Afleveringen
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In this laid-back and insightful crossover episode with Natasha Redman, Tim breaks down what OKRs actually are, why theyâre worth the effortâand what most people get completely wrong.
From defining meaningful goals to building habits that stick, the conversation covers real stories from inside big orgs, the traps of to-do list masquerading as OKRs, and the magic that happens when teams get aligned on the âwhy.â
Whether you're brand new to OKRs or knee-deep in them already, this episode will give you fresh perspective, practical advice, and a laugh or two along the way.
00:00 Introduction to Strategy Candy Podcast
00:18 Crossover Episode with Natasha
00:29 Importance of Change Management
00:39 Discussion on OKRs and Change Management
00:52 Personal Journey into OKRs
01:08 Podcast Overview and Key Takeaways
01:29 Casual Conversation and Icebreakers
02:11 Favorite Books and Recommendations
07:00 Deep Dive into OKRs
09:36 Why OKRs Matter
12:25 Challenges and Benefits of OKRs
14:04 Importance of Understanding the 'Why' in Change
17:20 Adapting to Change and OKRs
17:54 Using OKRs for Personal Goals
18:09 Reflecting on Weekly Goals
19:56 Adapting OKRs to Changing Circumstances
21:34 Setting Realistic and Motivating OKRs
23:11 Tips for Beginners Starting with OKRs
26:04 Common Pitfalls to Avoid with OKRs
28:34 The Importance of Effective Training
31:04 Where to Learn More About OKRs
32:36 Final Words of Wisdom on OKRs
Guest Bio:Natasha Redman is a change leader, comms pro and host of the Casa de Cambio podcastâwhere she explores the human side of transformation. With a background in org design, agile change and leadership comms, Natasha brings real-world experience and curiosity to every conversation. Sheâs passionate about helping people understand why change is happeningâand how to make it suck less.
Natasha's Podcast - Casa de Cambio Podcast
OKR Quickstart Guide & Resources HERE
Follow Tim on LinkedIn: Tim Newbold on LinkedIn and Instagram
đ§ Listen now and start thinking in outcomes, not outputs.
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In this episode, Tim joins Andrew Murphy for a live chat all about making OKRs work in the messy, real world of businessânot just the theory.
They unpack the early days of OKRs, what makes them powerful, and how the wrong leadership culture can quietly kill them. Tim shares the moment in his career that flipped his mindset from outputs to outcomes (spoiler: it involves 18 years of work that never made it to production).
They also dive into product discovery, why most teams set OKRs too early, and the hidden danger of treating internal metrics like they're the outcome. Packed with war stories, practical advice and a fair bit of sarcasm, this is one of those episodes thatâll shift how you think about goal-settingâat every level of your business.
Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Strategy Candy Podcast
01:11 Icebreaker: Favorite Tech Gadgets
03:45 Tim's Journey into OKRs
10:01 Understanding OKRs: Basics and Importance
15:15 Aligning Team and Organizational OKRs
21:46 Product Discovery and OKRs
27:15 Introduction to Metrics in Software Development
30:05 Exploring Leading and Lagging Indicators
33:24 The Role of OKRs in Engineering Teams
35:06 Challenges and Solutions in Product Development
39:41 Leadership and Coaching for Effective OKRs
44:08 Resources and Final Thoughts
Guest BioAndrew Murphy is the founder of Tech Leaderâs Launchpad, a community and content hub for current and aspiring engineering leaders. With a background in software development, team leadership and digital transformation, Andrew helps tech leads level up fast without losing their soulâor their Saturdays.
OKR Quickstart Guide & Resources HERE
Follow Tim on LinkedIn: Tim Newbold on LinkedIn and Instagram
đ§ Listen now and learn how to stop tracking outputs and start delivering real outcomes.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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What do scenic design, customer experience and OKRs have in common? According to Mat Lawrence, everything.
In this episode, Tim sits down with MatâCOO at Shippit and former head of props at Opera Australiaâto talk about how storytelling transforms leadership, decision-making and alignment inside fast-growing teams.
