Being the Splinter: Deanna Bratter on Sustainability

Monica Paul, Executive Director for the Dallas Sports Commission, joins Buddy Teaster to share the remarkable journey behind bringing nine FIFA World Cup matches to North Texas. From an unexpected start with the U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team to nearly two decades of building partnerships and preparing for the world's biggest soccer tournament, Monica reflects on the leadership, perseverance and teamwork required to make it happen — and why the most meaningful victories extend far beyond the field.  

Endurance athlete and content creator Hellah Sidibe (@HellahGood on YouTube) joins Buddy Teaster to share how a simple commitment to run every day transformed his life, eventually leading him to run more than 3,000 miles across America in support of Soles4Souls. From learning to push beyond his limits to building an authentic online community, Hellah shares why his greatest accomplishments aren't really about the miles. They're about purpose, gratitude, and the people who make the journey worth taking.  

Deanna Bratter has built a career around a deceptively simple idea: every business decision has an impact. Now, as Chief Sustainability and Compliance Officer at Crocs, she's helping turn that belief into action — challenging conventional thinking, finding practical solutions for people and the planet, and proving that sustainability doesn't have to sit on the sidelines of good business.  

Doug Howe, CEO of Designer Brands (parent company to DSW), joins Buddy Teaster to discuss leading through constant change in the retail industry. From an unexpected start in retail to guiding a Fortune 500 company through COVID, shifting consumer behavior, and industry disruption, Doug shares why curiosity, strong culture, and stewardship are the foundations of lasting leadership.

Ethan Forhetz, National Spokesperson for Convoy of Hope, joins Buddy Teaster to share how one of the world's largest humanitarian organizations is working to end generational poverty through children's feeding, women's empowerment, agriculture, and disaster response. From a career in television journalism to helping tell stories of hope around the globe, Ethan offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to create lasting impact — and why true success means communities no longer need your help.  

Strategic advisor and former healthcare executive Meg Rivera joins Buddy Teaster to explore the tension between purpose and profit — and why the most effective leaders learn to navigate both. With 25 years in life sciences and a career spanning operations, growth, and now advisory work, Meg shares what it takes to move a mission from idea to market without losing sight of what matters most. From guiding founders through difficult trade-offs to helping CEOs know when it's time to step aside, Meg's perspective is grounded in experience and shaped by a deep belief that impact requires both vision and discipline.  

Two of Nashville's most influential leaders — Hal Cato and Michael Burcham — join Buddy Teaster for an honest conversation about leadership, entrepreneurship, nonprofit work, marriage, and the future of Nashville. From startup struggles and organizational turnarounds to belonging, purpose, and partnership, together they reflect on what they've learned building businesses, serving communities, and supporting each other through it all.

Yuly Fuentes, scientist, systems thinker and leader of the Footwear Collective, joins Buddy Teaster to share her unconventional journey from biochemistry and neuroscience to MIT and the global footwear industry. Along the way, she's redefining how innovation happens — by connecting science, economics, and design to rethink one of the most complex consumer products in the world. From growing up in Chile under a dictatorship to becoming a leader in systems thinking and sustainability, Yuly's story is a powerful reminder that real change doesn't happen in silos — it happens at the intersection.

Dane Groenveld — entrepreneur, CEO, and host of The Future of Teamwork podcast — explores how the way we work together is fundamentally changing. From growing up in constantly shifting communities to building global teams across 70 countries, Dane shares why "teaming," not hierarchy, is the new leadership skill. He reflects on burnout, belonging, AI-driven change, and how leaders can create healthier, more sustainable teams in a rapidly evolving world of work.  

Sean Granahan, President and General Counsel of The Floating Hospital, joins Buddy Teaster to share the remarkable story of stepping into a 160-year-old institution on the brink of closure — and choosing stewardship over shutdown. Sean reflects on leadership in crisis, rebuilding trust with staff and board, redesigning care for homeless families, and why planning for succession is one of the most important responsibilities a leader can have. It's a candid conversation about quiet leadership, long-term thinking, and doing the right thing when it matters most.