much work yet to do, but I am finally seeing the leadership potential of each team member emerge. And let’s not forget the work I will be continuing to do with Debra: learning to become the best possible conscious leader of my team! To any leader who has drama and nonsense in the workplace, stop the madness now and improve productivity, worker well-being, longevity, and bottom line by working with Debra Sunderland.”

Peter Holsten | President at Holsten Management | Chicago, IL

“I was not sure what to expect from our management retreat with Debra, but every member of our senior team was blown away and left eager to continue working with her. She swiftly identified long-standing issues and perceptions that prevented us from working together as an effective team. Using empathy and understanding she gave us several tools we could use to reduce conflict. We're grateful to have discovered someone who can accompany us on the path to becoming more conscious leaders and in the process, reduce the stress and strain that is a byproduct of managing and living an unconscious life.”

Rob Gordon | CEO & President at Nashville Public Radio | Nashville, TN

“I believe the group Debra chaired has been a very helpful group to be associated with. The people in the groups can help one achieve better clarity on issues and can help trouble-shoot problems effectively as they are not in the middle of the situation (fighting the fire if you will). Debra has also been very helpful in the one-on-one sessions. She can switch between the higher-end philosophy" one minute and into the details of an issue the next very effectively. She brings a considerable amount of positive energy to the group as well and I'm happy to be working with her.”

Tom Brindley | President at Brindley Engineering Corporation | Lisle, IL

“I started working with Debra about 18 months ago, focusing what I thought would mostly be a personal development opportunity. it was all that and more! The way Debra integrates personal and professional was incredibly valuable to me in all parts of my life. But it was not easy. I spent a lot of time being uncomfortable (discomfort with change, with recognizing how certain patterns of behavior showed up, with letting go of certain beliefs about myself and others), but that was the process. And I am definitely a different leader now than I was then, in the most positive way. Debra is a terrific human being and I'm grateful for the work we did together.”

Buddy Teaster | CEO at Soles4Souls | Nashville, TN

“It is very rare to meet someone like Debra. She is incredibly focused on helping others around her to be the absolute best version of themselves. I worked with Debra for many months during a big transitional time in my life when I left a company that I had owned for several years and started a new company. She helped me work through some of the indecision during this stressful time and throughout the months of working with her my purpose became more and more clear. She has a knack for helping people identify and ignite their true calling. I couldn't recommend her more highly!”

Kirby Atwell | CEO at Green Vet Homes - COO at Bunker Labs | Chicago, IL

“My intent was to hire Debra as my business coach, but what has evolved from our meetings has been a life changer. Due to our shared times, I have made internal discoveries leading to a better awareness of my overall being. This has afforded me the opportunity to make substantial changes in my relationships and how I communicate with my co- workers, family and friends. It has also led me to recognize my wants and the importance of their pursuit. We have recently embraced our why and are adopting the lessons of the Conscious Leadership Group in our workplace and the ensuing cultural shift has been tangible. The team’s energy and attitude are in a growth state and less tension and better communication has transpired. Team members have become more vulnerable and comfortable at our meetings in sharing their thoughts. This has led to insightful contributions which have enhanced our efficiency on multiple levels. The thought of our continued progression towards substantial change is quite exciting and brings more meaning to the workplace. I am looking forward to leading my team, and myself, to a potentially more fulfilling career/ life with the tools and guidance Debra continues to provide.”

Ronald Carr | CEO of Midwest Eye Professionals | Orland Park, IL

“Debra has been instrumental in cutting through what is important in living and leading to the fullest. As a coach she has introduced valuable constructs to help me rethink how to lead and how to clarify our purpose as a business serving Life Science innovators. I am thankful for her style, warmth, and the insights she has imparted!”

Lisa M. Giles | CEO of Giles & Associates Consultancy, Inc. and Optivara, Inc. | Chicago, IL

“How often do you get introduced to experiences that change your life at work? Since we started Spinach.io, we decided to invest in ourselves and how we operate as a team. We began our journey with an amazing coach, Debra Sunderland, who has helped us learn not only mindfulness, but also how to become more conscious in our leadership. As part of this journey toward becoming conscious leaders, we started meditating as a regular practice, both individually and as a team. We found that not only did we enjoy taking a few minutes during the day to get centered, but also how energizing this activity was. This opened the door to how we could more effectively communicate and collaborate with each other as we delved into understanding ourselves better.”

