As we celebrate the Fourth of July, we think of what freedom means. But at Slingshot, freedom isn’t just a national value we celebrate once a year. It’s a core principle that defines how we work together every day.
Whether it’s the freedom to think creatively, to show up as your authentic self, or to shape the direction of the company, independence at Slingshot is personal. It looks like you.
So what does that mean? Today, we’ll unpack how independence shows up in Slingshot’s culture and why it makes Slingshot a place where top talent can thrive.
Summary
At Slingshot, independence is more than a value; it’s how we work. Team members are trusted to take ownership, bring their full selves, and help shape the company’s direction. It’s a culture where creativity, authenticity, and responsibility thrive together.
As we celebrate the Fourth of July, we think of what freedom means. But at Slingshot, freedom isn’t just a national value we celebrate once a year. It’s a core principle that defines how we work together every day.
Whether it’s the freedom to think creatively, to show up as your authentic self, or to shape the direction of the company, independence at Slingshot is personal. It looks like you.
So what does that mean? Today, we’ll unpack how independence shows up in Slingshot’s culture and why it makes Slingshot a place where top talent can thrive.
Autonomy with Purpose: Freedom to Own the Work
“I think for Slingshot, a big part of our culture is autonomy,” said David Galownia, CEO at Slingshot. “When you have talented people working in your company, there’s got to be a level of freedom and independence.”
That autonomy is built on trust. At Slingshot, we don’t micromanage teams. Instead, people are empowered to run with ideas, make decisions, and solve problems. Chris Howard, Slingshot’s CIO, framed it simply: “We’re all creative problem solvers. So while there is power in working together collaboratively, you still have to have time where you contribute as an individual.”
This balance of freedom with shared goals leads to better outcomes. People perform at a higher level when they’re trusted to do great work and bring their full capabilities to the job.
Authenticity Matters: Freedom to Be Yourself
Culture isn’t about conformity; it’s about connection. And at Slingshot, that means people are encouraged to be their quirky, creative, unfiltered selves.
Take the Slingy Awards, for instance. Each year, the team celebrates the unique personalities that make Slingshot tick with one-of-a-kind awards given to each person. “They’re a bit of a playful poke fun at everybody,” said David, “but also a celebration of what makes people unique and different and fun.”
It’s a subtle but essential form of independence: the freedom to show up fully as yourself, not just in how you work, but in how you express joy, humor, and camaraderie.
No Pigeonholes: Freedom from the Mold
“I think the more rigid the environment is, the less creativity you can have,” said Chris. That’s why Slingshot actively avoids the kind of norms that box people in.
No strict dress codes. No cookie-cutter expectations. Instead, there’s a shared mindset: “We’re all adults here.”
That philosophy enables innovation. David shared, “There are varying levels of guidance and rules you can put in the workplace. We want people to feel they’re not limited in unreasonable ways, to celebrate their uniqueness.”
This approach unlocks creativity across disciplines. Developers, designers, and product leads: we invite everyone to share their ideas without fear. Because fresh thinking doesn’t come from playing it safe.
Inclusive Leadership: Freedom to Shape the Company
Independence at Slingshot doesn’t stop at project work. It extends to shaping the company itself. People at all levels, from AI research teams to culture committees, help us drive our direction.
“You can’t have everything coming from the top down,” David explained. “People want to feel involved.”
Chris added that Slingshot makes a point of including voices that don’t always speak up naturally. “We spend more time making sure that the people who are more reserved feel comfortable expressing their views.” It’s a powerful reminder that when you create space for people to grow, they rise.
Trust Earned, Not Assumed: Freedom with Responsibility
“Freedom is something you earn with trust,” said David. And that trust comes from being good at what you do and bringing integrity to how you do it.
“We trust people because the people we bring on the team are good at their job,” said Chris. It’s a two-way street. Slingshot offers freedom, but expects ownership in return.
That contract creates a culture where people feel motivated, not monitored. They have room to succeed, fail, learn, and try again.
A Culture That Reflects Its People
Ultimately, independence at Slingshot isn’t about working in isolation. It’s about working in a place where your individuality fuels the collective good. Where you’re free to explore, contribute, and co-create the future of the company.
As David summed it up: “If you have skill, passion, and integrity, you’re going to get a lot of freedom. You’ll have a role and a team that supports you, but you’re going to have room to do your best work, and to be yourself.”
So this Fourth of July, while we celebrate freedom across the country, we’re also celebrating it right here at Slingshot. Not as a one-size-fits-all idea, but as something deeply personal. Something that looks a little different for everyone.
Something that looks like you.
Is hybrid work the ultimate form of independence?
Written by: Savannah Cherry
Savannah is our one-woman marketing department. She posts, writes, and creates all things Slingshot. While she may not be making software for you, she does have a minor in Computer Information Systems. We’d call her the opposite of a procrastinator: she can’t rest until all her work is done. She loves playing her switch and meal-prepping.
Expert: David Galownia
David excels at propelling Slingshot towards their goals and oversees the strategic direction of the company. He’s been described as ‘intense, driven, caring, and passionate’ both at work and play. At work, he enjoys watching his team explore, imagine, and reinvent to do the best by their clients. At play, he drives Karts at insanely high speeds and scares his wife half to death. It’s all or nothing. Which means he gives it all.
Expert: Chris Howard
Chris has been in the technology space for over 20 years, including being Slingshot’s CIO since 2017. He specializes in lean UX design, technology leadership, and new tech with a focus on AI. He’s currently involved in several AI-focused projects within Slingshot.
