Chief Change Officer Podcast Summary
Episode: From Misfit to Mission: Sara Lobkovich’s Guide to Achieving Big Goals – Part Two
Host: Vince Chan
Guest: Sara Lobkovich
Release Date: January 7, 2025

Introduction

In the latest installment of the Chief Change Officer podcast, host Vince Chan delves deeper with guest Sara Lobkovich. This episode, titled "From Misfit to Mission: Sara Lobkovich’s Guide to Achieving Big Goals – Part Two," builds upon their previous conversation, focusing on Sara's insights into strategy, her groundbreaking book, and her mission to democratize strategic planning for a diverse, often underserved audience.

Sara's Background and Journey in Strategy

Sara Lobkovich opens the discussion by sharing her unconventional path into the world of strategy consulting. Despite multiple attempts to break into the big agency strategy space, Sara found herself frequently overlooked due to factors like the absence of prestigious names on her resume and lack of experience at the right career stage.

Sara Lobkovich (03:05): "I never even got a call because I didn't have the right names on my resume... the big agency thing just wasn't something that I was a candidate for."

Instead, Sara pivoted to smaller creative and consulting agencies, where she gained firsthand experience working alongside talented strategists from diverse backgrounds. This exposure broadened her understanding of strategy beyond the traditional frameworks dominated by firms like McKinsey and Bain.

Redefining Strategy: Beyond the Traditional View

A significant portion of the conversation centers on Sara's redefinition of what it means to be a strategist. She challenges the conventional image of strategists as merely the "smartest person in the room" or the suave individuals with immaculate presentation skills.

Sara Lobkovich (07:15): "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 emphasizes that true strategy hinges on curiosity, insightful questioning, and the ability to foster collaborative environments where diverse ideas can flourish. She contrasts this with the often rigid and formulaic approach seen in large consultancies, advocating for a more human-centered and inclusive strategy process.

"You Are a Strategist" Book Overview

Sara introduces her book, "You Are a Strategist," highlighting its dual focus on practical tools and philosophical underpinnings of strategic planning.

No BS Objectives and Key Results (OKRs)

Originally branded as "evolutionary OKRs," Sara's approach evolved into what is now known as No BS OKRs. This methodology offers a straightforward and learnable framework for setting and achieving goals without the usual complexities that often accompany traditional OKR systems.

Sara Lobkovich (10:23): "This is just a no BS approach to objectives and key results. It's a straightforward, learnable, focused way to work with a methodology that's often really overcomplicated by people."

The book bifurcates into a Workbook focused on actionable exercises and a more Philosophical Volume that delves into the "why" behind strategic planning, making the content accessible and applicable for diverse audiences.

Workbook vs. Big Book

• Workbook: Concentrates on No BS OKRs, providing exercises and worksheets to help readers craft their goals effectively.
• Big Book: Explores modernized, simplified, and human-centered methods for strategic planning, emphasizing meaningful engagement and practical application.

Target Audience and Neurodiversity

A poignant segment of the episode is dedicated to Sara's dedication of her book to specific groups often marginalized in mainstream business literature. These include introverts, individuals with ADHD, those on the autism spectrum, trauma survivors, and other "thinker doers."

Sara Lobkovich (20:11): "This book is a love letter to me earlier in my career. But I know I'm not alone. I know there are so many other people who are having experiences like I did."

Sara reveals her personal connection to these groups, sharing her own experiences with trauma and ADHD. Her mission is to create accessible strategic planning tools that resonate with neurodivergent individuals, empowering them to harness their unique cognitive strengths.

Sara Lobkovich (20:11): "It's for every person who's ever been told you need to... make it simpler. It's about asking and answering questions that make people say, wow, that's a really good question."

Practical Tools and Business Concepts

Beyond advocacy, Sara equips her audience with tangible tools and methodologies to implement effective strategic planning and goal setting.

Heuristics and Shared Language

Sara underscores the importance of developing shared heuristics and a common language within organizations to enhance communication and alignment.

Sara Lobkovich (28:38): "We all have gaps in our heuristics. And so this is an effort to give people an option for a coherent set of agreed heuristics around simple strategic planning and goal setting."

By standardizing definitions and encouraging genuine curiosity, Sara believes organizations can significantly reduce cognitive strain and enhance collaborative efficiency.

Objectives and Key Results (OKRs)

Sara's No BS OKRs simplify the goal-setting process, making it accessible to individuals regardless of their professional background or cognitive style. The focus is on actionable, clear objectives paired with measurable key results, fostering accountability and progress tracking.

Sara Lobkovich (28:38): "There are a couple key questions that people learn to ask each other so that instead of coming into strategic planning with all the answers, we come into the strategic planning process with questions."

These tools are designed not only to improve organizational performance but also to empower individuals to take control of their career trajectories.

Conclusion

In wrapping up the episode, Vince Chan commends Sara for her unique approach to strategic planning and her dedication to serving a niche yet significant audience. He highlights the balance Sara strikes between personal passion and professional rigor, making her work both heartfelt and practically valuable.

Vince Chan (26:33): "You've got tools, analysis and a lot of business concepts baked into it. ... delivering real business and economic value."

Sara expresses her optimism for the impact of her books and trainings, eager to see individuals who previously felt marginalized find their place and excel in their chosen fields through her strategies.

Sara Lobkovich (33:49): "I'm just so excited to see people discover these tools and then hear what they do with them."

Notable Quotes

• Sara Lobkovich (03:05): "I never even got a call because I didn't have the right names on my resume..."
• Sara Lobkovich (07:15): "Strategy is your questions. Strategy is the curiosity to ask questions..."
• Sara Lobkovich (10:23): "This is just a no BS approach to objectives and key results..."
• Sara Lobkovich (20:11): "This book is a love letter to me earlier in my career..."
• Sara Lobkovich (28:38): "There are a couple key questions that people learn to ask each other..."
• Vince Chan (26:33): "You've got tools, analysis and a lot of business concepts baked into it..."
• Sara Lobkovich (33:49): "I'm just so excited to see people discover these tools and then hear what they do with them."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Chief Change Officer underscores the importance of inclusive and accessible strategic planning. Sara Lobkovich's dedication to democratizing strategy not only challenges traditional paradigms but also opens doors for a more diverse and effective approach to achieving big goals. Whether you're an introvert, neurodivergent, or simply seeking a no-nonsense method to set and achieve objectives, Sara's insights and tools offer valuable guidance.

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