Thinkydoers®

Feeling stuck but unsure how to get help? You're not alone - and this episode is for you. In part two of my powerful conversation with Dr. Sherlonda Adkins, we explore why the journey to getting unstuck shouldn't be a solo endeavor. Learn why it takes most people 10 years to seek professional help, how to find the right therapist (and what to do if your first try isn't a fit), and practical strategies for getting the support you need. Whether you're considering therapy for the first time or looking to rebuild trust after a difficult experience, this episode offers candid insights and actionable guidance for taking that crucial first step.

• Finding the right therapist and why it's like dating
• How to have an initial conversation with potential therapists
• The importance of establishing boundaries in therapeutic relationships
• Why it's never too late to seek help
• Building a healthy support system

• How do I know if I need professional help?
• What should I look for in a therapist?
• What if my first therapy experience isn't working?
• How do I communicate with my therapist about concerns?

• Dr. Sherlonda Adkins Website: drsherlondaadkins.com
• Dr. Sherlonda Adkins on LinkedIn

• 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

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 felt "off" but couldn't quite name it? Did it feel like you were "stuck?"

What if that feeling of being "stuck" is actually trying to tell you something important?

In this illuminating conversation with Dr. Sherlonda Adkins, a Physician Assistant and "Unstuck Strategist," we explore how feeling stuck can masquerade as depression, anxiety, or burnout - and why recognizing the difference matters. Whether you're questioning your career path or feeling stagnant in life, this episode offers vital insights into identifying and understanding stuckness before it impacts your wellbeing. 

Then join us for part two with Dr. Adkins where we'll explore practical strategies for getting unstuck and creating positive change in your life.

• The difference between clinical depression and feeling stuck
• Physical, emotional, and mental signs of stuckness
• How "sticky thinking" patterns keep us trapped
• Why career transitions and family dynamics are common stuck points
• The relationship between substance use and feeling stuck
• Why being stuck isn't always negative - it can signal important life changes

• What are the signs of being stuck vs. depression?
• How does stuckness show up physically in our bodies?
• When should you seek professional help for feeling stuck?
• How can you tell if you're experiencing sticky thinking?

Dr. Sherlonda Adkins is a physician assistant and unstuck strategist based in Charleston, South Carolina. Through her telemedicine practice and coaching work, she helps people around the world create lives they don't need to escape from.

• Dr. Sherlonda Adkins Website: drsherlondaadkins.com
• Dr. Sherlonda Adkins on LinkedIn

• 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

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.

Are you an overthinker who can't seem to quiet your mind? A perfectionist struggling to find peace in a chaotic world? This episode is your lifeline. Dr. Alice Rizzi, a licensed psychologist and mindfulness coach, breaks down the myths about mindfulness and offers practical, accessible techniques that even the busiest minds can embrace. Discover how just 30 seconds a day can transform your mental landscape and why traditional meditation isn't the only path to mindfulness. Whether you've tried mindfulness before and given up, or you're completely new to the concept, this episode promises to revolutionize your approach to mental well-being.

• Dr. Rizzi's refreshing definition of mindfulness that goes beyond sitting still
• The surprising difference between mindfulness and meditation
• Game-changing mindfulness techniques tailored for overthinkers and perfectionists
• How to start a mindfulness practice when you think you have no time
• Simple grounding exercises that can calm your nervous system in seconds
• The overlooked importance of self-compassion in mindfulness practice

• What is mindfulness, really, and how is it different from meditation?
• Can overthinkers and perfectionists actually benefit from mindfulness?
• What are some quick, no-nonsense ways to incorporate mindfulness into a hectic life?
• How can mindfulness help manage the overwhelming stress and anxiety of modern life?

00:00 Introduction to Thinkydoers Podcast 

01:27 Goal Fridays: A Series for Changemakers

02:45 Meet Dr. Alice Rizzi: Mindfulness Expert

04:35 Understanding Mindfulness and Meditation

06:44 Mindfulness for High Achievers and Overthinkers

09:48 Grounding Techniques for Overthinkers

16:28 The Power of Self-Compassion and Non-Judgment

21:52 Practical Tips for Mindfulness Practice

32:11 Conclusion and Resources

• Forget long meditation sessions; brief daily practices can be more effective for busy minds.
• Learn the "five, four, three, two, one" grounding technique to instantly reconnect with the present moment.
• Discover why self-compassion might be the missing piece in your mindfulness journey.
• Explore how a simple self-hug can regulate your nervous system faster than you think.