Yoav Grossman | Co-Founder at Spinach.io | Nashville, TN

“I've worked with Debra in both one-on-one and in group settings and have found her guidance and expertise to be extremely useful and thought-provoking. Debra is an excellent listener and uses that amazing skill to help you identify what you really want and are really good at. The principles she has reminded/taught me have been helpful both personally and professionally. Equally as important is the high level of energy she brings to her work every single day.”

Dimitri P. Eliopoulos | Chief Executive Officer at Curi Capital | Raleigh, NC

“Debra and I have been working together for nearly a year now and I continue to grow every day under her coaching and expertise. I felt an immediate connection with her and her coaching style. I've learned so much about myself personally as well as how to be an engaged leader in my organization. The concepts are not simple, but the effect they have are life-changing. I'm grateful to have been introduced to Debra and I'm so happy to be on this journey to conscious leadership.”

Jeanette Gawrisch | Partner & Human Resources Manager at RMB Capital | Chicago, IL

“We are in the early stages of integrating the 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership into our culture and it is already fostering greater communication and collaboration within teams and throughout the entire company. We are providing opportunities for all employees to be coached in Conscious Leadership with the goal of creating a more engaged and energized workforce who utilize a common set of tools and practices. We have invited everyone to join us on a journey toward conscious leadership.”

Jennifer A. Rydwelski | SPHR® Partner, Chief Human Resources at Officer RMB Capital | Chicago, IL

“Debra spoke in August 2021 to the Rotary Club of Green Hills. It was helpful to hear her practical guidance on helping us through these challenging time of the pandemic and all the craziness going on in the world and our personal and professional lives. As one of my fellow Rotarians said to me, it was great to be reminded to JUST BREATHE to help us with our stress.”

Karen Williams | Partner at MGMTinsight | Nashville, TN

“I began working with Debra two years ago. In that time, I became clear on my own personal why" and what the true nature of our business is. That clarity has enabled me to lead the organization from a place of curiosity and wondering that has fostered creativity and growth in the business. I am much more focused on the "why" of our business, which is about relationships and connections, than the "how" of our business. As a result, I'm less in the weeds - less stressed, less anxious, and more trusting that "what is" is what "should be." I'm more present to our clients' desires and more conscious of the business dynamics that hold them back and propel them forward. I am more candid, both with clients and staff, and fear less the result of candor, for I know the cost of withholding is far greater. This shift has freed our amazing team to live in their genius - to show up for our company and our clients with all of their abilities. As a company, we stand in who we are much more comfortably today, and we know sooner and with greater confidence when we meet potential clients who will be a good fit. We're protective of our culture and all that it enables, and we celebrate our awesome work.”

LoriLee Sadler Bielski | Managing Partner at Gamma Partners | Bannockburn, IL

“I am so thankful for the positive transformations Debra have helped me, my partners, and the firm make since RMB engaged with her. A big hug to Debra, who helps others find their joy. I celebrate you!”

Sue Christoph | Partner at RMB Capital | Chicago, IL

“Debra has fundamentally changed how I think about leadership, my team, and myself. My leadership team and I started working with her about two years ago. In that time, I've grown into leading from heart and gut - and not just the head. I've experienced more energy and joy in my work. I've learned that the world and events aren't happening "to me" but that my perception of them sculpts my reality. Debra is incredibly empathic, kind, and loving yet simultaneously direct, challenging, and inspiring. I'm proud to say I've shed quite a few tears during and after my sessions with her as I've realized new things or grown in new ways. Our team has a higher cohesion and level of trust than I thought possible in a professional setting. I highly recommend Debra if you have the courage to grow. It won't be easy, but it will be worth it.”

