The rise of Atlassian, once lauded for its vibrant culture, is detailed in the book "Tech Bros" by John Stensholt and Perry Williams. The narrative highlights the increasing influence of Chief of Staff Amy Glancey, who became a close confidante to co-founder Mike Cannon-Brookes during a period of significant personal and professional upheaval.
A Shifting Corporate Culture
Founded in the mid-2000s, Atlassian, known for its project-management software like Jira and Confluence, cultivated an image of a fun, free-spirited workplace. Early company culture included elaborate team-building events, on-site amenities like beer taps and chef-prepared meals, and a focus on rewarding creativity while ostracizing negative employees. This atmosphere, however, reportedly began to erode by the early 2020s. Sources quoted in "Tech Bros" describe the team spirit diminishing, with one employee's message on Atlassian's Slack channel characterizing the culture as a "gladiator sport" where "every man and woman for themselves." By March 2024, Atlassian announced layoffs affecting approximately 10% of its workforce, citing the impact of artificial intelligence on the tech industry.
The Rise of Amy Glancey
Within this evolving environment, Amy Glancey, chief of staff to the co-CEOs, emerged as a pivotal figure. Described by sources in "Tech Bros" as one of the "velvet vixens"—a group of female executives perceived as being on Cannon-Brookes' side—Glancey became a trusted advisor. Cannon-Brookes himself stated in 2021 that Glancey was "critical" to Atlassian, emphasizing, "Amy tells me how it is. No bulls***. She's a close and trusted adviser." A former employee described Glancey as "the guard at the doors of the castle... who has all the secrets."
Personal and Professional Strains
The period of Glancey's increasing influence coincided with growing tensions in the co-founders' relationship and Cannon-Brookes' personal life. His marriage to fashion designer Annie Todd, with whom he has four children, reportedly faced strain, including a trial separation. "Tech Bros" alleges that around 2021, during this period, messages were exchanged between executive assistant Faye Stirling and an unnamed colleague, with one suggesting wearing a "really f***able" dress to make Annie Cannon-Brookes jealous. Mike and Annie Cannon-Brookes officially separated in July 2023. Concurrently, the professional partnership between Cannon-Brookes and Scott Farquhar deteriorated. By April 2024, Farquhar announced his departure as co-CEO, though he remains a board adviser, leaving Cannon-Brookes as the sole CEO.
The book also touches on the immense wealth generated by the founders. By 2010, their net worth was $314 million, soaring as the company approached its 2015 public listing on the Nasdaq. Both founders became billionaires, acquiring significant property portfolios. Farquhar purchased the historic 'Elaine' estate in Point Piper, while Cannon-Brookes amassed a collection of 35 properties valued at approximately $450 million. Despite this success, "Tech Bros" suggests the supportive team culture that was once a hallmark of Atlassian had largely disappeared by the early 2020s, with some former employees describing the atmosphere as "the most toxic workplace I've ever been in."