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
Release Date: 01/20/2025
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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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 ...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
info_outlineWhat 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
- Understanding the crucial visionary-integrator dynamic in leadership
- How EOS provides structure for businesses ready to scale
- The importance of proper goal-setting and measurement systems
- Role definition and its impact on organizational success
- The value of coaching in implementation of both frameworks
Key Concepts Explored:
- EOS Framework Components
- Vision Traction Organizer (VTO)
- Rocks and Measurables
- People Analyzer
- Accountability Chart
- L10 Meetings
- Leadership Dynamics
- Visionary (CEO) role and characteristics
- Integrator role and responsibilities
- Creating effective partnership between both roles
- Goal Setting and Measurement
- Integration of EOS rocks with OKR methodology
- Importance of measurable outcomes
- Balance between vision and execution
- Organizational Structure
- Role definition before performance evaluation
- Right people in right seats concept
- Simplified organizational structure approach
Episode Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Thinkydoers Podcast
00:58 Live from the Race Trailer
02:16 Guest Introduction: Jessica Lee
03:06 Understanding EOS and OKRs
04:40 Implementing EOS in Small Businesses
13:55 The Role of the Integrator
20:31 Accountability and Goal Setting
26:57 Conclusion and Farewell
Notable Quotes:
"Having a shared vocabulary and shared words and meanings within an organization could probably alleviate 75 percent of conflict that happens in businesses." - Sara Lobkovich
"Find out what matters to your people. That’s how you’re going to get the most out of the people you have." - Jessica Lee
"What I learned from OKR coaching was that staying quiet and letting someone else reach the answer can be the hardest—and most impactful—work." - Jessica Lee
"Research shows that we will dramatically overestimate what we think we could do in a short amount of time, but we will grossly underestimate what we could do in a larger amount of time." - Jessica Lee
Guest Information:
Jessica Lee owns Optimized Execs, a business consulting firm helping CEOs of small and medium-sized businesses who feel overwhelmed and unsure about growth strategies. Her experience includes serving as a COO and implementing EOS in various organizations.
Jessica's Resources Mentioned:
- Book: "Traction" by Gino Wickman
- Book: "Rocket Fuel" (focused on visionary-integrator relationship)
- Website: www.optimizedexecs.com
- LinkedIn: Jessica Lee
- Website: www.optimizedexecs.com
Sara's Links and Resources:
- Join Sara's Email Newsletter: https://findrc.co/4asU5wo
- Email Sara at [email protected]
- Other Free No-BS OKRs Resources: Access all free resources
- Thinkydoers (not-just-an OKR podcast) Home Page: https://saralobkovich.com/thinkydoers-pod
- Visit https://ck.redcurrantco.com to join the newsletter for additional resources and early access to new tools.
Find full show notes and the episode transcript via https://findrc.co/thinkydoers!