• Dr. Alice Rizzi's Instagram: @DrAliceRizzi
• Website: togethermindful.com (free mindfulness toolkit available
• Therapy services (NY and FL): dralicerizzi.com

• Join this Fall's Goal Fridays free live series: https://findrc.co/goalfridays
• The No-BS OKRs Workbook, currently available as a PDF download from https://findrc.co/pdfworkbook (USD) or https://findrc.co/pdfwkbkAUD (AUD)
• Join the Launch Squad for Sara's Upcoming Books: You Are A Strategist and the No-BS OKRs Workbook
• Join Sara's Email Newsletter
• Email Sara at [email protected]
• Thinkydoers (not-just-an OKR podcast) Home Page

Whether you're a seasoned mindfulness practitioner or a skeptical beginner, this episode offers fresh insights and practical tools to help you navigate life's challenges with greater ease and presence.

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.

Is October the new January? Gen Z thinks so, and they might be onto something. In this Thinkydoers Short, I dive into the viral TikTok trend of "October Theory" and explore how it intersects with established business practices like quarterly planning and OKRs (Objectives and Key Results). Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career journey, this episode offers fresh insights on goal-setting and achievement.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to "October Theory" and its viral spread on TikTok
• How October Theory aligns with business quarterly planning practices
• What us Olds can learn from the youth on the importance of end-of-Q3 retrospectives and learning reviews
• Introduction to Key Results for Gen Z goal-setters
• The benefits of outcome-based goals over activity-based goals

Key Questions:

• What is October Theory?
• How does October Theory relate to business planning cycles?
• What are Key Results in the context of OKRs?
• Why are outcome-based goals more effective than activity-based goals?

Notable Quotes:

"Let's listen to the next generation on this one and prioritize the end of Q3 reset."

"Key results are a different kind of goal... We're going to think about what would be really incredible to achieve in terms of impacts or quantifiable outcomes of our effort."

"Instead of the risk of the all or nothing bad feelings that we get when we set just activity based goals, when we create key results, that's what we're pursuing... We get instantly curious, even if you're not having any progress."

Episode Chapters: 

00:00 Introduction to Thinkydoer Shorts 

01:15 Discovering October Theory

02:07 Understanding October Theory and Its Impact

03:43 The Power of Key Results for Gen Z

04:06 Implementing OKRs in Business

06:21 Creating Effective Key Results

09:02 The Benefits of Key Results Over Activity Goals

12:57 Conclusion and Join the Pre-Launch List for You Are A Strategist

Links and Resources:

• Pre-launch list for "You Are a Strategist": youareastrategist.com
• Sara's website: saralobkovich.com
• Shortcut to Sara's website: findrc.co

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.

Want to incorporate more play into your world? You’re in the right place! Play isn’t just for kids. It’s a biological necessity that can transform your mental well-being and even help manage mental health symptoms like hypervigilance and anxiety.

And we’re lucky to have play expert TJ Matton back for this second episode in our two-part series on play. If you haven’t already, listen to last week’s episode for fundamentals about the science of play; and here we get practically applied. How can you increase play in your life? Listen (or read on) for answers.

Episode Highlights:

• Foundations of Play: Play is essential for learning and development, helping us build new neural pathways.
• Play as a Mindfulness Practice: Integrating play into daily life to enhance mindfulness and personal growth.
• Managing Hypervigilance: Practical exercises to use play as a tool for managing hypervigilance.
• Mindfulness and Emotional Reactivity: Shifting from emotional reactivity to curiosity through play.
• Types of Play: Exploring different play patterns and how to integrate them into everyday activities.

Common Questions:

• How can play help with mindfulness?
• What are some practical ways to integrate play into daily life?
• How can play be used to manage hypervigilance?

Notable Quotes:

• “Play is how we learn new ways of thinking, being, and operating. It’s necessary for growth and evolution.”
• “Focusing on our enjoyment is never wasted; it’s an embodiment practice.”
• “Hypervigilance can be a play buddy. Opt into it in safe environments to transform it from a suffering experience to an impulse for growth.”

Guest Information:

TJ Matton: Founder and Chief Play Officer of the Playful Revolution. You can find more information about TJ and her work at theplayfulrevolution.com and on Instagram at @theplayfulrevolution.

Next Episode Teaser: Join us next week for a conversation with another incredible expert about stuckness and mental health. Don’t miss it!

