From Think to Do

From Think to Do by Sara Lobkovich

Thinky-doers are those of us whose work spans the spaces between thought, through the messy middle, and finding the courage and confidence to “do.” I’m a thinky-doer, and I’m here to help others find more satisfaction, less frustration – less friction, and more flow in our work.

  • 12 minutes 23 seconds
    Ep 50 - Media Visibility and Entrepreneurship for Introverts and Neurodivergent Folks

    What if your different wiring isn't something to overcome—it's the foundation for building a business that actually works for you?

    For years, many neurodivergent professionals have spent enormous energy trying to decode unspoken workplace expectations, masking their natural tendencies, and wondering why traditional employment feels so exhausting. But what happens when we embrace the brains we've got instead of trying to mind-read what's expected of us, and start building businesses that work WITH our wiring instead of against it?

    In this milestone 50th episode of Thinkydoers, Sara sits down with serial entrepreneur Peter Shankman—creator of five startups with three exits, founder of Help a Reporter Out (now Source of Sources), and co-founder of Mental Capital Consulting. Peter shares his journey from spending decades believing something was wrong with him to building multiple successful companies powered by his ADHD brain.

    Whether you're a shy introvert wondering how to gain visibility, a neurodivergent professional considering entrepreneurship, or a leader trying to understand how to build truly neuroinclusive workplaces, this conversation will challenge everything you thought you knew about "fitting in."

    Episode Highlights:

    • How accidentally falling into PR and media led Peter to discover that the only way he could truly thrive was by making his own rules.
    • Why decades of being told you’re “disruptive” can feel like a burden—and how unlearning that narrative helped Peter see his neurodivergent brain as an asset, not a liability.
    • Media visibility for introverts: why letting press coverage do the talking can be a game-changer when self-promotion feels impossible.
    • What every company should understand about neurodiversity—and why resistance to change is holding workplaces back.
    • Don’t hide your different brain: Peter’s powerful message about embracing neurodiversity without shame—it doesn’t have to define your whole identity, but it shouldn’t be your secret either.

    Key Concepts Explored:

    • Accidental career in PR and media: How starting out in an AOL chatroom led Peter to discover that he thrives when he creates his own rules.
    • Entrepreneurship as a fit for neurodivergent brains: Why traditional employment can feel restrictive and self-employment allows your wiring to become an asset.
    • The “broken” narrative: Unlearning decades of being told you’re disruptive and embracing neurodivergence as a benefit rather than a liability.
    • Media visibility for introverts: How earned media and press coverage can do the talking for you when self-promotion feels impossible.
    • Building neuroinclusive workplaces: Why companies resist change and what they can gain by embracing employees who think differently.
    • Don’t hide your different brain: Embracing neurodiversity without shame—it doesn’t have to be your entire identity, but it shouldn’t be your secret either.
    • Creating your own sandbox: Designing your environment and work to meet your unique strengths and needs.

    Common Questions Answered:

    • How can I turn neurodivergence into an asset in my career or business?
    • Why do traditional workplaces often feel limiting or frustrating for neurodivergent people?
    • How can media visibility help introverts or high-expertise thinkers get noticed without self-promotion?
    • What does it take to create a neuroinclusive workplace that supports different ways of thinking?
    • How do I embrace my “different brain” without shame or feeling like it defines me?

    Notable Quotes:

    "If you didn’t know what to do, fake it and figure it out" – Peter Shankman [00:04:00]

    "The majority of us have been told our whole lives that we’re broken. It took me 20 years to realize I could make my brain work for me." – Peter Shankman [00:06:00]

    "Media visibility does the talking for you. You don’t have to say you’re great—let the world see it through others." – Peter Shankman [00:07:00]

    "Companies don’t realize the benefit of allowing people who think differently to lead—they resist change, but that’s where growth happens." – Peter Shankman [00:08:00]

    "Don’t hide your different brain. You don’t have to make it the centerpiece of everything you do, but don’t hide it either." – Peter Shankman [00:11:00]

    "You can embrace your gifts and think differently, and that alone can make your life and work richer." – Peter Shankman [00:11:00]

    Chapters:

    [00:00:00] Introduction: Celebrating the 50th episode and welcome to Peter Shankman

    [00:01:00] Guest Introduction: Peter’s background as a five-time entrepreneur, author, and co-founder of Mental Capital Consulting

    [00:03:00] Early Career: How AOL and accidental opportunities shaped Peter’s path

    [00:04:00] Entrepreneurship Journey: Discovering he could only thrive by making his own rules

    [00:05:00] Neurodivergence as an Asset: Turning ADHD and different wiring into a career advantage

    [00:07:00] Media Visibility for Introverts: How press coverage can do the talking for you

    [00:08:00] Building Neuroinclusive Workplaces: What companies should know about embracing different thinkers

    [00:09:00] Overcoming Resistance: Helping leaders accept neurodiverse approaches and change

    [00:11:00] Don’t Hide Your Different Brain: Embracing neurodiversity without shame

    [00:12:00] Connect with Peter: Where to find him online, including shankman.com, Instagram, Threads, and Faster Than Normal podcast

    Guest Information:

    Peter Shankman is a five-time entrepreneur, author, and founder of multiple companies, including HARO (Help A Reporter Out) and Source of Sources (SOS), platforms that connect journalists with sources worldwide. He is also the co-founder of Mental Capital Consulting, helping companies attract, hire, and retain neurodivergent employees while creating neuroinclusive workplaces.

    Peter has delivered thousands of keynotes on customer experience, entrepreneurship, and neurodiversity. Known for his practical advice and “sandbox” approach, he empowers entrepreneurs, introverts, and strategically wired thinkers to embrace their unique strengths, gain visibility through media, and design careers and workplaces that fit their brains.

    He is also the host of the podcast Faster Than Normal, where he explores how ADHD and other different wiring can be harnessed as an advantage in life and business.

    Connect with Peter:

    Websites: shankman.com, sourceofsources.com, helpareporter.com

    Podcast: Faster Than Normal – fasterthannormal.com

    Social: @petershankman on Instagram and Threads

    Email: [email protected]

    Sara’s Links and Resources:


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

    11 November 2025, 9:15 am
  • 28 minutes 23 seconds
    Ep 49 - BS-Free Business: Why Simple and Sustainable Wins

    Tired of building your business or career for the "fantasy version" of yourself?

    You're not alone. Many of us leave corporate environments that don't fit our neurodivergent, introverted, or strategically-wired brains, only to recreate the same extractive patterns in our own businesses. But what if there was another way?

    In this episode, I sit down with Maggie Patterson, creator of BS-Free Business and author of "Staying Solo," to explore why so much business advice isn't designed for businesses like yours. We dive into Maggie's "real-life rule" — if it doesn't work for your real life (with all your caregiving responsibilities, mental health considerations, and actual capacity constraints), it doesn't work in your business.

    Discover why being strategically wired can be a detriment as an employee but an asset as a solo business owner, learn how to build around your actual capacity instead of your maximum capacity, and find out why the best work you'll do might just be the work that feels easy.

