The Thinkydoers OKRs Podcast: Strategy & Leadership for Change-Makers
Listen to this strategy & OKRs podcast for practical insights on implementing Objectives & Key Results, featuring conversations with OKR experts, leaders, and practitioners (and more).
… and, Thinkydoers isn’t just an OKRs podcast anymore!
Of course, OKRs are a piece of the puzzle.
But on Thinkydoers, you’ll find tools, resources, and support for status quo challengers, as well as inspirational stories and practice tips from fascinating people whose work spans thinking (strategy) and doing (execution).
Change can be very lonely work, and it doesn’t have to be. Join other changemakers, status-quo challengers, unconventional leaders, and career rebels here to find useful, energizing ways to reduce your cognitive overhead and increase your impact.
Featured OKRs Podcast Episodes
Watch the Latest Thinkydoers Video Podcast Episode
Strategy, Leadership and OKRs Podcast for Career Rebels
Thinkydoers, originally titled From Think to Do, started out as an OKR podcast, including host Sara Lobkovich starting to write her book (due out in Q3 2023) in public through podcast episodes.
In 2024, we changed formats to include solo episodes focused not only on Sara’s work in OKRs, but also on topics including career fulfillment, workplace well-being, and cognitive and brain health for strategic thinkers, introverts, neurodivergent people (especially with ADHD and Autism) and other people who are “wired differently.”
Why You Shouldn't Start with an OKR Tool (Yet)
Ready to implement OKRs? Before you start shopping for an OKR tool or OKR tracking platform, listen to this essential episode. Strategy coach Sara Lobkovich explains why beginning with software often leads to failed implementations, and shares her proven methodology-first approach. Learn how to track OKRs effectively without specialized tools, recognize when your organization is actually ready for software adoption, and set yourself up for long-term OKR success. Perfect for leaders and teams starting or rebooting their OKR journey.
Sneak Peek of My Upcoming Book: You Are A Strategist (not just an OKRs book)
Join Sara Lobkovich for an intimate sneak peek at her upcoming book "You Are A Strategist." In this special episode, Sara reads the introduction live, challenging conventional wisdom about what makes someone "strategic" and revealing how anyone can unlock their inner strategist. Perfect for those who've ever felt misunderstood in traditional business cultures or been told they "overcomplicate things” or “need to be more strategic,” (and the people who lead them).
Executing Under Pressure: High Stakes, High Performance, With Pro Racer and Firefighter, Jayson Uribe
What connects professional motorcycle racing, firefighting, and other very high stakes work for a multi-passionate thinkydoer? The ability to execute perfectly under pressure. Join pro racer and firefighter Jayson Uribe as he shares insights into achieving flow states, balancing technical precision with emotional awareness, and performing at your peak when stakes are highest. Learn practical strategies for managing high-pressure situations that apply far beyond the racetrack.
Speed, Strategy, and Staying Unblocked: Leadership Lessons from Pro Motorsports & Beyond
What happens when motorsports wisdom meets organizational leadership? In this fascinating conversation with Jurriaan Kamer, we explore how professional racing teams' approaches to clear goals, mistake recovery, and continuous learning can revolutionize business performance. Discover practical frameworks for decision-making, prioritization, and building psychological safety that work as well in the boardroom as they do in the motorsports paddock.
Getting Unstuck: Don’t Go It Alone With Dr. Sherlonda Adkins
When you're feeling stuck, taking the first step toward getting help can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Dr. Sherlonda Adkins shares practical guidance for finding the right therapeutic support, including how to interview potential therapists, what to do if the fit isn't right, and why it's never too late to start. Learn why the journey to getting unstuck shouldn't be a solo endeavor, and how to build the support system you need.
Feeling Stuck: Signs and Symptoms Not to Ignore With Dr. Sherlonda Adkins
Ever felt "off" but couldn't quite name it? 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.
How to Crush Analysis Paralysis and Achieve Goals for Q4 2024
Discover how to overcome overthinking and analysis paralysis with expert insights from strategy coach Sara Lobkovich. Learn practical techniques to tap into your intuitive thinking, manage self-doubt, and set clear, inspired goals for Q4 2024 and beyond. Break free from mental blocks and achieve meaningful progress in your personal and professional life.
Want OKR Success? Don't Start Your Implementation By Choosing an OKR Platform
Discover why starting your OKR implementation with software could be a recipe for failure. Learn the power of a methodology-first approach and how to set your organization up for OKR success. This post challenges common misconceptions and provides practical insights for effective OKR adoption.
SMART Goals vs KPIs vs OKRs: Which Ones Drive REAL Results?
as she decodes the alphabet soup of performance management. From KPIs to SMART goals, and OKRs to balanced scorecards, Sara breaks down complex concepts into actionable insights. Whether you're a Fortune 500 executive or a solo entrepreneur, you'll find practical tips to set inspired goals, achieve meaningful impact, and navigate the messy middle of strategy execution. Dive in for no-BS advice on aligning your actions with your aspirations, and learn how to turn your big ideas into tangible results. Get ready to think deeply, do smartly, and achieve greatly with Sara's unique blend of business acumen and real-world experience.
Mindfulness for Overthinkers and Perfectionists with Dr. Alice Rizzi
Discover accessible mindfulness practices for overthinkers and perfectionists with Dr. Alice Rizzi. Learn how brief daily exercises can reduce stress and anxiety, and explore grounding techniques to bring you back to the present moment. Dr. Rizzi shares practical tips for incorporating mindfulness into busy lives, emphasizing self-compassion and non-judgmental awareness. Perfect for those who've struggled with traditional meditation or feel too overwhelmed to start a mindfulness practice.
