Chief Change Officer Podcast Summary
Title: Chief Change Officer
Host: Vince Chen
Episode: #305 Sara Lobkovich: Strategy Is Not a Suit—It’s a Skill
Release Date: April 17, 2025
Introduction
In episode #305 of Chief Change Officer, host Vince Chen engages in a profound conversation with Sara Lobkovich, a distinguished strategist and author. This episode delves deep into Sara's transformative journey, her mission to democratize strategy, and the insights encapsulated in her latest book, You Are a Strategist. Sara's narrative is particularly resonant for neurodivergent individuals and those who have felt marginalized in mainstream business environments.
Guest Introduction: Sara Lobkovich
Sara introduces herself as someone deeply passionate about making strategic planning accessible to everyone, regardless of their cognitive wiring or background. She shares her personal challenges, including being a trauma survivor and living with ADHD, which have significantly shaped her professional journey and the creation of her books.
Notable Quote:
"Strategy isn't just about being smart. It's about asking and answering questions that make people say, wow, that's a really good question."
— Sara Lobkovich [22:09]
The Concept of Strategy as a Skill
Sara emphasizes that strategy should be viewed as a universal skill rather than an exclusive domain for the "smartest" or most traditionally successful individuals. She critiques the conventional portrayal of strategists, often likened to fictional characters like Don Draper from Mad Men, and presents a more inclusive and collaborative vision of strategic planning.
Notable Quote:
"Strategy is your words, strategy is your questions. Strategy is the curiosity to ask questions that yield facts and observations and possibility that wasn't there before the questions were asked."
— Sara Lobkovich [08:05]
Democratizing Strategy
A significant portion of the discussion centers on Sara's mission to democratize strategy. She aims to dismantle the barriers that prevent neurodivergent individuals and others from fully engaging in strategic roles. By redefining strategy as a set of accessible tools and questions, Sara empowers a broader audience to participate in meaningful strategic planning.
Key Points:
- Strategy is not reserved for those with prestigious resumes or from elite institutions.
- Collaborative and diverse backgrounds enhance strategic processes.
- Emphasis on curiosity and questioning over mere intelligence.
Sara’s Books: A Dual Approach
Sara discusses her two-part book project, which includes:
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No BS Objectives and Key Results (OKRs): A practical workbook focused on actionable exercises and worksheets to help individuals and organizations set clear, achievable goals.
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You Are a Strategist: A more philosophical exploration of strategic planning, addressing the "why" behind adopting a human-centered approach to strategy.
Notable Quote:
"These books are about how to set goals, how to organize to improve achievement of goals, and ultimately how to improve your organizational and career performance."
— Sara Lobkovich [34:14]
Personal Journey and Advocacy
Sara shares her personal journey, highlighting how early childhood trauma and discovering her ADHD in her mid-40s influenced her approach to strategy and goal setting. Her experiences drive her commitment to creating resources that cater to individuals who feel out of place in traditional business settings.
Notable Quote:
"I want fewer people to have those kinds of statements running through their head and more people to know that there might be nothing wrong with you."
— Sara Lobkovich [21:50]
Practical Tools and Organizational Impact
The discussion transitions to the practical tools Sara offers through her books and training programs. She advocates for a shared language within organizations to enhance communication and reduce inefficiencies. By standardizing definitions and fostering curiosity-driven strategic questioning, organizations can significantly boost their performance and cohesion.
Key Points:
- Establishing agreed-upon definitions to prevent miscommunication.
- Utilizing strategic questions to uncover insights and foster innovation.
- Implementing OKRs to align goals and track progress effectively.
Notable Quote:
"One of the most undervalued, simple things that organizations can do to improve performance is just give words meaning and consistently use those meanings."
— Sara Lobkovich [34:36]
Impact and Future Vision
Sara expresses her enthusiasm for the positive change her work is already inspiring. She envisions a future where strategic planning is inclusive, empowering individuals from all walks of life to contribute meaningfully to their organizations. Her ultimate goal is to eliminate barriers in career transitions and leadership roles, ensuring that diverse cognitive styles are recognized and valued.
Notable Quote:
"We need people who are wired differently in every role there is. We need people who think differently in every role there is."
— Sara Lobkovich [34:36]
Conclusion
In this compelling episode, Sara Lobkovich articulates a vision of strategy that is inclusive, empathetic, and fundamentally human. Through her books and teachings, she provides invaluable tools for individuals and organizations striving to outgrow themselves and achieve transformative outcomes. Vince Chen effectively highlights Sara's dedication to fostering a more equitable and strategic landscape in the business world.
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Note: Timestamps are approximate and based on the provided transcript segments.