We had the good fortune of connecting with Danielle Sunberg and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Danielle, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Surrender and trust. As a former attorney turned authentic leadership author, speaker, and transformational coach, my career path has twists and turns that would never have been possible had I held a tight grip on what it “should” look like. When I worked at my law firm in Washington D.C. and was diagnosed with depression, it forced me to look at the path I was walking down. While I was busy building my empire and earning accolades, I had also completely disconnected from my true self. My inner voice of wisdom called me to surrender the game of hustle and grind to travel the world and explore what it meant to create a life I was inspired to live. I had no idea what lay waiting for me down this path and my rational mind said it was imprudent to leave a career that I had spent a decade building. But I did, and it has expanded what I am capable of and what I know to be possible in this world. I’ve learned I am capable of anything when I trust myself and surrender to the wisdom within, and that truth applies to every single person on this planet.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My first book was published this January 2023, “Atlas of Being: From Briefcase to Backpack, One Former Lawyer’s Exploration of the Human Way.” After successfully defending my client against a $6 billion judgment, I was at the pinnacle of my career but I felt empty and uninspired. Not knowing what to do, I left my law firm to travel the world and explore how to create a meaningful life. Each chapter is an adventure and together we hike the Ho Chi Minh trail in Vietnam and sail the Greek Islands, but the most exotic place we travel is the inward journey to discover greater realms of personal wisdom. Your own life transformative “aha” moments are supported by reflection questions at the end of each chapter. This book poured out of my soul and while it is my story, it’s a book about you: your immense and untapped power to create your life. “Atlas of Being” is a tool for anyone who is ready to grow as an authentic leader, both professionally and personally.

I typically work with entrepreneurs, social-impact changemakers, and organizations who are dedicated to creating legacies that leave the world in a better place than they found it, whether that is developing frontier medicines that boldly advance available treatments and therapies or championing inclusivity and authentic belonging in their work culture. Regardless of where we desire to make impact, it all starts with us as individuals. Our relationship with the world around us is directly influenced by our relationship to ourselves. “Atlas of Being” is a tool to refine our sense of self and anchor ourselves in it, so that we can navigate the world with clarity and purpose. I offer this work at a deeper level as an advisor and speaker on authentic leadership, and love private coaching with folks who are committed to showing up powerfully in the world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As a mother to a 3 year old and 1 year old, my itinerary would be family friendly! We’d go for breakfast at The Meteor, a fun little cafe by my house with great coffee and quintessential South Austin vibes. My neighborhood creek is a favorite spot to go on treasure hunts for sticks. The public library downtown is incredible both in its architecture that includes a beautiful rooftop deck, and its services like the kids’ play area with a giant chess board.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The life and legacy I’m weaving together is a blanket whose strands belong to the world. My parents, husband, and children are the rock that carve my shape. Family is the best the grist for the mill in terms of growth and transformation, and I am so grateful to them for giving me endless opportunities to do so. I’ve been incredibly lucky to be nurtured, mentored, encouraged, and challenged in life by many who know who they are, and by others who may have no idea the impact they’ve had on me. Never doubt that small moments can make a huge difference in someone’s life.

Website: www.daniellesunberg.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/danielle.sunberg

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-sunberg

Other: www.atlasofbeing.com

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.