Mental Stillness

Eric Robinson spent a dozen years in Christian ministry before leaving the pulpit of his Baptist church to join the FBI, where he worked drugs, gangs, crimes against children, national security, and other violations. Eric served for 15 years as a SWAT operator and firearms and tactics instructor. Eric has written a book recounting his move from “preacher to breacher” as well as many of the remarkable cases and encounters he had in the FBI.

Alberto Uncini Manganelli is a global sports and consumer goods executive who has spent more than two decades shaping some of the world’s most recognizable brands. After 20 years at Procter & Gamble in marketing and senior management roles, he went on to lead major global sports business units at Adidas, serving for eight years as Global General Manager and Senior Vice President.Throughout his career, Alberto has driven large-scale brand and business transformations at the intersection of performance, innovation, and culture—helping redefine how global sports brands connect with athletes and consumers.He is also the author of The Formula of the Formulas, a book featuring insights from 22 world champions and a foreword by legendary football manager José Mourinho.A lifelong sports enthusiast, Alberto believes sport is one of the most powerful schools for developing mindset, leadership, and personal growth.

Dr. Vinatieri is a clinical psychologist and organizational development psychologist who has spent nearly two decades treating PTSD and holding various leadership roles within healthcare systems. Currently serving as Chief Well-Being Officer at a large Level 1A healthcare system, she helps medical leaders combat clinical staff burnout using evidence-based frameworks that empower staff.Recognizing the scope of the burnout epidemic, Dr. Vinatieri founded Clinician Care Consulting to extend her expertise beyond her own organization and support healthcare leaders nationwide. In addition to her clinical and consulting work, she teaches undergraduate psychology courses.https://www.cliniciancareconsulting.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/drtrishavinatieri/[email protected]

Ryan Murray is a professional golf caddie who walked away from a traditional corporate career to pursue life on the tour. He’s worked inside high-pressure competitive environments where preparation, trust, and emotional control separate average rounds from elite performance. Ryan brings a unique perspective on risk, reinvention, and what it actually takes to bet on yourself when the outcome isn’t guaranteed. His story sits at the intersection of discipline, identity shifts, and performing under pressure.Charity: newtoyoucharity.orgInstagram: @ryanmrryTikTok: RyanMurray_Caddie

Megha Parekh is the Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer of the Jacksonville Jaguars, and she has been with the Jaguars since 2013. As a key member of the team’s executive leadership, she is responsible for a variety of legal and business matters, including transactions, acquisitions, investments, compliance, dispute resolution, risk management, employee growth and development, government relations intellectual property, security, technology, and stadium and real estate development projects.Parekh plays a central role in shaping the Jaguars’ long-term vision and strategy, including the ambitious stadium of the future initiative and broader Jacksonville development efforts. Her work sits at the intersection of entertainment, law and civic innovation—helping position the Jaguars as a driver of economic development and community engagement in Northeast Florida. During her time with the Jaguars, Parekh has worked on the acquisition of Fulham Football Club, the launch of All Elite Wrestling and the securing of its television broadcast deal, the construction and launch of Daily’sPlace amphitheater, various naming rights and concessions agreements, the Jaguars’ international games and other Khan family sports and entertainment related projects. Before joining the Jaguars, Parekh was an attorney with Proskauer in New York, where she was part of the Sports Law Group advising clients across professional leagues and franchises. She holds both her undergraduate and law degrees from Harvard, graduating magna cum laude.In addition to her professional leadership, Parekh is deeply committed to community service and volunteering. She volunteers with Crisis Text Line, supporting individuals in moments of mental health crisis, and with Habitat for Humanity, helping to create safe and stable housing for families in need. Guided by her own experiences, she also advocates for survivors of trauma. She serves on several boards, including the Jacksonville University Public Policy Institute, and advocates for access, inclusion, and leadership development in both sports and the legal profession.Parekh has been recognized as one of SportsBusiness Journal’s “Forty Under 40” and has been featured among the most powerful women in sports, including in the NFL’s series “Earnin’ It”. She is guided by a belief in the transformative power of sports and music to shape stronger, more connected communities and to make people’s lives meaningful.

