Episodes

  • Executing Under Pressure: High Stakes, High Performance, With Pro Racer and Firefighter Jayson Uribe

    Executing Under Pressure: High Stakes, High Performance, With Pro Racer and Firefighter Jayson Uribe
    Nov 12 2024
    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 CW Moto Racing. In addition to being a very skilled, highly capable and accomplished rider in a sport where the rider is ultimately the one who goes out there and twists the throttle, Jayson's life and career have given him a unique perspective on teamwork that makes him truly fun to work with. He's also a talented development rider: his ability to give us technical information about his experience on track not only makes it possible for us to improve the bike for him; it also helps us improve our equipment for all of our riders. Jayson agreed to join me for a peek inside his brain, to hear more about his experiences with balancing technical precision and emotional awareness in high-stakes environments. From his morning pre-race routines to his approach to failure and risk management, what he's learned about performing under pressure applies far beyond the racetrack or firehouse. Whether you're facing challenging decisions in your own work, managing teams through high-pressure situations, or simply curious about the psychology of peak performance, you'll find valuable insights in this conversation about what it really takes to execute at the highest level when it matters most. Episode Highlights: The learnable balance between technical expertise and emotional regulationAchieving and maintaining flow states in high-pressure situationsHow morning routines and preparation impact performanceManaging failure and using setbacks as motivationRisk mitigation and decision-making under pressureTransferable skills between racing and firefightingThe myth of natural talent vs. practiced fundamentals Key Concepts Explored: Flow state in high-performance environmentsTechnical precision under emotional stressRisk assessment and managementProgressive goal-settingRecovery and regulation techniquesPerformance preparation routines Notable Quotes: "[High performance] is just perfect execution of fundamentals under stress. And the more perfect the execution, the better the outcome will be." "The best races are the ones you don't remember. When you're riding the bike you're almost so focused that everything else is a blur." "Being able to remove the emotional side of things... you got to lock into the moment of what you are there to do." Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Thinkydoers Podcast 00:56 Current Events and Connecting with Listeners 04:05 Deep Dive: Jayson Uribe's Multifaceted Career 06:51 Balancing Emotions and Technical Precision 11:32 Goal-Setting and Performance Mindset 19:28 Lessons from Racing and Firefighting Guest Information: Jayson Uribe is a professional motorcycle racer with both international and U.S. national career experience. He currently races in MotoAmerica, the U.S. national road racing series (and, with us -- CW Moto, during the off-season in the CVMA series in California). He is also a firefighter, and founder of Code Three Consultations, specializing in automotive forensics and investigations. Jayson's Contact Info: Code Three Consultations: code3consultations.comConnect with Jayson: Instagram @Jayson36uribe Sara's Links & Resources: For a limited time: Schedule a 30-minute Connection Session with Sara (during Nov 2024): https://findrc.co/nov30minCW Moto Racing on Instagram: @cw_motoSara's CW Moto email address: sara@cwmoto.comJoin Sara's Email Newsletter: https://findrc.co/newsletterEmail Sara at hello@redcurrantco.comOther Free No-BS OKRs Resources: Access all free resourcesThinkydoers (not-just-an OKR podcast) Home Page: https://saralobkovich.com/thinkydoers-pod
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    33 mins
  • Speed, Strategy, and Staying Unblocked: Leadership Lessons from Pro Motorsports & Beyond