    Episode Highlights:

    • Why so much small business advice recreates the same toxic patterns we tried to leave behind in corporate life
    • How manipulative marketing tactics—like income claims and pain-point selling—harm solo business owners
    • Why neurodivergent and introverted people often thrive as entrepreneurs after struggling in traditional workplaces
    • The “real-life rule”: building your business around actual capacity, not fantasy capacity
    • How being strategically wired can feel like a liability in corporate life but becomes a superpower in solo business
    • Why the most sustainable businesses are often the simplest—lean, drama-free, and built to last

    Key Concepts Explored:

    • The "real-life rule": building business around actual capacity and constraints rather than fantasy versions of ourselves
    • The neurodivergent advantage in solo business: creating accommodations for yourself that corporate environments can't provide
    • Strategic brain blindness: how strategically-wired people undervalue their most marketable assets
    • The employee detriment of strategic thinking: why strategic minds struggle in corporate but thrive as entrepreneurs
    • The paradox of easy work: why the highest-value, most enjoyable work should feel effortless when you're truly skilled
    • Income claim marketing and pain point manipulation vs. empathetic connection in business communication
    • Lesser of evils decision-making: sustainable business choices for people with anxiety, ADHD, and mental health challenges
    • Simplicity as competitive advantage: lean operations, minimal services, and building incrementally rather than perfectly
    • Right-sizing dreams and expectations to prevent business-induced breakdown during caregiving and life challenges
    • Neurodivergent entrepreneurship as affirmation: self-employment as refuge for those who don't fit traditional work culture

    Common Questions Answered:

    • How can I build a business that works with my ADHD/anxiety/neurodivergence?
    • Why do I struggle with traditional business advice?
    • Is self-employment viable for introverts and strategic thinkers?
    • How do I build for my real capacity instead of my maximum capacity?
    • Why does my strategic thinking feel undervalued in corporate environments?

    Notable Quotes:

    "So much of online business is built on this fantasy version of yourself—someone with endless time, endless energy, endless capacity. And it just doesn’t exist." – Maggie Patterson [00:05:00]

    "We left corporate because it didn’t fit—but then we build businesses that are just as extractive, just as harmful, just as unsustainable." – Maggie Patterson [00:07:00]

    "If it doesn’t work in your real life—with your caregiving, your mental health, your actual capacity—it doesn’t work in your business." – Maggie Patterson [00:11:00]

    "There’s this constant push to build a business around your maximum capacity. But what if we built around our actual capacity instead?" – Maggie Patterson [00:14:00]

    "Being strategically wired can feel like a liability as an employee—but as a solo business owner, it’s your superpower." – Maggie Patterson [00:18:00]

    "The best work you’ll ever do might just be the work that feels easy." – Maggie Patterson [00:21:00]

    "So much business advice doesn’t just not fit—it actually makes us feel like we’re failing at someone else’s game." – Sara Lobkovich [00:25:00]

    "The most sustainable businesses are boring. They’re lean, drama-free, and built to last." – Maggie Patterson [00:28:00]

    "We need to stop glorifying hustle and start glorifying sustainability." – Maggie Patterson [00:30:00]

    Chapters:

    [00:00:00] Introduction: Welcome to Thinkydoers and introduction to Maggie Patterson

    [00:03:00] Guest Introduction: Maggie's background and BS-Free Business approach

    [00:05:00] Bad Business Advice: Why most advice replicates toxic corporate patterns

    [00:07:00] Marketing Deception: Income claims and manipulative pain point tactics

    [00:09:00] Corporate Struggles: Why introverts and neurodivergent people struggle in traditional workplaces

    [00:11:00] Managing Anxiety: Practical approaches for business owners with mental health challenges

    [00:12:00] The Real-Life Rule: Building business around actual capacity, not fantasy capacity

    [00:16:00] Easy Work Philosophy: Why the best work should feel easy

    [00:17:00] Strategic Wiring: How strategic thinkers can transition from employee to entrepreneur

    [00:21:00] Simple Business: Why lean and boring businesses work better

    [00:23:00] Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs: Affirmation for those who don't fit traditional work culture

    [00:25:00] Connect with Maggie: Where to find her work and resources

    Guest Information:

    • [Coming soon!]

    Connect with Maggie:


    Sara’s Links and Resources:


    Upcoming Events:

    • Catch Sara at the World OKR Summit! She’ll be speaking this October 30–31: okrsummit.org

    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 wanna DIY it? Book a VIP executive strategy day with me. They can be used one-on-one. It can be used to facilitate an in-person or remote event with your org. It can also be used for a keynote that inspires actual results for your upcoming event. Visit https://findrc.co/vipday for all the details. And from there you can book a free executive strategy intake call, or request a no meeting virtual consult. A VIP executive strategy day helps you unlock clarity, align quickly, and drive results in just one powerful day.

    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 wanna DIY it? Book a VIP executive strategy day with me. They can be used one-on-one. It can be used to facilitate an in-person or remote event with your org. It can also be used for a keynote that inspires actual results for your upcoming event. Visit https://findrc.co/vipday for all the details. And from there you can book a free executive strategy intake call, or request a no meeting virtual consult. A VIP executive strategy day helps you unlock clarity, align quickly, and drive results in just one powerful day.

    17 September 2025, 8:15 am
  • 39 minutes 1 second
    Ep 48 - Leading Leaders Toward Masterpiece Creation: Translating Your Moral Vision into Business Reality Through Masterpiece Leadership

    What if the critics and naysayers aren't a problem—but proof you're finally changing something that matters?

    Charles Spinosa spent decades as both a Shakespeare professor and management consultant, giving him a unique lens on what separates true leadership from good management. His approach isn't about influence or operational excellence—it's about moral artistry. It’s about the courage to ask "what always goes wrong?" and then take the risks necessary to create something beautiful instead.

    If you've ever felt like the person pointing out what's broken, if you have strong convictions about what's right even when it's unpopular, or if you're tired of managing around problems instead of solving them, this conversation will resonate deeply. Charles reveals why justice-sensitive and neurodivergent people often have a natural advantage in seeing what others miss—and how to turn that insight into transformational leadership. This episode will help you with leading leaders, and with seeing your own leadership development and career as a journey in masterpiece leadership.


    Episode Highlights:

    • The two questions that define “masterpiece leadership:” What always goes wrong in your industry, and what would you love to do instead?
    • How to distinguish between dissenters (who sharpen your vision) and betrayers (who undermine it).
    • Why naysayers are often a sign that you’re taking the right kinds of risks.
    • The neurodivergent advantage: spotting injustices and anomalies others overlook.
    • Practical strategies for pushing through despair when moral risks don’t pay off right away.
    • Justice sensitivity as a leadership strength—and how it positions you to create businesses worth falling in love with.

    Key Concepts Explored:

    • Passion as a defining force that fuels resilience and long-term transformation
    • The Two-Question Framework that separates masterpiece creators from managers
    • Moral risk-taking: why changing norms will always feel “wrong” at first
    • Betrayers vs. dissenters—and why dissent is essential for progress
    • Truth-seeking platforms that go beyond psychological safety to real intellectual conflict
    • Post-truth business culture and the limits of data without human truth
    • Justice sensitivity as a leadership advantage for transformational change
    • The neurodivergent edge in spotting anomalies and injustices others miss
    • Moral artistry: making solutions not just right, but beautiful
    • Fighting through despair and returning to core beliefs during setbacks
    • Awe and wonder as signals you’re on the right path
    • A systemic change strategy for moving from easy wins to bold transformations

    Common Questions Answered:

    • How can you take moral risks without putting your career in jeopardy?
    • What separates managers from masterpiece creators?
    • How should leaders handle team resistance to moral change?