Special Offer: Are you feeling overwhelmed by conflicting priorities? Struggling to achieve the results you need in your organization or career? It’s time to unblock your inner strategist. Join my community membership program, designed for aspiring and practicing strategic operators who think differently. Right now, membership is $100 off for the full year, just in time to help with your Q3, Q4 transition and ramp up for 2025. Visit findrc.co/ubyis to learn more.

Stay Connected: Thank you for joining and listening. I can’t wait to hear what resonated with you in this episode. Subscribe to our newsletter at findrc.co/newsletter to stay updated. You can find me, Sara Lobkovich, pretty much everywhere online. Feel free to contact me at [email protected]. If you have other Thinkydoers in your work world, please pass this episode along. We appreciate your referrals, mentions, shares, and reviews.

Find full show notes and transcript at http://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.

Are you ready to rethink everything you think you know about play? Want to learn more about the science of play as a powerful tool for personal growth and well-being?

This week’s guest, TJ Matton, founder and chief play officer of the Playful Revolution, joins me to dive deep into the science and practice of play (especially for those of us for whom "play" may not feel like it comes naturally.

TJ shares her insights as a trauma therapist and play advocate, exploring some foundational science (and neuroscience) about play, including play as a "primal drive" and essential part of learning. This episode is part one in a two part series: today, we lay the foundation of why play is important. In next week's episode, we'll continue our conversation with practical guidance for how to incorporate play into your mindfulness practices (even if you want to run the other direction when I say "play" or "mindfulness").

For complete show notes and transcript, visit http://saralobkovich.com/thinkydoers-pod.

Episode Highlights

• Introduction to TJ Matton: TJ’s background as a trauma therapist and her journey into the world of play.
• The Primal Drive of Play: Understanding play as a biological necessity, akin to hunger or thirst.
• Neurology of Play: How play helps develop new neural pathways and its importance across the lifespan.
• Types and Modes of Play: Exploring different play styles, including solo play, parallel play, and collaborative play.
• Balancing Novelty and Repetition: The delicate balance needed to keep play engaging and beneficial.
• Play and Neurodivergence: How play can be particularly beneficial for neurodivergent individuals.
• Play as a Social Activity: The importance of finding compatible play partners and creating safe play environments.
• Conflict as Play: Viewing conflict as a form of play and its role in building better relationships and systems.

Episode Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Thinkydoers Podcast

00:40 Quick Promo and Upcoming Events

02:10 Exciting Episode with TJ: Play and Mindfulness

03:48 TJ's Background and Passion for Play

06:04 The Importance of Play in Our Lives

09:47 Balancing Novelty and Repetition in Play

17:44 Exploring Different Play Styles

21:19 Play as a Social and Solo Activity

29:06 Play and Vulnerability

34:37 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

Common Questions

• What is the primal drive of play?: Play is a biological necessity that helps us learn and develop new neural pathways.
• How does play benefit neurodivergent individuals?: Play can help neurodivergent individuals engage in a way that feels authentic and liberating.
• What are the different types of play?: Play can be solo, parallel, or collaborative, and can involve different styles such as intellectual, kinesthetic, or storytelling play.
• How can play be balanced between novelty and repetition?: Play needs to be novel enough to stay engaging but repetitive enough to allow learning and mastery.

Notable Quotes from TJ Matton

• “Play is a primal drive in the body, regulated the same way as sleep, hunger, and thirst.”
• “Play is how we learn everything neurologically, and that never changes.”
• “Conflict is a form of play and is essential for building better relationships and systems.”
• “Play always starts with choice and is an embodied experience of engagement and enjoyment.”

TJ’s Links and Resources

• Playful Revolution Website
• TJ Matton on LinkedIn

Sara's Links and Resources

• Unblock Your Inner Strategist Community: http://findrc.co/ubyis
• RSVP for the YouTube or LinkedIn Guided Reset Session: YouTube | LinkedIn
• The No-BS OKRs Workbook, currently available as a PDF download from https://findrc.co/pdfworkbook (USD) or https://findrc.co/pdfwkbkAUD (AUD)
• Join the Launch Squad for Sara's Upcoming Books: You Are A Strategist and the No-BS OKRs Workbook
• Join Sara's Email Newsletter
• Email Sara at [email protected]
• Download: No-BS OKRs In A Box one sheet
• Virtual OKR Consult: Start your personalized virtual OKR consult
• Other Free No-BS OKRs Resources: Access all free resources
• Thinkydoers (not-just-an OKR podcast) Home Page

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.

Have you ever thought about a career in product -- whether product management, product development, or product engineering?

