Podcast Summary: Chief Change Officer - "From Misfit to Mission: Sara Lobkovich’s Guide to Achieving Big Goals – Part One"

Host: Vince Chan
Guest: Sara Lobkovich
Release Date: January 6, 2025

Introduction

In the 18th episode of Chief Change Officer, host Vince Chan welcomes Sara Lobkovich, a strategy coach and author, to delve into her transformative journey from feeling like a misfit across various careers to embracing her mission of helping others achieve substantial goals through strategic goal setting. This two-part series explores Sara’s personal and professional evolution, the obstacles she encountered, and her unique approach to strategy and leadership.

Early Life and Foundations of Activism

Sara begins by sharing her upbringing in Port Townsend, a small town on the Olympic Peninsula in Western Washington. She attributes her creative and activist spirit to her nurturing environment and supportive family background.

“I grew up in a very art-filled and creative environment... I have been an activist since birth.”
— Sara Lobkovich [06:07]

An early demonstration of her activism was when she successfully petitioned her school cafeteria for milk equality in third grade, highlighting her innate drive to effect change from a young age.

Career Beginnings and Early Transitions

Sara recounts her early venture into technology by co-founding an internet content company in the mid-90s during high school. This initiative propelled her into her first career in technology. Seeking a more impactful role, she transitioned to practicing law, where she worked for nearly five years before moving into marketing and strategy due to life circumstances.

“I co-founded an Internet content company in the mid-90s... then I became a lawyer to help people.”
— Sara Lobkovich [06:07]

Struggles with Authority and Navigating Job Hopping

Throughout her early career, Sara grappled with authority and institutional structures, preferring earned respect over hierarchical titles. Describing herself as a “scanner” with diverse interests, she frequently transitioned between roles to find positions that aligned with her strategic and creative passions.

“Being a strategist is not just being the smartest person in the room.”
— Sara Lobkovich [31:35]

She reflects on her job transitions, noting how a career coach reframed her frequent moves from “job hopping” to being a non-linear career explorer, driven by curiosity and a desire for meaningful work.

Discovery of Strategic Goal Setting

In 2016, amidst experiencing significant burnout, Sara began experimenting with self-set, quantifiable goals. This pivotal shift marked the inception of her obsession with goal setting, enabling her to regain control over her career by focusing on objectives that resonated with her personal “why”.

“Starting in 2016... it gave me a way to feel like I was driving in my career instead of just trying to mind read and understand what everyone else was expecting of me.”
— Sara Lobkovich [11:59]

This approach not only alleviated her burnout but also ignited her passion for helping others harness similar strategies.

Approach to Strategy and Leadership

Sara emphasizes a human-centered approach to strategy, integrating intrinsic motivation and purpose into business practices. She distinguishes her method from traditional consulting by focusing on collaboration, curiosity, and actionable insights rather than rigid frameworks.

“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 [31:35]

She advocates for democratizing strategy, making it accessible and relevant beyond the confines of large consultancies like McKinsey or BCG.

Overcoming Stuckness Through Curiosity

When faced with feelings of stagnation, Sara leverages her intense curiosity as a tool to explore new possibilities and learn from challenging situations. This mindset has been crucial in navigating her career transitions and maintaining resilience.

“Curiosity is an antidote to anxiety. It's an antidote to stuckness.”
— Sara Lobkovich [15:03]

Sara shares how reframing challenging roles as opportunities for learning—akin to a mini MBA—enabled her to extract value and continue her growth trajectory despite setbacks.

Misconceptions About Strategy Consulting

Sara addresses common misconceptions about strategy consulting, clarifying that it’s not solely about being the smartest person in the room or presenting polished slide decks. Instead, effective strategy involves asking insightful questions, fostering collaboration, and driving meaningful change.

“Strategy is your passion... Strategy is your questions.”
— Sara Lobkovich [31:35]

She contrasts her collaborative, curiosity-driven approach with the stereotypical image of strategists in large firms, highlighting the importance of democratizing strategic thinking.

Conclusion

Sara Lobkovich’s journey from varied career paths to becoming a strategy coach underscores the significance of aligning one’s work with personal purpose and maintaining flexibility in the face of challenges. Her insights provide valuable lessons for listeners aiming to achieve significant goals through strategic planning and self-awareness.

Notable Quotes

• “I have been an activist since birth.”
  — Sara Lobkovich [06:07]

• “Being a strategist is not just being the smartest person in the room.”
  — Sara Lobkovich [31:35]

• “Curiosity is an antidote to anxiety. It's an antidote to stuckness.”
  — Sara Lobkovich [15:03]

• “Strategy is your questions. Strategy is the curiosity to ask questions that yield facts and observations.”
  — Sara Lobkovich [31:35]

Looking Ahead

This episode sets the stage for the next installment, where Sara will delve deeper into her book, exploring her why, defining her target audience, outlining her objectives, and sharing her vision for strategic personal and professional development.

If you found Sara’s story inspiring, subscribe to Chief Change Officer, leave a top-rated review, and follow Vince Chan on social media for more insights on human intelligence and transformational leadership.