    Notable Quotes:

    "What do people say leadership is these days? They say leadership is influence. I'm saying no. Leadership is taking moral risks to establish morally distinctive masterpieces. So I'm overturning a lot of norms. Of course there are gonna people who hate that." – Charles Spinosa [00:34:19]

    "So if I'm not hearing from naysayers, I might not be taking as much risk as I think I am, or as much risk as I could in pursuing a defining passion. That hearing from critics and naysayers says you're doing something different enough for people to have naysaying to do about it." – Sara Lobkovich [00:33:18]

    "Always be sensitive to what's going wrong in your organization. And don't forget to ask what you would love instead. And try to make the solutions you offer beautiful." – Charles Spinosa [00:32:57]

    "So if you're a leader, you are trying to make a moral vision come true. You want to make it profitable. You wanted people to see that what you see is the right way to do business in your industry, in your organization. And those hits are hits to your heart. They're not just hits to the bottom line. And you take three hits to the heart — bam, bam, bam — in a row. My experience is that's very hard." – Charles Spinosa [00:09:56]

    "The thing to do is to ask yourself, What do I believe to be true? What do I believe to be true about my customers? Most importantly, what do I believe to be true about my employees? What do I believe to be true about me?" – Charles Spinosa [00:10:22]

    "Hearing from critics and naysayers says you're doing something different enough for people to have naysaying to do about it." – Sara Lobkovich [00:33:40]

    Chapters:

    [00:00:00] Introduction to Masterpiece Leadership and Moral Vision

    [00:02:00] Defining Leading Leaders

    [00:03:00] The Masterpiece Creation Framework: What Always Goes Wrong?

    [00:04:00] Moral Risk-Taking: Building Systematic Change

    [00:05:00] The Importance of Leading Leaders in Organizations

    [00:07:00] Anita Roddick and The Body Shop: When Events Force Bigger Risks

    [00:09:00] Fighting Through Despair: When Moral Visions Take Hits

    [00:10:00] Masterpiece Leadership Principles for Moral Risk-Taking

    [00:14:00] Real-World Examples of Masterpiece Leadership

    [00:16:00] The Problem with Post-Truth Business Culture

    [00:17:00] Betrayers vs. Dissenters: Building Truth-Seeking Teams

    [00:19:00] Strategies for Leading Leaders Effectively

    [00:21:00] Justice Sensitivity as Leadership Strength

    [00:23:00] Overcoming Challenges in Masterpiece Leadership

    [00:25:00] Defining Passion and the Power of Awe and Wonder

    [00:26:00] The Story That Made You: Finding Your Core Virtue

    [00:28:00] Building a Culture of Masterpiece Leadership

    [00:29:00] The Neurodivergent Advantage: Seeing Anomalies Others Miss

    [00:30:00] Charles's Personal Story: From Dyslexia to Philosophy Professor

    [00:32:00] Avoiding Neurodivergent Snobbery While Leveraging Differences

    [00:33:00] Next Steps for Aspiring Leading Leaders in Business Reality

    [00:34:00] Why Critics Mean You're Changing Something Important

    [00:35:00] Closing Thoughts on Masterpiece Leadership and Leading Leaders

    Guest Information:

    • Charles Spinosa is a management consultant with 28 years of experience working with Fortune 100 companies and startups across North America, Europe, and Latin America. He brings a unique philosophical perspective to business leadership, having started his career as a Shakespeare professor at UC Berkeley studying "defining passions" in literature before transitioning into consulting work focused on leadership development, culture change, and innovation.
    • Charles is the author of "Leadership as Masterpiece Creation: What Business Leaders Can Learn from the Humanities about Moral Risk-Taking," which challenges conventional wisdom about influence-based leadership. As someone who is neurodivergent and dyslexic, he advocates for leaders who see anomalies and injustices that others miss, helping them transform moral vision into business reality through systematic risk-taking and what he calls "moral artistry."
    • His work centers on helping leaders move beyond managing around problems to creating something genuinely beautiful and transformative, even when facing resistance from teams, boards, and entire industries.

    Connect with Zeph:

    • LinkedIn: Charles Spinosa
    • Book: "Leadership as Masterpiece Creation: What Business Leaders Can Learn from the Humanities about Moral Risk-Taking" available wherever books are sold

    Sara’s Links and Resources:


    Upcoming Events:

    • Catch Sara at the World OKR Summit! She’ll be speaking this October 30–31: okrsummit.org

    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 wanna DIY it? Book a VIP executive strategy day with me. They can be used one-on-one. It can be used to facilitate an in-person or remote event with your org. It can also be used for a keynote that inspires actual results for your upcoming event. Visit https://findrc.co/vipday for all the details. And from there you can book a free executive strategy intake call, or request a no meeting virtual consult. A VIP executive strategy day helps you unlock clarity, align quickly, and drive results in just one powerful day.

    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 wanna DIY it? Book a VIP executive strategy day with me. They can be used one-on-one. It can be used to facilitate an in-person or remote event with your org. It can also be used for a keynote that inspires actual results for your upcoming event. Visit https://findrc.co/vipday for all the details. And from there you can book a free executive strategy intake call, or request a no meeting virtual consult. A VIP executive strategy day helps you unlock clarity, align quickly, and drive results in just one powerful day.

    28 August 2025, 8:15 am
  • 36 minutes 11 seconds
    Ep 47 - Beyond The Binary and Queering Goal Setting

    What if everything you've been taught about goal setting is actually working against you?

    What if the rigid structure of SMART goals is crushing your creativity, disconnecting you from your body, and forcing you into a binary that simply doesn't fit who you are?

    Today's guest, Zephyr (Zeph) Williams (they/them), is an anti-hustle business strategist who helps radical entrepreneurs build "breathe-easy businesses." When Zeph and I connected over our mutual loathing of SMART goals on social media, I knew we had to have this conversation.

    In this episode, we're diving deep into why traditional goal-setting methods fail so many of us—especially neurodivergent folks and anyone who doesn't fit the conventional mold. Zeph introduces their revolutionary SLIC method (Sustainable, Long-term, Iterative, Consistent) and shares why self-care isn't optional—it's strategic. But the real magic happens when we land on a beautiful reframe that might just change how you think about achievement forever.

    Want to see how No-BS OKRs fit into a coherent Connected Strategic Stack?

    This No-BS Connected Strategy Guide shows you what “good” looks like. Download examples of finished Connected Strategic Stacks — including best practice No-BS OKRs — and get instant clarity on your next strategic step. Includes a quick self-assessment to pinpoint your organization’s biggest OKR opportunities.

