Thinkydoers®

Self-promotion can feel uncomfortable—especially for introverted, thoughtful, or reserved Thinkydoers. But what if sharing your impact didn’t have to feel like cringey “bragging?”

In this episode, client experience copywriter and founder of The Content Witches, Nailah King, joins host Sara Lobkovich to explore how to craft authentic client stories that go beyond traditional case studies. Nailah shares practical strategies for telling compelling stories that showcase your work—even when your impact isn’t easily measured in revenue or metrics.

Learn how to manage rejection sensitivity and build confidence in sharing your work stories; and, how to create marketing materials that align with your values instead of squeezing your unique approach into conventional formats.

• Why traditional case studies don’t work for every business and how to tell client stories differently
• Strategies for showcasing your impact without relying on revenue-based metrics
• Managing rejection sensitivity and building confidence in sharing your work
• How introverted and low-energy Thinkydoers can approach self-promotion authentically
• Aligning your marketing materials with your values instead of forcing them into conventional formats
• Practical storytelling techniques to make your work more visible and engaging
• The emotional side of marketing—navigating vulnerability, rejection, and self-doubt
• Nailah’s personal journey and lessons learned from working with values-driven clients
• First steps to crafting client stories that feel natural, honest, and impactful

• Authentic Storytelling & Client Impact
• Why traditional case studies don’t work for every business and how to create meaningful client stories
• Strategies for showcasing impact without relying on revenue-based metrics
• The power of storytelling to make your work more visible and engaging
• Self-Promotion for Introverts & Low-Energy Thinkydoers
• How to market yourself authentically without feeling like you’re bragging
• Overcoming the fear of visibility and rejection sensitivity
• Values-Aligned Marketing & Ethical Storytelling
• Creating marketing materials that reflect your values rather than fitting into conventional formats
• The emotional side of sharing your work—navigating vulnerability, self-doubt, and rejection
• How ethical storytelling can help build stronger client relationships and trust
• Building Confidence & Overcoming Rejection Sensitivity
• Understanding rejection sensitivity and how it affects self-promotion
• Strategies for developing confidence in sharing your work and experiences
• First steps to telling client stories in a way that feels natural and impactful

[00:00:00] Welcome to Thinkydoers podcast and introduction

[00:01:00] Introduction to Nailah King and why Sara invited her on the podcast

[00:03:00] Book launch announcement for You Are A Strategist

[00:04:00] Nailah introduces herself and her work

[00:05:00] How Nailah's approach differs from traditional case studies

[00:09:00] The importance of centering the client's experience in storytelling

[00:12:00] Balancing values-based work with business needs

[00:17:00] Addressing struggles with talking about oneself and one's impact

[00:21:00] Switching from teaching mode to emotional storytelling

[00:24:00] Overcoming shyness when approaching clients for stories

[00:28:00] Tips for handling rejection sensitivity

[00:35:00] How Nailah creates safe spaces for client interviews

[00:41:00] Key takeaways for introverts and Thinkydoers

Nailah King is a copywriter who specializes in client storytelling, particularly for thoughtful and introspective professionals who prefer a more authentic and less high-pressure approach to marketing. She focuses on crafting case studies that feel more like engaging client narratives rather than dry testimonials.

• Website: www.thecontentwitches.ca
• Threads: @nailah.z.king
• Instagram: @nailah.z.king
• BlueSky: @nailahkingwrites.bsky.social
• LinkedIn: The Content Witches

• Sarah Moon Consulting website
• And here’s the client story that Nailah wrote with Sara L, for Sarah M!

• Join Sara’s Email List: Get updates on OKRs, strategy, and workplace wellbeing and performance at ck.redcurrantco.com
• Book Website: Now available! Learn more abpit You Are a Strategist at youareastrategist.com
• Book launch squad:  findrc.co/launchsquad
• Connect with Sara via LinkedIn, Bluesky, Threads, or Mastodon
• 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 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 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.

