Shotcast - Slingshot25's bite-sized podcasts that feel like an espresso shot to your brain.

When accountability is missing, leaders often jump straight to holding people accountable. But what if the real issue isn’t the people… it’s the environment?In this episode of Slingshot25’s Shotcast (an espresso shot to your brain), Jackie and Courtney challenge the common view of accountability and explain why it’s really an expression of high commitment—not a cure for low commitment.They explore the leader’s role in creating an environment where people can actually succeed, using a surprisingly relatable analogy involving plants, sunlight and soil.If you want a more accountable team, it might be time to look at the environment you’ve created.Learn more at https://slingshot25.com#Leadership #Accountability #LeadershipDevelopment #Management #WorkplaceCulture

Shotcast S6 Ep 2: Leadership Lessons from a NYC Tour GuideSometimes leadership lessons show up in unexpected places… like a tour bus in New York City. 🗽In this episode of Slingshot25’s Shotcast (an espresso shot to your brain), Jackie and Courtney share the surprisingly powerful leadership insights they picked up from their unforgettable NYC tour guide, Steve from Queens.From setting expectations and standing on your values to navigating leadership paradoxes (“hurry up but take your time”) and moving with purpose, Steve delivered more wisdom than he probably realized.Turns out great leadership advice can come from anywhere—even a bus tour.Want more leadership insights?Visit https://slingshot25.com#Leadership #LeadershipLessons #Management #LeadershipDevelopment #Shotcast

Shotcast S6 Ep 1: Bring Me a RockEver asked someone to “bring you a rock”… and somehow it’s never the right rock? 🪨In this episode of Slingshot25’s Shotcast (an espresso shot to your brain), Jackie and Courtney unpack the famous “Parable of the Rock” and why leaders often believe they’ve shared expectations when they actually haven’t. The result? Frustration, confusion and teams that miss the mark.If you want better accountability and less guesswork, it starts with getting clear about what success really looks like—and talking about it often.Want more leadership insights?Visit https://slingshot25.com#Leadership #Management #Accountability #Expectations #LeadershipDevelopment

Do leaders need to be liked in order to be good leaders?This is the question Jackie Pelland and Courtney Smock dive into in the Shotcast.

What's it like to work for your company?This is the question that Slingshot25's Courtney Smock and Jackie Pelland ask in this Shotcast episode. Ready for an espresso shot for your brain? Check it out!Learn more about Slingshot25 and how we're helping companies across the country at Slingshot25.com.

Do leaders get enough time for deep thinking during the day?Probably not. In this episode of Slingshot25's Shotcast, leadership and change experts, Courtney Smock and Jackie Pelland, talk about why think time is so important for leaders to intentionally schedule - and why it will change how you lead. Want to learn how you can work with Slingshot25? Contact us at Slingshot25.com/contact.#slingshot25 #leadership #SeriousWorkCanBeFun

Have you ever been told to think or act as an owner of the company?In this episode of Slingshot25's Shotcast, leadership and change experts, Jackie Pelland and Courtney Smock, discuss why this directive is meant to provide empowerment and accountability, but there's something that actually gets in the way. Want to learn more about driving accountability in your organization? Visit our website to learn about our services or contact us at Slingshot25.com/contact.#slingshot25 #leadership #SeriousWorkCanBeFun

Did you know that leadership is actually a thing?What do we mean by that? In this episode of Slingshot25's Shotcast, leadership experts Jackie Pelland and Courtney Smock talk about why it's time to realize that leadership isn’t something you stumble into—it’s intentional, it’s learned, and it matters.Want to build your leadership skills? Visit our website to learn about our products and services at Slingshot25.com.#Slingshot25#Leadership#SeriousWorkCanBeFun

Is empathy the essential 21st-century leadership skill, or have we taken it too far? In this episode of Slingshot25's Shotcast, leadership experts and certified coaches Courtney Smock and Jackie Pelland discuss the core definition of empathy, the dangers of coddling, and the fading skill of empathy in a tech-obsessed world. Want more? Visit our website for more information and tons of free resources at Slingshot25.com. #slingshot25 #leadership #empathy #seriousworkcanbefun

Is your instinct to jump in and solve the problem for others? In this episode of Slingshot25's Shotcast, leadership and change experts Jackie Pelland and Courtney Smock explore the counterintuitive nature of true leadership strength. It's not about fixing problems or shutting down complaints—real strength lies in listening, acknowledging, and creating space for emotions, even when they feel uncomfortable. They explore why resisting the urge to judge or solve immediately can lead to deeper connections and better outcomes and how seemingly "weak" actions like empathy, validation, and even apologizing are signs of true leadership power. Want to talk more? Contact us at Slingshot25.com/contact for a free consultation. #slingshot25 #leadership #seriousworkcanbefun

