Tell me a little bit about yourself.
I grew up in an entrepreneurial family in the Cedar Rapids area. I’ve taken this grit into the business world, spending half my career in large, locally owned companies and the other half in small. I’ve led people, programs and companies and LOVE taking complex problems and breaking them down into bite sized ‘solveables’.
My husband, Brad and I, raised 3 fearless girls on a hobby farm north of town. Country life will give that to a kid! I’m an Iowan through and through, love its four seasons, gardening, snowmobiling and kayaking with friends.
Why Slingshot25?
Slingshot25 is about tackling big challenges for companies during times of transition. We focus on the messy people stuff- because that matters most if you want changes to stick.
I think I care about this more than ever after losing both my parents in their 60’s. It really opens your eyes to the small blip of time we have in this world. You want to do something meaningful. Redesigning business for good gives me that! Sustainable work that impacts lives. Very powerful.
Can you explain what you specialize in? Why does this service benefit your customers?
I am a facilitator, coach and trainer for EOS® (Entrepreneurial Operating System). A complete and simple org design system that helps people get what they want from their business. Not a tool, but a way to run your business more efficiently and cohesively. It’s helpful if you’re spending more time fighting fires than you’d like.
What has been your favorite part of starting a company?
Courtney Smock, of course!
What challenges have you faced? What have you learned?
We started with EOS®, so this helped create clarity in our roles and where we wanted this business to go. As a start up, the trick is getting there as fast as possible. So, we’re scrappy. And, we learn from our mistakes as we go.
What do you consider to be your greatest strengths and how have they helped you succeed within entrepreneurship?
I connect with people in an authentic and passionate way. That’s just who I am. People can feel this energy & the love I have for this work. I am bringing my best in business experiences to truly impact the corridor.
What is your favorite business book? What is your favorite for-fun book?
Traction, by EOS® founder Gino Wickman.
Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey. I haven’t read it yet, it’s the latest book club pick!
If you could have lunch with any celebrity or author who would it be and why?
I feel privileged to launch a partnership with Dr. Terrai Trent in a previous company. I would love to see her again. She is doing great things in the world, helping women create sustainability through entrepreneurship. She inspires me!
What class or training has stuck with you the most over your career?
My preference is always in person, so after going through EOS® boot camp training online, I was impressed. Intense and engaging.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
ROTC program and then Airforce. Until I flew in high school for the first time. My game plan quickly changed:-)
What is the last TV show or movie that you watched? Would you recommend it?
Yellowstone! A recent favorite. I definitely recommend it.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
Slingshot25!