If you’ve ever felt like community just isn’t for you… this episode might just change everything.

Episode Highlights:

• Carrie’s journey with social anxiety and building inclusive, "quiet" communities
• Belonging without active participation—research and real-life insights
• Using bodily awareness and boundaries to stay grounded as a community creator
• Self-leadership and support systems to prevent burnout in community work
• Practical tips for both hosts and participants to feel more confident and aligned

Key Concepts Explored:

• Self-Regulation in Online Spaces: How digital communities offer spaces for thoughtful connection for introverts and neurodivergent people.
• Quiet Communities: Community spaces that don't demand constant engagement and allow people to participate on their own terms.
• Meaningful Engagement vs. Engagement for Engagement's Sake: The importance of connecting community activities to purpose and growth rather than arbitrary metrics.
• Body Awareness as Community Evaluation: Using physical reactions and feelings as guidance for whether a community is a good fit.
• Belonging Without Participation: Research findings on how affiliation alone can create a sense of belonging without requiring active involvement.
• Self-Leadership in Community Building: Managing internal dialogues and anxieties that arise when creating and managing communities.
• Community as Healing Practice: How creating spaces for others can help heal our own relationship to connection.
• Distributed Leadership: Inviting others' contributions rather than trying to do everything yourself.
• Community Building as a Long Game: The importance of patience and persistence in both building and participating in communities.

Notable Quotes:

"If there's a place that you wish existed... why not be the person that starts that?"

— Carrie Melissa Jones [00:13:00]

"You cannot do it alone. It's not a solo activity. To really create a community, you've got to see, recognize, and invite in the gifts of others and others' contributions."

— Carrie Melissa Jones[00:42:32] - [00:42:54]

I start everything I do scared and then once you get rolling it gets fun. Nothing starts fun. Everything starts with anxiety.

— Sara Lobkovich [00:46:45]

Chapters:

[00:00:00] Introduction and Meet Carrie Melissa Jones

[00:05:51] Social Anxiety and Career: Turning Challenges into Expertise

[00:11:22] Redefining Community: "Quiet Communities" and Meaningful Engagement

[00:15:38] Challenging the "Not a Joiner" Identity and Finding Your Fit

[00:19:53] Body Awareness: Using Physical Responses as Your Community Guide

[00:25:32] Advice for Shy Community Creators: Boundaries and Sustainability

[00:29:42] Research Insights: Belonging Without Active Participation

[00:39:03] Self-Leadership and Distributed Responsibility in Community Building

[00:44:30] Practical Pre-Launch Strategies and "Doing It Scared"

[00:48:10] The Long Game: Advice for Participants, Hosts, and Closing Thoughts

Upcoming Events:

• Q3 Strategic Achievement Intensive is now waitlisting!...

Are you struggling to maintain strategic focus in today's unpredictable environment?

In this lo-fi, candid episode, Sara shares her insights on navigating strategic planning during persistent uncertainty. Whether you're impacted by shifting tariffs, changes in public funding, or volatile market conditions, this episode offers practical frameworks to maintain strategic momentum when forecasting feels (or is) impossible.

• The Twin Traps: Why both over-planning and strategic abandonment are dangerous reactions to chaos
• OKRs as an Antidote: How focusing on outcomes rather than activities creates strategic flexibility
• Three-Step Framework: A practical approach to maintaining strategic momentum during turbulent times
• Building in Public: The strategic advantage of quick launches during rapid change

• How do you create strategic plans when the environment is constantly changing?
• What should replace detailed action planning when circumstances shift frequently?
• How can leaders maintain team focus during periods of high uncertainty?