    Speed, Strategy, and Staying Unblocked: Leadership Lessons from Pro Motorsports & Beyond
    Oct 31 2024
    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 "Formula X: How to Reach Extreme Acceleration in Your Organization" and his new release, "Unblock: Clear the Way for Results and Develop a Thriving Organization." 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 conversation, you'll discover how racing's high-performance, high-stakes principles can accelerate your business performance—whether you're a motorsports fan or not. Episode Highlights: Three core principles business can learn from racing teams: Crystal-clear goals and their role in driving focusBalanced autonomy and alignment in high-performing teamsRhythmic learning: how racing teams turn every moment into an opportunity for improvement Creating blame-free cultures in high-stakes environmentsThe power of "even over" statements in explicit prioritizationDecision-making frameworks: understanding "hats, haircuts, and tattoos"How consent and choice drive organizational ownership Notable Quotes: "Failure avoidance is more dangerous than failure recovery." - Jurriaan Kamer "If you look at Formula 1 teams [...] execution is not 99% of the thing. They understand that everything they do is an opportunity to reflect and improve. These meetings, these rituals, are built into their cadence. It's not something somebody has to plan - it's just part of how they operate." - Jurriaan Kamer "If you try to convince a group of people, the first thing you need to do is not tell them why you think you're right, but ask them what they think is going to go wrong. And then you can start to build conviction together." - Jurriaan Kamer "We have to take a systemic perspective when things go wrong... As an outsider, you think 'Oh, this person needs to be fired, because they blew the chances of a victory.' Which is just very short-term focused because [mistakes] will repeat [themselves] if you don't understand all the factors that were at play." - Jurriaan Kamer Guest Information: Jurriaan Kamer is an organizational change expert based in the Netherlands and author of "Formula X: How to Reach Extreme Acceleration in Your Organization" and "Unblock." Drawing from his unique access to professional car-racing teams and extensive experience with self-managing organizations, he helps leaders worldwide create high-performing, adaptable organizations. Jurriaan's Resources Mentioned: Formula X: How to Reach Extreme Acceleration in Your Organization (Book by Rini van Solingen and Jurriaan Kamer)Unblock: Clear the Way for Results and Develop a Thriving Organization (Book by Jurriaan Kamer)Website: jurriaankamer.comUnblock book website: unblockbook.net Sara's Links and Resources: Join this Fall's Goal Fridays free live series: https://findrc.co/goalfridaysJoin Sara's Email Newsletter: https://findrc.co/newsletterEmail Sara at hello@redcurrantco.comOther Free No-BS OKRs Resources: Access all free resourcesThinkydoers (not-just-an OKR podcast) Home Page: https://saralobkovich.com/thinkydoers-podFollow CW Moto Racing on Instagram: https://instagram.com/cw_moto Find full show notes and the episode transcript via https://findrc.co/thinkydoers !
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    45 mins
  • Getting Unstuck: Don't Go It Alone (Part 2 with Dr. Sherlonda Adkins)

    Getting Unstuck: Don't Go It Alone (Part 2 with Dr. Sherlonda Adkins)
    Oct 23 2024

    Feeling stuck but unsure how to get help? You're not alone - and this episode is for you. In part two of my powerful conversation with Dr. Sherlonda Adkins, we explore why the journey to getting unstuck shouldn't be a solo endeavor. Learn why it takes most people 10 years to seek professional help, how to find the right therapist (and what to do if your first try isn't a fit), and practical strategies for getting the support you need. Whether you're considering therapy for the first time or looking to rebuild trust after a difficult experience, this episode offers candid insights and actionable guidance for taking that crucial first step.

    Episode Highlights:

    • Finding the right therapist and why it's like dating
    • How to have an initial conversation with potential therapists
    • The importance of establishing boundaries in therapeutic relationships
    • Why it's never too late to seek help
    • Building a healthy support system

    Common Questions:

    • How do I know if I need professional help?
    • What should I look for in a therapist?
    • What if my first therapy experience isn't working?
    • How do I communicate with my therapist about concerns?

    Notable Quotes:

    "It's never too late to start. I've worked with patients in their seventies, and my biggest heartbreak is for people to leave this earth without experiencing joy—being stuck and not seeing what it could have looked like." - Dr. Adkins

    "The average length of time that it takes for someone to actually seek professional help is about 10 years." - Dr. Adkins

    "Before you can actually trust someone, you got to feel comfortable." - Dr. Adkins

    Resources Mentioned:

    • Dr. Sherlonda Adkins Website: drsherlondaadkins.com
    • Dr. Sherlonda Adkins on LinkedIn

    Sara's Links and Resources:

    • Join this Fall's Goal Fridays free live series: https://findrc.co/goalfridays
    • Join Sara's Email Newsletter: https://findrc.co/newsletter
    • Email Sara at hello@redcurrantco.com
    • Other Free No-BS OKRs Resources: Access all free resources
    • Thinkydoers (not-just-an OKR podcast) Home Page: https://saralobkovich.com/thinkydoers-pod

    Find full show notes and the episode transcript via https://findrc.co/thinkydoers !
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    18 mins
  • Feeling Stuck: Signs and Symptoms Not to Ignore (Part 1 with Dr. Sherlonda Adkins)

