Thinkydoers®

Tired of building your business for the "fantasy version" of yourself?You're not alone. Many of us leave corporate environments that don't fit our neurodivergent, introverted, or strategically-wired brains, only to recreate the same extractive patterns in our own businesses. But what if there was another way?In this episode, I sit down with Maggie Patterson, creator of BS-Free Business and author of "Staying Solo," to explore why so much business advice isn't designed for businesses like yours. We dive into Maggie's "real-life rule" — if it doesn't work for your real life (with all your caregiving responsibilities, mental health considerations, and actual capacity constraints), it doesn't work in your business.Discover why being strategically wired can be a detriment as an employee but an asset as a solo business owner, learn how to build around your actual capacity instead of your maximum capacity, and find out why the best work you'll do might just be the work that feels easy.Episode Highlights:Why so much small business advice recreates the same toxic patterns we tried to leave behind in corporate lifeHow manipulative marketing tactics—like income claims and pain-point selling—harm solo business ownersWhy neurodivergent and introverted people often thrive as entrepreneurs after struggling in traditional workplacesThe “real-life rule”: building your business around actual capacity, not fantasy capacityHow being strategically wired can feel like a liability in corporate life but becomes a superpower in solo businessWhy the most sustainable businesses are often the simplest—lean, drama-free, and built to lastKey Concepts Explored:The "real-life rule": building business around actual capacity and constraints rather than fantasy versions of ourselvesThe neurodivergent advantage in solo business: creating accommodations for yourself that corporate environments can't provideStrategic brain blindness: how strategically-wired people undervalue their most marketable assetsThe employee detriment of strategic thinking: why strategic minds struggle in corporate but thrive as entrepreneursThe paradox of easy work: why the highest-value, most enjoyable work should feel effortless when you're truly skilledIncome claim marketing and pain point manipulation vs. empathetic connection in business communicationLesser of evils decision-making: sustainable business choices for people with anxiety, ADHD, and mental health challengesSimplicity as competitive advantage: lean operations, minimal services, and building incrementally rather than perfectlyRight-sizing dreams and expectations to prevent business-induced breakdown during caregiving and life challengesNeurodivergent entrepreneurship as affirmation: self-employment as refuge for those who don't fit traditional work cultureCommon Questions Answered:How can I build a business that works with my ADHD/anxiety/neurodivergence?Why do I struggle with traditional business advice?Is self-employment viable for introverts and strategic thinkers?How do I build for my real capacity instead of my maximum capacity?Why does my strategic thinking feel undervalued in corporate environments?Notable Quotes: "So much of online business is built on this fantasy version of yourself—someone with endless time, endless energy, endless capacity. And it just doesn’t exist." – Maggie Patterson [00:05:00]"We left corporate because it didn’t fit—but then we build businesses that are just as extractive, just as harmful, just as unsustainable." – Maggie Patterson [00:07:00]"If it doesn’t work in your real life—with your caregiving, your mental health, your actual capacity—it doesn’t work in your business." – Maggie Patterson [00:11:00]"There’s this constant push to build a business around your maximum capacity. But what if we built around our actual capacity instead?" – Maggie Patterson [00:14:00]"Being strategically wired can feel like a liability as an employee—but as a solo business owner, it’s your superpower." – Maggie Patterson [00:18:00]"The best work you’ll ever do might just be the work that feels easy." – Maggie Patterson [00:21:00]"So much business advice doesn’t just not fit—it actually makes us feel like we’re failing at someone else’s game." – Sara Lobkovich [00:25:00]"The most sustainable businesses are boring. They’re lean, drama-free, and built to last." – Maggie Patterson [00:28:00]"We need to stop glorifying hustle and start glorifying sustainability." – Maggie Patterson [00:30:00]Chapters:[00:00:00] Introduction: Welcome to Thinkydoers and introduction to Maggie Patterson [00:03:00] Guest Introduction: Maggie's background and BS-Free Business approach [00:05:00] Bad Business Advice: Why most advice replicates toxic corporate patterns [00:07:00] Marketing Deception: Income claims and manipulative pain point tactics [00:09:00] Corporate Struggles: Why introverts and neurodivergent people struggle