[00:00:00] Introduction to Thinkydoer Shorts

[00:00:36] Current Challenges in Strategic Planning

[00:01:49] Upcoming Workshop: Strategy During Chaos

[00:02:46] Adapting Strategic Plans to Uncertainty

[00:03:06] Avoiding Over-Planning and Abandonment

[00:06:49] Three Steps for Strategic Resilience

[00:08:07] Focusing on Immediate Priorities

[00:09:26] The To-Done List Approach

[00:12:03] Conclusion and Upcoming Events

• Strategy During Chaos Workshop: May 7th at 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM Pacific. Just $19 (scholarships available). Register at findrc.co
• No-BS Strategic Achievement Intensive: May 15th-16th (two half-days). Create chaos-proof strategic plans with structured exercises and supported coworking. Register at findrc.co

"You Are a Strategist: Use No-BS OKRs to Get Big Things Done" will be available in print (hardback and softback) on May 6th. Get the ebook now wherever you buy books. More info: youareastrategist.com

• Join Sara's newsletter at findrc.co/newsletter.
• Send questions through findrc.co/contact.
• Find Sara @saralobkovich on most social media platforms.
• For show notes and the full episode transcript, visit

In this episode of Thinkydoers, host Sara Lobkovich welcomes self-development and executive career coach Jessica Manca to discuss perfectionism, overthinking, and intrinsic motivation. Jessica shares her journey from management consultant to coach and offers practical tools for overcoming limiting beliefs. We discuss the difference between professional coaching versus advising, the impact of negative self-talk, and how to shift from an over-focus on external (or extrinsic) to internal (or intrinsic) motivation. This conversation provides valuable insights for Thinkydoers who struggle with perfectionism and overthinking, who need some professional development support to unblock their potential and get unstuck.

• Jessica's transition from management consultant to self-development coach
• The difference between professional coaching and advising
• Jessica's four inner limits that block perfectionists: stories, excuses, limiting beliefs, and fears
• How to recognize and shift negative self-talk patterns
• The importance of intrinsic motivation and "motivational buoyancy"
• How challenging career setbacks can become opportunities for growth

[00:00:00] - Introduction to Thinkydoers podcast and Jessica Manca

[00:02:00] - Jessica introduces herself and her work with perfectionists and introverts

[00:03:00] - Jessica's journey from management consultant to coach

[00:05:00] - Early signs of Jessica's coaching abilities within her consulting firm

[00:07:00] - Discussion about professional coaching vs. disciplinary coaching

[00:08:00] - The difference between ICF certified coaching and other forms of coaching

[00:12:00] - The importance of active listening in coaching

[00:13:00] - Jessica's goal setting workshop approach with three columns

[00:14:00] - The four inner limits: stories, excuses, limiting beliefs, and fears

[00:17:00] - How mindfulness helps notice your stories and patterns

[00:19:00] - How language reveals mindset and creates barriers

[00:20:00] - Example of how the word "but" can sabotage ideas

[00:22:00] - Discussion of Jessica's ebook "Self-Motivation is Your New Superpower"

[00:24:00] - How setbacks can be valuable for personal growth

[00:25:00] - Where to find Jessica's resources and upcoming workshops

[00:27:00] - Announcement about Sara's new book "You Are a Strategist: Use No BS OKRs to Get Big Things Done"

Jessica Manca is a self-development coach, executive career coach, speaker, and author of "Finding Passion" who helps perfectionists and introverts unlock their best selves without overthinking. With a background as a former management consultant on the partner track, Jessica experienced burnout firsthand and discovered coaching as a path to personal transformation. She specializes in helping people align their work with the person they want to be, addressing limiting beliefs and negative self-talk patterns. Jessica is ICF certified and works toward helping clients develop the tools...

Self-promotion can feel uncomfortable—especially for introverted, thoughtful, or reserved Thinkydoers. But what if sharing your impact didn’t have to feel like cringey “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 how to manage rejection sensitivity and build confidence in sharing your work stories; and, how to create marketing materials that align with your values instead of squeezing your unique approach into conventional formats.

