The Podcast

Thinkydoers

A strategy, leadership and OKRs podcast for career rebels and status quo challengers

There is nothing "wrong" with you

by Sara Lobkovich

I spent a lot of my career, and especially my years in executive leadership, struggling to understand the unspoken rules, expectations, and heuristics most corporate business cultures run on.

For years, the words that ran through my head at work were:

What's wrong with me, that:

  • I don't understand what "success" means?
  • no matter how well my team performs, it never seems to be "good enough?"
  • when I create a project plan, half the team says it's too detailed and half the team says it's not detailed enough?
  • I just can't figure out how this all works?

A few years ago, during a phase of burnout, a little voice in my head spoke up and whispered:

"What if there is nothing wrong with me?"

My brain replied:

"Tell me more?"

I realized: I was trying to intuit the rules to a game in a stadium that wasn't built for me.

Many systems in our work worlds want to talk about change: few have an appetite for the realities and frictions of transformation. Even fewer are comfortable with the truth that sometimes change requires giving away or letting go of power.

If you've found yourself working in a role where change is an imperative (and the immunity to change creates friction against your forward progress), there is nothing "wrong" with you. You might just be a Thinkydoer.

And while we're often content to work alone, when we find each other, we might just change the world.

Latest Episode

All Episodes

BS-Free Business: Why Simple and Sustainable Wins
Ep 49

BS-Free Business: Why Simple and Sustainable Wins

Tired of business advice that doesn’t fit? Maggie Patterson, creator of BS-Free Business and author of Staying Solo, joins Thinkydoers to share how to build a sustainable solo business around real-life capacity, not hustle or harmful corporate patterns.

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Beyond The Binary and Queering Goal Setting with Zephyr Williams
Ep 47

Beyond The Binary and Queering Goal Setting with Zephyr Williams

What if everything you've been taught about goal setting is working against you? Anti-hustle strategist Zeph Williams shares why SMART goals fail neurodivergent entrepreneurs & introduces the SLIC method. Plus: the beautiful reframe from "goal setting" to "becoming" that changes everything.

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Video Beyond Soundbites: From Case Studies To Client Stories
Ep 40

Beyond Soundbites: From Case Studies To Client Stories

How can you transform raw case studies into compelling client stories? In this episode, Nailah King, a seasoned expert in strategic communications and creative marketing, joins host Sara Lobkovich on Thinkydoers™ to share her insights on turning complex data into authentic narratives that resonate. With a background that spans client relations, innovative storytelling, and hands-on experience with dynamic brands, Nailah brings a fresh perspective on making every story count. From harnessing the power of narrative to balancing analytical rigor with creativity, this conversation offers actionable strategies for professionals eager to elevate their brand’s voice. Whether you’re a veteran marketer, a budding storyteller, or simply curious about the art of client engagement, this episode provides a practical roadmap to transforming case studies into inspirational success stories.

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Video OKR Forecast 2025: Insights From The Experts
Ep 37

OKR Forecast 2025: Insights From The Experts

Curious about where OKRs are headed in 2025? In this episode, Natalie Webb and Maria Rowcliffe join Sara Lobkovich to share expert insights on the evolving role of OKRs in business strategy and execution. With years of experience guiding organizations through strategic planning, Natalie and Maria discuss the biggest challenges teams face when implementing OKRs—and the practical solutions that drive success. From aligning leadership vision to improving accountability, this conversation is packed with actionable takeaways for teams looking to refine their approach. Whether you're new to OKRs or a seasoned pro, this episode will help you navigate the trends shaping the future of goal-setting and execution.

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Video The Science of Play with TJ Matton

The Science of Play with TJ Matton

TJ Matton, trauma therapist and play advocate, explains why play is a primal drive—and how overthinkers can use it as a mindfulness practice for healing and wellbeing.

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OKRs in Context: Do OKRs co-exist with other methodologies?

OKRs in Context: Do OKRs co-exist with other methodologies?

“One of the first jobs to be done when implementing (or rebooting) OKRs is to identify how they fit into an organization’s existing planning “stack” of methodologies, and get clear about what job they’re being hired to do. This episode is based on chapter three of Sara Lobkovich’s book, You Are a Strategist.”

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What are Objectives and Key Results (OKRs)?

What are Objectives and Key Results (OKRs)?

We're excited to share Chapter Two of our work-in-progress Evolutionary OKRs Playbook with you. This chapter re-introduces Objectives and Key Results for people who may be less familiar with traditional approaches, and then shifts into the unique elements of the Evolutionary OKR model.

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When "OKRs Don't Work"

When "OKRs Don't Work"

In this Thinkydoers episode, we examine a phase of OKR maturity: the "OKRs aren't working" phase. It sounds bad: but really, this phase, if you get curious about it and look at the information the phase is giving you, may signal that you're poised for the next level of OKR maturity.

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A 25-minute Q&A — your questions, real answers, zero pressure. If it’s a fit, we’ll talk about working together. If not, you’ll leave with clarity either way.

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