    Feeling Stuck: Signs and Symptoms Not to Ignore (Part 1 with Dr. Sherlonda Adkins)
    Oct 22 2024
    Ever felt "off" but couldn't quite name it? Did it feel like you were "stuck?" What if that feeling of being "stuck" is actually trying to tell you something important? In this illuminating conversation with Dr. Sherlonda Adkins, a Physician Assistant and "Unstuck Strategist," we explore how feeling stuck can masquerade as depression, anxiety, or burnout - and why recognizing the difference matters. Whether you're questioning your career path or feeling stagnant in life, this episode offers vital insights into identifying and understanding stuckness before it impacts your wellbeing. Then join us for part two with Dr. Adkins where we'll explore practical strategies for getting unstuck and creating positive change in your life. Episode Highlights: The difference between clinical depression and feeling stuckPhysical, emotional, and mental signs of stucknessHow "sticky thinking" patterns keep us trappedWhy career transitions and family dynamics are common stuck pointsThe relationship between substance use and feeling stuckWhy being stuck isn't always negative - it can signal important life changes Common Questions: What are the signs of being stuck vs. depression?How does stuckness show up physically in our bodies?When should you seek professional help for feeling stuck?How can you tell if you're experiencing sticky thinking? Notable Quotes: "Sometimes people end up sitting on my couch saying 'I'm depressed,' thinking it's neurobiological changes, when in fact it's more secondary to their feeling stuck." - Dr. Adkins "Suffering is different from going through tough times - suffering means you're not accessing available relief while going through difficulties." - Dr. Adkins "Sometimes being stuck is jolting because you recognize there's a misalignment between your compass and your soul." - Dr. Adkins About Today's Guest: Dr. Sherlonda Adkins is a physician assistant and unstuck strategist based in Charleston, South Carolina. Through her telemedicine practice and coaching work, she helps people around the world create lives they don't need to escape from. Resources Mentioned: Dr. Sherlonda Adkins Website: drsherlondaadkins.comDr. Sherlonda Adkins on LinkedIn Sara's Links and Resources Join this Fall's Goal Fridays free live series: https://findrc.co/goalfridaysJoin Sara's Email Newsletter: https://findrc.co/newsletterEmail Sara at hello@redcurrantco.comOther Free No-BS OKRs Resources: Access all free resourcesThinkydoers (not-just-an OKR podcast) Home Page: https://saralobkovich.com/thinkydoers-pod Find full show notes and the episode transcript via https://findrc.co/thinkydoers !
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    22 mins
  • Mindfulness for Overthinkers and Perfectionists with Dr. Alice Rizzi

    Mindfulness for Overthinkers and Perfectionists with Dr. Alice Rizzi
    Oct 15 2024
    Are you an overthinker who can't seem to quiet your mind? A perfectionist struggling to find peace in a chaotic world? This episode is your lifeline. Dr. Alice Rizzi, a licensed psychologist and mindfulness coach, breaks down the myths about mindfulness and offers practical, accessible techniques that even the busiest minds can embrace. Discover how just 30 seconds a day can transform your mental landscape and why traditional meditation isn't the only path to mindfulness. Whether you've tried mindfulness before and given up, or you're completely new to the concept, this episode promises to revolutionize your approach to mental well-being. Episode Highlights: Dr. Rizzi's refreshing definition of mindfulness that goes beyond sitting stillThe surprising difference between mindfulness and meditationGame-changing mindfulness techniques tailored for overthinkers and perfectionistsHow to start a mindfulness practice when you think you have no timeSimple grounding exercises that can calm your nervous system in secondsThe overlooked importance of self-compassion in mindfulness practice Common Questions Addressed: What is mindfulness, really, and how is it different from meditation?Can overthinkers and perfectionists actually benefit from mindfulness?What are some quick, no-nonsense ways to incorporate mindfulness into a hectic life?How can mindfulness help manage the overwhelming stress and anxiety of modern life? Notable Quotes: "Mindfulness is the quality of being present in this moment with awareness, acceptance, kindness, compassion, curiosity, and non-judgment." - Dr. Alice Rizzi "It's better to do 30 seconds every day than even sit for 10 minutes once a week." - Dr. Alice Rizzi "Right now, in this moment, chances are you're actually okay." - Dr. Alice Rizzi Episode Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Thinkydoers Podcast 01:27 Goal Fridays: A Series for Changemakers 02:45 Meet Dr. Alice Rizzi: Mindfulness Expert 04:35 Understanding Mindfulness and Meditation 06:44 Mindfulness for High Achievers and Overthinkers 09:48 Grounding Techniques for Overthinkers 16:28 The Power of Self-Compassion and Non-Judgment 21:52 Practical Tips for Mindfulness Practice 32:11 Conclusion and Resources Key Takeaways: Forget long meditation sessions; brief daily practices can be more effective for busy minds.Learn the "five, four, three, two, one" grounding technique to instantly reconnect with the present moment.Discover why self-compassion might be the missing piece in your mindfulness journey.Explore how a simple self-hug can regulate your nervous system faster than you think. Resources Mentioned: Dr. Alice Rizzi's Instagram: @DrAliceRizzi Website: togethermindful.com (free mindfulness toolkit available) Therapy services (NY and FL): dralicerizzi.com Sara's Links and Resources: Join this Fall's Goal Fridays free live series: https://findrc.co/goalfridaysThe No-BS OKRs Workbook, currently available as a PDF download from https://findrc.co/pdfworkbook (USD) or https://findrc.co/pdfwkbkAUD (AUD)Join the Launch Squad for Sara's Upcoming Books: You Are A Strategist and the No-BS OKRs WorkbookJoin Sara's Email NewsletterEmail Sara at hello@redcurrantco.comThinkydoers (not-just-an OKR podcast) Home Page Whether you're a seasoned mindfulness practitioner or a skeptical beginner, this episode offers fresh insights and practical tools to help you navigate life's challenges with greater ease and presence.
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    37 mins
  • October Theory: Gen-Z Discovers Quarterly Planning (and the Olds can learn a thing or two)