    GET THE GUIDE

    Episode Highlights:

    • Why SMART goals create a restrictive binary that crushes creativity and exploration
    • The semantic problems with SMART goal terminology that create confusion and ambiguity
    • How "specific" goals create tunnel vision that blocks curiosity and the learning journey
    • The SLIC Method: Sustainable, Long-term, Iterative, and Consistent goal-setting
    • Why self-care isn't selfish—it's a strategic foundation for sustainable success
    • How to reconnect with your body through micro-practices and energy tracking
    • The role of grace and compassion when breaking free from binary thinking
    • What "queering" business practices means and why it's for everyone
    • The beautiful reframe from "goal setting" to "becoming"—asking "What am I becoming?"
    • Why consistency means showing up as your needs allow, not the same way every day
    • How traditional goal-setting often leads to self-abandonment and disconnection from the body

    Key Concepts Explored:

    • The binary nature of SMART goals and why they create a restrictive pass/fail mentality
    • The SLIC Method as an alternative: Sustainable, Long-term, Iterative, and Consistent goal-setting
    • Self-care as a radical act of rebellion against systems that devalue your worth
    • "Queering" business practices to move beyond traditional binary frameworks
    • The shift from "goal setting" to "becoming" as a more expansive approach to growth
    • Body-based awareness and reconnecting with somatic needs during goal pursuit
    • Why consistency means showing up according to your capacity, not rigid daily habits

    Common Questions Answered:

    • Why do SMART goals feel so restrictive and overwhelming?
    • What makes the SLIC method different from traditional goal-setting?
    • How do you start reconnecting with your body if you feel disconnected?
    • What does "queering" goal setting actually mean?
    • How do you define consistency without burning out?
    • Why is self-care considered strategic rather than selfish?

    Notable Quotes:

    "SMART goals are very binary. You either succeed or you fail. And I'm not somebody who does the binary very well." - Zeph Williams [00:03:00]

    "When I hear 'specific,' it feels like a narrowing down... You don't get to enjoy the journey and enjoying the view." - Zeph Williams [00:07:00]

    "Self-care isn't selfish—it's strategic. When you take care of yourself, you are sending a gentle reminder that you matter and that your needs matter." - Zeph Williams [00:11:00]

    "What if instead of goal setting, we focused on becoming? What are you becoming?" - Zeph Williams [00:32:00]

    "There are just so many people who are brilliant... Sometimes it just feels like the world has just gotten to them and that light has gotten really dim." - Zeph Williams [00:28:00]

    Chapters:

    [00:00:00] Introduction: Why SMART Goals Need a Rethink

    [00:01:30] Meet Zeph: From Career Coaching to SLIC Thinking

    [00:04:00] What’s Wrong with SMART Goals? The Limits of Over-Specification

    [00:07:30] Beyond Binary Thinking: The Problems with Measurable & Time-Bound

    [00:10:00] SLIC Goals: A Kinder Framework for Growth and Learning

    [00:13:00] How to Know You’re Making Progress (Without Hitting a Number)

    [00:15:30] Clarity Without Rigidity: Why Language Matters in Goal-Setting

    [00:18:00] Accountability vs. Shame: Rethinking How We “Check In”

    [00:20:30] Zeph’s Coaching Practice: How SLIC Supports Real Transformation

    [00:24:00] Choosing Goals That Align With Your Values and Energy

    [00:27:00] When Goal-Setting Feels Like Self-Punishment

    [00:29:30] The Long Game: Creating Systems That Evolve With You

    [00:32:00] SLIC in Practice: Real Examples from Zeph’s Clients

    [00:35:00] How to Get Started with SLIC Thinking

    [00:38:00] Wrap-Up: Connect with Zeph and Learn More

    Guest Information:

    • Zephyr Williams is an anti-hustle business strategist showing radical business owners how to build breathe-easy businesses that make their brains happy and let their bodies breathe. With a background in criminal justice policy and prison abolition work, Zeph brings a unique perspective on dismantling harmful systems and creating space for everyone to thrive.

    Connect with Zeph:


    Sara’s Links and Resources:


    Upcoming Events:

    • Catch Sara at the World OKR Summit! She’ll be speaking this October 30–31: okrsummit.org

    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 wanna DIY it? Book a VIP executive strategy day with me. They can be used one-on-one. It can be used to facilitate an in-person or remote event with your org. It can also be used for a keynote that inspires actual results for your upcoming event. Visit https://findrc.co/vipday for all the details. And from there you can book a free executive strategy intake call, or request a no meeting virtual consult. A VIP executive strategy day helps you unlock clarity, align quickly, and drive results in just one powerful day.

    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 wanna DIY it? Book a VIP executive strategy day with me. They can be used one-on-one. It can be used to facilitate an in-person or remote event with your org. It can also be used for a keynote that inspires actual results for your upcoming event. Visit https://findrc.co/vipday for all the details. And from there you can book a free executive strategy intake call, or request a no meeting virtual consult. A VIP executive strategy day helps you unlock clarity, align quickly, and drive results in just one powerful day.

    24 July 2025, 10:00 am
  • 39 minutes 19 seconds
    Ep 46 - Breathwork for Busy Brains: Another Novel Path to Mindfulness

    Ever feel like your brain just won’t quit, and traditional meditation only makes it worse?

    Thinkydoers host Sara Lobkovich gets it. She lives mostly in her head, and practices like meditation or breathwork have often felt out of reach. They seemed like they were designed for people who are naturally calm and centered — not her.

    But this conversation with Chauna Bryant shifted everything. Chauna is a trauma-informed breathwork professional, and founder of Breath Liberation Society. She also describes herself as “probably the least chill meditation teacher you’ll ever meet.”

    Together, they explore how breathwork can offer a more accessible entry point for overthinkers and busy brains. Instead of forcing stillness, breathwork gives the mind something active to focus on — what Chauna compares to “giving your brain an iPad” to occupy it — while the body does its own work.

    They also talk about how breathwork differs from traditional meditation, why it’s particularly helpful for people with trauma histories, and how starting small (even just two breaths or two minutes) can be helpful.

    If mindfulness has ever felt like it wasn’t made for your kind of mind, this episode is for you.

    Episode Highlights:

    • Why breathwork succeeds where traditional meditation fails for many people
    • The difference between activating and calming breathwork techniques
    • How to start a somatic practice when you're resistant to body-based work
    • Trauma-informed approaches to breathwork and nervous system regulation
    • The power of "titration" - starting with just 2 minutes instead of diving in
    • Why consent and agency are crucial in breathwork practice
    • Understanding breathwork as "nervous system pushups" for stress resilience

    Key Concepts Explored:

    • Conscious connected breathing and three-part breath techniques
    • The origins and cultural lineages of breathwork practices
    • How breathwork allows nonverbal processing of emotions and trauma
    • The importance of finding trauma-informed, skilled practitioners
    • Why patience becomes "your first form of body connection"

    Common Questions Answered:

    • What exactly is breathwork and how is it different from meditation?
    • How can I start if I'm resistant to body-based practices?
    • Is breathwork safe for people with trauma history?
    • What should I expect from my first breathwork experience?