You'll enjoy this conversation with Sten Pittet, CEO of Tability. In our last episode, Sten interviewed Thinkydoers host Sara about her journey into OKRs; today, we flipped the script for Sara to interview Sten about his fascinating journey starting in software development after uni, into product engineering in a mid-size company (that became a large company during his tenure), and then the transition into the CEO and founder seat with his latest venture, Tability.

For complete show notes and transcript, visit http://saralobkovich.com/thinkydoers-pod.

Episode Highlights:

• Sten’s journey from software development in France to becoming a CEO in Australia.
• Role of OKRs in shaping Sten’s approach to product management and leadership.
• Some of the differences between the role of product leadership in large and smalller or start-up companies.
• Importance of stakeholder management and involving others in decision-making.
• Creation and mission of Tability, inspired by practical experience with OKRs.
• Emphasis on creativity in software development and product engineering.
• Learning to involve stakeholders and build collective alignment and collaboration.
• Sten’s advice on focusing on people and conversations over perfection.

Common Questions:

• What is the difference between working in product at a smaller company and being in product at a larger company?  In smaller companies, you have more direct user interaction and creativity, while larger companies require more stakeholder management and strategic alignment.
• What are OKRs and how did they influence Sten’s work? OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) are a goal-setting framework that helped Sten and his teams stay focused and aligned.
• What led Sten to start Tability? His practical experience with OKRs and the desire to create a product that helps teams achieve their goals more effectively.

Notable Quotes from Sten Pittet:

• “When a company is bigger, for you to change direction, it’s like it’s a big ship. And so if we decide to turn left, you’re moving a lot of people out of what they’re doing.”
• “If you try to convince a group of people, the first thing you need to do is not tell them why you think you’re right, but ask them what they think is going to go wrong.”
• “I think what’s good about the world is that you have like really different types of people.”
• “Don’t try to be perfect. One mistake that I see people doing—trying to have a perfect cascading, perfect set of forecasts, perfect everything.”
• “For me, OKRs and our platform, the way we see ourselves is we want to enable the right conversations.”

Sten’s Links and Resources:

• Tability Website
• Sten Pettit on LinkedIn

Sara's Links and Resources:

• The No-BS OKRs Workbook, currently available as a PDF download from https://findrc.co/pdfworkbook (USD) or https://findrc.co/pdfwkbkAUD (AUD)
• Join the Launch Squad for Sara's Upcoming Books: You Are A Strategist and the No-BS OKRs Workbook
• Join Sara's Email Newsletter
• Email Sara at [email protected]
• Download: No-BS OKRs In A Box one sheet
• Virtual OKR Consult: Start your personalized virtual OKR consult
• Other Free No-BS OKRs Resources: Access all free resources
• Thinkydoers (not-just-an OKR podcast) Home Page

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.

This is a bit unconventional ... but today, the host of Thinkydoers is the guest!

Please welcome Sten Pittet, Co-Founder and CEO of Tability, a collaboration platform for outcome-driven teams, as this week’s Guest Host of Thinkydoers … with OKR Coach and creator of No-BS OKRs (and Thinkydoer’s host) Sara Lobkovich in the hot seat!

If you're a regular listener you might be thinking:

"WTF? A platform guest?!"

But hear me out. Sten is with a platform... and he's also a Thinkydoer. We've been in touch here and there for almost a year now, and when he asked during our last chat if he could interview me for a podcast episode ... I just couldn't pass up the chance to answer questions from another pro in my network.

Today's episode is part one of a two-part series. Here, Sten asks me the questions he's been waiting to ask me while a recording is rolling ever since our first chat. 

We touch on my own journey with OKRs, including how they've shaped my career and practice, some of the challenges organizations encounter when trying to implement them, and my unique No-BS OKRs approach, which focuses in efficiency and simplicity.

Sten also makes a great plug (unsolicited!) for my No-BS OKRs Workbook, which is currently available as a PDF download from https://findrc.co/pdfworkbook (USD) or https://findrc.co/pdfwkbkAUD (AUD) and will be available in print later this fall, along with my first full-length release: You Are A Strategist: Using No-BS Objectives and Key Results To Get Big Things Done. 

Come back next week for part two of the series, when I get to turn the tables and ask Sten about his Thinkydoer career, which took him from development into product management, and now into the CEO and founder role; and, about why and how Tability came to be. 

