.png)
No Hacks: The Mindset Behind Digital Optimization and Growth
Welcome to No Hacks, the podcast where expertise meets creativity to revolutionize digital experiences. Hosted by industry veteran Slobodan (Sani) Manić, this engaging series tackles marketing, conversion rate optimization (CRO), and user experience (UX) without relying on gimmicks or shortcuts.
In each episode, join Slobodan as he engages in candid conversations with top leaders and innovators from tech, business, and design fields. Discover real stories, lessons learned, and breakthrough moments that highlight how to create impactful and transformative online experiences.
No Hacks goes beyond traditional best practices, challenging the status quo by exploring the psychology behind what truly works. Delve into real-world case studies and explore innovative strategies that push the limits of possibility in the digital landscape.
If you are a developer, designer, marketer, or a digital enthusiast, No Hacks provides smart, thoughtful strategies for long-term success. Learn to think differently, innovate creatively, and build meaningful digital experiences.
No shortcuts, just expert insights and genuine solutions. Subscribe now to join us one episode at a time as we unravel the true elements of designing transformative digital experiences.
Two Formats, One Mission:
🎙️ No Hacks Podcast (long-form interviews) – In these seasonal episodes, I sit down with top experts in marketing, tech, and business to discuss the principles and stories behind successful optimization. We go beyond the surface to explore what really works—and why, on Wednesdays.
🍪 No Hacks Snacks (short-form insights) – Need quick, actionable advice? These under-10-minute episodes deliver practical tips and insights from a wide range of guests, on Mondays and Fridays.
Subscribe and join No Hacks on this journey to make the internet a better, more thoughtful place, one episode at a time.
No Hacks: The Mindset Behind Digital Optimization and Growth
Aligning Business Goals with OKRs & Experimentation Strategies with Bjarn Brunenberg
In this episode of the No Hacks Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Bjarn Brunenberg, Experimentation Lead at TomTom. Bjarn has a passion for turning big ideas into actionable steps, and in this conversation, we get into the nuts and bolts of OKRs (Objectives and Key Results), how they differ from KPIs, and why they’re a game-changer for teams and businesses alike.
Bjarn shares some incredible stories from his time at TomTom, where he’s been helping the company shift from their famous hardware devices to innovative software solutions. We also talk about how OKRs can help bridge the gap between ambitious company goals and the day-to-day work that teams do.
Here’s a glimpse of what we covered:
- The difference between OKRs and KPIs (and why getting this right matters).
- How to avoid common OKR mistakes, like setting vague objectives or misaligning teams.
- Practical tools like the KPI Tree and Opportunity Solution Tree that make complex goals feel achievable.
- Lessons from experimentation failures (including a pricing test with unexpected results).
- How Bjarn applies the principles of OKRs to his personal goals, like learning Portuguese and becoming a keynote speaker.
Whether you’re a leader, part of a product team, or just someone looking to bring more structure and focus to your goals, there’s something here for you. This conversation is full of relatable insights, practical advice, and a good dose of humor about the challenges we all face in trying to “get it right.”
Chapters:
00:00 Understanding OKRs and KPIs
01:33 Bjarn's Role at TomTom
03:02 Challenges with OKRs
04:01 Aligning OKRs with Business Goals
06:46 Frameworks for Clarity
10:37 Common Pitfalls in Product Development
12:54 Rapid Fire Questions
13:18 The Humor in Testing Failures
14:13 The Ethics of Pricing Tests
14:56 Lessons from Professional Mistakes
16:44 Favorite Optimization Tools
17:36 Applying OKRs to Personal Life
22:17 Real-World Applications of Product Development Strategies
25:04 Final Thoughts and Season 2 Wrap-Up
---
If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with a friend!
No Hacks website
YouTube
LinkedIn
Instagram
.png)
