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 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

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

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

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'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

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 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 it also 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 Boatwright | Recruiter & Sorcer Consultant at Wheatfield Partners | Des Moines, IA

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

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

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