• Why traditional case studies don’t work for every business and how to tell client stories differently
• Strategies for showcasing your impact without relying on revenue-based metrics
• Managing rejection sensitivity and building confidence in sharing your work
• How introverted and low-energy Thinkydoers can approach self-promotion authentically
• Aligning your marketing materials with your values instead of forcing them into conventional formats
• Practical storytelling techniques to make your work more visible and engaging
• The emotional side of marketing—navigating vulnerability, rejection, and self-doubt
• Nailah’s personal journey and lessons learned from working with values-driven clients
• First steps to crafting client stories that feel natural, honest, and impactful

• Authentic Storytelling & Client Impact
• Why traditional case studies don’t work for every business and how to create meaningful client stories
• Strategies for showcasing impact without relying on revenue-based metrics
• The power of storytelling to make your work more visible and engaging
• Self-Promotion for Introverts & Low-Energy Thinkydoers
• How to market yourself authentically without feeling like you’re bragging
• Overcoming the fear of visibility and rejection sensitivity
• Values-Aligned Marketing & Ethical Storytelling
• Creating marketing materials that reflect your values rather than fitting into conventional formats
• The emotional side of sharing your work—navigating vulnerability, self-doubt, and rejection
• How ethical storytelling can help build stronger client relationships and trust
• Building Confidence & Overcoming Rejection Sensitivity
• Understanding rejection sensitivity and how it affects self-promotion
• Strategies for developing confidence in sharing your work and experiences
• First steps to telling client stories in a way that feels natural and impactful

[00:00:00] Welcome to Thinkydoers podcast and introduction

[00:01:00] Introduction to Nailah King and why Sara invited her on the podcast

[00:03:00]...

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 audiences, and enhance your work as a specialist, all while preserving what makes us uniquely human.

• How AI can help specialists move from anxiety to agency and practical ways to embrace AI tools with confidence
• Using AI to organize complex ideas and turn scattered thoughts into structured outlines
• The power of AI iteration and dialogue to refine thinking, decision-making, and communication
• Fact-checking and avoiding AI hallucinations with tools like Perplexity AI and multi-tool validation
• Enhancing communication for deep specialists by adapting messaging for different audiences, including neurodivergent thinkers and general business professionals
• Leveraging AI for buyer personas and using marketing strategies to improve AI-generated content and audience targeting
• AI as an assistive tool for neurodivergence and how it supports executive functioning challenges and workflow efficiency
• Emotional processing and AI as a tool for self-reflection while recognizing its limitations in mental health support
• First steps to overcoming AI anxiety and why understanding your emotional response to AI is crucial before integrating it into your workflow
• Resources and further learning, including Dvorah’s free PDF on emotions in AI and an invitation to submit questions for future discussions

AI for Organization & Creativity

• How AI helps specialists structure ideas and overcome creative overwhelm
• The role of AI in iterative thinking and refining communication
• AI’s effectiveness in summarizing, outlining, and organizing complex information

AI Accuracy & Fact-Checking

• Strategies for verifying AI-generated content and reducing hallucinations
• Using multi-tool validation with AI models like Perplexity AI and Claude
• Limitations of AI in handling data accuracy and research citations

AI for Specialists & Communication

• How AI helps deep specialists communicate with broader audiences
• Leveraging buyer personas to tailor AI-generated messaging
• Using AI to bridge communication gaps between neurodivergent and neurotypical audiences

AI for Neurodivergent Thinkers

• AI as an adaptive tool for executive function and workflow management
• The role of AI in supporting focus, organization, and stress reduction
• Ethical considerations of AI in self-reflection and emotional regulation

Overcoming AI Anxiety & Ethical Adoption

• The shift from AI anxiety to AI agency and practical steps for confident adoption
• The importance of emotional awareness in integrating AI into personal and professional workflows
• Resources for understanding the emotional impact of AI and strategies for responsible use

00:00 Introduction to Thinkydoers Podcast and Episode Overview

01:00 From AI Anxiety to AI Agency – How Specialists Can Take Control

02:00 Organizing Chaotic Thoughts with AI – Turning Sticky Notes into Structure

04:00 The Power of Iteration – Using AI for Back-and-Forth Thinking

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.