AI is transforming the way we work—but how can Thinkydoers use generative AI responsively and productively—as a tool, not a time-suck?

In part two of our conversation with AI ethicist and strategist Dvorah Graeser, we get practical about leveraging AI tools, particularly for deep specialists and strategic thinkers. Building on our discussion of ethics and implications from Episode 38, Dvorah shares specific ways to move from anxiety to agency with AI while maintaining your ethics and humanity. Learn how to use AI tools to organize your thoughts, improve communication with different audiences, and enhance your work as a specialist, all while preserving what makes us uniquely human.

• How AI can help specialists move from anxiety to agency and practical ways to embrace AI tools with confidence
• Using AI to organize complex ideas and turn scattered thoughts into structured outlines
• The power of AI iteration and dialogue to refine thinking, decision-making, and communication
• Fact-checking and avoiding AI hallucinations with tools like Perplexity AI and multi-tool validation
• Enhancing communication for deep specialists by adapting messaging for different audiences, including neurodivergent thinkers and general business professionals
• Leveraging AI for buyer personas and using marketing strategies to improve AI-generated content and audience targeting
• AI as an assistive tool for neurodivergence and how it supports executive functioning challenges and workflow efficiency
• Emotional processing and AI as a tool for self-reflection while recognizing its limitations in mental health support
• First steps to overcoming AI anxiety and why understanding your emotional response to AI is crucial before integrating it into your workflow
• Resources and further learning, including Dvorah’s free PDF on emotions in AI and an invitation to submit questions for future discussions

AI for Organization & Creativity

• How AI helps specialists structure ideas and overcome creative overwhelm
• The role of AI in iterative thinking and refining communication
• AI’s effectiveness in summarizing, outlining, and organizing complex information

AI Accuracy & Fact-Checking

• Strategies for verifying AI-generated content and reducing hallucinations
• Using multi-tool validation with AI models like Perplexity AI and Claude
• Limitations of AI in handling data accuracy and research citations

AI for Specialists & Communication

• How AI helps deep specialists communicate with broader audiences
• Leveraging buyer personas to tailor AI-generated messaging
• Using AI to bridge communication gaps between neurodivergent and neurotypical audiences

AI for Neurodivergent Thinkers

• AI as an adaptive tool for executive function and workflow management
• The role of AI in supporting focus, organization, and stress reduction
• Ethical considerations of AI in self-reflection and emotional regulation

Overcoming AI Anxiety & Ethical Adoption

• The shift from AI anxiety to AI agency and practical steps for confident adoption
• The importance of emotional awareness in integrating AI into personal and professional workflows
• Resources for understanding the emotional impact of AI and strategies for responsible use

00:00 Introduction to Thinkydoers Podcast and Episode Overview

01:00 From AI Anxiety to AI Agency – How Specialists Can Take Control

02:00 Organizing Chaotic Thoughts with AI – Turning Sticky Notes into Structure

04:00 The Power of Iteration – Using AI for Back-and-Forth Thinking

05:00 AI Hallucinations and Fact-Checking – Ensuring Accuracy in AI-Generated Content

07:00 The Role of Multi-Tool AI Validation – Using Perplexity AI, Claude, and ChatGPT Together

09:00 AI for Deep Specialists – Making Complex Knowledge Accessible to a Broader Audience

10:00 Leveraging AI for Buyer Personas – Adapting Communication for Different Audiences

12:00 AI as an Assistive Tool for Neurodivergent Thinkers – Supporting Executive Function

14:00 Emotional Processing with AI – AI as a Thought Partner for Self-Reflection

17:00 Ethical Considerations – AI as a Probability Machine vs. a Reliable Support System

19:00 Overcoming AI Anxiety – The Importance of Emotional Awareness in AI Adoption

20:00 Resources & Further Learning – Dvorah’s PDF on Emotions in AI & Q&A Invitation

