Discussion of “Measure What Matters”

Join the Austin Forum for an insightful online book discussion of John Doerr’s seminal work, “Measure What Matters: How Google, Bono, and the Gates Foundation Rock the World with OKRs.” In an era defined by rapid technological evolution and constant change, the ability to set ambitious goals and rigorously track progress is more critical than ever.

Doerr’s book introduces the powerful goal-setting system of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), a methodology pioneered at Intel and famously adopted by Google, where it fueled their explosive growth and innovation. This discussion will explore why OKRs are particularly vital for tech companies, where product cycles are short, market demands shift quickly, and the need for agile execution is paramount.

We’ll delve into:

The Core Principles of OKRs: Understand what OKRs are, how they are structured, and why they are so effective for fostering alignment, focus, and transparency.
Case Studies in Success: Learn from real-world examples, including Google, Bono’s ONE Campaign, and the Gates Foundation, on how OKRs have driven extraordinary results.
Navigating Rapid Change: Discuss how OKRs provide a framework for organizations, especially in the fast-paced tech sector, to stay focused on strategic priorities while remaining adaptable.
Individual Impact: Discover how the OKR methodology can be applied by individuals, in tech or any career, to define personal and professional goals, track progress, and ultimately contribute more effectively to their companies and advance their own careers.
Whether you’re a startup founder, a seasoned executive, an aspiring leader, or simply looking for ways to improve your personal productivity and impact, this discussion will offer valuable takeaways for leveraging OKRs to achieve what truly matters.

Come prepared to share your thoughts, experiences, and questions about making every effort count!

MODERATOR

Jay Boisseau is an experienced, recognized leader and strategist in advanced computing technologies, with over 25 years in the field. Jay is the executive director and founder of The Austin Forum on Technology & Society, which he created in 2006 and is the leading monthly technology outreach and engagement event in Austin–and now attracts national and international attendees online. The Austin Forum is one of the pillars of the Austin tech scene, providing connections to information, ideas, collaborations, and community overall. In addition, Jay is CEO, co-founder (June 2014), and a partner in Vizias, a small team of passionate professionals with expertise in high-performance computing (HPC), artificial intelligence (AI), technology community building, and technology outreach & event planning. Vizias staff lead, execute, and support the Austin Forum through Vizias Research, Education, and Outreach, a non-profit dedicated to using technology for positive social impact. Jay has held previous leadership positions at Dell Technologies, the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) at The University of Texas at Austin, the San Diego Supercomputer Center and the Arctic Region Supercomputing Center. He received his doctorate in astronomy from UT Austin, and his undergraduate degree in astronomy and physics from the University of Virginia. For Jay’s full professional bio, visit here.

ATTENDANCE INSTRUCTIONS

Online via Google Meet
Once you register via Eventbrite, you will receive the direct link in your confirmation email. You will also receive the link in a reminder email one day before the event.

Space is limited, so please register only if you’re confident you can attend—and kindly cancel your registration if your plans change so we can open your spot to another participant.