in traditional workplaces [00:11:00] Managing Anxiety: Practical approaches for business owners with mental health challenges [00:12:00] The Real-Life Rule: Building business around actual capacity, not fantasy capacity [00:16:00] Easy Work Philosophy: Why the best work should feel easy [00:17:00] Strategic Wiring: How strategic thinkers can transition from employee to entrepreneur [00:21:00] Simple Business: Why lean and boring businesses work better [00:23:00] Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs: Affirmation for those who don't fit traditional work culture [00:25:00] Connect with Maggie: Where to find her work and resourcesGuest Information:Charles Spinosa is a management consultant with 28 years of experience working with Fortune 100 companies and startups across North America, Europe, and Latin America. He brings a unique philosophical perspective to business leadership, having started his career as a Shakespeare professor at UC Berkeley studying "defining passions" in literature before transitioning into consulting work focused on leadership development, culture change, and innovation.Charles is the author of "Leadership as Masterpiece Creation: What Business Leaders Can Learn from the Humanities about Moral Risk-Taking," which challenges conventional wisdom about influence-based leadership. As someone who is neurodivergent and dyslexic, he advocates for leaders who see anomalies and injustices that others miss, helping them transform moral vision into business reality through systematic risk-taking and what he calls "moral artistry."His work centers on helping leaders move beyond managing around problems to creating something genuinely beautiful and transformative, even when facing resistance from teams, boards, and entire industries.Connect with Maggie:Website: bsfreebusiness.comPodcast: Staying Solo at bsfreebusiness.com/podcastBook: stayingsolobook.comSocial: @bsfreebusiness on Threads and InstagramTake her capacity quiz: bsfreebusiness.com/quizSara’s Links and Resources:Unblock Your Inner Strategist Community: findrc.co/ubyisFree Goal Fridays Series: findrc.co/goalfridaysNo-BS OKRs Workbook: findrc.co/pdfworkbookJoin Sara's Email Newsletter: findrc.co/newsletterEmail Sara: hello@redcurrantco.comVirtual OKR Consultation: saralobkovich.com/virtual-consultSara's website: saralobkovich.comAdditional resources: findrc.coThinkydoers Homepage: saralobkovich.com/thinkydoers-podUpcoming Events:Catch Sara at the World OKR Summit! She’ll be speaking this October 30–31: okrsummit.orgFind full show notes and the episode transcript via https://findrc.co/thinkydoers.Mentioned in this episode:Don't forget: Get your free No-BS OKRs Workbook or schedule a VIP Strategy Day!Before I let you go, I just wanna remind you, you can pick up your copy of "You Are a Strategist: Use No-BS OKRs to Get Big Things Done" at https://youareastrategist.com, and you'll get that free PDF of the "No-BS OKRs Workbook" when you purchase direct. Don't wanna DIY it? Book a VIP executive strategy day with me. They can be used one-on-one. It can be used to facilitate an in-person or remote event with your org. It can also be used for a keynote that inspires actual results for your upcoming event. Visit https://findrc.co/vipday for all the details. And from there you can book a free executive strategy intake call, or request a no meeting virtual consult. A VIP executive strategy day helps you unlock clarity, align quickly, and drive results in just one powerful day. Don't forget your free No-BS OKRs WorkbookBefore I let you go, I just wanna remind you, you can pick up your copy of "You Are a Strategist: Use No-BS OKRs to Get Big Things Done" at https://youareastrategist.com, and you'll get that free PDF of the "No-BS OKRs Workbook" when you purchase direct. Don't wanna DIY it? Book a VIP executive strategy day with me. They can be used one-on-one. It can be used to facilitate an in-person or remote event with your org. It can also be used for a keynote that inspires actual results for your upcoming event. Visit https://findrc.co/vipday for all the details. And from there you can book a free executive strategy intake call, or request a no meeting virtual consult. A VIP executive strategy day helps you unlock clarity, align quickly, and drive results in just one powerful day.

In this engaging discussion, Charles Spinosa, a seasoned management consultant and author, shares his unique insights on leadership that transcends traditional methods. He emphasizes the importance of moral artistry in business and how true leaders embrace dissent as a sign of growth. Spinosa highlights the advantages of neurodiversity in spotting injustices and offers practical strategies for navigating moral risks. He challenges listeners to rethink criticism as a catalyst for innovation, urging a shift from managing problems to actively creating transformative change.