21:00 Where to Find Dvorah – Connecting on LinkedIn and Exploring Future Discussions

22:00 Closing Remarks – Encouraging Listeners to Submit AI-Related Questions

Dvorah Graeser is an AI ethicist, strategist, and technology entrepreneur specializing in AI applications, intellectual property, and ethical AI adoption. With a background in intellectual property law and technology commercialization, she has extensive experience helping deep specialists and businesses integrate AI responsibly. Dvorah advocates for leveraging AI to enhance human creativity and strategic thinking while addressing challenges like AI hallucinations and fact-checking. Based in the Netherlands, she works with organizations to navigate the evolving AI landscape with a focus on ethical and effective implementation.

• Dvorah's Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/dgraeser
• Snag Dvorah’s Three-Page AI Transformation Blueprint: https://findrc.co/genaibydg
• Websites: kisspatent.com, rocketsmart.io

• Newsletter: findrc.co/newsletter
• Contact: findrc.co/contact
• Social media: @saralobkovich on most platforms
• Show notes: findrc.co/thinkydoers
• Book launch squad:  findrc.co/launchsquad

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 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.

Are you wrestling with ethical questions about AI while also feeling curious about its potential?

In this thought-provoking episode, Sara welcomes Dvorah Graeser, an "old internet" technologist who brings a unique perspective on AI democratization. From programming for the Human Genome Project to founding RocketSmart, Dvorah shares insights on how we can approach AI with both skepticism and agency.

Discover why those who shy away from AI might be surrendering power to tech giants, and learn practical considerations for responsibly engaging with generative AI tools in your work.

• Dvorah's background programming before the GUI and her journey from the Human Genome Project to AI development
• The ethical considerations of generative AI and how to navigate them as business owners and creators
• How to evaluate AI models based on their transparency, data policies, and public commitments
• The democratization of technology and why bottom-up AI adoption benefits everyone
• Why small businesses might leapfrog large corporations with open-source AI models like DeepSeek
• How generative AI affects workplace satisfaction differently across roles and experience levels
• Practical advice for protecting your intellectual property in an AI-driven world

AI Ethics & Transparency

• 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

Generative AI for Work

• The role of AI in automating tasks vs. augmenting human work
• AI as an enabler vs. a driver of outcomes
• Practical applications of AI in different industries

Small Business vs. Big Tech

• Can AI level the playing field for solopreneurs and startups?
• How large corporations control AI access and development
• Opportunities for smaller businesses to leverage AI effectively

AI for Strategy & Execution

• Integrating AI into decision-making without losing human creativity
• Using AI for data analytics and predictive modeling
• Limitations and considerations for AI in strategic planning

[00:00:00] Introduction: Welcome to Thinkydoers and introduction to Dvorah Graeser

[00:03:00] Dvorah's background: From programming before GUI to AI development

[00:05:00] Ethics of generative AI: The challenge of retrofitting ethics

[00:08:00] Choosing trustworthy AI models: Evaluating data policies and transparency

[00:10:00] Democratizing technology: The historical context and importance

[00:14:00] Advice for Thinkydoer leaders: Focus on process integration

[00:17:00] IP concerns for creators and business owners: Strategies and policies

[00:20:00] AI and the future of work: Research on workplace satisfaction

[00:25:00] The potential of open-source models like DeepSeek for small businesses

[00:29:00] Individual action: How to participate in shaping ethical AI

Dvorah Graeser is the founder and CEO of RocketSmart, specializing in AI, intellectual property, and technology commercialization. With a background in pharmacology, AI programming, and U.S. patent law, she has worked on projects like the Human Genome Project and now advocates for AI ethics and democratization. Based in the Netherlands and Chicago, Dvorah helps businesses and universities navigate the evolving AI landscape.