Are you tired of the leadership training Play-Doh factory? In this episode of Slingshot25's Shotcast, leadership experts Courtney Smock and Jackie Pelland explore why traditional leadership training often falls short and how companies can better support their leaders before, during, and after the classroom experience. It's not about cramming more knowledge in — it’s about creating an environment that helps leaders apply what they learn and truly grow - avoiding the "Play-Doh factory" trap! Contact us to learn how Slingshot25 can help your organization create a training plan that works for the long term. Slingshot25.com/contact #leadershipdevelopment #slingshot25 #seriousworkcanbefun

Are you fostering accountability in your organization? In this episode of Slingshot25's Shotcast, leadership experts Courtney Smock and Jackie Pelland explore the difference between responsibility and true accountability. They discuss how leaders often hinder accountability by stepping in too much and suggest ways to foster a culture where people stay invested and take true ownership of their work. Let's stay connected. Sign up for our newsletter and get free articles, videos and podcasts delivered straight to your inbox. Slingshot25.com/sign-up #slingshot25 #seriousworkcanbefun #leadership

Are you a card-carrying member of the "Third Option Club?" In this episode of Slingshot25's Shotcast, Leadership experts Jackie Pelland and Courtney Smock introduce the "Third Option Club," where people get stuck in resentment rather than finding joy or moving on. Inspired by Cy Wakeman's quote, "Stay in joy or leave in peace," they discuss the courage it takes to release grievances and live true to one’s values. Interested in working with Slingshot25? Contact us at Slingshot25.com/contact to set up a free consultation. #slingshot25 #leadership #seriousworkcanbefun

In this episode of Slingshot25's Shotcast, leadership experts Jackie Pelland and Courtney Smock dive into what it takes to become a better leader in your world—starting right where you are. Want to work with us? Send us a note at Slingshot25.com/contact. #leadershipdevelopment #slingshot25 #seriousworkcanbefun

In this episode of Slingshot25's Shotcast, leadership and change experts Courtney Smock and Jackie Pelland break down how they're focusing on the key skills every leader needs. Want to chat about how Slingshot25 can support you? Drop us a line at Slingshot25.com/contact. #slingshot25 #leadershipdevelopment #seriousworkcanbefun

In this episode of Slingshot25's Shotcast, leadership experts Jackie Pelland and Courtney Smock talk about why 5 minutes of courage may be all you need to move people forward in your organization. Learn more about Slingshot25's products, services, and free resources on our website. Slingshot25.com #Slingshot25 #leadership #changemanagement #SeriousWorkCanBeFun

In this episode of Slingshot25's Shotcast, leadership and change experts Courtney Smock and Jackie Pelland talk about a simple leadership technique that is universal to every type of conversation. Interested in bringing Slingshot25 to your organization for more on change management and leadership development? Send us a note at Slingshot25.com/contact for a free consultation. #Slingshot25 #leadership #changemanagement #SeriousWorkCanBeFun

In this episode of Slingshot25's Shotcast, leadership, and change experts Jackie Pelland and Courtney Smock the ways we tend to overcomplicate leadership training and how to make it so much easier. Interested in bringing Slingshot25 to your organization for more on change management and leadership development? Send us a note at Slingshot25.com/contact for a free consultation. #Slingshot25 #leadership #changemanagement #SeriousWorkCanBeFun

In this episode of Slingshot25's Shotcast, leadership and change experts Courtney Smock and Jackie Pelland discuss tips for shaping your world when working in big complex organizations. Interested in bringing Slingshot25 to your organization for more on change management and leadership development? Send us a note at Slingshot25.com/contact for a free consultation. #Slingshot25 #leadership #changemanagement #SeriousWorkCanBeFun

Have you ever thought about getting a coach? If so, there are a few things you should consider before you decide. In this Shotcast, Slingshot25's leadership coaches, Courtney Smock and Jackie Pelland, share a few tips for choosing the coach that is right for you. Slingshot25.com/contact Slingshot25.com #slingshot25 #coaching #leadership #SeriousWorkCanBeFun

Have you ever heard the phrase, "It's not personal, it's just business?" In this episode of Shotcast, Slingshot25's leadership experts and coaches, Courtney Smock and Jackie Pelland, bust open the myth that business is not personal. Sign up for our newsletter and get free resources like this delivered straight to your inbox: Slingshot25.com/sign-up. Slingshot25.com #slingshot25 #leadership #coaching #SeriousWorkCanBeFun

What comes before a behavior? In this Shotcast, Slingshot25's leadership and change experts Courtney Smock and Jackie Pelland talk about the relationship between behaviors and mindset and why so many have it backward. Slingshot25.com/contact Slingshot25.com #slingshot25 #leadership #SeriousWorkCanBeFun

In this episode of Slingshot25's Shotcast, leadership and change experts Courtney Smock and Jackie Pelland discuss why change management can feel like a big game of dodgeball - and what you can do about it! Slingshot25.com #Slingshot25 #Changemanagement #SeriousWorkCanBeFun

