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

We all think we're the hero of our own story...so what happens when the story is transformational change, and nobody's writing a coherent plot?

In this episode of Slingshot25's Shotcast, leadership experts Jackie Pelland and Courtney Smock talk about why leaders shouldn't internalize the chaos of a messy integration, how to "give it back to the system" instead of carrying it alone, and why senior leaders need to go see the reality of their organization instead of trusting information that's been bubble-wrapped on its way to the top.

Want more? Drop us a line at Slingshot25.com/contact-slingshot.

In this episode of Slingshot25's Shotcast, leadership experts Jackie Pelland and Courtney Smock ask: what if the answer to uncertainty isn't more resilience, but a better environment?

They dig into why "planned change" is a misnomer, why resilience training is a great personal skill but a bad leadership prescription, and how leaders can offer real "certainty anchors" when everything else feels unsteady.

Want more? Drop us a line at Slingshot25.com/contact-slingshot.

Last episode, we challenged leaders to stop worrying about being right and start focusing on getting it right. But that raises an important question...How do you actually get it right?In Part 2 of this conversation, Slingshot25's leadership and change experts, Jackie Pelland and Courtney Smock, explore one of the most overlooked leadership skills: influence.Getting it right isn't about having all the answers. It's about bringing people with you. Whether you're leading change, making a difficult decision, or asking your team to embrace something new, your ability to influence—not just direct—will determine your success.If you enjoyed our previous episode, Being Right vs. Getting It Right, this conversation takes the next step and gives you practical ways to put that mindset into action.For more leadership insights, visit Slingshot25.com and subscribe for more Shotcast episodes.#Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment #Influence #LeadingChange #ChangeLeadership #Communication #Management #EmployeeEngagement #Slingshot25

Are you more focused on being right... or getting it right?It's a simple question, but one that can completely change the way you lead.In this episode of Slingshot25's Shotcast, leadership experts and coaches, Jackie Pelland and Courtney Smock, explore why our desire to be right can sometimes get in the way of making the best decisions. From ego and competition to influence and collaboration, they unpack why the strongest leaders aren't obsessed with proving themselves—they're committed to finding the best path forward.For more leadership insights, visit Slingshot25.com and subscribe for more Shotcast episodes.#Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveLeadership #Management #DecisionMaking #Influence #Communication #Teamwork #Slingshot25

Everyone's talking about accountability — and most of us have it upside down. In this episode of Shotcast, Slingshot25's Jackie Pelland and Courtney Smock, rethink what accountability actually means: not a punishment tool for low commitment, but an expression of high commitment that shows up when people take responsibility for what happens next.

They explore why "kids these days" frustrations are really expectation problems, why most leaders are surprisingly bad at setting expectations in the first place, and how generational differences shape the way people read their environment at work. Plus, a look inside Slingshot25's new Creating Accountability workshop, where leaders and teams unpack the environmental pieces — expectations, tools, rewards, and motivation — that make accountability possible.

Want the workshop, or just more of the conversation? Reach out at Slingshot25.com/contact-slingshot.

Leadership Lessons from Artemis II | Shotcast by Slingshot25

What does a NASA moon mission have to do with your Monday morning meeting? More than you'd think.

In this episode of Shotcast, Slingshot25's leadership experts, Courtney Smock and Jackie Pelland, dig into what made the Artemis II crew so effective — humility, emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and the willingness to leave ego at the airlock — and why those same qualities are the skills (not innate traits) that define great leaders here on Earth.

They unpack why "your world needs better leaders" isn't just a slogan, why values can't be imposed by posters on a wall, and why human skills like empathy and curiosity are your best edge in an AI-driven workplace. Plus, the line that sums it all up: "Your legacy isn't what happens when you leave the planet — it's what happens when you leave the room."

Want more? Visit Slingshot25.com.

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 Guide

Sometimes 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 Rock

Ever 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.