Dvorah's Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/dgraeser

Snag Dvorah’s Three-Page AI Transformation Blueprint: https://findrc.co/genaibydg

Websites: kisspatent.com, rocketsmart.io

Newsletter: findrc.co/newsletter

Contact: findrc.co/contact

Social media: @saralobkovich on most platforms

Show notes: findrc.co/thinkydoers

Book launch squad:  findrc.co/launchsquad

Find full show notes and the episode transcript via https://findrc.co/thinkydoers!

Mentioned in this episode:

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 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.

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.

• 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

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

[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

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.

• 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

• 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 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.

What happens when two powerhouse frameworks collide?

In this episode, Sara dives into a fascinating conversation with Jessica Lee, exploring the dynamic intersection of EOS® (Entrepreneurial Operating System®) and OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) in business management. As both an EOS integrator and an OKR coach, Jessica shares her unique expertise, offering actionable insights into how these two frameworks can work in harmony to help organizations not just survive but truly thrive.

• The complementary relationship between EOS and OKRs in business management
• Understanding the crucial visionary-integrator dynamic in leadership
• How EOS provides structure for businesses ready to scale
• The importance of proper goal-setting and measurement systems
• Role definition and its impact on organizational success
• The value of coaching in implementation of both frameworks

EOS Framework Components

• Vision Traction Organizer (VTO)
• Rocks and Measurables
• People Analyzer
• Accountability Chart
• L10 Meetings

Leadership Dynamics

• Visionary (CEO) role and characteristics
• Integrator role and responsibilities
• Creating effective partnership between both roles

Goal Setting and Measurement

• Integration of EOS rocks with OKR methodology
• Importance of measurable outcomes
• Balance between vision and execution

Organizational Structure

• Role definition before performance evaluation
• Right people in right seats concept
• Simplified organizational structure approach

[00:00] Introduction to Thinkydoers Podcast

[00:58] Live from the Race Trailer

[02:16] Guest Introduction: Jessica Lee

[03:06] Understanding EOS and OKRs

[04:40] Implementing EOS in Small Businesses

[13:55] The Role of the Integrator

[20:31] Accountability and Goal Setting

[26:57] Conclusion and Farewell

Jessica Lee owns Optimized Execs, a business consulting firm helping CEOs of small and medium-sized businesses who feel overwhelmed and unsure about growth strategies. Her experience includes serving as a COO and implementing EOS in various organizations.

• Book: "Traction" by Gino Wickman
• Book: "Rocket Fuel" (focused on visionary-integrator relationship)
• Website: www.optimizedexecs.com
• LinkedIn: Jessica Lee
• Website: www.optimizedexecs.com

• Join Sara's Email Newsletter: https://findrc.co/4asU5wo
• Email Sara at [email protected]
• Other Free No-BS OKRs Resources: Access all free resources
• Thinkydoers (not-just-an OKR podcast) Home Page: https://saralobkovich.com/thinkydoers-pod
• Visit https://ck.redcurrantco.com to join the newsletter for additional resources and early access to new tools.

Find full show notes and the episode transcript via https://findrc.co/thinkydoers!

Mentioned in this episode:

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 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.

Ever feel lost in the alphabet soup of goal-setting frameworks?

Whether you're a leader, a coach, or a goal-setting enthusiast, navigating between SMART goals, KPIs, OKRs, and other frameworks can feel overwhelming.

In this episode, Sara Lobkovich – strategist, OKR coach, and nationally board-certified health and wellness coach (with “another life” in professional motorcycle road racing) – gives you the inside scoop on the most popular frameworks. Through easy-to-understand examples from the worlds of health and sports, Sara breaks down when and how to use each framework to drive success.

You'll leave with a clear understanding of what each framework truly means, how they differ, and which one to use to turbocharge your personal or professional goals.

Want to watch the full-length replay of the Live this episode is drawn from? It’s on YouTube!