Mat shares how he went from building physical props for live shows to building teams at Atlassian and now Shippit, and how the same creative problem-solving applies across every space.
Youâll hear how Shippit navigated the chaos of early lockdowns, why most goal-setting feels uninspired, and how rewriting OKRs as short stories changed how teams connected to their work.
This oneâs for anyone who wants to lead with clarity, purpose and a little creativity.
Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Strategy Candy Podcast
00:59 Meet Today's Guest: Matt's Fascinating Career Journey
01:43 From Opera to Tech: Matt's Career Pivot
02:28 Challenges and Innovations in the Opera Industry
04:41 Transition to Atlassian and Agile Development
10:56 The Power of Storytelling in Goal Setting
15:05 Connecting Teams Through Purpose and Story
16:53 Innovative Approaches to OKRs and Team Collaboration
22:19 Building on Ideas: The 'Yes And' Principle
22:56 Applying Improv Principles to Business Culture
23:33 Creating a Safe Space for Failure
24:41 Storytelling in Business Presentations
27:04 Empowering Teams with the 'Why'
29:09 Adapting Leadership During Crisis
36:46 Transparency and Openness in Leadership
38:37 Prioritizing and Filling Capability Gaps
40:55 The Importance of Flow Time
43:40 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts
Guest BioMat Lawrence was the Chief Operating Officer at Shippit, a logistics tech platform helping retailers deliver better customer experiences. With a background in scenic design and a decade spent building animatronics and props for live theatre, Mat brings a unique blend of creativity, operational excellence, and people-first leadership to the table.
Before Shippit, he led teams at Atlassian through a period of massive growth, helping shape their global ways of working. These days, Matâs on a mission to scale high-performing, purpose-driven teamsâand maybe write a few OKR stories along the way.
OKR Quickstart Guide & Resources HERE
Follow Tim on LinkedIn: Tim Newbold on LinkedIn and Instagram
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If youâve ever struggled to write clear, focused OKRs that actually drive business results, this episode is for you. Tim and PĂ©ter break down the biggest mistakes teams make when setting OKRs and share a practical, step-by-step approach to writing better ones.
Learn why OKRs should feel like a newspaper headline, how to track progress before the quarter is over, and why measuring outputs (instead of outcomes) will derail your strategy. Plus, we explore whether AI can help with OKR writingâand what most people get wrong when using ChatGPT for goal-setting.
With real-world examples from sales, product, and leadership teams, this episode is packed with actionable insights you can apply immediately.
Timestamps:[00:00:00] Intro: Why writing good OKRs is harder than it looks
[00:01:30] Meet PĂ©ter TĂłthâhis background and experience with OKRs in sales
[00:03:00] Why bad OKRs confuse teams and kill motivation
[00:05:00] The biggest mistakes teams make when writing OKRs
[00:08:00] The âNewspaper Headlineâ trick for writing clear, inspiring objectives
[00:10:00] Why OKRs should focus on revolution, not just evolution
[00:13:00] The power of focus: How Dominoâs went from seven OKRs to one (and 30% sales growth)
[00:15:00] What makes a great Key Result? (Hint: Itâs not a task list)
[00:18:00] Leading vs. lagging indicatorsâhow to track success early
[00:22:00] Real-world example: How sales teams can set better OKRs
[00:27:00] How to measure progress without getting lost in metrics
[00:30:00] Common pitfalls: Overcomplicating OKRs and missing the real impact
[00:34:00] How AI can (and canât) help you write OKRs
[00:38:00] The right way to use ChatGPT for OKR brainstorming
[00:40:00] Wrap-up: Final takeaways and where to find more resources
Guest Bio:PĂ©ter TĂłth is a business strategist and OKR expert, specializing in sales, leadership, and operational excellence. He has helped teams across industries implement OKRs that drive real business impact, focusing on outcome-driven strategies rather than task-based goal-setting. PĂ©ter is passionate about helping teams simplify their goals, track meaningful progress, and use AI as a tool for efficiencyâwithout losing the human element. When heâs not deep in OKRs, youâll find him exploring ways to optimize sales processes and leadership development.