Episode Highlights

• Sara’s Journey with OKRs: From an individual contributor struggling with unclear expectations to an executive leader and consultant, Sara shares how setting measurable goals transformed her work satisfaction and effectiveness.
• Challenges with OKRs: Discussion of why OKRs can be challenging to implement, particularly when leaders do not model the practice.
• No-BS OKRs Approach: Sara explains her “No-BS OKRs” approach, focusing on simplicity and practicality, and the development of her No-BS OKRs Workbook.
• Upcoming Book: “You Are A Strategist” Sara talks about her upcoming book, which aims to help individuals discover their inner strategist and use OKRs as a tool for career success.

Common Questions

• What are OKRs? OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) are a goal-setting framework that helps organizations align their efforts and measure progress.
• Why are OKRs challenging to implement? OKRs can be challenging because there is no single "standard" or set of "rules" for implementing them; and also, when leaders do not model the practice or invest time in learning the framework.
• What is the No-BS OKRs approach? A pragmatic approach to OKRs that focuses on simplicity, efficiency, and usefulness to facilitate learning and improvement toward higher performance.
• How can OKRs benefit my career? OKRs help fill information gaps so you can spend less time mind-reading and more time focused on what's most important. They also help teams align work to important goals, and provide a shared definition of success for teams to aim for.

Notable Quotes:

• “My whole life as an individual contributor was trying to learn how to read minds because I just, I don’t know if some people can figure out what’s expected or if some people are less sensitive to that. And so they just kind of work to their inner compass, but I really struggled to understand what was expected.” - Sara Lobkovich, Creator, No-BS OKRs
• “I fundamentally believe that every person listening to this podcast is a potential future CEO. That’s just how I approach everyone I work with.” - Sara Lobkovich, Creator, No-BS OKRs
• “OKRs sometimes get brought in by the people just like Agile, you know, just like Scrum. And so sometimes the methodology comes in within the organization, but a lot of times OKRs come in through the C-suite or come in through the executives with a model of ‘I want more performance from our team.’” - Sara Lobkovich, Creator, No-BS OKRs
• “When we have leaders that model those behaviors, that’s when implementations tend to be really successful, because then that’s when people in the organization see this is beneficial for me because it fills in my information gaps. It makes it easier for me to align my work to what’s important. I can be more successful.” - Sara Lobkovich, Creator, No-BS OKRs
• “I wanted [The No-BS OKRs Workbook] to be a simple, useful way for anyone, even if they’ve never heard of an OKR before, to sit down and have support and scaffolding to walk through the steps of OKR creation for the first time.” - Sara Lobkovich, Creator, No-BS OKRs
• “I know I am my best when I am telling the absolute truth, when I get to just call it like I see it and be honest and unfiltered and -- kind, always -- but direct and honest.” - Sara Lobkovich, Creator, No-BS OKRs

Sten’s Links and Resources:

• Tability Website
• Sten Pettit on LinkedIn

Sara's Links and Resources:

• The No-BS OKRs Workbook, currently available as a PDF download from https://findrc.co/pdfworkbook (USD) or https://findrc.co/pdfwkbkAUD (AUD)
• Join the Launch Squad for Sara's Upcoming Books: You Are A Strategist and the No-BS OKRs Workbook
• Join Sara's Email Newsletter
• Email Sara at [email protected]
• Download: No-BS OKRs In A Box one sheet
• Virtual OKR Consult: Start your personalized virtual OKR consult
• Other Free No-BS OKRs Resources: Access all free resources Thinkydoers (not-just-an OKR podcast) Home Page

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.

Are you an early- or mid-career individual contributor, curious about how to showcase your contributions and gain the recognition your work deserves? This week's guest, Sally Ivester, brings us a fresh perspective on architecting your own career successfulness -- without trying to be someone you're not. 

Sally is a chief of staff in big tech who had a career-transforming experience when she downshifted her approach to career before the birth of her daughter. She joins us this week to share her perspectives on making the shift to playing your career on "easy mode" for those of us more used to playing our careers on "hard mode." 

We talk about the subject I personally love to hate: managing up. We also discuss the importance of proactively setting and communicating boundaries, and Sally's approaches to navigating feedback and what she calls "working loudly," (including a very introvert-friendly way to do so in writing). This short episode packs a punch of career development, for listeners who are looking to upskill at playing the corporate game (without masking or playing politics in ways that don't suit you). 

Sally was also very generous in sharing resources with us -- check out the links below!

Do you have a question or topic you'd like to see me tackle either as a solo episode or with a guest? I'm all ears. Visit the Thinkydoers home page and contact me there, or, point your guest suggestions my way!