• Clear explanation of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and why they're indicators, not goals
• Deep dive into SMART goals and their practical applications
• How OKRs differ from other frameworks for handling uncertainty and innovation
• Understanding mandatory vs. stretch goals
• Real-world examples using health and sports metrics
• Introduction to additional frameworks like BSC (Balanced Scorecard) and ROB (Rhythm of Business)

• Activity Goals vs. Outcome Goals
• KPIs as health indicators for your business
• The limitations of SMART goals
• When and how to use mandatory goals
• The power of OKRs for uncertain territory
• Building a holistic performance dashboard
• Creating effective rhythms of business

[00:00] Introduction to Thinkydoer Shorts

[00:43] Sara's Dual Life: Business and Racing

[01:12] Goal Fridays and Live Replays

[02:59] Decoding Goal-Setting Acronyms

[07:38] Activity Goals: The Basics

[09:02] KPIs: Key Performance Indicators (and KPIs vs. OKRs)

[11:32] SMART Goals: Specific and Measurable

[15:52] Mandatory Goals vs. Stretch Goals

[18:20] OKRs and Other Goal-Setting Frameworks

• Get the No-BS OKRs Workbook ($19): https://saralobkovich.com/no-bs-okrs-workbook-pdf
• Info about the upcoming print version of the No-BS OKRs Workbook & Sara's forthcoming book: "You Are a Strategist: Use No-BS Objectives and Key Results to Get Big Things Done" is available at https://youareastrategist.com 
• Other Free No-BS OKRs Resources: Access all free resources
• Thinkydoers (not-just-an OKR podcast) Home Page: https://saralobkovich.com/thinkydoers-pod

• Newsletter: findrc.co/newsletter
• Contact: findrc.co/contact
• Email Sara at [email protected]
• Social Media: @saralobkovich most everywhere!

Mentioned in this episode:

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 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.

Thinking about implementing OKRs? Your first instinct might be to shop for an OKR tool - but that could be setting yourself up for failure. In this candid Thinkydoers Short, strategy coach Sara Lobkovich explains why starting with software often backfires, and shares a proven alternative with a methodology-focused approach that will set your organization up for long-term OKR success.

• Common pitfalls of taking a tool-first approach to OKR implementation
• Why methodology must come before software
• How to track OKRs effectively without specialized tools
• A practical timeline for OKR implementation that sets you up for success
• Signs that your organization is actually ready for an OKR tool

• Tools alone don't solve the core challenges of implementing OKRs
• Start with company-level OKRs and establish strong methodology before scaling
• Simple tracking methods like spreadsheets can work well in early stages
• Let organizational demand drive tool adoption rather than forcing it
• Focus on behavior change and culture shifts before investing in software

[00:00] Introduction to Thinkydoer Shorts

[00:43] Sara's Dual Life: Business and Racing

[01:12] Goal Fridays and Live Replays

[02:59] Decoding Goal-Setting Acronyms

[07:38] Activity Goals: The Basics

[09:02] KPIs: Key Performance Indicators (and KPIs vs. OKRs)

[11:32] SMART Goals: Specific and Measurable

[15:52] Mandatory Goals vs. Stretch Goals

[18:20] OKRs and Other Goal-Setting Frameworks

• Get the No-BS OKRs Workbook ($19): https://saralobkovich.com/no-bs-okrs-workbook-pdf
• Info about the upcoming print version of the No-BS OKRs Workbook & Sara's forthcoming book: "You Are a Strategist: Use No-BS Objectives and Key Results to Get Big Things Done" is available at https://youareastrategist.com 
• Other Free No-BS OKRs Resources: Access all free resources
• Thinkydoers (not-just-an OKR podcast) Home Page: https://saralobkovich.com/thinkydoers-pod

• Newsletter: findrc.co/newsletter
• Contact: findrc.co/contact
• Email Sara at [email protected]
• Social Media: @saralobkovich most everywhere!

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 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.

