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Ep 37 - OKR Forecast 2025: Insights From The Experts
What’s next for OKRs in 2025?
As goal-setting evolves, organizations are rethinking their approach to strategy, execution, and performance. In this episode, Sara sits down with OKR experts Natalie Webb and Maria Rowcliffe to unpack the latest trends—from the role of generative AI to the shifting landscape of OKR localization and performance management. Whether you’re an OKR veteran or just getting started, these insights will help you stay ahead of the curve.
Episode Highlights:- How generative AI is reshaping OKR creation and workshop efficiency
- The shift away from rigid OKR cascading toward functional team-level alignment
- Why OKRs should not be directly tied to performance evaluations or compensation
- The biggest mistakes organizations make when implementing OKRs—and how to avoid them
- The evolving role of OKRs in strategy execution and business impact
- What to expect from the future of OKRs in 2025 and beyond
Key Concepts Explored:
Generative AI in OKR Practice
- Role of AI in data analytics and predictive modeling
- AI as an enabler vs. driver of outcomes
- Practical applications in OKR workshops
- Limitations and considerations
Modern OKR Localization
- Shift from cascading to hybrid approaches
- L1-L2 alignment strategies
- Bottom-up contribution methods
- Functional team focus
OKR Integration
- Separation of delivery work and outcomes
- Project management integration
- Performance management considerations
- Leading indicator identification
Implementation Strategy
- Starting points for organizations
- Common pitfalls to avoid
- Methodology vs. tool selection
- Change management considerations
Episode Chapters
[00:00:00] Introduction and welcome
[00:01:00] Book announcement: You Are a Strategist
[00:04:00] Guest introductions
[00:08:00] Generative AI's impact on OKRs
[00:17:00] Using AI tools in OKR workshops
[00:21:00] Evolution of OKR localization
[00:33:00] Discussion of individual KRs
[00:41:00] OKRs and performance management
[00:47:00] First steps for OKR implementation
Notable Quotes "Generative AI is an enabler, not a driver. It’s a tool that supports goal-setting, but the real work still comes down to humans collaborating, making great decisions, and executing." – Maria Rowcliffe"If we set our OKRs well, teams should feel empowered to say no to work that doesn’t align. Prioritization isn’t real unless it hurts." – Natalie Webb"One of the hardest parts of OKR creation is identifying leading indicators. AI can help generate ideas, but the real challenge is getting teams to think beyond the obvious KPIs." – Maria Rowcliffe"Not everyone needs their name on a Key Result. This isn’t a participation trophy—what matters is understanding how the work contributes to the bigger strategy." – Natalie Webb"If you tie OKRs directly to performance evaluations, you create a system where people set safe goals instead of ambitious ones. That’s not what OKRs are meant to do." – Sara LobkovichGuest Information:Natalie Webb is an OKR expert with nearly eight years of experience in the field. She currently works with Aramco in Saudi Arabia, supporting their digital transformation and AI initiatives. Natalie specializes in helping organizations implement effective OKRs that drive real business impact.
Maria Rowcliffe is an organizational behavior specialist with over 30 years of experience in management and strategy execution. Passionate about how organizations and people achieve success, she has worked extensively with OKRs and other strategic frameworks to help businesses align goals and improve execution.
Natalie’s & Maria’s Resources:- Website: Tability OKR Platform – A tool for OKR tracking and goal management
- OKR Creation Tools: Claude and ChatGPT – Used for generating OKR drafts and refining goals
Sara’s Links and Resources:
- No-BS Strategic Achievement Intensive: Learn more and join at ck.redcurrantco.com
- Join Sara’s Email List: Get updates on OKRs and strategy at ck.redcurrantco.com
- Book Website: Stay updated on You Are a Strategist at youareastrategist.com
- Podcast Home Page: Thinkydoers Podcast
Find full show notes and the episode transcript via https://findrc.co/thinkydoers!
Mentioned in this episode:
Don't forget: Get your free No-BS OKRs Workbook or schedule a VIP Strategy Day!
Before I let you go, I just wanna remind you, you can pick up your copy of "You Are a Strategist: Use No-BS OKRs to Get Big Things Done" at https://youareastrategist.com, and you'll get that free PDF of the "No-BS OKRs Workbook" when you purchase direct.
Don't wanna DIY it? Book a VIP executive strategy day with me. They can be used one-on-one. It can be used to facilitate an in-person or remote event with your org. It can also be used for a keynote that inspires actual results for your upcoming event.
Visit https://findrc.co/vipday for all the details.
And from there you can book a free executive strategy intake call, or request a no meeting virtual consult. A VIP executive strategy day helps you unlock clarity, align quickly, and drive results in just one powerful day.
Don't forget your free No-BS OKRs Workbook
Before I let you go, I just wanna remind you, you can pick up your copy of "You Are a Strategist: Use No-BS OKRs to Get Big Things Done" at https://youareastrategist.com, and you'll get that free PDF of the "No-BS OKRs Workbook" when you purchase direct.
Don't wanna DIY it? Book a VIP executive strategy day with me. They can be used one-on-one. It can be used to facilitate an in-person or remote event with your org. It can also be used for a keynote that inspires actual results for your upcoming event.
Visit https://findrc.co/vipday for all the details.
And from there you can book a free executive strategy intake call, or request a no meeting virtual consult. A VIP executive strategy day helps you unlock clarity, align quickly, and drive results in just one powerful day.