Fred Turner co-hosted this episode with me. He heads up our training at Abridge Leadership and is an incredible person & leader. The guest in this episode is Brandon J. Hurst! Brandon is a visionary entrepreneur, investor, and business strategist recognized as the operator of two thriving Brooklyn Chick-fil-A locations, including the borough’s first across from the Barclays Center—distinguished for setting benchmarks in growth and operational excellence. A magna cum laude graduate of Alabama State University with an MBA in Finance, Brandon built his career on intentional leadership, scalable growth, and community impact. He is also the founder of Birth of Dream Ventures, where he invests in entrepreneurs and ventures that drive education, financial literacy, and generational wealth. Honored with multiple awards, Brandon continues to mentor, invest, and inspire leaders nationwide.Follow Brandon on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/iambrandonjhurst/)Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-hurst-bjh/)Learn More About Brandon (http://www.brandonjhurst.com/)The Five Seasons of Leadership (https://brandon-j-hurst.kit.com/5-seasons-of-leadership)

Josh Teater is a seasoned PGA Tour professional whose career reflects perseverance, resilience, and a deep love for the game. A Lexington, Kentucky native and graduate of Morehead State University, Josh turned professional in 2001 and spent years competing on mini-tours and developmental tours before breaking through and earning his PGA Tour card.Over his career, Josh has recorded multiple top finishes on the PGA Tour, including a memorable playoff run at the 2013 Farmers Insurance Open, and has repeatedly battled his way back through the Korn Ferry Tour to compete at golf’s highest level. His journey has made him widely respected among players as a true “journeyman”––someone who keeps showing up, putting in the work, and competing with humility and heart.His story offers a rare look into the psychological and emotional challenges of professional golf: the pressure to perform, the uncertainty of status, and the mental endurance required to continue chasing excellence year after year.Josh brings authenticity, honesty, and a grounded mindset to the sport, making his voice especially meaningful in conversations about mental resilience and purpose.

Sebastien Page is the Head of Global Multi-Asset at T. Rowe Price and one of the most respected voices in modern investing and risk management. He leads a global team of portfolio managers, analysts, and researchers responsible for more than $350 billion in assets, and his work sits at the intersection of behavioral finance, macro strategy, and disciplined decision-making under uncertainty.In this episode, we talk about his book "The Psychology of Leadership". Our conversation is timely and practical!#business #leadership #psychologyhttps://www.psychologyofleadership.net/

In this episode of Mental Stillness, host Derek Sloan sits down with William Salvi — creator of The Executive House and an talented interviewer of CEOs and executives. Together, they unpack what it really means to lead with humanity in high-pressure executive environments. From boardrooms to brand vision, William shares insights from conversations with world-class CEOs on why authenticity, empathy, and self-awareness are becoming the true edge in leadership. This conversation bridges performance and presence — reminding us that even at the top, leadership begins with being human. The CEO Series is an Emmy award-winning original content series. Each episode profiles a business leader and their respective business. The series provides a humanizing look into the CEOs personal story, mindset and insights of their business and industry. https://www.ceoseries.com/

Today’s guest, Willy Kuhene, is a global leader at Google overseeing a €0.5B program portfolio spanning North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. He’s the creator of the Standard of Consistency, a leadership framework that helps teams drive high performance through clarity, rhythm, and trust. In this episode, we explore how consistency becomes a competitive advantage in fast-changing environments, the art of leading global teams with empathy, and the lessons Willy has learned as both a leader and a father—about priorities, unpredictability, and leading with heart. Willy also shares how his passion for design and intentional living comes to life through nortehaus, a retreat where architecture and leadership intersect.Links:www.wiku.studiohttps://www.amazon.com/Standard-Consistency-mindset-systems-high-performing-ebook/dp/B0FJ7BL1GM/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1NCDV94ZYLD64&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.P-IOmosCL-ZS7XHfdIhhfg.xcCc6Gm3bxCsuhRc6pZuZZx0Zw2Yb4PPO3Lzf9rsnVY&dib_tag=se&keywords=standard+of+consistency+willy&qid=1757685337&sprefix=standard+of+consistency+will%2Caps%2C189&sr=8-1wikustudio.substack.com

Dr. (Colonel) Josh McConkey is a best-selling, award-winning author and esteemed Emergency Physician with over 20 years of clinical experience. A former Duke University professor and Board-Certified Emergency Medicine physician, he currently commands the 459th Aeromedical Staging Squadron in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, where he continues to exemplify leadership and service. His acclaimed book Be the Weight Behind the Spear has earned multiple accolades, including a 2025 Telly Award and recognition in national book award competitions, including a Pulitzer Prize nomination. He resides in Apex, North Carolina with his wife, Elsa, where they raise their three children and work together to inspire the next generation of American leaders. He is also running for Lt. Governor in North Carolinawww.weightbehindthespear.comwww.strongernc.com

