The Second Operating System with OKRs: Turning Strategy into 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 [email protected]