In this engaging discussion, Zephyr Williams, an anti-hustle business strategist, challenges the conventional wisdom of goal setting. Zeph emphasizes that traditional SMART goals can stifle creativity, especially for neurodivergent individuals. They introduce the SLIC method, promoting sustainability and self-care as essential components of personal growth. Themes of embracing queer identity and compassion for oneself are explored, encouraging a holistic and transformative view on achievement and community well-being.

Chauna Bryant, a dynamic breathwork instructor and founder of the Breath Liberation Society, breaks down the barriers to traditional mindfulness practices. She reveals how breathwork provides an engaging alternative for busy minds, likening it to giving your brain an iPad. Chauna discusses trauma-informed techniques, the difference between activating and calming breathwork, and the importance of starting small. She emphasizes cultivating curiosity in understanding the nervous system and creating a safe space for emotional exploration.

Three OKR experts return with bold insights on flexible versus rigid approaches to goal-setting. They dive into controversial hot takes, including the misuse of OKRs for surveillance and the pitfalls of limiting strategic priorities. Discover how geography influences OKR strategies and why Excel is making a surprising comeback. The discussion unpacks the significance of timing models, the importance of regular check-ins, and the real, gritty challenges faced in the field, offering a fresh perspective on effective organizational management.

Join Maria Rowcliffe, Chief of Staff with over a decade of experience in OKR transformations, and Natalie Webb, founder of a global OKR consulting firm. They delve into the nuanced realities of OKRs as they discuss the impact of generative AI, revealing that while draft quality is rising, strategic impact is lagging. They also tackle the importance of effective localization across global teams and highlight the often-misunderstood value of retrospectives in ensuring alignment and cultural integration in OKR practices.

In a world that celebrates the loudest voices and the biggest followings, what if quiet spaces are where real belonging begins?In this deeply personal and connected conversation, Sara Lobkovich sits down with community strategist Carrie Melissa Jones to explore the surprising power of “quiet communities” — where introverts, neurodivergent folks, and the socially anxious can finally feel seen, heard, and safe.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" communitiesBelonging without active participation—research and real-life insightsUsing bodily awareness and boundaries to stay grounded as a community creatorSelf-leadership and support systems to prevent burnout in community workPractical tips for both hosts and participants to feel more confident and alignedKey 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 ThoughtsUpcoming Events:Q3 Strategic Achievement Intensive is now waitlisting! Join the no B.S. approach to goal-getting with Sara: saralobkovich.com/nobs-strategic-achievement-intensiveCatch Sara at the World OKR Summit! She’ll be speaking this October 30–31: okrsummit.orgBook Launch:"You Are a Strategist: Use No-BS OKRs to Get Big Things Done" is now available in print (hardback and softback). Get the ebook today wherever you buy books.Carrie’s Links and Resources:Website: carriemelissajones.comBook: "Building Brand Communities" co-authored with Charles VogelInstagram: @CarrieMelissaJonesLinkedIn: Carrie Melissa JonesCMJ Community: Professional community for community builders (find details on Carrie's website)Sara’s Links and Resources:Email: sara@thinkydoers.comWebsite: thinkydoers.comPodcast: Thinkydoers Podcast (available on all major platforms)Social Media: Sara Lobkovich (across platforms)Newsletter: Subscribe at findrc.co/newsletterFind full show notes and the episode transcript via https://findrc.co/thinkydoers !Mentioned in this episode:Don't forget your free No-BS OKRs WorkbookBefore I let you go, I just wanna remind you, you can pick up your copy of "You Are a Strategist: Use No-BS OKRs to Get Big Things Done" at https://youareastrategist.com, and you'll get that free PDF of the "No-BS OKRs Workbook" when you purchase direct. Don't wanna DIY it? Book a VIP executive strategy day with me. They can be used one-on-one. It can be used to facilitate an in-person or remote event with your org. It can also be used for a keynote that inspires actual results for your upcoming event. Visit https://findrc.co/vipday for all the details. And from there you can book a free executive strategy intake call, or request a no meeting virtual consult. A VIP executive strategy day helps you unlock clarity, align quickly, and drive results in just one powerful day. Don't forget: Get your free No-BS OKRs Workbook or schedule a VIP Strategy Day!Before I let you go, I just wanna remind you, you can pick up your copy of "You Are a Strategist: Use No-BS OKRs to Get Big Things Done" at https://youareastrategist.com, and you'll get that free PDF of the "No-BS OKRs Workbook" when you purchase direct. Don't wanna DIY it? Book a VIP executive strategy day with me. They can be used one-on-one. It can be used to facilitate an in-person or remote event with your org. It can also be used for a keynote that inspires actual results for your upcoming event. Visit https://findrc.co/vipday for all the details. And from there you can book a free executive strategy intake call, or request a no meeting virtual consult. A VIP executive strategy day helps you unlock clarity, align quickly, and drive results in just one powerful day.