    Notable Quotes:

    “Breathwork gives the brain something to do. It’s just weird enough that it helps the body start to process what we’ve shelved or ignored.” — Chauna Bryant [00:04:00]

    “Whatever you’re doing, try like a minute. Try two minutes. Give it two minutes and then get out. That’s the way to start to build that body connection.” — Chauna Bryant [00:14:00]

    “For a lot of us with busy brains, patience is going to be our first form of body connection.” — Chauna Bryant [00:16:00]

    “Just let the experience exist without having to slap words on it.” — Chauna Bryant [00:31:00]

    “In breathwork, you get to choose as much or as little as you do—and whatever you choose, you’ll be cheered on fiercely.” — Chauna Bryant [00:34:00]

    Chapters:

    [00:00:00] Introduction: Welcome to Thinkydoers and Meet Chauna Bryant

    [00:02:00] What is Breathwork? Active Meditation for Busy Brains

    [00:05:00] Origins and Cultural Lineages of Breathwork Practices

    [00:06:00] From Brain-Centered to Body-Aware: Sara and Chauna's Common Ground

    [00:08:00] Chauna's Journey: From Gymnast to "Least Chill Meditation Teacher"

    [00:11:00] The Meditation Failure and Discovering Breathwork

    [00:12:00] Getting Started: Overcoming Resistance to Somatic Practices

    [00:15:00] Perfectionism and All-or-Nothing Thinking in Body Work

    [00:17:00] From Student to Teacher: Building Breath Liberation Society

    [00:21:00] Nervous System Regulation: Separating Science from Sales Pitches

    [00:26:00] Trauma-Informed Breathwork: Different Breaths for Different Days

    [00:30:00] Nonverbal Healing: When Words Aren't Enough

    [00:32:00] Celebrating the Process: Success Starts at Breath One

    [00:34:00] Agency and Consent: Choosing Your Own Breathwork Journey

    [00:36:00] Connect with Chauna and Closing Thoughts

    Guest Information:

    • Chauna Bryant is a breathwork instructor, movement specialist, and founder of Breath Liberation Society - the first Black-owned globally accredited breathwork training program. Based in Maryland, Chauna specializes in trauma-informed breathwork and is moving into hybrid in-person/virtual training models in 2025.

    Chauna’s Link and Resources:

    • Free Mini Training from Chauna Bryant — Breathe Easy: A Gentle Start to Breathwork
    • In response to a listener question about how to approach breathwork with a trauma background, Chauna created this special 25-minute mini training. It’s designed for anyone feeling cautious, overwhelmed, or just curious about starting a breathwork practice gently and safely.
    • In this session, Chauna covers:
    • What breathwork really is (and why it matters)
    • Common mistakes new breathers make
    • How to use your breath without overwhelming your system
    • Tips for building a sustainable practice—especially if you’re sensitive, skeptical, or brand-new
    • Watch the training:
    •  https://breathliberationsociety.mykajabi.com/breathe-easy-a-gentle-start-to-breathwork
    • Website: breathliberationsociety.com
    • Instagram: @chaunabryant

    Sara’s Links and Resources:


    Upcoming Events:

    • Catch Sara at the World OKR Summit! She’ll be speaking this October 30–31: okrsummit.org

    Book Update:

    • You Are A Strategist: Use No-BS OKRs to Get Big Things Done: New book available in print and ebook. More info is here!

    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 wanna DIY it? Book a VIP executive strategy day with me. They can be used one-on-one. It can be used to facilitate an in-person or remote event with your org. It can also be used for a keynote that inspires actual results for your upcoming event. Visit https://findrc.co/vipday for all the details. And from there you can book a free executive strategy intake call, or request a no meeting virtual consult. A VIP executive strategy day helps you unlock clarity, align quickly, and drive results in just one powerful day.

    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 wanna DIY it? Book a VIP executive strategy day with me. They can be used one-on-one. It can be used to facilitate an in-person or remote event with your org. It can also be used for a keynote that inspires actual results for your upcoming event. Visit https://findrc.co/vipday for all the details. And from there you can book a free executive strategy intake call, or request a no meeting virtual consult. A VIP executive strategy day helps you unlock clarity, align quickly, and drive results in just one powerful day.

    2 July 2025, 10:00 am
  • 20 minutes 23 seconds
    Ep 45 - Q2 2025 OKR Forecast Part 2: Flexibility, Timing, and Hot Takes with Three Trusted OKR Experts

    The OKR Trio is back with Part 2 of their brutally honest Q2 2025 forecast, and they're not holding back.

    Sara Lobkovich, Maria Rowcliffe, and Natalie Webb tackle the questions you've been asking about rigid vs. flexible OKR approaches, timing models that actually work, and trends we’re seeing in tool choices.

    But here's where it gets spicy: they're sharing their most controversial OKR opinions, speed round style!

    From leaders trying to weaponize OKRs as surveillance tools to the popular (but problematic) advice to limit teams to just one strategic priority, this conversation will challenge norms you might not be able to imagine actually exist out there.

    You'll discover why monthly check-ins might mean you're tracking instead of managing, how geography is shaping OKR strategy differently across continents, and why Excel is making a surprising comeback in the enterprise. Plus, Sara drops a financial metrics hot take that might make your CFO squirm.

    This isn't your typical goal-setting advice. It's three veteran practitioners sharing what they're really seeing in the field, complete with the controversies, contradictions, and hard-won insights that only come from years in the trenches.

    Episode Highlights:

    • Quarterly vs. Trimesterly Planning: why the Q4 “drop-off” is real—and how cadence choices impact OKR adoption across teams
    • Biweekly Reinforcement Loops: how one leadership team’s consistent review rhythm is accelerating organization-wide buy-in
    • Tool Sprawl & Excel Resurgence: why many orgs are ditching premium OKR platforms for scrappier, process-first setups
    • When Tools Hurt More Than Help: the danger of letting project management tools define your key results
    • Hot Takes on OKRs: financial metrics don’t belong in key results (and one-size-fits-all “just one OKR” advice? Hard pass)
    • Big Brother OKRs?: pushing back when leadership wants to use OKRs for surveillance instead of strategy
    • Q3 Preview: a deep dive on execution, achievement—and how to actually decide what OKR tooling makes sense for your org

    Key Concepts Explored:

    • Hybrid Localization Approaches
    • Leadership sets objectives, teams shape Key Results
    • Themes as bridges when objectives don't translate locally
    • KRs and Sub-KRs for fast-moving Scrum teams
    • Moving away from rigid objective cascading
    • Timing Model Evolution
    • Biweekly check-ins integrated with Scrum cycles
    • The discipline of at least twice-weekly KR management
    • Quarterly vs. trimester cycle trade-offs
    • Event-triggered OKR adjustments for volatile environments
    • Tool Integration Strategies
    • Process-first, tool-second implementation approach
    • Excel resurgence due to cost considerations
    • Avoiding dueling OKR and project management platforms
    • Recognition that L1 and L2 math doesn't require specialty software
    • Controversial Practices and Hot Takes
    • OKRs as surveillance tools (problematic)
    • Arbitrary "one OKR only" mandates (counterproductive)
    • Financial metrics as KPIs vs. Key Results (contentious)
    • Project deliverables masquerading as OKRs (misleading)

    Notable Quotes:

    "If you have a KR that you only manage monthly, you are not managing it, you're tracking it. Because you essentially have two data points, and then the quarter is over." — Maria Rowcliffe [00:06:00]

    "Once we learn the words and leadership is modeling the words and meanings, then the rigidity can come out of the framework." — Sara Lobkovich [00:04:00]

    "Financial metrics belong in mandatories and budgets. They're KPIs, they aren't key results." — Sara Lobkovich [00:15:00]

    "Bad news only gets worse with time. So the earlier they can raise an issue, I think the better." — Natalie Webb [00:07:00]

    Chapters:

    [00:00:00] Introduction: Welcome Back to Part 2 of Q2 OKR Update

    [00:02:00] Rigid vs. Flexible OKR Models: Finding the Right Balance

    [00:05:00] Timing Models: Annual, Quarterly, and Everything In Between

    [00:06:00] The Managing vs. Tracking Debate: Why Monthly Isn't Enough

    [00:08:00] Geographic Strategy Differences: Chaos vs. Stability

    [00:10:00] Tool Sprawl: Excel's Comeback and Platform Fatigue

    [00:13:00] Controversial OKR Practices: Hot Takes and Push-Backs

    [00:15:00] Financial Metrics Hot Take and Contact Information

    [00:17:00] Q3 Preview and Final Thoughts

    Upcoming Events:

    • Catch Sara at the World OKR Summit! She’ll be speaking this October 30–31: okrsummit.org

    Book Update:

    • You Are A Strategist: Use No-BS OKRs to Get Big Things Done: New book available in print and ebook. More info is here!