Tyler Etters | Vice President at Highland Solutions | Chicago, IL

“The work I have done with Debra on being a conscious leader has been challenging but very rewarding. Being more present has not only improved leadership skills at work, but also how I interact with my family and friends. The lessons I have learned about detaching myself from outcomes and taking full responsibility for feelings has been life changing for me. I am now able to make clear decisions that support business growth instead of short changing my results by acting out of my triggers.”

Will Ivy | Chief Financial Officer at Charter Construction | Nashville, TN

“It was a great pleasure to have Debra speak at our lunch, and what a wonderful and positive message! We received a lot of positive feedback. Thank you, Debra, for taking the time to speak with us.”

Matt Leiser | Director, Regional Property Manager at Healthpeak | Nashville, TN

“There’s an ancient proverb that says, "The purposes of a person's heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out. Debra has obviously spent significant time at the wells of human experience because she has that insight. Her coaching has held a mirror to my own limiting beliefs. In my experience, if you’re willing to play, Debra’s curious empathy can help you break through seemingly impossible barriers.”

Al Abdulla | Executive Leadership Consultant at The Table Group | Los Angeles, CA

“I am very grateful for the time spent with Debra. She has been a huge blessing in my life and I cannot overstate her impact. Limiting beliefs that I have clung to for years have been called into question and our exploration together has led me to realize how many things have been holding me back. The lens that I look through now is very different. Possibilities and opportunities appear limitless now.”

Allen Carter | Executive Director at UBS | Chicago, IL

“Working with Debra has enabled me as a leader to go to the next level in understanding both of myself and how to motivate others even more. By exploring my Enneagram type coupled with the Conscious Leadership tools, I have greater knowledge as to how I can react in a better way to opportunities and stresses that present themselves. This has been a true gift, and I have enjoyed Debra’s coaching style and her passion for helping people live their calling.”

Amelia Strobel | Global Strategic Insights & Innovation Leader at Mars | Nashville, TN

“IFMA Nashville recently had Debra Sunderland with Sunderland Coaching speak to our members and guest about “How to Accomplish More with Less Stress”.

Her energy and high enthusiasm added a welcomed change to our membership meetings. The presentation was engaging, insightful, and added valuable tools that our audience could use daily. Debra and her team were very professional and easy to work with in the booking process. We look forward to having her back! You will not be disappointed in hiring Debra for your next event.”

Audrey Edwards | Business Development Executive at SERVPRO | Nashville, TN

“Conscious leadership is something we all need as leaders. Debra came to speak to my Leadership class at Vanderbilt University. My students hungered for her conscious leadership work. They departed seeing that sometimes their closely held perspectives or beliefs were causing them to be anxious or have inner conflict so common in students today. After we meet they saw that the the answer their conflicts were already inside of them --and they could only see this by noticing their hidden barriers and choosing a new thought and belief that brought a new result.

Choosing to "lead above the line" is what Debra's work is all about. Gen Z hungers to be engaged in authentic discussions of what it means to be a leader today. Debra knows how to do it! Need a speaker or workshop? Give Debra a call!”

Barbara Bell | Professor of Leadership at Vanderbilt University | Nashville, TN

“I've been fortunate to learn about Conscious Leadership, from Debra at the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, and at the Leaders Going Deeper Retreat. Debra teaches this work through modeling and challenging behavior change. From an organizational perspective, I've learned about staying in my own lane, recognizing what I cannot control, and practicing candor in communication - all tools that will help me unify, lead and attract collaborative, positive individuals. On a personal level, Debra's mentorship has given me the language and insight to acknowledge a life of abundance and choice, and further joyful pursuits of creativity and generosity with other people.”

Caitlin Churchill | Business Development Specialist and Product Manager | Nashville, TN

“Conscious Leadership training helped transform our team. We were introduced to Conscious Leadership in the middle of the pandemic. The work is extremely personal and different from any other training we had experienced before. It is not about content, it is about the context of your life. If you work the process - which Debra guides you and your team through - its worthiness will transcend your career and you will see changes in every aspect of your life. During the most challenging year, the Turning Pointe team took on a new mindset through the 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership. I believe it was divinely inspired timing as it gave us the tools to rise above both the common barriers of our mission and all the new ones delivered by the pandemic. Our commitment to awareness will have a lasting positive impact on how we grow our mission.”