Resources:OKR Quickstart Guide & Resources (Including the Cheatsheet) HERE
Peter's article on using AI for OKR
Follow Tim on LinkedIn and Instagram
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OKRs sound simpleâset a goal, track progress, win. But the reality? Much harder. In this episode, I sit down with Mark Henry, product leader and OKR practitioner, to unpack what it really takes to embed OKRs in a high-performing organization like SEEK. Mark shares the challenges of getting leadership alignment, keeping teams focused, and ensuring customer outcomes drive product decisions. Whether youâre new to OKRs or looking to refine your approach, this episode is packed with real-world insights you wonât want to miss.
Timestamps:[00:00:00] Introduction â Why this episode is a must-listen
[00:01:00] Mark Henryâs journey with OKRs at SEEK
[00:03:00] The biggest challenge: Focus (Hint: Youâre doing too much)
[00:05:00] How to connect technical work to customer impact
[00:08:00] Directional autonomyâgiving teams clarity without micromanaging
[00:12:00] How UX discovery fits into OKRs (and why it matters)
[00:17:00] The difference between feature teams and mission teams
[00:19:00] Why strategy clarity makes OKRs way easier
[00:22:00] Where OKRs donât work (and why thatâs okay)
[00:27:00] The alignment challengeâhow SEEK approached company-wide OKRs
[00:33:00] How Markâs team set OKRs each quarter (real process details)
[00:38:00] The hidden benefit of OKRs: Speed to market
[00:43:00] Markâs biggest takeaways from leading OKRs at SEEK
[00:45:00] How to connect with Mark for more insights
Guest Bio:Mark Henry is a seasoned product leader with deep expertise in product strategy, OKRs, and high-performing teams. He played a key role in embedding OKRs at SEEK, one of Australiaâs leading job platforms, before moving on to leadership roles at Metadvisor and now working as a consultant and advisor. With years of experience navigating the complexities of OKRs, product discovery, and customer-driven innovation, Mark brings a practical, no-BS perspective on what really works.
Timâs OKR Quickstart Guide & Resources HERE
Follow Tim on LinkedIn: Tim Newbold on LinkedIn and Instagram
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Stories arenât just for Hollywoodâtheyâre the key to better leadership, communication, and culture in the workplace. In this episode, I sit down with Shawn Callahan, storytelling expert and author of Putting Stories to Work, to unpack the power of business storytelling. Shawn shares why the traditional heroâs journey doesnât work in business, how to naturally weave stories into your communication, and why the stories we tell shape company culture. If you think storytelling isnât for you, think againâthis conversation will change the way you connect, influence, and lead.
Timestamps:[00:00:00] Intro â Why storytelling is a game-changer
[00:02:00] Shawn Callahan on business storytelling and why the heroâs journey is overrated
[00:04:00] Why business stories should feel natural, not scripted
[00:07:00] How leaders can use stories to drive strategy and inspire teams
[00:12:00] The biggest mistake people make when telling stories at work
[00:18:00] How storytelling shapes company culture and drives change
[00:27:00] The power of listeningâhow to draw out meaningful stories
[00:35:00] Real-world examples of storytelling transforming businesses
[00:44:00] Three key takeaways from todayâs conversation
[00:46:00] How to learn more about business storytelling
Guest Bio:Shawn Callahan is the founder of Anecdote, one of the worldâs leading business storytelling consultancies. As the author of Putting Stories to Work, he helps leaders and teams craft and share compelling stories to drive business impact. With decades of experience in organizational storytelling, Shawn has worked with major brands to build cultures of influence, engagement, and trust. He also co-hosts the Anecdotally Speaking podcast, where he shares powerful business stories that can be retold to inspire action.