Ever feel like you're speaking a different language than your colleagues when presenting your ideas? Or, like a square peg in your work? Do you feel like you're trying to read minds to understand what's expected of you, while your co-workers are just humming along doing their work? 

Or, do you lead people who that describes well?

In this powerful episode, Sara Lobkovich reveals why the very qualities that might make some people feel like an outsider at work—being "too analytical" or "too detail-oriented"—could actually be their greatest strategic strengths (and a tremendous asset to the organizations they work within).

In today's Thinkydoers short, hear a preview of the Introduction to Sara's upcoming book: 

You Are A Strategist: Use No-BS Objectives and Key Results to Get Big Things Done

"You Are A Strategist" isn't just another theoretical strategy book. It's a practical playbook for people who think differently about work and want to make real change happen. Through frameworks like the Connected Strategic One-Pager and No-BS OKRs, you'll discover how to transform your strategic insights into clear, compelling direction that others can actually follow, without getting lost in politics or burning out.

Drawing from her experience training over 2,000 OKR coaches across more than 300 organizations globally, Sara shares a human-centered approach to strategy that works for everyone—not just those with traditional business backgrounds or positions of power. Whether you're in the C-Suite, a chief of staff, a program manager, a product manager, a project lead, department director, or high-performing individual contributor (or beyond!), this episode will help you unlock your inner strategist and make your unique impact.

• Why being "strategic" isn't about being smart or having a specific job title
• The five key questions that identify strategic thinkers
• How to recognize and empower strategic thinkers in your organization
• Why ideas alone aren't enough in today's business environment
• Introduction to Connected Strategic One-sheet and No-BS OKRs
• The science behind goal-setting and motivation

[00:00] Introduction to Thinkydoer Shorts

[00:39] Introduction to You Are A Strategist

[01:28] Dedication and Audience

[01:53] Identifying Strategists

[02:25] Challenges and Misconceptions

[04:29] Defining Strategy and Strategists

[10:17] The Role of Ideas in Strategy

[12:18] Implementing Strategic Goals

[19:39] The Connected Strategic One Sheet and No BS OKRs

[26:57] Conclusion and Next Steps

• Strategy is about clarifying situations so everyone can do the smart thing
• Strategic thinking is independent of job title or role
• Good strategy makes work better but often remains invisible
• Clear expectations and empirical measurements are crucial for success
• Strategy achievement is fundamentally about human behavior change

• You Are A Strategist book: youareastrategist.com
• No-BS OKRs Workbook (PDF download): https://findrc.co/4ggdAtz
• Newsletter signup: findrc.co/newsletter

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 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.

What does it take to perform at the absolute limit, every time you show up to work?

How do you navigate your own chemisty, and both objective and perceived risk when lives are actually on the line?

Find out in this conversation with professional motorcycle road racer, firefighter, and business owner, Jayson Uribe. 

Jay and I work together in our moto lives -- he's one of the pro riders that I really enjoy working with in my capacity as a team principal for CW Moto Racing. In addition to being a very skilled, highly capable and accomplished rider in a sport where the rider is ultimately the one who goes out there and twists the throttle, Jayson's life and career have given him a unique perspective on teamwork that makes him truly fun to work with. He's also a talented development rider: his ability to give us technical information about his experience on track not only makes it possible for us to improve the bike for him; it also helps us improve our equipment for all of our riders.

Jayson agreed to join me for a peek inside his brain, to hear more about his experiences with balancing technical precision and emotional awareness in high-stakes environments. From his morning pre-race routines to his approach to failure and risk management, what he's learned about performing under pressure applies far beyond the racetrack or firehouse. Whether you're facing challenging decisions in your own work, managing teams through high-pressure situations, or simply curious about the psychology of peak performance, you'll find valuable insights in this conversation about what it really takes to execute at the highest level when it matters most.