View all episodes
By Sara Lobkovich
5
88 ratings
What’s next for OKRs in 2025?
As goal-setting evolves, organizations are rethinking their approach to strategy, execution, and performance. In this episode, Sara sits down with OKR experts Natalie Webb and Maria Rowcliffe to unpack the latest trends—from the role of generative AI to the shifting landscape of OKR localization and performance management. Whether you’re an OKR veteran or just getting started, these insights will help you stay ahead of the curve.
Episode Highlights:- How generative AI is reshaping OKR creation and workshop efficiency
- The shift away from rigid OKR cascading toward functional team-level alignment
- Why OKRs should not be directly tied to performance evaluations or compensation
- The biggest mistakes organizations make when implementing OKRs—and how to avoid them
- The evolving role of OKRs in strategy execution and business impact
- What to expect from the future of OKRs in 2025 and beyond
Key Concepts Explored:
Generative AI in OKR Practice
- Role of AI in data analytics and predictive modeling
- AI as an enabler vs. driver of outcomes
- Practical applications in OKR workshops
- Limitations and considerations
Modern OKR Localization
- Shift from cascading to hybrid approaches
- L1-L2 alignment strategies
- Bottom-up contribution methods
- Functional team focus
OKR Integration
- Separation of delivery work and outcomes
- Project management integration
- Performance management considerations
- Leading indicator identification
Implementation Strategy
- Starting points for organizations
- Common pitfalls to avoid
- Methodology vs. tool selection
- Change management considerations
Episode Chapters
[00:00:00] Introduction and welcome
[00:01:00] Book announcement: You Are a Strategist
[00:04:00] Guest introductions
[00:08:00] Generative AI's impact on OKRs
[00:17:00] Using AI tools in OKR workshops
[00:21:00] Evolution of OKR localization
[00:33:00] Discussion of individual KRs
[00:41:00] OKRs and performance management
[00:47:00] First steps for OKR implementation
Notable Quotes "Generative AI is an enabler, not a driver. It’s a tool that supports goal-setting, but the real work still comes down to humans collaborating, making great decisions, and executing." – Maria Rowcliffe"If we set our OKRs well, teams should feel empowered to say no to work that doesn’t align. Prioritization isn’t real unless it hurts." – Natalie Webb"One of the hardest parts of OKR creation is identifying leading indicators. AI can help generate ideas, but the real challenge is getting teams to think beyond the obvious KPIs." – Maria Rowcliffe"Not everyone needs their name on a Key Result. This isn’t a participation trophy—what matters is understanding how the work contributes to the bigger strategy." – Natalie Webb"If you tie OKRs directly to performance evaluations, you create a system where people set safe goals instead of ambitious ones. That’s not what OKRs are meant to do." – Sara LobkovichGuest Information:Natalie Webb is an OKR expert with nearly eight years of experience in the field. She currently works with Aramco in Saudi Arabia, supporting their digital transformation and AI initiatives. Natalie specializes in helping organizations implement effective OKRs that drive real business impact.
Maria Rowcliffe is an organizational behavior specialist with over 30 years of experience in management and strategy execution. Passionate about how organizations and people achieve success, she has worked extensively with OKRs and other strategic frameworks to help businesses align goals and improve execution.
Natalie’s & Maria’s Resources:- Website: Tability OKR Platform – A tool for OKR tracking and goal management
- OKR Creation Tools: Claude and ChatGPT – Used for generating OKR drafts and refining goals
Sara’s Links and Resources:
- No-BS Strategic Achievement Intensive: Learn more and join at ck.redcurrantco.com
- Join Sara’s Email List: Get updates on OKRs and strategy at ck.redcurrantco.com
- Book Website: Stay updated on You Are a Strategist at youareastrategist.com
- Podcast Home Page: Thinkydoers Podcast
Find full show notes and the episode transcript via https://findrc.co/thinkydoers!
Mentioned in this episode:
Don't forget: Get your free No-BS OKRs Workbook or schedule a VIP Strategy Day!
Before I let you go, I just wanna remind you, you can pick up your copy of "You Are a Strategist: Use No-BS OKRs to Get Big Things Done" at https://youareastrategist.com, and you'll get that free PDF of the "No-BS OKRs Workbook" when you purchase direct.
Don't wanna DIY it? Book a VIP executive strategy day with me. They can be used one-on-one. It can be used to facilitate an in-person or remote event with your org. It can also be used for a keynote that inspires actual results for your upcoming event.
Visit https://findrc.co/vipday for all the details.
And from there you can book a free executive strategy intake call, or request a no meeting virtual consult. A VIP executive strategy day helps you unlock clarity, align quickly, and drive results in just one powerful day.
Don't forget your free No-BS OKRs Workbook
Before I let you go, I just wanna remind you, you can pick up your copy of "You Are a Strategist: Use No-BS OKRs to Get Big Things Done" at https://youareastrategist.com, and you'll get that free PDF of the "No-BS OKRs Workbook" when you purchase direct.
Don't wanna DIY it? Book a VIP executive strategy day with me. They can be used one-on-one. It can be used to facilitate an in-person or remote event with your org. It can also be used for a keynote that inspires actual results for your upcoming event.
Visit https://findrc.co/vipday for all the details.
And from there you can book a free executive strategy intake call, or request a no meeting virtual consult. A VIP executive strategy day helps you unlock clarity, align quickly, and drive results in just one powerful day.