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.Episode Highlights:The Twin Traps: Why both over-planning and strategic abandonment are dangerous reactions to chaosOKRs as an Antidote: How focusing on outcomes rather than activities creates strategic flexibilityThree-Step Framework: A practical approach to maintaining strategic momentum during turbulent timesBuilding in Public: The strategic advantage of quick launches during rapid changeCommon Questions: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?Notable Quotes:"If you find yourself feeling like you need to revise your plan every time you turn on the news, you may be spending time planning that could better be spent on implementation." [00:03:59]"OKRs let us focus on the goal and remain flexible about our plans, so they can be a bit of an antidote to over-planning." [00:04:27]"The rapid iteration that's possible with building in public actually can create a strategic advantage during rapid change because you can be more relevant and responsive to exactly what's happening around you." [00:11:39]Episode Chapters:[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 EventsUpcoming Events:Strategy During Chaos Workshop: May 7th at 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM Pacific. Just $19 (scholarships available). Register at findrc.coNo-BS Strategic Achievement Intensive: May 15th-16th (two half-days). Create chaos-proof strategic plans with structured exercises and supported coworking. Register at findrc.coBook Launch:"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 Stay Connected: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 findrc.co/thinkydoers.Mentioned in this episode:Don't forget: Get your free No-BS OKRs Workbook or schedule a VIP Strategy Day!Before I let you go, I just wanna remind you, you can pick up your copy of "You Are a Strategist: Use No-BS OKRs to Get Big Things Done" at https://youareastrategist.com, and you'll get that free PDF of the "No-BS OKRs Workbook" when you purchase direct. Don't wanna DIY it? Book a VIP executive strategy day with me. They can be used one-on-one. It can be used to facilitate an in-person or remote event with your org. It can also be used for a keynote that inspires actual results for your upcoming event. Visit https://findrc.co/vipday for all the details. And from there you can book a free executive strategy intake call, or request a no meeting virtual consult. A VIP executive strategy day helps you unlock clarity, align quickly, and drive results in just one powerful day. Don't forget your free No-BS OKRs WorkbookBefore I let you go, I just wanna remind you, you can pick up your copy of "You Are a Strategist: Use No-BS OKRs to Get Big Things Done" at https://youareastrategist.com, and you'll get that free PDF of the "No-BS OKRs Workbook" when you purchase direct. Don't wanna DIY it? Book a VIP executive strategy day with me. They can be used one-on-one. It can be used to facilitate an in-person or remote event with your org. It can also be used for a keynote that inspires actual results for your upcoming event. Visit https://findrc.co/vipday for all the details. And from there you can book a free executive strategy intake call, or request a no meeting virtual consult. A VIP executive strategy day helps you unlock clarity, align quickly, and drive results in just one powerful day.

