Shut Up & THRIVE!

In this powerful and reflective episode of Shut Up and Thrive!, hosts Debra Sunderland and Brandon Styll sit down with entrepreneur and Premier Companies founder Mark Bortz for a deeply human conversation about conscious leadership, radical responsibility, and what happens when life forces you to slow down.Mark shares how decades of achievement, hustle, and “chasing the next thing” were radically interrupted by a near-death experience that changed everything — his priorities, his pace, and his definition of success. Together, Debra, Brandon, and Mark explore how leaders unconsciously operate from fear, control, and the need for approval — and how true transformation begins when we take responsibility for our inner world.This episode weaves together leadership, faith, self-awareness, and legacy, touching on how conscious leadership shows up not only in the boardroom, but in relationships, parenting, and the way we model life for the next generation.Topics include:✅ Radical Responsibility: “What part do I play in the result I don’t want?”✅ Slowing down as a leadership practice — and why speed often masks fear✅ Near-death experiences as wake-up calls for deeper purpose and alignment✅ Letting go of achievement-driven identity and embracing sufficiency✅ Conscious leadership at home: parenting, legacy, and modeling self-worth✅ Unconditional self-love as the foundation for leading others well✅ Why growth, discomfort, and struggle are essential teachersThis episode is an invitation to shut up the inner critic, stop chasing what was never meant to fulfill you, and step into a slower, truer, more conscious way of leading — at work and in life.

In this deeply human and insight-packed episode of Shut Up and Thrive!, hosts Debra Sunderland and Brandon Styll sit down with Shannon Hooper — President of Unlock Health and a nationally recognized leader in healthcare growth and operational transformation.Shannon opens up about the formative experiences that shaped her resilience, from early athletic discipline to navigating chronic health challenges that redefined her identity, leadership, and sense of purpose. She shares how stoicism, curiosity, and conscious leadership guide her work today — and why embracing obstacles, slowing down, and leading with values is the key to unlocking both personal and organizational potential.Topics include:✅ How early challenges shaped Shannon’s resilience and leadership✅ Stoicism, “amor fati,” and the practice of focusing on what you can control✅ Why the best leaders invest deeply in their own growth✅ Slowing down to speed up: curiosity, presence, and cognitive empathy✅ Building teams through trust, psychological safety, and whole-body yesesIntegrative thinking: moving beyond either/or decisions to create breakthrough solutionsThis is the episode to listen to if you're ready to shut up the ego, embrace discomfort as a growth catalyst, and lead from clarity, presence, and purpose.

In this deeply insightful episode of Shut Up and Thrive!, Debra Sunderland and Brandon Still are joined by Yesi B. Sevilla, TEDx speaker and seasoned leader in biotech, ad tech, and education.Yesi shares her journey of healing from early trauma — and how that healing transformed her leadership. She introduces her forthcoming book (due out in December), a collection of powerful lessons shaped by lived experience, and offers a bold vision for what it means to lead with humanity, vulnerability, and emotional intelligence.Topics include:✅ Why leaders must be people first✅ How unprocessed trauma blocks team performance✅ The power of body, emotional, and adaptability intelligence (BQ, EQ, AQ)✅ Creating safety and abundance in work culture✅ Moving from fear-based to love-based leadership✅ Yesi’s personal tools for navigating trauma and turning pain into purposeThis is the episode to listen to if you're ready to shut up the ego and thrive from the heart.

In this deeply human episode of Shut Up and Thrive!, hosts Debra Sunderland and Brandon Styll sit down with Sam Davis, Olympic Alternate, two-time U.S. National & Pan American Champion (kayak), and now a Certified Financial Planner® serving families around the world.Sam opens up about growing up as a high performer, becoming an Olympic Alternate in 2004, and returning home as his father’s health declined—an experience that reshaped his relationship to achievement, presence, and love. He shares candidly about the paradox of 2022: after his firm was named Tennessee’s fastest-growing, he realized he was still running “in the red”—and how that reckoning led him to redefine success, reconnect to faith, and lead his life and business from love rather than fear.Topics include:✅ Redefining success beyond winning, titles, and trophies✅ What it means to be “operating in the red” (and how to come back to center)✅ The three questions every leader must answer: Am I enough? Do I have enough? Do I know how to love myself?✅ How grief, family, and faith recalibrate our priorities✅ Moving from control, scarcity, and fear... to trust, abundance, and love✅ Practical resets: breath, body cues, presence, and parenting with intention✅ Aligning money with values and legacy (Sam’s work as a CFP®)This is the episode to play if you’re ready to shut up the ego, choose love over fear, and thrive from a deeper place of worthiness and peace.