    October Theory: Gen-Z Discovers Quarterly Planning (and the Olds can learn a thing or two)
    Oct 14 2024

    Is October the new January? Gen Z thinks so, and they might be onto something. In this Thinkydoers Short, I dive into the viral TikTok trend of "October Theory" and explore how it intersects with established business practices like quarterly planning and OKRs (Objectives and Key Results). Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career journey, this episode offers fresh insights on goal-setting and achievement.

    Episode Highlights:

    • Introduction to "October Theory" and its viral spread on TikTok
    • How October Theory aligns with business quarterly planning practices
    • What us Olds can learn from the youth on the importance of end-of-Q3 retrospectives and learning reviews
    • Introduction to Key Results for Gen Z goal-setters
    • The benefits of outcome-based goals over activity-based goals

    Key Questions:

    • What is October Theory?
    • How does October Theory relate to business planning cycles?
    • What are Key Results in the context of OKRs?
    • Why are outcome-based goals more effective than activity-based goals?

    Notable Quotes:

    "Let's listen to the next generation on this one and prioritize the end of Q3 reset."

    "Key results are a different kind of goal... We're going to think about what would be really incredible to achieve in terms of impacts or quantifiable outcomes of our effort."

    "Instead of the risk of the all or nothing bad feelings that we get when we set just activity based goals, when we create key results, that's what we're pursuing... We get instantly curious, even if you're not having any progress."

    Episode Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction to Thinkydoer Shorts

    01:15 Discovering October Theory

    02:07 Understanding October Theory and Its Impact

    03:43 The Power of Key Results for Gen Z

    04:06 Implementing OKRs in Business

    06:21 Creating Effective Key Results

    09:02 The Benefits of Key Results Over Activity Goals

    12:57 Conclusion and Join the Pre-Launch List for You Are A Strategist

    Links and Resources:

    • Pre-launch list for "You Are a Strategist": youareastrategist.com
    • Sara's website: saralobkovich.com
    • Shortcut to Sara's website: findrc.co
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    14 mins
  • Play as Mindfulness Practice with Chief Play Officer TJ Matton

    Play as Mindfulness Practice with Chief Play Officer TJ Matton
    Sep 25 2024
    Want to incorporate more play into your world? You’re in the right place! Play isn’t just for kids. It’s a biological necessity that can transform your mental well-being and even help manage mental health symptoms like hypervigilance and anxiety.

    And we’re lucky to have play expert TJ Matton back for this second episode in our two-part series on play. If you haven’t already, listen to last week’s episode for fundamentals about the science of play; and here we get practically applied. How can you increase play in your life? Listen (or read on) for answers.

    Episode Highlights:

    • Foundations of Play: Play is essential for learning and development, helping us build new neural pathways.

    • Play as a Mindfulness Practice: Integrating play into daily life to enhance mindfulness and personal growth.

    • Managing Hypervigilance: Practical exercises to use play as a tool for managing hypervigilance.

    • Mindfulness and Emotional Reactivity: Shifting from emotional reactivity to curiosity through play.

    • Types of Play: Exploring different play patterns and how to integrate them into everyday activities.

    Common Questions:

    1. How can play help with mindfulness?

    2. What are some practical ways to integrate play into daily life?

    3. How can play be used to manage hypervigilance?

    Notable Quotes:

    • “Play is how we learn new ways of thinking, being, and operating. It’s necessary for growth and evolution.”

    • “Focusing on our enjoyment is never wasted; it’s an embodiment practice.”

    • “Hypervigilance can be a play buddy. Opt into it in safe environments to transform it from a suffering experience to an impulse for growth.”

    Guest Information:

    TJ Matton: Founder and Chief Play Officer of the Playful Revolution. You can find more information about TJ and her work at theplayfulrevolution.com and on Instagram at @theplayfulrevolution.

