Harnessing OKRs for Effective Annual Planning

In this episode, CJ interviews Bryan Morris, CFO of Demandbase, for an in-depth discussion on the complexities of OKRs (Objectives and Key Results). As the planning season for 2025 kicks into gear, Bryan shares his insights on setting the right OKRs, aligning them across departments, and explaining why they often lose momentum. He discusses his approach to tracking OKRs, the tools he uses, and his thoughts on making midyear adjustments. Bryan also talks about the value of weekly written executive team updates and formats for efficient meetings. Bryan, a strong advocate of personality tests, unpacks how they enhance talent management, before shedding light on the tough side of leadership and how to approach moving people out of the company when it’s not working. The episode wraps up with Bryan’s insights on a CFO’s decision-making power over an organization’s software stack, including the risks of tool consolidation and the hidden costs of poor tech choices.

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Planful is a financial performance management platform designed to streamline financial tasks for businesses. It helps with budgeting, closing the books, and financial reporting, all on a cloud-based platform. By improving the efficiency and accuracy of these processes, Planful allows businesses to make better financial decisions. Find out more at www.planful.com/metrics.

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TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Preview and Intro(02:34) Sponsor - Leapfin | Planful(05:04) OKRs in Planning Season(07:55) Department OKRs Versus Company OKRs(10:04) The Pros and Cons Stretch Goals(12:19) When and Where Do OKRs Fail(16:28) Sponsor - Mercury | NetSuite | Maxio(19:52) Adjusting OKRs During the Year(21:50) Tools to Track OKRs(22:41) How Weekly Written Team Updates Work(24:53) Formats for Executive Team Meetings(28:20) Talent Management and the Benefits of Personality Tests(32:49) Soft Skills to Screen for When Hiring(33:45) Advice for Off-boarding People(37:25) CFOs and Company-wide Software Decisions(41:59) The Pros and Cons of Tool Consolidation(44:21) Hidden Costs of Choosing the Wrong Technology(45:40) Tips for Negotiating Software Deals(47:30) Long-ass Lightning Round: Wire Fraud Regrets(49:15) Advice to Bryan’s Younger Self(51:58) Finance Software Stack(52:36) Craziest Expense Story