đ Resources & Links:
Shawn Callahanâs website & blog: anecdote.comShawnâs book â Putting Stories to Work: Grab a copyFollow Tim on LinkedIn: Tim Newbold on LinkedIn and InstagramCheck the OKR Quickstart site for FREE resources HERE
đ§ Enjoyed the episode? Donât forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review! đ
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In this episode of Strategy Candy, Tim Newbold dives into one of the most debated topics in business leadershipâshould OKRs be tied to performance management? Tim breaks down the benefits and risks of linking these two critical processes, offering a fresh perspective on how to drive results without stifling creativity or stressing your team out. With practical tips on creating accountability, tracking progress, and fostering a culture where failure is safe and learning is key, this episode is packed with actionable insights for leaders who want to get the most out of their teams.
Timestamps:
[00:00] â Intro: Why Linking OKRs and Performance Management is a Hot Topic
[01:00] â Understanding the Difference: Performance Management vs. OKRs
[03:20] â Why Traditional Goal-Setting Might Be Holding Your Team Back
[04:50] â Can Bonuses really drive better performance?
[06:00] â Team-Based OKRs: Why Theyâre the Secret to Success
[08:30] â The Magic of Stretch Goals: Creating Safe Space for Failure
[11:00] â How to Measure Success: Itâs Not About Hitting the Target
[14:00] â The 5 Key Behaviors Every Leader Should Look for in Their Team
[16:30] â Celebrating Wins: Why Thanking Your Team is a Game-Changer
[18:00] â Wrapping Up: How to Make OKRs and Performance Reviews Work Together
Check the OKR Quickstart site for FREE resources: https://okrquickstart.com/podcast
Follow Tim Newbold:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/timnewbold/
https://www.instagram.com/okr.tim/
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In this episode of Strategy Candy, Tim Newbold sits down with Samantha McIntyre, a seasoned CIO whoâs held leadership roles at powerhouse companies like LâOreal, Woolworths, and Suzanne Group. Samantha shares her unique journey from starting on a help desk to becoming a major player in Australiaâs corporate world. Sheâs got a knack for authentic, people-first leadership, and in this conversation, she breaks down how leaders at any level can use similar strategies to build connected, resilient teams. Samantha also dives into what it takes to create more gender equity in traditionally male-dominated fields, offering practical tips for supporting women in leadership and helping everyone achieve their potential.
Tim and Samantha discuss actionable career-boosting moves, the art of navigating work-life balance, and the surprising power of resilience, teamwork, and culture in transforming organizations. If youâre looking for straightforward, inspiring advice on climbing the career ladder and leading with empathy, this episode is a must-listen.
Timestamps:
[00:00] â Intro to the episode and Samanthaâs impressive background.[02:11] â Samanthaâs journey from help desk to the C-suite: saying "yes" to opportunity and pushing herself forward.[06:15] â Breaking into male-dominated fields: Samanthaâs experience as a woman in tech and leadership.[10:59] â Seeing the gaps: How Samantha realized there was a need to empower women in senior roles.[12:30] â The reality of gender bias: Why fewer women hold P&L positions and why that matters.[17:00] â Practical tips for building gender diversity: How leaders can create a more inclusive culture.[23:55] â Samanthaâs top strategies for fast-tracking your career, starting from where you are.[31:05] â The impact of accountability: How to keep career goals on track.[33:56] â What to avoid in leadership: Busy culture, lazy leadership, and saying âIâm too busy.â[36:38] â Lessons from a challenging year: Building resilience and adapting to remote leadership.[39:30] â The importance of mutual support and building strong connections with your team.[43:05] â Book recommendations: Untamed by Glennon Doyle and other titles on Samanthaâs reading list.[44:26] â Wrapping up: Tim shares final takeaways and Samanthaâs advice for staying true to your goals.Guest Bio:
Samantha McIntyre is a highly respected CIO and executive who has led technology and business transformation at iconic brands like LâOreal, Woolworths, and Suzanne Group. Known for her people-centered approach to leadership, Samantha brings a wealth of experience in creating inclusive, high-performance cultures. A champion for women in leadership, she actively mentors and advocates for gender diversity in traditionally male-dominated fields, especially in tech. Samantha is passionate about empowering the next generation of leaders and sharing practical, real-world insights on career progression and personal growth.