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.Key PointsJessica's transition from management consultant to self-development coachThe difference between professional coaching and advisingJessica's four inner limits that block perfectionists: stories, excuses, limiting beliefs, and fearsHow to recognize and shift negative self-talk patternsThe importance of intrinsic motivation and "motivational buoyancy"How challenging career setbacks can become opportunities for growthKey Quotables"I help perfectionists and introverts unlock their best self without overthinking. My superpower is really helping match people with the work that they do to the person that they want to be." - Jessica Manca"In ICF coaching... you're truly partnering with somebody. It's not a hierarchical relationship. You are seeing eye to eye with your client." - Jessica Manca"The language that you say to yourself and out loud, it reveals your beliefs, it reveals your values to some degree." - Jessica Manca"Those things that happen in your life that you think are terrible and horrible are actually huge gifts. In my career, I needed it to get that bad in order for me to wake up." - Jessica MancaEpisode Chapters with Timestamps[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"About JessicaJessica 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 and resilience to continue growing beyond their coaching relationship.Guest Links & ResourcesJessica's Website: JessicaManca.comJessica's Free Download: JessicaManca.com/thinkydoersJessica's Book: "Finding Passion"Jessica's Ebook: "Self-Motivation is Your New Superpower"For More Information about Sara Lobkovich and ThinkydoersSara’s Links and Resources:Join Sara’s Email List: Get updates on OKRs, strategy, and workplace wellbeing and performance at ck.redcurrantco.comSara's book is ow available! Learn more about You Are a Strategist at youareastrategist.comBook launch squad:  findrc.co/launchsquadConnect with Sara via LinkedIn, Bluesky, Threads, or MastodonPodcast Home Page: Thinkydoers PodcastFind full show notes and the episode transcript via https://findrc.co/thinkydoers !Mentioned in this episode:Don't forget: Get your free No-BS OKRs Workbook or schedule a VIP Strategy Day!Before I let you go, I just wanna remind you, you can pick up your copy of "You Are a Strategist: Use No-BS OKRs to Get Big Things Done" at https://youareastrategist.com, and you'll get that free PDF of the "No-BS OKRs Workbook" when you purchase direct. Don't wanna DIY it? Book a VIP executive strategy day with me. They can be used one-on-one. It can be used to facilitate an in-person or remote event with your org. It can also be used for a keynote that inspires actual results for your upcoming event. Visit https://findrc.co/vipday for all the details. And from there you can book a free executive strategy intake call, or request a no meeting virtual consult. A VIP executive strategy day helps you unlock clarity, align quickly, and drive results in just one powerful day. Don't forget your free No-BS OKRs WorkbookBefore I let you go, I just wanna remind you, you can pick up your copy of "You Are a Strategist: Use No-BS OKRs to Get Big Things Done" at https://youareastrategist.com, and you'll get that free PDF of the "No-BS OKRs Workbook" when you purchase direct. Don't wanna DIY it? Book a VIP executive strategy day with me. They can be used one-on-one. It can be used to facilitate an in-person or remote event with your org. It can also be used for a keynote that inspires actual results for your upcoming event. Visit https://findrc.co/vipday for all the details. And from there you can book a free executive strategy intake call, or request a no meeting virtual consult. A VIP executive strategy day helps you unlock clarity, align quickly, and drive results in just one powerful day.

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.Episode Highlights:Why traditional case studies don’t work for every business and how to tell client stories differentlyStrategies for showcasing your impact without relying on revenue-based metricsManaging rejection sensitivity and building confidence in sharing your workHow introverted and low-energy Thinkydoers can approach self-promotion authenticallyAligning your marketing materials with your values instead of forcing them into conventional formatsPractical storytelling techniques to make your work more visible and engagingThe emotional side of marketing—navigating vulnerability, rejection, and self-doubtNailah’s personal journey and lessons learned from working with values-driven clientsFirst steps to crafting client stories that feel natural, honest, and impactfulKey Concepts Explored:Authentic Storytelling & Client ImpactWhy traditional case studies don’t work for every business and how to create meaningful client storiesStrategies for showcasing impact without relying on revenue-based metricsThe power of storytelling to make your work more visible and engagingSelf-Promotion for Introverts & Low-Energy ThinkydoersHow