• Dvorah's background programming before the GUI and her journey from the Human Genome Project to AI development
• The ethical considerations of generative AI and how to navigate them as business owners and creators
• How to evaluate AI models based on their transparency, data policies, and public commitments
• The democratization of technology and why bottom-up AI adoption benefits everyone
• Why small businesses might leapfrog large corporations with open-source AI models like DeepSeek
• How generative AI affects workplace satisfaction differently across roles and experience levels
• Practical advice for protecting your intellectual property in an AI-driven world

AI Ethics & Transparency

• Role of AI in data analytics and predictive modeling
• AI as an enabler vs. driver of outcomes
• Practical applications in OKR workshops
• Limitations and considerations

Generative AI for Work

• The role of AI in automating tasks vs. augmenting human work
• AI as an enabler vs. a driver of outcomes
• Practical applications of AI in different industries

Small Business vs. Big Tech

• Can AI level the playing field for solopreneurs and startups?
• How large corporations control AI access and development
• Opportunities for smaller businesses to leverage AI effectively

AI for Strategy & Execution

• Integrating AI into decision-making without losing human creativity
• Using AI for data analytics and predictive modeling
• Limitations and considerations for AI in strategic planning

[00:00:00] Introduction: Welcome to Thinkydoers and introduction to Dvorah Graeser

[00:03:00] Dvorah's background: From programming before GUI to AI development

[00:05:00] Ethics of generative AI: The challenge of retrofitting ethics

[00:08:00] Choosing trustworthy AI models: Evaluating data policies and transparency

[00:10:00] Democratizing technology: The historical context and importance

[00:14:00] Advice for Thinkydoer leaders: Focus on process integration

[00:17:00] IP concerns for creators and business owners: Strategies and policies

[00:20:00] AI and the future of work: Research on workplace satisfaction

[00:25:00] The potential of open-source models like DeepSeek for small businesses

[00:29:00] Individual action: How to participate in shaping ethical AI

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.

• How generative AI is reshaping OKR creation and workshop efficiency
• The shift away from rigid OKR cascading toward functional team-level alignment
• Why OKRs should not be directly tied to performance evaluations or compensation
• The biggest mistakes organizations make when implementing OKRs—and how to avoid them
• The evolving role of OKRs in strategy execution and business impact
• What to expect from the future of OKRs in 2025 and beyond

Generative AI in OKR Practice

• Role of AI in data analytics and predictive modeling
• AI as an enabler vs. driver of outcomes
• Practical applications in OKR workshops
• Limitations and considerations

Modern OKR Localization

• Shift from cascading to hybrid approaches
• L1-L2 alignment strategies
• Bottom-up contribution methods
• Functional team focus

OKR Integration

• Separation of delivery work and outcomes
• Project management integration
• Performance management considerations
• Leading indicator identification

Implementation Strategy

• Starting points for organizations
• Common pitfalls to avoid
• Methodology vs. tool selection
• Change management considerations

[00:00:00] Introduction and welcome

[00:01:00] Book announcement: You Are a Strategist

[00:04:00] Guest introductions

[00:08:00] Generative AI's impact on OKRs

[00:17:00] Using AI tools in OKR workshops

[00:21:00] Evolution of OKR localization

[00:33:00] Discussion of individual KRs

[00:41:00] OKRs and performance management

[00:47:00] First steps for OKR implementation

Natalie Webb is an OKR expert with nearly eight years of experience in the field. She currently works with Aramco in Saudi Arabia, supporting their digital transformation and AI initiatives. Natalie specializes in helping organizations implement effective OKRs that drive real business impact.

Maria Rowcliffe is an organizational behavior specialist with over 30 years of experience in management and strategy execution. Passionate about how organizations and people...

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.

• 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

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

[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

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.

• Book: "Traction" by Gino Wickman
• Book: "Rocket Fuel" (focused on visionary-integrator relationship)
• Website: www.optimizedexecs.com
• LinkedIn: Jessica Lee
• Website: www.optimizedexecs.com

• Join Sara's Email Newsletter: