Software Defined Interviews
Software Defined Interviews
Software Defined Talk
Episode 116: The Octopus Organization, with Jana Werner
1 hour 13 minutes Posted Dec 24, 2025 at 3:00 pm.
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The Octopus Organization is a great collection of organization anti-patterns. This week, one of the co-authors, Jana Werner talks with Whitney and Coté about those patterns and her own experiences. They go over topics like reading habits, the role of business books, decision making, ownership, curiosity in organizations. practical steps to avoid common corporate anti-patterns, the importance of clear communication and leadership principles, and rubber pigs.

You can also watch the video version of this episode if you prefer that kind of thing.

Check out the book, The Octopus Organization.

Also, an HBR overview article on the book.

And find Jana Werner in LinkedIn.

She's also talked with Coté a couple of other times, back in 2020 and then in 2024.

Special Guest: Jana Werner.