Check the OKR Quickstart site for FREE resources: https://okrquickstart.com/podcast
Follow Tim Newbold:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/timnewbold/
https://www.instagram.com/okr.tim/
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Summary: In this episode, Tim sits down with Peter Forbes, founder of HR Onboard, which he grew from a startup into a thriving business acquired by Elmo Software. Peter shares his path from a young developer to a tech entrepreneur, offering insights into what it takes to create a purpose-driven, people-first company. This conversation goes beyond typical startup advice to reveal why a strong company culture is the real game-changer in any business journey. Whether youâre an early-stage founder or a seasoned leader, youâll learn powerful tips for creating a high-performing team and positioning a business for acquisition. Plus, Tim and Peter dive into how OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) can help pinpoint focus, avoid distractions, and accelerate growth.
Timestamps:
[00:00] â Tim introduces Peter Forbes and the journey of HR Onboard.[00:02] â Peterâs early days: From developer to entrepreneur.[00:07] â The importance of freedom, independence, and building a team.[00:14] â Navigating through a diversified business: Why focus matters.[00:19] â How to choose your business path based on passion, not profit.[00:24] â Building a values-driven company: The âRobot, Monkey, Spacemanâ framework.[00:30] â Real talk on hiring and firing: Why alignment with core values is critical.[00:38] â The power of strategic agility: Adjusting direction without losing focus.[00:45] â Lessons learned from burnout and the struggle of âdoing it all.â[00:55] â Peterâs next venture: Ensuring payroll compliance across industries.[00:57] â Timâs top takeaways and the significance of customer-centered problem-solving.Guest Bio: Peter Forbes is the founder of HR Onboard, a company he scaled into a successful acquisition by Elmo Software. With a background in software development and deep experience in HR tech, Peter built his business on a foundation of strong company values, customer-centered design, and a relentless focus on culture. A firm believer in keeping things simple, Peterâs journey demonstrates how clarity, purpose, and team alignment can drive sustained growth and long-term success. Now taking a sabbatical, heâs exploring new projects with a focus on payroll compliance tools.
Check the OKR Quickstart site for FREE resources: https://okrquickstart.com/podcast
Follow Tim Newbold:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/timnewbold/
https://www.instagram.com/okr.tim/
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Summary:
In this episode of Strategy Candy, Tim Newbold sits down with Mike Ilczynski, former CEO of Seek Asia and Redbubble, for a deep dive into leadership, OKR, and building a purpose-driven culture in high-growth companies. Mike shares his personal journey from strategic roles to CEO, including the wins, challenges, and lessons learned. Together, Tim and Mike discuss the importance of aligning incentives, creating a culture of productive paranoia, and empowering teams through clear strategy and purpose. Mike also opens up about his own leadership evolution, the influence of mentors, and how he learned to pivot his leadership style to serve his teams effectively. If you're interested in real-world insights on how OKR can be a game-changer and what it takes to scale a business with heart, this conversation is packed with practical advice and candid reflections.
