Let’s get real—shortlist interviews are high-pressure, high-stakes moments where everything you’ve built—your strategy, story, and team—comes down to one shot. In this episode, Damion Morris and Deirdre Booth unpack what it really takes to show up in the room and deliver.

This isn’t a conversation about perfect slide decks or canned responses. It’s about the human side of the interview—the mindset, the chemistry, and the culture that drives real connection. From frameworks and firm culture to the psychology of safety and the power of storytelling, Damion and Deirdre get into the details of how great teams prep—and why preparation isn’t just logistics, it’s leadership.

You’ll hear practical strategies for coaching, team building, and managing competing priorities. You’ll learn why slides shouldn’t be your crutch, how to help technical staff feel safe and confident, and why Q&A is often the make-or-break moment. And yes, you’ll hear what happens when the wheels fall off—and what it takes to get them back on.

Whether you’re building a pursuit team, stepping into your first interview, or trying to elevate how your firm shows up when it matters most, this episode is packed with stories, tactics, and hard-won insights you can put to work right away.