Talks that change how your audience thinks about getting big things done
Keynotes and sessions on OKRs, strategy execution, and why traditional goal-setting fails most organizations — with practical frameworks your audience can use immediately.
Featured and recognized
Signature Topics
Proven keynotes and sessions that deliver insight and practical value.
No-BS OKRs
"Why most OKR implementations fail — and what actually works"
Unpacks why traditional OKR approaches break down and introduces the behavior-change methodology that transforms how organizations set and achieve goals.
You Are a Strategist
"Unlocking strategic thinking at every level of your organization"
Challenges the myth that strategy is someone else's job and gives every attendee permission and practical tools for strategic thinking in their role.
Inclusive Goal-Setting
"How OKRs can drive inclusion — or undermine it"
Goal-setting systems aren't neutral. This talk explores how intentional design creates space for diverse thinking styles and why that matters for results.
Custom Topics
"Tailored content for your specific audience"
Recent examples include: OKRs for matrix organizations, strategy execution in high-change environments, and goal-setting for distributed teams.
Speaking Formats
From high-energy keynotes to intensive working sessions.
Keynote
45-60 minutesHigh-energy presentation for opening or closing conferences and leadership summits.
- Custom framing for your event theme
- Audience-specific examples and stories
- Q&A session if desired
Breakout Session
60-90 minutesDeeper dive with interaction. Frameworks are introduced and applied during the session.
- Interactive exercises
- Small group discussion
- Actionable takeaways participants keep
Workshop
Half-day or full-dayIntensive working session where participants create real outputs they'll use after the event.
- Pre-session discovery
- Customized exercises for your context
- Participant materials and resources
Panel or Fireside Chat
VariableConversational format, paired with other speakers or an interviewer.
- Pre-event briefing on themes
- Suggested questions and discussion points
- Flexible, adaptive conversation
What event organizers say
From corporate events to conferences, here's what attendees and organizers experienced.
"Sara's keynote set the tone for our entire leadership summit. She challenged assumptions we didn't even know we had and gave us a framework we're still using months later."
"Sara is very knowledgeable about OKR methodology and its implementation in complex, multi-layered organizations. Her experience with diverse clients allows her to answer questions in an insightful way."
"Sara brought exactly the right energy and expertise to our executive offsite. She read the room perfectly and adapted in real-time. Our leadership team is still referencing her frameworks."
"Sara was awesome, super engaging and has a refreshing perspective on OKRs that makes this work more relatable, engaging and interesting."
"One of my favorite workshops of the year? Strategy during chaos by Sara Lobkovich. The workshop itself was stellar and she speaks using a relatable language!"
"Today's experiment in live, unscripted OKR coaching was SO much fun."
About the Speaker
Sara Lobkovich is an OKR Master Coach, strategy execution consultant, and author of You Are a Strategist: Use No-BS OKRs to Get Big Things Done (Amazon bestseller, Booklife Editor's Choice).
With 16+ years of executive leadership experience and 500+ hours of group facilitation, Sara has trained 2,000+ practitioners across 300+ organizations — from Fortune 500 companies to high-growth startups to mission-driven nonprofits.
Her approach challenges the "compliance theater" that most goal-setting systems become, focusing instead on behavior change and practical methodology that works in real organizational contexts.
Sara is a National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach with Advanced Training in Conflict Management from Kilmann Diagnostics. She brings a justice-sensitive, neurodiversity-informed perspective to strategy and leadership — believing that the best goal systems create space for diverse thinking styles rather than punishing them.
Based in Seattle, Sara speaks at conferences, corporate events, and leadership summits on OKRs, strategy execution, and inclusive goal-setting.
Short Bio (for programs)
Sara Lobkovich is an OKR Master Coach and author of "You Are a Strategist." She's trained 2,000+ practitioners across 300+ organizations on strategy execution that actually changes behavior. Her keynotes and sessions challenge why traditional goal-setting fails and offer practical alternatives that work.