Gary Noesner, retired FBI Chief Negotiator, bestselling author of Stalling for Time, and one of the world’s foremost experts in high-stakes negotiation and crisis communication. Over his 30-year career, Gary led some of the most complex and dangerous hostage and barricade situations, including prison riots, airplane hijackings, and international terrorism standoffs.We explore the psychology behind negotiation, the power of time in restoring rational thinking, and what leaders can learn from the FBI’s negotiation playbook when pressure is at its highest. Gary also shares real stories from the field and reflects on how empathy, patience, and communication can defuse even the most volatile situations—insights that extend far beyond law enforcement and into leadership, business, and everyday relationships.www.garynoesner.com

Jeremy Hurewitz is an espionage expert, corporate intelligence strategist, and author of Sell Like a Spy. In this episode, Jeremy takes us inside the world of spycraft, revealing how techniques used by CIA, FBI, and special forces operatives can dramatically improve the way we build trust, influence others, and communicate with impact. From the power of vulnerability to the subtle art of elicitation, this conversation is packed with insights for leaders and and anyone in the business of relationships. Jeremy's Background: He started his career overseas as a freelance journalist for a decade based out of Prague and Shanghai. During that time, he also built and ran the international newspaper association Project Syndicate. After returning to his native New York, Jeremy joined the world of corporate security. An influential but little-known industry, Jeremy works with intelligence officers and other former government officials across a range ofservices including kidnap-for-ransom consulting, background investigations, executive protection, and many other sensitive assignments. Jeremy is the author of Sell Like a Spy, which bring spy tradecraft to business and everyday communications. Jeremy writes regularly on foreign policy for a wide range of publications and is a policy advisor on National Security for the Joseph Rainey Center. He is a Strategic Advisor to the corporate intelligence firm Interfor International and head of Interfor Academy. 

Jenn Donahue PhD is an author, retired US Navy Captain and former Commodore for an 1,800 personnel Regiment. While in Afghanistan, Jenn had an assassination attempt on her life. She is a civil engineer who works on large scale, high profile projects. Over her 27-year military career, Jenn has built a bridge across the Euphrates River in the midst of the Iraq war, commanded an 800-personnel Battalion in Afghanistan, and constructed combat outposts in the middle of deserts filled with insurgents.

Dr. Dan Pelton is the author of ⁠Rethinking Employee Resilience⁠ (APA, May 2025) and a speaker dedicated to fostering a culture of employee well-being and mental health. He challenges conventional wisdom with research-backed truths that drive behavioral change and workplace improvements. As a board-certified clinical psychologist, he served the U.S. Army in Afghanistan. For over a decade, he has led mental health initiatives in management consulting, enhancing well-being and boosting business performance. Dan has spoken globally, championing mental health awareness and early intervention.

After spending the first 22 years of his life pursuing a career in Major League Baseball, Damon made a pivotal shift in 1995. He joined his father, Walt Lembi—Founder of Learnit—and poured his heart into helping others gain the knowledge and confidence to reach their professional goals through the power of education.Damon has a deep commitment to the Learnit team past and present and the San Francisco Bay Area community as a whole, where he was born and raised. Damon attributes Learnit's longevity and success to the ability to surround himself with "A" players and taking advantage of learning / evolving through past mistakes. Outside of Learnit, Damon is an avid reader, moviegoer, and live music fanatic. Most of all, Damon loves spending time with his wife, children—Lucy and Wally, and his dog.

Jared Haslam brings over 18 years of experience in the automotive industry, having served as a Vice President of Product Planning and Strategy. Through his leadership journey, he recognized the profound impact of mental health on business success and saw a critical gap in resources to help professionals—especially leaders—manage their own well-being while fostering thriving workplace cultures.Stacey Haslam holds a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and focuses on helping professionals, executives, and teams heal from past trauma, break free from negative patterns, and build emotional resilience. She understands the deep connection between unaddressed emotional wounds and workplace challenges, helping individuals not only manage stress and burnout but also create healthier, more fulfilling professional and personal lives.Together, they co-founded The Kintsugi Institute, combining Jared’s strategic business acumen with Stacey’s expertise in mental and emotional health. Their mission is to elevate mental well-being in the corporate world, creating healthier leaders, stronger teams, and more successful businesses—ultimately leading to greater life satisfaction for professionals at every level. With their unique blend of experience, they offer a powerful and holistic perspective on what truly drives leadership, performance, and business success.