In this episode of Slingshot25's Shotcast, Leadership Experts and Coaches Courtney Smock and Jackie Pelland discuss some interesting surprises about coaching. Slingshot25.com #slingshot25 #coaching #leadership #SeriousWorkCanBeFun

In this episode of Slingshot25's Shotcast, change and leadership experts Courtney Smock and Jackie Pelland discuss the hidden secret about the concept of change saturation. Slingshot25.com #Slingsho25#changemanagement #leadership #seriousworkcanbefun

In this episode of Slingshot25's Shotcast, leadership and change experts Jackie Pelland and Courtney Smock discuss ways artificial intelligence (AI) affects leaders and how you can future-proof your leadership. Sign up for our newsletter and never miss an episode or other free resources again: Slingshot25.com/sign-up #Slingshot25#Leadership#AI#SeriousWorkCanBeFun

Are you kicking your development down the curb?In this Shotcast, Slingshot25's leadership experts, Courtney Smock and Jackie Pelland, discuss the tendency companies have to delay training and development for more "urgent" priorities - and why this practice is detrimental for all involved.Don't miss a Shotcast and sign up for our newsletter here:Slingshot25.com/sign-up#Slingshot25#Leadership#Development#SeriousWorkCanBeFun

When was the last time you had a conversation about the culture in your workplace? Numerous studies have explored the relationship between culture and company performance. While the exact impact of culture can vary by organization and industry, the reality is that a positive culture is a valuable asset for any company. Listen to this Shotcast for more about why culture is a big deal. Don't miss out on our Shotcasts, sign up for our newsletter here.https://slingshot25.com/sign-up/ #Slingshot25 #Leadership #Change #Culture #SeriousWorkCanBeFun

Slingshot25's experts in leadership, change, and coaching, Jackie Pelland and Courtney Smock, talk about how to train yourself to think differently about situations. Don't think tactics here, think about how you experience any interaction with another human being and how you show up as a leader. It's a game-changer. Slingshot25.com #Slingshot25 #Leadership #Coaching #ChangeManagement #SeriousWorkCanBeFun

In episode one, leadership and change experts Jackie Pelland and Courtney Smock talk about Dave Snowden's Theory of Complexity and why it's so important to understand when leading people. Don't miss out on our new episodes or other resources, sign up for our newsletter! https://slingshot25.com/sign-up/ Slingshot25.com #Slingshot25 #Shotcast #Leadership #Changemanagement #SeriousWorkCanBeFun

Slingshot25's leadership experts, Jackie Pelland and Courtney Smock discuss 360 feedback surveys and the serious pitfalls of this beloved tool.Slingshot25.com#Slingshot25#Leadership#SeriousWorkCanBeFun

What is the value of a trusting relationship to an organization? What does it cost an organization when relationships change and trust has to be rebuilt or established from scratch? In this Shotcast, Slingshot25's Jackie Pelland and Courtney Smock talk about why trust and relationships in a company should be your most valued asset. Slingshot25.com #Slingshot25 #Leadership #Changemanagement #SeriousWorkCanBeFun

Is your organization dealing with the aftermath of poorly managed change? In this Shotcast episode, Slingshot25's leadership experts, Courtney Smock and Jackie Pelland, discuss what the aftermath of change looks like in organizations, the symptoms and the only way to fix it. Slingshot25.com #Slingshot25 #ChangeManagement #Leadership #SeriousWorkCanBeFun

In this Shotcast, Slingshot25's Jackie Pelland and Courtney Smock discuss recent research that reveals a manager's outsized impact on a person's mental health. Slingshot25.com

Slingshot25's change and leadership experts, Courtney Smock and Jackie Pelland, talk about tough conversations and the straight up overlap when it comes to change management and leadership. Want to talk more? Drop us a line at Slingshot25.com.

In this episode, Slingshot25's change and leadership experts, Courtney Smock and Jackie Pelland, talk about a big question - what has changed in leadership and what's ahead in the future.  

In this episode, Slingshot25's change experts Courtney Smock and Jackie Pelland discuss the basics of communicating business decisions when things are changing.

Gathering employee feedback in an organization is often done through anonymous company-wide surveys. In this episode, Jackie Pelland and Courtney Smock talk about why feedback is important, but it's also important to be cautious of relying too heavily on anonymous feedback channels. 

Job loss can be a very emotionally-triggering life event. In this episode, Jackie Pelland and Courtney Smock talk about how to deal with the emotional stress and how to move forward.

Teaching leaders to coach and benefit an entire company.

The undervalued (and most important) work in the workplace.

Our conversations continues on the topic of the future of work considerations. 

The Future of Work Considerations for any organization. 

What do we lose in the virtual workplace?

Should change management actually be called “loss” management?

How do “Equity Theory” and “Employee Engagement” factor in to “Quiet Quitting.”

Everyone seems to be talking about the phenomenon of quiet quitting. What do Jackie and Courtney have to say about the topic?

Is your organization prepared for change?

Is your culture toxic or just annoying? The difference matters.

The truth about most performance issues in the workplace.