    Natalie’s Links and Info:


    Maria’s Link and Resources:


    Sara’s Links and Resources:


    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 wanna DIY it? Book a VIP executive strategy day with me. They can be used one-on-one. It can be used to facilitate an in-person or remote event with your org. It can also be used for a keynote that inspires actual results for your upcoming event. Visit https://findrc.co/vipday for all the details. And from there you can book a free executive strategy intake call, or request a no meeting virtual consult. A VIP executive strategy day helps you unlock clarity, align quickly, and drive results in just one powerful day.

    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 wanna DIY it? Book a VIP executive strategy day with me. They can be used one-on-one. It can be used to facilitate an in-person or remote event with your org. It can also be used for a keynote that inspires actual results for your upcoming event. Visit https://findrc.co/vipday for all the details. And from there you can book a free executive strategy intake call, or request a no meeting virtual consult. A VIP executive strategy day helps you unlock clarity, align quickly, and drive results in just one powerful day.

    11 June 2025, 10:00 am
  • 32 minutes 43 seconds
    Ep 44 - Q2 2025 OKR Forecast: Generative AI, Localization, and Retrospectives with a Panel of OKR Experts

    Ever wonder what's really happening in the OKR world beyond the hype?

    Join Sara Lobkovich, Maria Rowcliffe, and Natalie Webb for a candid, no-BS look at where OKRs are heading in 2025. This isn't your typical "here's how to write an objective" conversation. Instead, you'll get insider insights from three veteran practitioners who've been in the trenches, helping organizations navigate the messy reality of goal-setting and alignment at scale.

    In this first part of our quarterly update, we dive deep into the generative AI revolution (spoiler: it's not as revolutionary as everyone claims), the evolving art of OKR localization across complex organizations, and why your retrospectives might be the most important OKR practice you might be doing wrong. Whether you're an OKR skeptic, a seasoned practitioner, or somewhere in between, this conversation will give you practical insights you can't get anywhere else.

    Episode Highlights:

    • Generative AI in OKRs: why draft quality is improving, but real strategic impact is still lagging behind
    • TRV (Technology Realized Value): the Big Five’s new metric for linking OKRs to actual tech investment outcomes
    • The “Two Lists” Problem: how teams are secretly working off dual strategies—and why it’s undermining OKR focus
    • Cascading and Localization: evolving models for aligning across global teams, even amid geopolitical complexity
    • Culture-First OKRs: tailoring implementation to readiness, from transformation-driven overhauls to scrappy gradual rollouts
    • Retrospectives that matter: how deeper reflection—not just review—builds quarter-over-quarter OKR maturity

    Key Concepts Explored:

    • Generative AI in OKRs: Where it's accelerating strategy work, where it's falling short, and the risk of generic, uncontextualized models
    • Technology Realized Value (TRV): A new metric used alongside OKRs to measure the tangible impact of tech investments
    • The “Two Lists” Problem: How parallel strategic workstreams outside the OKR framework dilute focus and undermine accountability
    • Localization & Alignment: Why clear, bottom-up contribution is critical in global, matrixed organizations—especially in high-stakes geopolitical climates
    • Culture-Responsive Implementation: Tailoring OKR rollouts based on organizational readiness, risk appetite, and transformation goals
    • Iterative Learning over Perfection: Why OKR maturity builds quarter over quarter—and how learning from retrospectives is more valuable than writing the “perfect” OKR
    • Leading vs. Lagging Indicators: The power of AI to help surface potential leading indicators clients may struggle to define on their own
    • Transformation & Change Management: How OKRs, when paired with transformation strategy, become powerful drivers of organizational evolution

    Notable Quotes:

    "Is this really driving the value you wanted to achieve? How do you know who cares? So what happens if this is done or not done? These things that don't get asked are so critically important to make sure that people are focused on the right work." — Natalie Webb [00:12:00]

    "If I could only tell clients one thing about OKRs, it would be we spend all of our time focused on writing them and then way too little time focused on learning from them." — Sara Lobkovich [00:23:00]

    "I think the best way to use OKRs initially is always the way that the company is willing and able to adopt it. Me talking about the gold star way of doing OKRs isn't gonna help clients that are at the crawling level and not a hundred percent convinced yet." — Maria Rowcliffe [00:21:00]

    "OKRs are really hard. We're talking about change - really hard for people to stick with when it gets challenging." — Sara Lobkovich [00:28:00]

    Chapters:

    [00:00:00] Introduction: Welcome to the OKR Dream Team Q2 Update

    [00:03:00] Book Launch Celebration and Team Introductions

    [00:05:00] Generative AI in OKR Practice: Separating Hype from Reality

    [00:06:00] TRV (Technology Realized Value): The New Complementary Metric

    [00:08:00] Practical AI Applications: Interview Analysis and Leading Indicators

    [00:12:00] The Risks of Anonymous OKR Generators and Untrained Models

    [00:14:00] OKR Localization: Navigating Global Complexity and Geopolitical Challenges

    [00:16:00] Alignment Strategies: KRs vs. Full OKRs at Lower Levels

    [00:18:00] Culture and OKR Implementation: One Size Doesn't Fit All

    [00:21:00] Meeting Organizations Where They Are: The Quarterly Improvement Approach

    [00:23:00] Retrospectives Revolution: Beyond Basic Questions

    [00:26:00] The "Two Lists" Problem: When OKRs Fail to Drive Focus

    [00:27:00] Transformation Expertise: The Secret Weapon in OKR Practice

    [00:29:00] Wrap-up and Part 2 Preview

    Upcoming Events:


    Book Update:

    • You Are A Strategist: Use No-BS OKRs to Get Big Things Done: New book available in print and ebook. More info is here!

    Natalie’s Links and Info:


    Maria’s Link and Resources:


    Sara’s Links and Resources:


    Programs and Services:

    • No-BS Strategic Clarity Workshop: More info here
    • No-BS OKRs Workbook: PDF download available at saralobkovich.com/no-bs-okrs-workbook-pdf-tc
    • Speaking and Event Facilitation: Now booking!

    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 wanna DIY it? Book a VIP executive strategy day with me. They can be used one-on-one. It can be used to facilitate an in-person or remote event with your org. It can also be used for a keynote that inspires actual results for your upcoming event. Visit https://findrc.co/vipday for all the details. And from there you can book a free executive strategy intake call, or request a no meeting virtual consult. A VIP executive strategy day helps you unlock clarity, align quickly, and drive results in just one powerful day.

    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 wanna DIY it? Book a VIP executive strategy day with me. They can be used one-on-one. It can be used to facilitate an in-person or remote event with your org. It can also be used for a keynote that inspires actual results for your upcoming event. Visit https://findrc.co/vipday for all the details. And from there you can book a free executive strategy intake call, or request a no meeting virtual consult. A VIP executive strategy day helps you unlock clarity, align quickly, and drive results in just one powerful day.