Leadership isn’t just about guiding—it’s about remembering. Remembering where you started, the obstacles you faced, and the patience someone once had with you.Think back to when you were the one learning—when you doubted yourself, when the path forward wasn’t clear. Growth wasn’t instant. It took time, effort, and someone who believed in you.Now, you’re asking someone else to grow in ways you once had to. The frustration they feel? You’ve felt it too. The doubts they carry? You’ve carried them too.You didn’t become who you are overnight. Your strengths were once your struggles.So lead with patience. Lead with empathy. Because great leaders don’t just demand growth—they nurture it. Never forget the journey to your strengths.

Rising to fame in Russia in the 90s with a chart-topping song ("Our Generation") that became a symbol of freedom, Christian later shifted his focus to service—leading global initiatives in healthcare, education, and entrepreneurship. As a co-founder of Hollywood World and Third Drive, he mentors leaders, raises funds for startups, and empowers artists. Join us for an inspiring conversation on leadership, resilience, and purpose-driven living.In this episode, we welcome Christian Ray Flores, a visionary leader whose journey spans continents and industries. Born in Moscow to a Chilean father and Russian mother, he overcame political upheaval and exile, becoming fluent in four languages by age nine.

Tom Collins, MD is the Professor of Pediatrics & Vice Chair at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine.In addition to his day job, he is the only person to have ever conducted a scientific study interviewing Four-Star Generals and Admirals about their most important leadership lessons. He has synthesized their insights into a unique framework that can elevate leadership capabilities for anyone, regardless of experience. His expertise combines his leadership journey, formal training, scientific research, and the unparalleled wisdom of 51 Four-Star officers with nearly 2,000 years of combined military leadership experience. He is also the host of The Science of Leadership podcast.

As an adoptive mom and disability advocate, Kim Botto is passionate about creating safe, inclusive spaces where every child can grow in faith. Through speaking, writing, and coaching, she equips leaders and families to build strong teams and supportive communities. Kim is the former Director of Training and Development at a Cincinnati nonprofit serving multi-system involved youth, has trained thousands of ministry staff, educators, parents, and nonprofit teams on trauma-informed care and engaging neurodivergent kids and teens.

Maggie Olson is the Founder of Nova Chief of Staff, the premier and first-of-its-kind destination for Chief of Staff education, certification, and development. She has 20 years of experience in retail, food and beverage, and technology sectors and has held leadership roles at Nordstrom and T-Mobile. At T-Mobile, Maggie's impressive work led her to become the Chief of Staff to the President of the T-Mobile Business Group. In this role, she built the Chief of Staff model from the ground up, creating a highly efficient team and establishing an executive back-office structure. supporting the President, SVPs, and over 5,000 employees. She also built a Chief of Staff team, defining all roles, processes, and systems.

Dr. Cameron Roth, an orthopedic surgeon, is known for his empathic and patient-centered approach. His dedication to people is truly inspiring, whether he's in the operating room, consulting for MLB's Chicago White Sox, or serving under-resourced communities both locally and globally. He is actively involved in research and serves as a peer-reviewer for The Journal of Hand Surgery. Outside of his practice, he contributes to global health efforts and enjoys running, yoga, and travel.

Karl Cook began riding horses at just 8 years old, alongside his mother and sister, sparking a lifelong passion for equestrian sports. After a successful junior and young rider career, Karl went on to represent the U.S. Equestrian Team at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he earned a silver medal! In this episode, we explore the crucial role mindset plays in achieving success across all aspects of life.For more information from Karl and Mackenzie Drazan Cook, check out:MiResource (https://miresource.com/)Walking and Talking (https://walkingandtalking.com/)

Sean has spent almost 25 years as a corporate leader at Chick-fil-A. He continues to play an important role in new restaurant growth for the company. In regards to his leadership approach, his commitment to keeping humanity at the heart everything brings a refreshing and valuable perspective.

Did you know that, on average, you have experienced insecurity 5 times today? In this episode, we talk about navigating insecurity and where it comes from!

Bob helped grow Crisis Care Network from a startup to the world’s largest provider of Critical Incident Response Services to the workplace. He managed CCN’s Command Center in Manhattan after the 2001 terrorist attacks and has led leadership summits and consultations following our nation's large-scale events regarding how employers can lead organizational recovery during crises.

Cal is a strategic business advisor focused on expanding advocacy for workplace mental health, addiction treatment & recovery, suicide prevention, opioid risk reduction and overdose prevention.

