The Second Operating System with OKRs: Turning Strategy into Results

About this episode

The episode discusses how organizations can effectively implement strategies using OKRs to achieve results.

In this episode of Change That Works , Alexandra Popescu-Zorica talks with Michael Sarnitz, Managing Partner at ICG, about how organizations can turn strategy from a PowerPoint promise into daily reality. They explore why even the best strategies fail in execution, what “second operating systems” can do to bridge that gap, and how OKRs can shift teams from activity-based to results-based work. This conversation is a deep dive into the real work of strategy — ownership, mindset, and rhythm — and how to make strategic plans survive first contact with the calendar. Main insights and topics covered: The Strategy–Execution Gap What Strategy Really Means Ownership in Strategy Development The “Second Operating System” Time as a Critical Resource From Activities to Results OKRs vs KPIs Explained If you have any questions for Alexandraor Michael or are interested in collaborating, reach out via changethatworks@icg.eu.com

People in this episode

Host: Alexandra Popescu-Zorica

Guest: Michael Sarnitz

Topics covered

• Strategy Execution
• OKRs
• Organizational Development
• Results-Based Work
• Ownership in Strategy
• Time Management

Keywords

• OKRs
• Strategy Execution
• Results-Based Work
• Organizational Strategy
• Performance Management

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: ICG

More episodes of Change that works

• Your „one ESG manager” can’t save your company, your leadership and culture will · April 29, 2026 · 31 min
• Serve Everyone, Reach No One: The Segmentation Wake‑Up Call · April 9, 2026 · 26 min
• Middle Managers Who Make It Work · February 23, 2026 · 33 min
• Inside Cultural Change · January 30, 2026 · 32 min
• 6 Change Myths We’re Leaving Behind in the old year · December 23, 2025 · 39 min
• The Human Company Reset · December 10, 2025 · 31 min