Libsyn Directory

Real People, Real Stories: OKR Coach and Specialist Jason Johnston (Part 2)

Thinkydoers®: OKRs, Strategy & Career Support When You're Wired Differently

Release Date: 07/09/2024

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

Thinkydoers®: OKRs, Strategy & Career Support When You're Wired Differently

Self-promotion can feel uncomfortable—especially for introverted, thoughtful, or reserved Thinkydoers. But what if sharing your impact didn’t have to feel like 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 some tips for managing rejection sensitivity and...

Ep 39 - Generative AI: Practical Strategies for Thinkydoers with Guest Dvorah Graeser

Thinkydoers®: OKRs, Strategy & Career Support When You're Wired Differently

AI is transforming the way we work—but how can Thinkydoers use generative AI responsively and productively—as a tool, not a time-suck? In part two of our conversation with AI ethicist and strategist Dvorah Graeser, we get practical about leveraging AI tools, particularly for deep specialists and strategic thinkers. Building on our discussion of ethics and implications from Episode 38, Dvorah shares specific ways to move from anxiety to agency with AI while maintaining your ethics and humanity. Learn how to use AI tools to organize your thoughts, improve communication with different...

Ep 38 - Generative AI and the Future of Work for Thinkydoers

Thinkydoers®: OKRs, Strategy & Career Support When You're Wired Differently

Are you wrestling with ethical questions about AI while also feeling curious about its potential? In this thought-provoking episode, Sara welcomes Dvorah Graeser, an "old internet" technologist who brings a unique perspective on AI democratization. From programming for the Human Genome Project to founding RocketSmart, Dvorah shares insights on how we can approach AI with both skepticism and agency. Discover why those who shy away from AI might be surrendering power to tech giants, and learn practical considerations for responsibly engaging with generative AI tools in your work. Episode...

Ep 37 - OKR Forecast 2025: Insights From The Experts

Thinkydoers®: OKRs, Strategy & Career Support When You're Wired Differently

What’s next for OKRs in 2025? As goal-setting evolves, organizations are rethinking their approach to strategy, execution, and performance. In this episode, Sara sits down with OKR experts Natalie Webb and Maria Rowcliffe to unpack the latest trends—from the role of generative AI to the shifting landscape of OKR localization and performance management. Whether you’re an OKR veteran or just getting started, these insights will help you stay ahead of the curve. Episode Highlights: How generative AI is reshaping OKR creation and workshop efficiency The shift away from rigid OKR...

Ep 36 - Can EOS and OKRs Work Together? Bridging Vision and Execution With Expert Jessica Lee

Thinkydoers®: OKRs, Strategy & Career Support When You're Wired Differently

What happens when two powerhouse frameworks collide? In this episode, Sara dives into a fascinating conversation with Jessica Lee, exploring the dynamic intersection of EOS® (Entrepreneurial Operating System®) and OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) in business management. As both an EOS integrator and an OKR coach, Jessica shares her unique expertise, offering actionable insights into how these two frameworks can work in harmony to help organizations not just survive but truly thrive. Episode Highlights: The complementary relationship between EOS and OKRs in business management ...

Ep 35 - SMART Goals vs. KPIs vs. OKRs: What's the Difference?

Thinkydoers®: OKRs, Strategy & Career Support When You're Wired Differently

Ever feel lost in the alphabet soup of goal-setting frameworks? Whether you're a leader, a coach, or a goal-setting enthusiast, navigating between SMART goals, KPIs, OKRs, and other frameworks can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Sara Lobkovich – strategist, OKR coach, and nationally board-certified health and wellness coach (with “another life” in professional motorcycle road racing) – gives you the inside scoop on the most popular frameworks. Through easy-to-understand examples from the worlds of health and sports, Sara breaks down when and how to use each framework to drive...

Ep 34: Why You Shouldn't Start with an OKR Tool (Yet)

Thinkydoers®: OKRs, Strategy & Career Support When You're Wired Differently

Thinking about implementing OKRs? Your first instinct might be to shop for an OKR tool - but that could be setting yourself up for failure. In this candid Thinkydoers Short, strategy coach Sara Lobkovich explains why starting with software often backfires, and shares a proven alternative with a methodology-focused approach that will set your organization up for long-term OKR success. Episode Highlights: Common pitfalls of taking a tool-first approach to OKR implementation Why methodology must come before software How to track OKRs effectively without specialized tools A practical timeline for...