Carrie Provenzale | Executive Director at Turning Pointe Autism Foundation | Naperville, IL

“Debra Sunderland brings her whole self into her practice and you are invited to meet her there. Her half day session on Conscious Leadership and the Enneagram gave me another set of tools to apply to my self-work. Her generous resources will allow me to revisit game-changing strategies as I continue connecting myself and others to greater good. Life is a wonder and I'm deeply grateful for the chance to experience Debra's gifts!”

Denise Monroe Biggerstaff | Director of Community Engagement at Leadership Everyone, Inc. | Evansville, IN

“Working with Debra helped me to better understand my leaders and get more curious about how we work together more effectively. Going through Enneagram and the 15 Commitments of Conscious Leaders will be an invaluable toolset I will leverage for the remainder of my career.”

Drew Hendrickson, CPA, CCSFP, CIPP-US | Cybersecurity Shareholder & Practice Leader at LBMC | Nashville, TN

“I am so lucky to have Deb as a Career Coach and Life Mentor in Nashville, TN. I have been a part of her Beyond 2020 Leadership Forum since January of this year. The strides I have made professionally and personally through her "tough love" and helping me get out of my own way have been remarkable. Working with Deb virtually and in person has been a gift. Her work is a daily practice, and she fully supports the journey through assigning a weekly learning partner; 24/7 access to one: one sessions with her; and monthly coaching sessions with our larger group. To move the needle on mental and emotional health, I cannot recommend Sunderland Coaching enough.”

Holly Coltea | Owner at barre3 | Nashville, TN

“Debra is one of the most fluent verbal communicators I have had the pleasure of working with and the tools she provides professionals are concrete and valuable. Her retreats are life-changing and I don't say that lightly.”

Jenny Charles | Assistant District Attorney at Office of the District Attorney | Nashville, TN

“After working with Debra it's amazing how my business, life and purpose are aligning. Her wisdom, coaching and connections are life changing. The benefits of a purpose- driven life are showing up with my team, my clients and my family. Debra exudes conscious leadership and the value of impeccable agreements. 2017 is going to be the best yet!”

Kellee Johnson | Principal of The Ballast Group | Chicago, IL

“I am happy to have the opportunity to recommend Debra as a leadership and professional coach. Debra provided coaching to both our leadership team members as well as individuals, and I participated in both. The work is challenging and thought provoking and it is work that produces results. After group sessions, I noticed the change in how people communicated and how they addressed issues and concerns. Debra guided me to a place of self-awareness where I could identify areas for growth and potential. Her coaching is not a lecture on how to change, but collaborative work on breaking down habits and conditioning to focus on your ability and choice to be a great leader and teammate. Extremely valuable time and experience for leaders and teams.”

Kerry Straub | Investment Management Operations & Senior Manager at Morningstar | Chicago, IL

“Debra was an outstanding speaker for our bi-annual women's symposium for women lawyers. She offered tangible strategies for managing stress and elevating our leadership skills. Attendees found her to be thought-provoking and inspirational.”

Laura Baker | Attorney & Shareholder at The Law Office of John Day, P.C. | Brentwood, TN

“Cannot say enough good things about working with Debra. Her commitment to providing honest feedback in a way that is candid + immediately shows you she means business. Just, you know, a collaborative, honest, human first, excellent, results oriented, yet joyful way of doing business. Her ability to facilitate a group and quickly get to the heart of what each person is working on (while tying it all into a unifying theme) is so well done. I got more than my money’s worth each time we got to work together, and the world would just be a better place with more Sunderland Coaching in it.”

Liza Kawaller | MidMarket & Enterprise Account Executive at MasterClass at Work | Nashville, TN

“I have had the pleasure of working with Debra for the last year. She is providing executive coaching to me at a time of career transition. I have found her positive attitude and quiet but firm approach to be both motivating engaging. She is able to comfortably bridge both the personal and professional challenges in a seamless manner. Her use of Conscious Leadership Principles for guidelines and to learn from has been invaluable, and she knows them cold. She is able to weave the intent as well as the written word into a comfortable and motivating circumstance.