to market yourself authentically without feeling like you’re braggingOvercoming the fear of visibility and rejection sensitivityValues-Aligned Marketing & Ethical StorytellingCreating marketing materials that reflect your values rather than fitting into conventional formatsThe emotional side of sharing your work—navigating vulnerability, self-doubt, and rejectionHow ethical storytelling can help build stronger client relationships and trustBuilding Confidence & Overcoming Rejection SensitivityUnderstanding rejection sensitivity and how it affects self-promotionStrategies for developing confidence in sharing your work and experiencesFirst steps to telling client stories in a way that feels natural and impactfulNotable Quotes: "I don't get to tell you what you found valuable at the end of the day. I can ask questions that help you explore that, but I don't get to determine the most important feature or experience that you had with us working together." - Nailah King (00:05:00)"Not all of us have work that fits into soundbites and all the attention is paid to getting us to squeeze our work into soundbites." - Sara Lobkovich (00:16:00) "Honor your energetics, honor your process, honor the format. If it's accessible to you, hire someone. If not, there are ways to do this work that are just easier. But you don't have to miss out, and you don't have to feel excluded. These stories are for us as well." - Nailah King (00:43:00)Chapters:[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] Book launch announcement for You Are A Strategist[00:04:00] Nailah introduces herself and her work[00:05:00] How Nailah's approach differs from traditional case studies[00:09:00] The importance of centering the client's experience in storytelling[00:12:00] Balancing values-based work with business needs[00:17:00] Addressing struggles with talking about oneself and one's impact[00:21:00] Switching from teaching mode to emotional storytelling[00:24:00] Overcoming shyness when approaching clients for stories[00:28:00] Tips for handling rejection sensitivity[00:35:00] How Nailah creates safe spaces for client interviews[00:41:00] Key takeaways for introverts and ThinkydoersGuest Information:Nailah King is a copywriter who specializes in client storytelling, particularly for thoughtful and introspective professionals who prefer a more authentic and less high-pressure approach to marketing. She focuses on crafting case studies that feel more like engaging client narratives rather than dry testimonials.Nailah’s Resources Mentioned:Website: www.thecontentwitches.caThreads: @nailah.z.kingInstagram: @nailah.z.kingBlueSky: @nailahkingwrites.bsky.socialLinkedIn: The Content WitchesA shout-out to Sarah Moon & Co, who brought Nailah and I together:Sarah Moon Consulting websiteAnd here’s the client story that Nailah wrote with Sara L, for Sarah M!Sara’s Links and Resources:Join Sara’s Email List: Get updates on OKRs, strategy, and workplace wellbeing and performance at ck.redcurrantco.comBook Website: Now available! Learn more abpit You Are a Strategist at youareastrategist.comBook launch squad:  findrc.co/launchsquadConnect with Sara via LinkedIn, Bluesky, Threads, or MastodonPodcast Home Page: Thinkydoers PodcastFind full show notes and the episode transcript via https://findrc.co/thinkydoers !Mentioned in this episode:Don't forget your free No-BS OKRs WorkbookBefore I let you go, I just wanna remind you, you can pick up your copy of "You Are a Strategist: Use No-BS OKRs to Get Big Things Done" at https://youareastrategist.com, and you'll get that free PDF of the "No-BS OKRs Workbook" when you purchase direct. Don't wanna DIY it? Book a VIP executive strategy day with me. They can be used one-on-one. It can be used to facilitate an in-person or remote event with your org. It can also be used for a keynote that inspires actual results for your upcoming event. Visit https://findrc.co/vipday for all the details. And from there you can book a free executive strategy intake call, or request a no meeting virtual consult. A VIP executive strategy day helps you unlock clarity, align quickly, and drive results in just one powerful day. Don't forget: Get your free No-BS OKRs Workbook or schedule a VIP Strategy Day!Before I let you go, I just wanna remind you, you can pick up your copy of "You Are a Strategist: Use No-BS OKRs to Get Big Things Done" at https://youareastrategist.com, and you'll get that free PDF of the "No-BS OKRs Workbook" when you purchase direct. Don't wanna DIY it? Book a VIP executive strategy day with me. They can be used one-on-one. It can be used to facilitate an in-person or remote event with your org. It can also be used for a keynote that inspires actual results for your upcoming event. Visit https://findrc.co/vipday for all the details. And from there you can book a free executive strategy intake call, or request a no meeting virtual consult. A VIP executive strategy day helps you unlock clarity, align quickly, and drive results in just one powerful day.