    4 June 2025, 10:00 am
  • 35 minutes 5 seconds
    Ep 43 - Building Inclusive Communities: Finding Connection Without Social Anxiety

    In a world that celebrates the loudest voices and the biggest followings, what if quiet spaces are where real belonging begins?

    In this deeply personal and connected conversation, Sara Lobkovich sits down with community strategist Carrie Melissa Jones to explore the surprising power of “quiet communities” — where introverts, neurodivergent folks, and the socially anxious can finally feel seen, heard, and safe.

    If you’ve ever felt like community just isn’t for you… this episode might just change everything.

    Episode Highlights:

    • Carrie’s journey with social anxiety and building inclusive, "quiet" communities
    • Belonging without active participation—research and real-life insights
    • Using bodily awareness and boundaries to stay grounded as a community creator
    • Self-leadership and support systems to prevent burnout in community work
    • Practical tips for both hosts and participants to feel more confident and aligned

    Key Concepts Explored:

    • Self-Regulation in Online Spaces: How digital communities offer spaces for thoughtful connection for introverts and neurodivergent people.
    • Quiet Communities: Community spaces that don't demand constant engagement and allow people to participate on their own terms.
    • Meaningful Engagement vs. Engagement for Engagement's Sake: The importance of connecting community activities to purpose and growth rather than arbitrary metrics.
    • Body Awareness as Community Evaluation: Using physical reactions and feelings as guidance for whether a community is a good fit.
    • Belonging Without Participation: Research findings on how affiliation alone can create a sense of belonging without requiring active involvement.
    • Self-Leadership in Community Building: Managing internal dialogues and anxieties that arise when creating and managing communities.
    • Community as Healing Practice: How creating spaces for others can help heal our own relationship to connection.
    • Distributed Leadership: Inviting others' contributions rather than trying to do everything yourself.
    • Community Building as a Long Game: The importance of patience and persistence in both building and participating in communities.

    Notable Quotes:

    "If there's a place that you wish existed... why not be the person that starts that?"

    — Carrie Melissa Jones [00:13:00]

    "You cannot do it alone. It's not a solo activity. To really create a community, you've got to see, recognize, and invite in the gifts of others and others' contributions."

    — Carrie Melissa Jones[00:42:32] - [00:42:54]

    I start everything I do scared and then once you get rolling it gets fun. Nothing starts fun. Everything starts with anxiety.

    — Sara Lobkovich [00:46:45]

    Chapters:

    [00:00:00] Introduction and Meet Carrie Melissa Jones

    [00:05:51] Social Anxiety and Career: Turning Challenges into Expertise

    [00:11:22] Redefining Community: "Quiet Communities" and Meaningful Engagement

    [00:15:38] Challenging the "Not a Joiner" Identity and Finding Your Fit

    [00:19:53] Body Awareness: Using Physical Responses as Your Community Guide

    [00:25:32] Advice for Shy Community Creators: Boundaries and Sustainability

    [00:29:42] Research Insights: Belonging Without Active Participation

    [00:39:03] Self-Leadership and Distributed Responsibility in Community Building

    [00:44:30] Practical Pre-Launch Strategies and "Doing It Scared"

    [00:48:10] The Long Game: Advice for Participants, Hosts, and Closing Thoughts

    Upcoming Events:


    Book Launch:

    • "You Are a Strategist: Use No-BS OKRs to Get Big Things Done" is now available in print (hardback and softback). Get the ebook today wherever you buy books.

    Carrie’s Links and Resources:

    • Website: carriemelissajones.com
    • Book: "Building Brand Communities" co-authored with Charles Vogel
    • Instagram: @CarrieMelissaJones
    • LinkedIn: Carrie Melissa Jones
    • CMJ Community: Professional community for community builders (find details on Carrie's website)

    Sara’s Links and Resources:

    • Email: [email protected]
    • Website: thinkydoers.com
    • Podcast: Thinkydoers Podcast (available on all major platforms)
    • Social Media: Sara Lobkovich (across platforms)
    • Newsletter: Subscribe at findrc.co/newsletter

    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 wanna DIY it? Book a VIP executive strategy day with me. They can be used one-on-one. It can be used to facilitate an in-person or remote event with your org. It can also be used for a keynote that inspires actual results for your upcoming event. Visit https://findrc.co/vipday for all the details. And from there you can book a free executive strategy intake call, or request a no meeting virtual consult. A VIP executive strategy day helps you unlock clarity, align quickly, and drive results in just one powerful day.

    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 wanna DIY it? Book a VIP executive strategy day with me. They can be used one-on-one. It can be used to facilitate an in-person or remote event with your org. It can also be used for a keynote that inspires actual results for your upcoming event. Visit https://findrc.co/vipday for all the details. And from there you can book a free executive strategy intake call, or request a no meeting virtual consult. A VIP executive strategy day helps you unlock clarity, align quickly, and drive results in just one powerful day.

    21 May 2025, 10:00 am
  • 18 minutes 22 seconds
    Ep 42 - Strategy During Chaos: Adaptive Leadership For Unprecedented Times

    Are you struggling to maintain strategic focus in today's unpredictable environment?

    In this lo-fi, candid episode, Sara shares her insights on navigating strategic planning during persistent uncertainty. Whether you're impacted by shifting tariffs, changes in public funding, or volatile market conditions, this episode offers practical frameworks to maintain strategic momentum when forecasting feels (or is) impossible.

    Episode Highlights:

    • The Twin Traps: Why both over-planning and strategic abandonment are dangerous reactions to chaos
    • OKRs as an Antidote: How focusing on outcomes rather than activities creates strategic flexibility
    • Three-Step Framework: A practical approach to maintaining strategic momentum during turbulent times
    • Building in Public: The strategic advantage of quick launches during rapid change

    Common Questions:

    • How do you create strategic plans when the environment is constantly changing?
    • What should replace detailed action planning when circumstances shift frequently?
    • How can leaders maintain team focus during periods of high uncertainty?

    Notable Quotes:

    "If you find yourself feeling like you need to revise your plan every time you turn on the news, you may be spending time planning that could better be spent on implementation." [00:03:59]
    "OKRs let us focus on the goal and remain flexible about our plans, so they can be a bit of an antidote to over-planning." [00:04:27]
    "The rapid iteration that's possible with building in public actually can create a strategic advantage during rapid change because you can be more relevant and responsive to exactly what's happening around you." [00:11:39]

    Episode Chapters:

    [00:00:00] Introduction to Thinkydoer Shorts

    [00:00:36] Current Challenges in Strategic Planning

    [00:01:49] Upcoming Workshop: Strategy During Chaos

    [00:02:46] Adapting Strategic Plans to Uncertainty

    [00:03:06] Avoiding Over-Planning and Abandonment

    [00:06:49] Three Steps for Strategic Resilience

    [00:08:07] Focusing on Immediate Priorities

    [00:09:26] The To-Done List Approach

    [00:12:03] Conclusion and Upcoming Events

    Upcoming Events:

    • Strategy During Chaos Workshop: May 7th at 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM Pacific. Just $19 (scholarships available). Register at findrc.co
    • No-BS Strategic Achievement Intensive: May 15th-16th (two half-days). Create chaos-proof strategic plans with structured exercises and supported coworking. Register at findrc.co

    Book Launch:

    "You Are a Strategist: Use No-BS OKRs to Get Big Things Done" will be available in print (hardback and softback) on May 6th. Get the ebook now wherever you buy books. More info: youareastrategist.com

    Stay Connected:


    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 wanna DIY it? Book a VIP executive strategy day with me. They can be used one-on-one. It can be used to facilitate an in-person or remote event with your org. It can also be used for a keynote that inspires actual results for your upcoming event. Visit https://findrc.co/vipday for all the details. And from there you can book a free executive strategy intake call, or request a no meeting virtual consult. A VIP executive strategy day helps you unlock clarity, align quickly, and drive results in just one powerful day.