In this powerful episode of Shut Up & Thrive, former NBA player and current Director of Community Engagement at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Shan Foster, joins Debra and Brandon for a raw, soulful conversation about what it truly means to lead with love, purpose, and authenticity.Shan shares how becoming a father changed everything, from his career path to his inner world. He opens up about overcoming fear, embracing vulnerability as a Black man in America, and learning to love himself beyond his accomplishments. Together, we explore the shift from self-protection to self-worth, from proving to peace.This episode is a call to quiet the inner critic, listen to love, and live a life that reflects your values and vision. It’s for anyone ready to show up as the leader they’re meant to be—at home, at work, and in the world.🎧 Tune in now, and share this with someone who needs encouragement on their journey.

When tragedy strikes, how do we keep showing up, for ourselves and others? In this deeply moving episode, Brandon Styll joins host Debra Sunderland to share his raw journey through profound personal loss, emotional healing, and the power of showing up with heart. From losing his cousin in a plane crash, to caring for his 92-year-old grandmother in her final moments, to embracing vulnerability as a leader, Brandon opens up about the courage it takes to feel—and heal. A conversation about grief, rainbows, and reclaiming grace you don’t want to miss.

In this inspiring episode of Shut Up and Thrive, hosts Brandon Still and Debra Sunderland sit down with Loren Chumley, President & CEO of the Nashville Wine Auction. Loren shares her incredible leadership journey across law, public service, and now nonprofit fundraising—raising millions to fight cancer through world-class wine events. She opens up about authentic leadership, celebrating impact, and what it means to thrive personally and professionally. You'll also get a behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming July event, and why community, purpose, and great wine matter now more than ever.

In this episode of Shut Up and Thrive, hosts Debra Sunderland and Brandon Styll sit down with serial entrepreneur and Zignyl co-founder Mary Pillow Thompson for a candid, energizing conversation on leadership, innovation, and how to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.Mary Pillow shares her journey from revolutionizing hiring in the restaurant industry to building an AI-powered operational platform with Zigy. With 20+ years in wholesale and retail, she breaks down the real challenges leaders face—especially when it comes to managing Gen Z teams—and how to overcome them with clarity, humor, and bold action.If you're a founder, executive, or team leader looking to stop the inner critic and lead with vision, this episode is for you.

What does it take to lead 31 companies through acquisition, guide 3 to IPO, and survive cancer — not once, but three times? In this powerful episode of Shut Up & Thrive, Debra Sunderland and Brandon Styll sit down with Sloane, a transformational founder, growth strategist, and storyteller who helps businesses scale with soul and exit on their terms.Sloane opens up about her entrepreneurial journey, from starting her first business at 13 to navigating immense personal and professional challenges — and how those experiences shaped her into a conscious leader.We explore:🧠 How to quiet the inner critic and lead from clarity🚀 Building founder-led businesses for sustainable success💡 Using Radical Responsibility to create alignment and valueWhether you’re scaling, exiting, or simply trying to lead with more heart and intention — this conversation is a must-listen.

Leadership isn’t just about what you know—it’s about who you connect with and how you show up. In this episode of Shut Up & Thrive, my co-host Brandon Styll and I dig into what it takes to lead with Radical Responsibility and conscious intention with our guest, Morrie ElstienMorrie is the founder and president of MorrieConnect, who helps business leaders fast-track their way to top decision-makers and build relationships that drive success.In this episode, Morrie shares: The power of strategic networking and why “paying it forward” is a game-changer.How conscious leadership fuels authentic and impactful connections.Steps you can take today to build a network that accelerates your growth.