Ep 33 - Sneak Peek of My Upcoming Book: You Are A Strategist (not just an OKRs book)

Thinkydoers®: OKRs, Strategy & Career Support When You're Wired Differently

Ever feel like you're speaking a different language than your colleagues when presenting your ideas? Or, like a square peg in your work? Do you feel like you're trying to read minds to understand what's expected of you, while your co-workers are just humming along doing their work? Or, do you lead people who that describes well? In this powerful episode, Sara Lobkovich reveals why the very qualities that might make some people feel like an outsider at work—being "too analytical" or "too detail-oriented"—could actually be their greatest strategic strengths (and a tremendous asset to...

Ep 32 - Executing Under Pressure: High Stakes, High Performance, With Pro Racer and Firefighter Jayson Uribe

Thinkydoers®: OKRs, Strategy & Career Support When You're Wired Differently

What does it take to perform at the absolute limit, every time you show up to work? How do you navigate your own chemisty, and both objective and perceived risk when lives are actually on the line? Find out in this conversation with professional motorcycle road racer, firefighter, and business owner, Jayson Uribe. Jay and I work together in our moto lives -- he's one of the pro riders that I really enjoy working with in my capacity as a team principal for . In addition to being a very skilled, highly capable and accomplished rider in a sport where the rider is ultimately the one who...

Ep 31 - Speed, Strategy, and Staying Unblocked: Leadership Lessons from Pro Motorsports & Beyond

Thinkydoers®: OKRs, Strategy & Career Support When You're Wired Differently

What can business leaders learn from the high-stakes world of professional motorsports? Find out, in this conversation between Thinkydoers host Sara Lobkovich (whose "other life" is in professional motorcycle road racing) and organizational change expert Jurriaan Kamer, co-author of " and his new release, "." We cover a lot of ground here -- from how pro racing teams approaches to goal clarity, mistake recovery, and rhythmic learning can transform your leadership practice, to creating blame-free cultures, and mastering the art of strategic alignment. In this lively and engaging...

More Episodes

How do you find balance as a Thinkydoer with a busy, curious, learning-focused brain? Today, we explore this question (and more) as I continue my insightful conversation with Jason Johnston, OKR Practice Lead at Genetec. (If you missed Part 1, pop back to Episode 17 and then come back here after.)

Tuning in, you’ll discover some of the most profound lessons from Jason’s unique and varied career.

From facing a career-altering setback J.J. considers his "greatest professional accomplishment," to finding new paths forward, his journey demonstrates the importance of adaptability and continuous learning.

Join us as we explore how personal passions outside of work--whether it's building LEGO, climbing mountains, or repairing antique typewriters -- can recharge our professional lives, and why disconnecting and taking proper breaks is essential for reconnecting with our intrinsic motivation.

Don't miss this enriching conversation as we dive deep into the human side of leadership!

Key Points From This Episode:

How to check out the new No-BS OKR Self-Assessment tool.
What Jason considers to be his greatest professional accomplishment.
The biggest learnings that have propelled him forward.
Navigating setbacks and how to have a learning-focused career.
Lessons for making OKR work sustainable, including recharging outside of work.
How taking meaningful breaks can help you reconnect with your intrinsic motivation.
Sara and Jason’s mutual love for LEGO!
How having the mentality of a four-year-old benefits Jason’s well-being.
Jason’s top book recommendations.

Quotes:

“It is a failure, [but] I think the success comes [from] realizing that I didn't have control over it, and it's not my fault. Why should I let this get me down? You’ve got to keep going. You’ve got to keep moving.” — Jason Johnston [05:52]

“It's about cutting yourself off completely [and] giving your brain time to think and do something else.” — Jason Johnston [08:38]

“Take what it is that you love, disconnect, and go do it. Make it big, whatever it is. Make it big. Make it worth a four-year-old's mentality.” — Jason Johnston [12:14]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

TOPICS