• Introduction to Sally Ivester: Sally’s background and her focus on supporting early-career professionals.
• Managing Up: Redefining the concept of managing up without masking or changing who you are.
• Communicating Boundaries: The importance of setting and communicating personal boundaries at work.
• Working Loudly: How to effectively showcase your work and contributions.
• Feedback and Growth: Embracing feedback and the concept of “B+ is the new A+.”
• Personal Operating Model: How to create and share your personal operating model to set clear expectations.

• What is managing up?: Managing up involves thinking ahead and aligning with your manager’s expectations without compromising your authenticity.
• How can I communicate my boundaries at work?: Proactively share your personal operating model, including your preferred communication methods and working hours.
• What does working loudly mean?: Working loudly means actively communicating your contributions and achievements to ensure they are recognized.
• How should I handle feedback?: Embrace feedback as an opportunity for growth and aim for continuous improvement rather than perfection.

• “Managing up isn’t about being pleasing; it’s about thinking ahead and aligning with your leader.”
• “B+ is the new A+. Embrace feedback and aim for continuous improvement.”
• “Working loudly means ensuring your contributions are recognized and valued.”

• A free copy of Sally's usually paid-only product, her Project Tracker 
• The Career Starter Pack Checklist
• The Ambitious Employee's Playbook to Corporate Success, Sally's Maven Course
• Sally Ivester's Website for Your First Corporate Job
• YourFirstCorporateJob on TikTok
• Sally Ivester on LinkedIn

• Strategic Achievement Score Quiz: findrc.co/stratscore
• Email Sara at [email protected]
• Join the Launch Squad for Sara's Upcoming Books: You Are A Strategist and the No-BS OKRs Workbook
• Download: No-BS OKRs In A Box one sheet
• Virtual Consult: Start your personalized virtual consult
• Other Free Resources: Access all free resources
  • OKR Self-Assessment: Get your No-BS OKR Self-Assessment Strengths (and Growth Opportunities)
  • WTF are OKRs guide
  
  
• Thinkydoers (not-just-an OKR podcast) Home Page

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.

I know the first meeting with an Objectives and Key Results coach can be intimidating. Last week, I started building a virtual consult experience through my website and other technologies, because I know a lot of people want to learn more about working with an Objectives and Key Results coach or working with new ways of strategic planning and not everybody wants to schedule a meeting right away.

Ultimately, this expereince will allow you to do a self-guided virtual consultation. I recorded a video to support that and then thought, well, this is actually great information for a podcast episode, too. Here, you’ll find answers to the three questions I’m asked in almost every consult I do with a prospect, and get a huge head start on your confidence when seeking support from an OKR coach or other OKR professional.

So, give it a listen!

I can't wait to hear your questions, and if you'd like a personalized virtual consult, visit findrc.co/virtcon, and that'll take you to my coaching portal where you can complete an intake form that kicks off your personalized virtual consult.

As you're listening, jot down your thoughts about what questions you think I should answer in a virtual consult, and then send them my way. I'd love to address them either in my Frequently Asked Questions or in future versions of this virtual consult.

I hope you enjoy the episode, and again, I can't wait to hear your questions. This episode is packed with practical advice and answers to common questions about OKR coaching and implementation.

• What are OKRs?: Understanding the basics of Objectives and Key Results.

• Virtual Consultation Simulation: Sara simulates a consultation, explaining her methods and answering common questions.

  • Top-Level OKRs: Starting with senior leaders to establish best practices.

  • Senior Leadership Onboarding: Ensuring leaders can model OKR behaviors.

  • Organization-Wide Communication: Sharing OKRs with the entire organization.

  • Localization/Scale Phase: Adapting OKRs to different organizational levels.

  
  

• Common Questions:

  • Implementation: How to start or reboot OKRs.

  • Localization: How to cascade OKRs through the organization.

  • Integration with Personal Goals: Aligning OKRs with individual performance management and incentive systems.

  
  

• “OKRs are a goal-setting framework used to increase focus, clarity, and alignment within organizations.”

• “We start with those top-level OKRs with the senior-most leader so that we can establish what the best practice is going to look like for the rest of the organization.”

• “The localization approach that I use with clients is a little bit different. We establish those awesome best practice top-line goals at the top of the organization, and then we do a first level localization to the functional orgs that report into the top-level.”

• Download: No-BS OKRs In A Box one sheet

• Virtual Consult: Start your personalized virtual consult

• Free Resources: Access all free resources

  • Get your No-BS OKR Self-Assessment Strengths (and Growth Opportunities)

  • Strategic achievement scorecard quiz (in beta)

  • WTF are OKRs guide

  
  

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.