How does a company of 15,000 people keep strategy, goals, and execution moving in the same rhythm? In this episode, Amber Morey-Wu, Principal Program Manager at Atlassian, takes us behind the curtain.

We talk about Atlassian’s “Business Rhythms” team and their rolling four approach to planning. Every quarter, they review results, reset priorities, and look forward four quarters, keeping strategy alive and flexible, not a once-a-year tick box.

Amber shares how Atlassian thinks about OKR, from company-level L1 objectives down to team goals. She explains why not everything needs to ladder up, why focus matters more than coverage, and why OKR should always be about change-the-business impact, not just run-the-business metrics.

You’ll also hear about the rituals that keep executives engaged, the role of context in driving buy-in, and why OKR should inspire ambition rather than add complexity.

Timestamp:

00:00 Introduction to Strategy Candy Podcast

01:06 Meet Amber Wu from Atlassian

01:46 Amber's Journey to Atlassian

02:44 Understanding Business Rhythms at Atlassian

04:36 Atlassian's Team Collaboration Tools

07:02 The Role of OKRs at Atlassian

15:20 Implementing and Evolving OKRs

19:49 Executive Involvement in OKRs

24:39 OKRs in Product Teams

26:35 Outcomes Over Outputs

27:03 Fostering a Culture of Impact at Atlassian

28:04 Personal Secret Sauce and Current Challenges

28:30 The Power of Context and Human Connection

29:00 Leveraging Loom for Better Communication

31:25 The Importance of OKRs and Short Feedback Cycles

36:54 Personal Goals vs. OKRs

41:27 Books and Podcasts for Personal Growth

46:07 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

Resource Links

Jacinda Ardern: Leading With Heart (autobiography) — https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/735589/jacinda-ardern-by-madeline-hyland/
(Amber is listening to the audio version narrated by Ardern herself)
Pivot Podcast with Kara Swisher & Scott Galloway — https://www.vox.com/podcasts/pivot
Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky Podcast — https://www.audacy.com/podcasts/rethinking-with-monica-lewinsky-70188
Good Hang with Amy Poehler — https://www.earwolf.com/show/amys-good-hang/

OKR Quickstart Guide & Resources HERE

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