Welcome

Thoughts on real transformation, minus the buzzwords.

I’m Heather Okenka. This site exists because writing is how I best organize my own thinking — and because talking through ideas in real time often ends with “I should probably write this down somewhere.”

If you’re here because you’re wrestling with complex work, navigating transformation challenges, or just trying to make sense of things without another follow-up meeting, you’re in good company.

My natural instinct is to work through problems by talking them out with smart people. That’s often helpful and occasionally cathartic - but rarely documented. Writing is my attempt to turn those conversations into something more durable.

Over the years, I’ve worked on a lot of complex transformation efforts, and I’ve accumulated a mental filing cabinet of “things that worked,” “things that didn’t,” and “things I’d really like to remember next time.” Writing helps me organize those reflections in one place so I can actually find them again later.

Sharing them here felt like a reasonable next step. Worst case, I get a searchable archive of my own thinking. Best case, someone else avoids an unnecessary meeting.

This space is mostly for people who live in the world of cross-functional delivery, technology builds, and complex execution — especially those tired of corporate jargon and endless wrap-ups. You’ll find notes here on operating models, true partnerships, purpose alignment, and the realities of getting things done inside large organizations.

This site is also part of how I’m thinking through what I want to do next. Reflection turns out to be surprisingly useful during a job search — it clarifies patterns, sharpens instincts, and reminds you what kind of work you actually want to be doing.

You won’t find buzzwords, miracle frameworks, or much enthusiasm for phrases like “circle back” or “take it offline.” If something here saves you a meeting, shortens one, or helps you avoid scheduling a follow-up to the follow-up — mission accomplished.

If something resonates or sparks a thought, feel free to connect — whether to share a perspective, ask a question, or commiserate about meetings that could have been an email.

Either way, thanks for stopping by.