Ep 37 - OKR Forecast 2025: Insights From The Experts

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.

Episode Highlights:

• 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

Key Concepts Explored:

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

Episode Chapters

[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

Notable Quotes

"Generative AI is an enabler, not a driver. It’s a tool that supports goal-setting, but the real work still comes down to humans collaborating, making great decisions, and executing." – Maria Rowcliffe

"If we set our OKRs well, teams should feel empowered to say no to work that doesn’t align. Prioritization isn’t real unless it hurts." – Natalie Webb

"One of the hardest parts of OKR creation is identifying leading indicators. AI can help generate ideas, but the real challenge is getting teams to think beyond the obvious KPIs." – Maria Rowcliffe

"Not everyone needs their name on a Key Result. This isn’t a participation trophy—what matters is understanding how the work contributes to the bigger strategy." – Natalie Webb

"If you tie OKRs directly to performance evaluations, you create a system where people set safe goals instead of ambitious ones. That’s not what OKRs are meant to do." – Sara Lobkovich

Guest Information:

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 achieve success, she has worked extensively with OKRs and other strategic frameworks to help businesses align goals and improve execution.

Natalie’s & Maria’s Resources:

• Website: Tability OKR Platform – A tool for OKR tracking and goal management
• OKR Creation Tools: Claude and ChatGPT – Used for generating OKR drafts and refining goals

Sara’s Links and Resources:

• No-BS Strategic Achievement Intensive: Learn more and join at ck.redcurrantco.com
• Join Sara’s Email List: Get updates on OKRs and strategy at ck.redcurrantco.com
• Book Website: Stay updated on You Are a Strategist at youareastrategist.com
• Podcast Home Page: Thinkydoers Podcast

Find full show notes and the episode transcript via https://findrc.co/thinkydoers!

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the Strategic Clarity Workshop Waitlist for Early Bird Access

Are you ready to not just set goals, but actually change behavior to achieve them without overwhelm, shame, blame, or overthinking. Join me for the Strategic Clarity Workshop. A No-BS hands-on experience, where you'll turn your vision into a reality proof plan for real measurable results in a calm, supportive space. We're opening up the June dates very soon, and the early bird sale will be limited, so learn more and join the wait list at findrc.co/scwtd or look for the link for the Strategic Clarity Workshop on findrc.co or saralobkovich.com.