    Next Episode Teaser: Join us next week for a conversation with another incredible expert about stuckness and mental health. Don’t miss it!

    Special Offer: Are you feeling overwhelmed by conflicting priorities? Struggling to achieve the results you need in your organization or career? It’s time to unblock your inner strategist. Join my community membership program, designed for aspiring and practicing strategic operators who think differently. Right now, membership is $100 off for the full year, just in time to help with your Q3, Q4 transition and ramp up for 2025. Visit findrc.co/ubyis to learn more.

    Stay Connected: Thank you for joining and listening. I can’t wait to hear what resonated with you in this episode. Subscribe to our newsletter at findrc.co/newsletter to stay updated. You can find me, Sara Lobkovich, pretty much everywhere online. Feel free to contact me at sara@thinkydoers.com. If you have other Thinkydoers in your work world, please pass this episode along. We appreciate your referrals, mentions, shares, and reviews.

    Find full show notes and transcript at http://saralobkovich.com/thinkydoers-pod.
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    23 mins
  • The Science of Play with TJ Matton

    The Science of Play with TJ Matton
    Sep 18 2024
    Are you ready to rethink everything you think you know about play? Want to learn more about the science of play as a powerful tool for personal growth and well-being? This week’s guest, TJ Matton, founder and chief play officer of the Playful Revolution, joins me to dive deep into the science and practice of play (especially for those of us for whom "play" may not feel like it comes naturally. TJ shares her insights as a trauma therapist and play advocate, exploring some foundational science (and neuroscience) about play, including play as a "primal drive" and essential part of learning. This episode is part one in a two part series: today, we lay the foundation of why play is important. In next week's episode, we'll continue our conversation with practical guidance for how to incorporate play into your mindfulness practices (even if you want to run the other direction when I say "play" or "mindfulness"). For complete show notes and transcript, visit http://saralobkovich.com/thinkydoers-pod. Episode Highlights Introduction to TJ Matton: TJ’s background as a trauma therapist and her journey into the world of play.The Primal Drive of Play: Understanding play as a biological necessity, akin to hunger or thirst.Neurology of Play: How play helps develop new neural pathways and its importance across the lifespan.Types and Modes of Play: Exploring different play styles, including solo play, parallel play, and collaborative play.Balancing Novelty and Repetition: The delicate balance needed to keep play engaging and beneficial.Play and Neurodivergence: How play can be particularly beneficial for neurodivergent individuals.Play as a Social Activity: The importance of finding compatible play partners and creating safe play environments.Conflict as Play: Viewing conflict as a form of play and its role in building better relationships and systems. Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Thinkydoers Podcast 00:40 Quick Promo and Upcoming Events 02:10 Exciting Episode with TJ: Play and Mindfulness 03:48 TJ's Background and Passion for Play 06:04 The Importance of Play in Our Lives 09:47 Balancing Novelty and Repetition in Play 17:44 Exploring Different Play Styles 21:19 Play as a Social and Solo Activity 29:06 Play and Vulnerability 34:37 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser Common Questions What is the primal drive of play?: Play is a biological necessity that helps us learn and develop new neural pathways.How does play benefit neurodivergent individuals?: Play can help neurodivergent individuals engage in a way that feels authentic and liberating.What are the different types of play?: Play can be solo, parallel, or collaborative, and can involve different styles such as intellectual, kinesthetic, or storytelling play.How can play be balanced between novelty and repetition?: Play needs to be novel enough to stay engaging but repetitive enough to allow learning and mastery. Notable Quotes from TJ Matton “Play is a primal drive in the body, regulated the same way as sleep, hunger, and thirst.”“Play is how we learn everything neurologically, and that never changes.”“Conflict is a form of play and is essential for building better relationships and systems.”“Play always starts with choice and is an embodied experience of engagement and enjoyment.” TJ’s Links and Resources Playful Revolution WebsiteTJ Matton on LinkedIn Sara's Links and Resources Unblock Your Inner Strategist Community: http://findrc.co/ubyisRSVP for the YouTube or LinkedIn Guided Reset Session: YouTube | LinkedInThe No-BS OKRs Workbook, currently available as a PDF download from https://findrc.co/pdfworkbook (USD) or https://findrc.co/pdfwkbkAUD (AUD)Join the Launch Squad for Sara's Upcoming Books: You Are A Strategist and the No-BS OKRs Workbook Join Sara's Email NewsletterEmail Sara at hello@redcurrantco.com Download: No-BS OKRs In A Box one sheetVirtual OKR Consult: Start your personalized virtual OKR consultOther Free No-BS OKRs Resources: Access all free resourcesThinkydoers (not-just-an OKR podcast) Home Page
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    36 mins