Join us on Shut Up and Thrive as we welcome Cindi Ferrara Elstien, a seasoned HR and benefits consultant with a passion for driving organizational excellence. Cindi shares her insights on leadership, compliance, and the power of conscious decision-making in the workplace. Tune in as she reveals how leaders can silence their inner critic, embrace radical responsibility, and create thriving, people-centered cultures. Don’t miss this powerful conversation with hosts Debra Sunderland and Brandon Styll!  

What happens when we stop blaming, step out of drama, and take full ownership of our results? In this episode of Shut Up and Thrive, Debra Sunderland and Brandon Styll dive deep into conscious leadership, emotional intelligence, and the surprising truth about stress.🎙️ Key takeaways:✅ How the inner critic holds you back—and how to quiet it✅ Breaking free from the drama triangle of blame, victimhood, and control✅ Why stress is a choice (and how to shift your mindset)✅ Practical ways to lead with trust, curiosity, and radical responsibilityIf you’re ready to let go of overwhelm, make better decisions, and truly thrive, this episode is for you.🎧 Listen now and start your transformation!

In this dynamic conversation with Tom Dillon, founder of Frak Finance, he shares his journey from investment banking to building a company that helps SMBs tackle their toughest financial challenges. We'll explore how his experiences in leadership, entrepreneurship, and finance intersect with conscious leadership and driving business success. Learn with us as we practice conscious leadership tools that you can apply to results you want to see new outcomes too!  Tune in for this interactive podcast and catch us afterward if you miss this opportunity.

Tune into this episode with guest Ginger Jones. Ginger is an accomplished entrepreneur, consultant, and leader with a proven track record of scaling and streamlining service-based businesses. As the founder of Jones Therapy Services, she grew the company to 10 locations before a successful exit in 2022. Now, Ginger focuses on helping CEOs and business leaders build scalable, purpose-driven organizations while creating lasting impact. Drawing on her extensive entrepreneurial experience, she provides actionable strategies to drive growth, improve operations, and foster thriving teams.

With 25 years of experience in the design/build landscape construction industry, Michael Pruitt brings a wealth of knowledge and creativity to every project. Growing up on a small farm in Virginia, he developed a deep appreciation for nature that shaped his career path. After graduating from Virginia Tech, he launched into the residential and landscape construction business, eventually founding Master's Landscape Design in 2006 after relocating to Nashville, TN. A passionate musician, Michael performed on Lower Broadway and traveled across the country, sharing his love for music. After setting aside his music career, he embraced aviation and obtained his pilot's license, allowing him to explore the skies as an enthusiast. Today, he takes great pride in being a servant leader, dedicated to helping others achieve success in their endeavors, while continuing to blend artistry with a love for the outdoors.

In this episode, we sit down with Jonathan Clark, the CEO of Community Solutions by Design, to explore the challenges and strategies for navigating workplace politics. Jonathan shares his insights on when people bring workplace issues to you as a leader and how to maintain focus amidst the noise. Debra dives into the transformative power of candor, emphasizing the importance of open and honest communication in fostering a healthy workplace culture. Together, the hosts and Jonathan get real and vulnerable, sharing personal stories and actionable advice. And of course, we tackle the ever-present inner critic. Learn how to silence the negative self-talk that holds you back, so you can show up authentically and thrive in both your personal and professional life. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to handle workplace politicking as a leader. The role of candor in building trust and strong teams. Strategies for managing your inner critic and stepping into your authentic self. Real-life examples of vulnerability in leadership. Listen in as we get honest, real, and practical in this powerful episode!

In our first episode Host Debra Sunderland and Co-Host Brandon Styll talk with Sean Patton. Sean is a Professional Speaker, Executive Coach, and Entrepreneur. His leadership foundation was forged by his experience as a US Army Airborne Ranger and Special Forces Green Beret Commander, where he earned the respect of men and the chain of command while operating in hostile and politically sensitive environments. He is the Author of "A Warriors Mindset" and Host of the No Limits Leadership Podcast. His mission is to empower others to unlock their true potential for greatness through becoming the leader they are truly capable of.