    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 wanna DIY it? Book a VIP executive strategy day with me. They can be used one-on-one. It can be used to facilitate an in-person or remote event with your org. It can also be used for a keynote that inspires actual results for your upcoming event. Visit https://findrc.co/vipday for all the details. And from there you can book a free executive strategy intake call, or request a no meeting virtual consult. A VIP executive strategy day helps you unlock clarity, align quickly, and drive results in just one powerful day.

    24 April 2025, 10:00 am
  • 30 minutes 40 seconds
    Ep 41 - Overcoming Perfectionism with Self-Development Coaching with Jessica Manca

    In this episode of Thinkydoers, host Sara Lobkovich welcomes self-development and executive career coach Jessica Manca to discuss perfectionism, overthinking, and intrinsic motivation. Jessica shares her journey from management consultant to coach and offers practical tools for overcoming limiting beliefs. We discuss the difference between professional coaching versus advising, the impact of negative self-talk, and how to shift from an over-focus on external (or extrinsic) to internal (or intrinsic) motivation. This conversation provides valuable insights for Thinkydoers who struggle with perfectionism and overthinking, who need some professional development support to unblock their potential and get unstuck.

    Key Points

    • Jessica's transition from management consultant to self-development coach
    • The difference between professional coaching and advising
    • Jessica's four inner limits that block perfectionists: stories, excuses, limiting beliefs, and fears
    • How to recognize and shift negative self-talk patterns
    • The importance of intrinsic motivation and "motivational buoyancy"
    • How challenging career setbacks can become opportunities for growth

    Key Quotables

    "I help perfectionists and introverts unlock their best self without overthinking. My superpower is really helping match people with the work that they do to the person that they want to be." - Jessica Manca
    "In ICF coaching... you're truly partnering with somebody. It's not a hierarchical relationship. You are seeing eye to eye with your client." - Jessica Manca
    "The language that you say to yourself and out loud, it reveals your beliefs, it reveals your values to some degree." - Jessica Manca
    "Those things that happen in your life that you think are terrible and horrible are actually huge gifts. In my career, I needed it to get that bad in order for me to wake up." - Jessica Manca

    Episode Chapters with Timestamps

    [00:00:00] - Introduction to Thinkydoers podcast and Jessica Manca

    [00:02:00] - Jessica introduces herself and her work with perfectionists and introverts

    [00:03:00] - Jessica's journey from management consultant to coach

    [00:05:00] - Early signs of Jessica's coaching abilities within her consulting firm

    [00:07:00] - Discussion about professional coaching vs. disciplinary coaching

    [00:08:00] - The difference between ICF certified coaching and other forms of coaching

    [00:12:00] - The importance of active listening in coaching

    [00:13:00] - Jessica's goal setting workshop approach with three columns

    [00:14:00] - The four inner limits: stories, excuses, limiting beliefs, and fears

    [00:17:00] - How mindfulness helps notice your stories and patterns

    [00:19:00] - How language reveals mindset and creates barriers

    [00:20:00] - Example of how the word "but" can sabotage ideas

    [00:22:00] - Discussion of Jessica's ebook "Self-Motivation is Your New Superpower"

    [00:24:00] - How setbacks can be valuable for personal growth

    [00:25:00] - Where to find Jessica's resources and upcoming workshops

    [00:27:00] - Announcement about Sara's new book "You Are a Strategist: Use No BS OKRs to Get Big Things Done"

    About Jessica

    Jessica Manca is a self-development coach, executive career coach, speaker, and author of "Finding Passion" who helps perfectionists and introverts unlock their best selves without overthinking. With a background as a former management consultant on the partner track, Jessica experienced burnout firsthand and discovered coaching as a path to personal transformation. She specializes in helping people align their work with the person they want to be, addressing limiting beliefs and negative self-talk patterns. Jessica is ICF certified and works toward helping clients develop the tools and resilience to continue growing beyond their coaching relationship.

    Guest Links & Resources


    For More Information about Sara Lobkovich and Thinkydoers

    Sara’s Links and Resources:


    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 wanna DIY it? Book a VIP executive strategy day with me. They can be used one-on-one. It can be used to facilitate an in-person or remote event with your org. It can also be used for a keynote that inspires actual results for your upcoming event. Visit https://findrc.co/vipday for all the details. And from there you can book a free executive strategy intake call, or request a no meeting virtual consult. A VIP executive strategy day helps you unlock clarity, align quickly, and drive results in just one powerful day.

    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 wanna DIY it? Book a VIP executive strategy day with me. They can be used one-on-one. It can be used to facilitate an in-person or remote event with your org. It can also be used for a keynote that inspires actual results for your upcoming event. Visit https://findrc.co/vipday for all the details. And from there you can book a free executive strategy intake call, or request a no meeting virtual consult. A VIP executive strategy day helps you unlock clarity, align quickly, and drive results in just one powerful day.

    17 April 2025, 10:00 am
  • 42 minutes 10 seconds
    Ep 40 - Beyond Soundbites: From Case Studies To Client Stories

    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.

    Episode Highlights:

    • 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

    Key Concepts Explored:

    • 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

    Notable Quotes:

    "I don't get to tell you what you found valuable at the end of the day. I can ask questions that help you explore that, but I don't get to determine the most important feature or experience that you had with us working together." - Nailah King (00:05:00)
    "Not all of us have work that fits into soundbites and all the attention is paid to getting us to squeeze our work into soundbites." - Sara Lobkovich (00:16:00)
     "Honor your energetics, honor your process, honor the format. If it's accessible to you, hire someone. If not, there are ways to do this work that are just easier. But you don't have to miss out, and you don't have to feel excluded. These stories are for us as well." - Nailah King (00:43:00)

    Chapters:

    [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

    Guest Information:

    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.

    Nailah’s Resources Mentioned:


    A shout-out to Sarah Moon & Co, who brought Nailah and I together:


    Sara’s Links and Resources:


    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 wanna DIY it? Book a VIP executive strategy day with me. They can be used one-on-one. It can be used to facilitate an in-person or remote event with your org. It can also be used for a keynote that inspires actual results for your upcoming event. Visit https://findrc.co/vipday for all the details. And from there you can book a free executive strategy intake call, or request a no meeting virtual consult. A VIP executive strategy day helps you unlock clarity, align quickly, and drive results in just one powerful day.

    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 wanna DIY it? Book a VIP executive strategy day with me. They can be used one-on-one. It can be used to facilitate an in-person or remote event with your org. It can also be used for a keynote that inspires actual results for your upcoming event. Visit https://findrc.co/vipday for all the details. And from there you can book a free executive strategy intake call, or request a no meeting virtual consult. A VIP executive strategy day helps you unlock clarity, align quickly, and drive results in just one powerful day.

    1 April 2025, 10:50 pm
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