I would highly recommend Debra to others looking for leadership and life coaching. She is a pleasure to work with and highly motivating.”

Neil Soskin | Principal Commercial Real Estate Advisor | Houston, TX

“I took part in Sunderland Coaching’s Leaders Going Deeper Retreat, in Nashville, and I deem it to be one must-attend event - I highly recommend it! I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the 1 and a 1/2-day immersion was beyond any experience I have ever had in any of the retreats I have attended in my life. It challenged me on professional, emotional and spiritual levels. It gave me an opportunity to reevaluate my thinking and what choices and thought process have held me back. The retreat was a deep dive in why I think the way I do and also it created a space for me to be conscious about my leadership style. Since the retreat, I have often referred by to my notes and the reading materials. This retreat is for individuals who are not afraid to analyze their thinking and who have the desire to grow. It is not for the faint of heart. This retreat will challenge you and you will come out truly like a new person. Additionally, the participants made this event very unique. Their transparency in sharing their experiences made me realize how human we all are and that despite previous suffering, we no longer have to when we decide to be conscious about the way to live our lives. Debra’s own personal life experience makes her a gift to this world! Debra embodies both empowerment and being an authentic shepherd during this journey of self-discovery. Thank you, Debra, for the opportunity to learn how to choose to live above the line as well as teaching the discipline to become a conscious leader! I will be forever grateful for the impact you have made in my life!”

Parady Botwrught | Recruiter & Sorcer Consultant at Wheatfield Partners | Des Moines, IA

“The Leaders Going Deeper Retreat in Nashville opened my eyes and heart to what it means to take radical responsibility. The retreat provided a safe and encouraging place in which to explore deeply and to respond honestly to the invitation of becoming responsible. Debra’s deep understanding and experience of The 15 Commitments Of Conscious Leadership along with her willingness to help others, revealed her as a perfect guide and coach into this new journey. This experience was intensely transformational and catalytic! I am looking forward to applying what I learned there to my every day and witnessing the results of being more present in my life. Thank you for your deep caring and clarity, Debra.”

Pascale Petro | Compliance Audit Manager at Safeway Insurance Company | Chicago, IL

“I personally want to thank Debra Sunderland for being one of the most inspirational and real individuals I’ve met in a very long time – you are truly amazing! The SBA Thrive cohort would not have been the success it was without you : )”

Patrick Rodriguez | Deputy District Director of the Tennessee District Office U.S. Small Business Administration

“I worked with Debra for many months. A more caring, passionate or professional person you will not find. I think her understanding of conscious leadership and ability to help one focus on changing themselves in order to promote greater change in that individual's organization is sensational. Simply put she is terrific.”

Ryan Schiff | Owner at Lincoln Stars - Global Head of Foreign Exchange at Marex Spectron | Chicago, IL

“Debra is an excellent and intuitive speaker. As a board member of a local women's bar association, I worked with Debra to plan her presentation at a recent symposium for female attorneys. Debra went beyond our expectations and provided a thought-provoking and memorable session where attendees were encouraged to respond and engage with her and other attendees. Debra is an effective communicator, which is exemplified in her presentation skills. Debra gave attendees a brief introduction into conscious leadership, and I personally left inspired to make changes in my work life. I would highly recommend Debra as a speaker at future conferences, lectures, or symposiums.”

Samantha Simpson McNatt | Assistant Attorney General at Tenessee Attorney General's Office | Nashville, TN

“My business partner and I have been working with Debra over the past year as we are at the infancy / growth stages of building our business. Debra's tailored approach on the soft skills of leadership, executive team dynamics, and what we want to create in our business has been a game-changer for us. Her support has brought our partnership closer together, allowed us to have clarity in who we are and why we are doing what we are doing, and has helped us navigate both the challenging and exciting times of entrepreneurship. Her sessions are a necessity in our business and I look forward to each interaction. I've grown tremendously as a leader, partner, business owner, and individual as a result.”

Tim Schumm | Scaling Early Stage Businesses, Speaker, Investor | Chicago, IL