Credentials & Experience
- OKR Master Coach
- Author: "You Are a Strategist"
- 2,000+ coaches trained across 300+ organizations
- 500+ hours of group facilitation
- 96% positive post-engagement feedback
- National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach
- Advanced Training in Conflict Management (Kilmann Diagnostics)
Past Speaking
Selected events and topics delivered.
Events
- OKR Summit — Keynote on No-BS OKRs methodology
- Section School — Guest instructor
- Corporate leadership summits (confidential)
- HR and L&D conferences
- Strategy and operations events
Topics Delivered
- "Unblocking Your Team's Inner Strategists"
- "Why Most OKR Implementations Fail (And What to Do Instead)"
- "Strategy Execution for High-Change Environments"
- "Inclusive Goal-Setting: OKRs That Work for Everyone"
Investment
Factors that influence investment:
- Event type (conference, corporate, nonprofit)
- Format and duration
- Level of customization required
- Travel logistics and requirements
Nonprofit or limited budget? Adjusted pricing may be available for mission-aligned organizations. Please inquire.
What's Included
- Pre-event discovery call to understand your audience and goals
- Presentation materials tailored to your event theme
- Speaker bio and professional headshot for promotion
- Post-event follow-up resources for attendees (optional)
Booking Process
Simple and straightforward — here's how we work together.
Inquire
Share your event details — date, audience, format, and what you're hoping to achieve.
Discovery Call
We'll discuss your goals, your audience, and how a talk can make the biggest impact.
Proposal & Agreement
You'll receive a proposal with topic, format, investment, and logistics.
Deliver
I'll show up prepared to deliver a talk your audience will remember and reference.
Need materials for your planning committee?
Download the speaker kit with everything you need to share with stakeholders.
- Professional bio (long and short versions)
- High-resolution headshot
- Topic descriptions and talk summaries
- Testimonials from past events
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should we book? +
For conferences and large events, 3-6 months advance notice is ideal to ensure availability and allow time for proper customization. For corporate events with some flexibility, 4-8 weeks may be sufficient. Last-minute inquiries are welcome — sometimes schedules align.
Do you speak virtually? +
Yes. Virtual keynotes and sessions work well for distributed audiences, global events, or when travel logistics are challenging. Virtual events include the same level of preparation and customization as in-person. Investment is typically 20-30% lower due to eliminated travel costs.
Can you customize the talk for our industry? +
Absolutely. Every engagement includes a discovery call to understand your audience, industry context, and specific challenges. Examples and case studies are tailored to resonate with your attendees, whether they're in tech, healthcare, nonprofit, professional services, or other sectors.
What's your travel policy? +
Travel costs (flights, lodging, ground transportation) are billed at cost in addition to the speaking fee. For events within the Pacific Northwest, travel may be included. International travel is welcome with appropriate advance planning.
Do you offer workshops in addition to keynotes? +
Yes. Workshops are a great option when your audience needs to leave with tangible outputs, not just inspiration. Half-day and full-day formats are available, often paired with a keynote for events that want both inspiration and application.
What about internal corporate events? +
Corporate events — leadership summits, all-hands meetings, strategy kickoffs — are a significant part of the speaking practice. These events receive the same level of preparation as public conferences, with additional attention to your organizational context and goals.
Can we record the session? +
Recording permissions are negotiated as part of the agreement. Options include: no recording, internal-only recording with time limit, or full recording rights with appropriate licensing. Most clients opt for internal recording rights for attendees who couldn't attend live.
Beyond the keynote
Many organizations that book speaking also explore ongoing support.
The perfect companion to speaking engagements
You Are a Strategist: Use No-BS OKRs to Get Big Things Done extends the keynote experience and gives attendees a resource they'll reference long after the event.
Bulk orders are available for conferences and corporate events. Attendees appreciate leaving with a tangible resource that reinforces what they learned.
Ready to book a talk that actually changes how your audience works?
Let's discuss your event, your audience, and how a keynote or session can make an impact.
Not ready for a call? Request Speaker Kit — tell me what's going on and I'll send you my honest take.