• The learnable balance between technical expertise and emotional regulation
• Achieving and maintaining flow states in high-pressure situations
• How morning routines and preparation impact performance
• Managing failure and using setbacks as motivation
• Risk mitigation and decision-making under pressure
• Transferable skills between racing and firefighting
• The myth of natural talent vs. practiced fundamentals

• Flow state in high-performance environments
• Technical precision under emotional stress
• Risk assessment and management
• Progressive goal-setting
• Recovery and regulation techniques
• Performance preparation routines

[00:00] Introduction to Thinkydoers Podcast

[00:56] Current Events and Connecting with Listeners

[04:05] Deep Dive: Jayson Uribe's Multifaceted Career

[06:51] Balancing Emotions and Technical Precision

[11:32] Goal-Setting and Performance Mindset

[19:28] Lessons from Racing and Firefighting

Jayson Uribe is a professional motorcycle racer with both international and U.S. national career experience. He currently races in MotoAmerica, the U.S. national road racing series (and, with us -- CW Moto, during the off-season in the CVMA series in California). He is also a firefighter, and founder of Code Three Consultations, specializing in automotive forensics and investigations. 

• Code Three Consultations: code3consultations.com
• Connect with Jayson: Instagram @Jayson36uribe

• For a limited time: Schedule a 30-minute Connection Session with Sara (during Nov 2024): https://findrc.co/nov30min
• CW Moto Racing on Instagram: @cw_moto
• Sara's CW Moto email address: [email protected]
• Join Sara's Email Newsletter: https://findrc.co/newsletter
• Email Sara at [email protected]
• Other Free No-BS OKRs Resources: Access all free resources
• Thinkydoers (not-just-an OKR podcast) Home Page: https://saralobkovich.com/thinkydoers-pod

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 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.

What can business leaders learn from the high-stakes world of professional motorsports?

Find out, in this conversation between Thinkydoers host Sara Lobkovich (whose "other life" is in professional motorcycle road racing) and organizational change expert Jurriaan Kamer, co-author of "Formula X: How to Reach Extreme Acceleration in Your Organization" and his new release, "Unblock: Clear the Way for Results and Develop a Thriving Organization."

We cover a lot of ground here -- from how pro racing teams approaches to goal clarity, mistake recovery, and rhythmic learning can transform your leadership practice, to creating blame-free cultures, and mastering the art of strategic alignment.

In this lively and engaging conversation, you'll discover how racing's high-performance, high-stakes principles can accelerate your business performance—whether you're a motorsports fan or not.

• Three core principles business can learn from racing teams:
• Crystal-clear goals and their role in driving focus
• Balanced autonomy and alignment in high-performing teams
• Rhythmic learning: how racing teams turn every moment into an opportunity for improvement
• Creating blame-free cultures in high-stakes environments
• The power of "even over" statements in explicit prioritization
• Decision-making frameworks: understanding "hats, haircuts, and tattoos"
• How consent and choice drive organizational ownership

Jurriaan Kamer is an organizational change expert based in the Netherlands and author of "Formula X: How to Reach Extreme Acceleration in Your Organization" and "Unblock." Drawing from his unique access to professional car-racing teams and extensive experience with self-managing organizations, he helps leaders worldwide create high-performing, adaptable organizations.

• Formula X: How to Reach Extreme Acceleration in Your Organization (Book by Rini van Solingen and Jurriaan Kamer)
• Unblock: Clear the Way for Results and Develop a Thriving Organization (Book by Jurriaan Kamer)
• Website: jurriaankamer.com
• Unblock book website: unblockbook.net

• Join this Fall's Goal Fridays free live series: https://findrc.co/goalfridays
• Join Sara's Email Newsletter: https://findrc.co/newsletter
• Email Sara at [email protected]
• Other Free No-BS OKRs Resources: Access all free resources
• Thinkydoers (not-just-an OKR podcast) Home Page: https://saralobkovich.com/thinkydoers-pod
• Follow CW Moto Racing on Instagram: https://instagram.com/cw_moto

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 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.