Adaptavist | 2017-2022

Atlassian Ecosystem Podcast

Building Authority Through Storytelling

Screenshot of the header for the Atlassian Ecosystem Podcast webpage

Context

In 2017, I noticed something while working at Adaptavist. The Atlassian ecosystem was growing quickly, but there wasn't a good way for users to keep up with all the changes. Having worked with Atlassian products for years, I saw a chance to help people stay informed while also positioning Adaptavist as a trusted voice in the space.

Challenge

The problem with blog posts, documentation, and release notes is that they can be dry and impersonal. We wanted to create something that would share valuable technical information but also connect with people on a human level. We needed to find a way to make technical content more engaging and easier to understand for both technical teams and business leaders.

Approach

I decided to try podcasting instead of writing more content. With my co-host Ryan Spilken, we started a show that focused on interviewing people about their experiences with Atlassian tools. These conversations highlighted real challenges and successes that teams faced when implementing the software.

As we built an audience, we adapted our format based on what listeners needed. Using my technical background and historical knowledge of Atlassian products, we shifted to a news and updates show that helped people stay current with changes. I realized that in tech, people need both high-level insights and practical information to be effective.

We kept our process simple but effective, using Trello to organize and prioritize updates that would matter most to our audience. This helped us turn complicated release notes into conversations about real business value and practical use.

Outcomes

The podcast became an important part of Adaptavist's strategy for building credibility in the Atlassian community. Beyond just getting listeners, we created a space for genuine connections. Our show made technical information easier to understand and use, helping teams worldwide get more from their Atlassian tools.

Key Takeaways

  • Building credibility in tech requires both expertise and the ability to communicate clearly.

  • Content needs to evolve as your audience's needs change.

  • Effective technical leadership combines historical knowledge with forward-looking ideas.

  • Creating value often means turning complex information into relatable stories.

This project taught me that technical leadership isn't just about knowing the technology—it's also about communicating effectively, building community, and thinking strategically. While I stopped co-hosting the podcast when I left Adaptavist in March 2022, I still use these lessons in my approach to technology leadership today.

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