Dylan is an executive coach and works with healthcare executives and professionals. In this episode we also talk about his background as an English teacher and how that shapes his coaching approach. Enjoy!

What is depression? What is sadness? Are they the same? How do you manage people who might be experiencing depression? This episode will give a general overview of some of the answers to these questions.

Paul Lawson is a dedicated mental health advocate making a significant impact in the construction industry in central Ohio. In this episode, Paul delves into the personal reasons behind his commitment, shares practical strategies for promoting mental health advocacy, and discusses the implementation of mental well-being programs aimed at transforming workplace culture.

What is anxiety? What is stress? Are they the same? How do you manage people who might be experiencing anxiety? This episode will give a general overview of some of the answers to these questions.

Brad Kinckiner has a dynamic leadership background. In this episode we had an insightful conversation on leadership and discipline. He began his career in law enforcement. Currently he serves as VP of Health, Safety, and Security for a large materials company spread throughout the U.S. and Canada. On a personal level, Brad has also competed in ultramarathons and other endurance sports.

In this episode, I discuss being featured in Mirror Review Magazine. I spent some time walking through some of my answers about my approach to leadership and organizational culture. Like and share! Read the full article here: https://www.mirrorreview.com/derek-sloan/

Jared, and wife Stefani, serve Ekisa Ministries (www.ekisa.org) in Jinja, Uganda. Jared is the Executive Director with a background in non-profit work and has an MBA. We met up in Las Vegas recently, his hometown, for a fundraising event to support his ministry. We talk about leadership culture, leadership intentionality, and he shares some feedback on my book.

What is trauma? How do we navigate our own trauma in the workplace? How do we manage others who have experienced trauma? I invited a friend, and fellow therapist, onto this episode. Alisha is a wonderful therapist in Denver, CO and is a trauma specialist. My belief is that trauma benefits from connection, not isolation. This episode is both educational and practical.

I sit down with Marcus Patrick, of Urban Impact, to discuss his leadership journey. There are some key insights he provides as he, and his family, have been positively influencing young people for almost two decades.

Does your team need to see vulnerability in you? How much vulnerability is necessary? This episode gives some practical advice on navigating such a big topic.

This episode will cover the 3rd fundamental psychological need that everyone, to be at our full potential, must possess. Go back and listen to episode 9 and 11 before listening to this one. Give this a listen to understand the power of relatedness/community!

In this episode, I was able to sit down and talk about a wide range of leadership topics with Fred Turner. Fred has over 30 years of leadership experience as a pastor, leadership coach, and as a corporate trainer. Fred is a wealth of wisdom... so take notes!

This episode is a conversation with a special leader. John has had multiple pursuits in the creative, nonprofit, and business sector. John offers some great insights into caring for his clients in the real estate industry and just people in general. Leaders, like John, have impact wherever they go.

Dr. Jon Gore serves as a psychology professor at Eastern Kentucky University. We dive into culture, motivation, and leadership. Buckle up for this one!

This episode will cover the 2nd fundamental psychological need that everyone, to be at our full potential, must possess. Go back and listen to episode 9 because this is a continuation of that conversation. Give this a listen to understand the power of competency!

Jeff Koch served in the Air Force for 23 years and retired as a colonel. Jeff then became a Chick-fil-A Owner/Operator for the next 11 years. Give this episode a listen to hear some amazing stories that Jeff experienced and graciously shares with us!

Is it your job, as a leader, to motivate your people? How do you motivate everyone to maximize their effort? This episode will cover 1 of 3 fundamental psychological needs that are foundational to every person. As leaders, prioritizing these psychological needs become a secret weapon for maximizing results and engagement!

This month marks the release of my book, The Resilience Playbook! Join me in this episode as I delve into key aspects of the book, offering a sneak peek and sharing information on pre-ordering. Additionally, pre-order now to receive a complimentary organizational assessment available for download before the book officially launches!

Are you somebody that has an uncanny ability to be level headed in the midst of chaos? Do you prioritize logic over emotion? Do you also struggle connecting with people who are wired very differently than you? Learn about the strengths and weaknesses of the stoic leader in this episode!

Do you struggle with taking things personally in life or at work? Do you have people on your team who are sensitive? Has this created challenges for your business? This episode can help you!

Are you a manager? Are you a future manager? I cover some recent reports on the overall impact of managers on their employee's mental health. I will give you 5 tips to better care for the mental health of your employees.

This is an excerpt from a live event where I was speaking to business leaders. The 80% Rule is a concept I developed to help deal with leadership pressure.