Timestamps:
[00:00:00] Introduction to Mike Ilczynskiâs journey and leadership story[00:02:04] From McKinsey to Seek: Mikeâs entry into strategy and leadership[00:04:00] Early experiences at Seek and betting on big opportunities in China[00:07:07] Growth journey: From 150 employees to 3,000+ at Seek[00:11:35] Building purpose and aligning culture during rapid scale-up[00:15:40] Productive paranoia: How Seek maintained competitive vigilance[00:22:00] Strategy essentials: Purpose, clear communication, and the role of the board[00:24:49] Aligning incentives with long-term goals for sustainable growth[00:30:00] Leadership behaviors and consistency during organizational change[00:31:48] OKR at Seek: Origins, implementation, and lessons learned[00:35:40] Embracing learning OKR and experimentation within product teams[00:38:10] Overcoming top-down leadership and enabling bottom-up innovation[00:44:00] Personal leadership growth: Lessons from executive coaching[00:46:21] Book recommendations: The Hard Thing About Hard Things and Manâs Search for Meaning[00:48:54] Final thoughts: Adapting leadership to serve teams and foster trustGuest Bio:
Mike Ilczynski is an accomplished business leader with an impressive career-spanning strategy and executive roles. As former CEO of Seek Asia Pacific and Redbubble, Mike has driven growth and innovation in some of Asia-Pacificâs most successful tech companies. Known for his people-centered approach and strategic insight, Mike led Seek through rapid international expansion and played a key role in embedding a purpose-driven, results-focused culture. Today, Mike is passionate about helping leaders build organizations that are both high-performing and fulfilling for their teams. His leadership philosophy emphasizes purpose, strategic clarity, and the power of OKR to unify teams and drive measurable impact.
Check the OKR Quickstart site for FREE resources: https://okrquickstart.com/podcast
Follow Tim Newbold:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/timnewbold/
https://www.instagram.com/okr.tim/
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In the debut episode of Strategy Candy, host Tim Newbold dives deep into the essentials of OKRs (Objectives and Key Results). Discover why this game-changing framework has powered companies like Google and LinkedIn to incredible growth and how you can implement it to unlock focus, alignment, and measurable progress. Tim shares the foundational steps, the most common pitfalls, and practical insights to set OKRs that work. Whether you're new to OKRs or looking to refine your process, this episode is packed with actionable advice to take your strategy to the next level.
Timestamps:
[00:00:00] Welcome to Strategy Candy: Exploring OKRs[00:01:00] What Are OKRs and Why Do They Matter?[00:02:50] The Origins of OKRs: From Intel to Silicon Valley[00:05:24] The Power of Alignment: Connecting Teams Through OKRs[00:06:15] Common Mistakes When Setting OKRs[00:08:49] Why Weekly Check-ins Drive Success[00:10:53] How to Set an OKR: The Step-by-Step Process[00:13:00] Writing Inspiring Objectives That Motivate Teams[00:14:44] Key Results: Metrics That Define Success[00:15:39] Championing OKRs and Building Accountability[00:16:14] Reflecting, Learning, and Resetting for Continuous Improvement[00:17:02] Where to Find More Resources on OKRsCheck the OKR Quickstart site for FREE resources: https://okrquickstart.com/podcast
Follow Tim Newbold:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/timnewbold/
https://www.instagram.com/okr.tim/
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In the debut episode of Strategy Candy, host Tim Newbold introduces the podcast thatâs all about strategy, high-performing product teams, and achieving bold goals using the OKR (Objectives and Key Results) framework.
In this episode, youâll get a glimpse of what's coming upâfoundational insights on strategy, change management tips, and inspiring interviews with top industry leaders. Whether youâre leading a startup, a delivery team, or an executive navigating big organizational shifts, this podcast is packed with practical advice and compelling stories to help you level up.
Timestamps:
[00:00] â Intro: Welcome to Strategy Candy!
[00:19] â Meet Your Host: Tim Newbold and His Background
[01:20] â Whatâs in Store: OKRs, High-Performing Teams, and Strategy
[02:30] â What You Can Expect from the Podcast
[03:40] â OKRs and Strategy: The Power of Focus and Team Alignment
[04:52] â Why Most Strategies Fall Flat (and How to Fix It)
[06:00] â OKRs: What They Are and Why Big Tech Companies Swear By Them
[07:20] â A Sneak Peek at Upcoming Interviews
[08:10] â How You Can Get the Most from Strategy Candy
[09:00] â Coming Up Next: What to Expect in Future Episodes
[10:00] â Closing Remarks: Join Us on This Journey!
