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How Atlassian uses OKR to Keep 15,000 People Aligned with Amber Morey-Wu
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
Follow Tim on LinkedIn: LinkedIn and Instagram
Follow Amber Morey-Wu on Linkedin
View all episodes
By Tim NewboldHow 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
Follow Tim on LinkedIn: LinkedIn and Instagram
Follow Amber Morey-Wu on Linkedin