October Theory: Gen-Z Discovers Quarterly Planning (and the Olds can learn a thing or two)
Discover the viral "October Theory" trend and its surprising connection to professional goal-setting practices. In this Thinkydoers Short, Sara Lobkovich explores how Gen Z's fresh perspective on October planning aligns with quarterly business strategies and introduces the power of Key Results from OKRs. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career, learn how to set more effective, outcome-based goals that foster curiosity and adaptability. It's time to rethink your approach to end-of-year planning and goal achievement.
Play Is A Mindfulness Practice, with TJ Matton, Chief Play Officer
In this episode, TJ Matton, a trauma therapist and play advocate, explores the transformative power of play. Discover how integrating play into daily life can enhance mindfulness, manage hypervigilance, and foster personal growth. Learn practical tips to make play a part of your routine.
The Science of Play with TJ Matton
Are you an overthinker looking for a way to calm your mind? Have a busy brain, and struggle with the question in therapy of: "Where do you feel that in your body?" Join host Sara Lobkovich and guest TJ Matton, founder of the Playful Revolution, as they explore how play can be a powerful mindfulness practice. Discover how play, a primal drive essential for our neurological health, can help break the cycle of constant rumination. Learn about balancing novelty and repetition, and creating safe play environments. This episode promises to bring more joy, curiosity, and mindfulness into your life. Tune in to transform your approach to mindfulness through the science of play.
Product Engineer to CEO: Sten Pittet, A Thinkydoers Career Profile
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.
Self-Leadership for Individual Contributors, with Sally Ivester on Thinkydoers
Have you ever wondered how to take charge of your career without a formal leadership title? In our latest Thinkydoers episode, we dive deep into self-leadership strategies with Sally Ivester. Discover how to manage up, communicate your boundaries, and work loudly to ensure your contributions are recognized. Learn to create a personal operating model that sets you up for success and helps you navigate the corporate game with confidence. Whether you’re an early-career professional or looking to refine your approach, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you excel.
Cracking the OKR Code: A virtual consultation with an OKR Coach
Welcome to another episode of Thinkydoers! In this solo episode, Sara Lobkovich, a strategy coach and OKR professional, dives into the world of OKRs (Objectives and Key Results). Sara shares her insights on creating a virtual consultation experience for those interested in OKRs without the need to schedule a meeting. This episode is packed with practical advice and answers to common questions about OKR coaching and implementation.
High-Stakes Leadership: Navigating Conflict and Setting Boundaries
Answering a redditor question about navigating the working relationship with a difficult leader in a high-stakes environments. I share insights on managing conflict and setting boundaries with challenging leaders. Discover strategies for maintaining professionalism, fostering personal growth, and making informed decisions about your career path. Whether you’re struggling with a difficult leader or seeking to enhance your leadership skills, this post offers valuable guidance for navigating some of the challenges of work in industries where lives are literally on the line.
News Recap: “You Are A Strategist” Book Cover Reveal, Free OKR Coaching Live on LinkedIn
A quick news round-up about yesterday’s book cover reveal, another chance to get live, free OKR coaching this week, and, the last chance for early-bird registration for Coaching No-BS OKRs.
How to Suck Less As A Manager, with Author and Consultant Ben Arendt
Struggling with management — whether as a manager, or as a staffer? You’re not alone. In our latest Thinkydoers episode, Ben Arendt, Principal Consultant at Depth Charge Consulting, shares actionable strategies to help managers improve their communication, support their teams, and foster a positive work environment. Discover how intellectual humility, vulnerability, and awareness of diverse team dynamics can transform your leadership approach.
Would you like to be a guest on Thinkydoers?
Currently seeking podcast guests in the following categories for scheduled upcoming episodes:
Psychology and/or therapist experts in:
Hyperfocus
Flow
Extrinsic and intrinsic motivation
Cognitive processing
and other elements of (non-toxically) positive psychology.
You do not have to guest a whole episode — for some episodes, I just need brief interviews to fill gaps in the larger story.
Thinkydoers: A Podcast at the Intersection of Strategy, Career, Leadership, and OKRs
Thinkydoers creator and host,
Sara Lobkovich
Thinkydoers®, hosted by Strategy Rebel and OKR Coach Sara Lobkovich, is a community for unconventional leaders, status-quo challengers, and workplace “square pegs.” Thinkydoers are individuals who navigate the journey from insight to idea, through the messy middle, seeking courage and confidence to bring their visions to life.
Thinkydoers are a diverse group. We're disproportionately introverted and/or neurodivergent (but not exclusively) and regardless of personality or cognitive wiring, Thinkydoers are strategic thinkers often underserved and misunderstood in traditional business cultures.
Whether you’re a leader, an aspiring leader, or a behind-the-scenes “clutch player,” Thinkydoers aims to help you find more satisfaction, less frustration, and greater flow in your work.
Learn to unblock your inner strategist with No-BS OKRs. Then, explore topics way beyond goal-setting, including strategy, behavior change, cognitive health and wellbeing, and motivation. Our guest episodes feature a wide range of perspectives to support you in building the work/life you want most.
Increase your impact, reduce overwhelm, avoid burnout, and make the unique impacts only you can bring to the world. Here, you’ll discover how to build and maintain a fulfilling career and lead transformative efforts with significant outcomes, all while putting human outcomes first.
