3504: Building Software for a Cross Platform World

Nov 30, 2025

Matt Dirks, CEO of Appfire and an accomplished leader in enterprise software, dives into the realities of modern leadership. He emphasizes the importance of running a company focused on being 'good' to foster trust and accountability. Their shift towards cross-platform solutions highlights a deep commitment to customer needs amid evolving market demands. With a strong focus on AI-native innovations, Matt shares insights on maintaining culture during growth and the significance of clear, measurable values in corporate environments.

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ANECDOTE

From Product Manager To CEO

Matt Dirks describes his long path from product roles to becoming Appfire CEO after mentoring and advising the founders.
He accepted the role because he trusted the people, believed in the company, and felt he could be of service.

INSIGHT

Platform Agnostic Value Wins

Appfire began as an Atlassian-focused acquirer of specialist apps and is now expanding cross-platform into Microsoft, GitHub, Salesforce and more.
Customers want problems solved, not platform loyalty, so reducing cross-platform friction is a growth opportunity.

ADVICE

Normalize Radical Candor

Build a culture where candid, respectful feedback is normal and people assume positive intent.
Prioritize trust and kindness while still holding people accountable for outcomes.

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What does it really mean to run a company that aims to be "good" before it ever thinks about becoming "great"? That was the question sitting with me as I sat down with Appfire's CEO, Matt Dircks. The conversation took us straight into the heart of modern leadership, purpose, and the realities of running a global SaaS business during a period of change.

Matt has led organisations through rapid growth, mergers, cultural resets, and shifting market expectations. What stood out in our discussion was how open he is about the parts of leadership that are messy. He talked about transparency, dealing with hard decisions, and the challenge of building a culture where people feel safe enough to be honest without losing accountability. His philosophy is grounded in something simple. You cannot scale trust unless you behave in ways that earn it every day.

We explored how Appfire is evolving beyond its acquisition roots, expanding from Atlassian aligned tools into cross platform solutions that support enterprises across Microsoft, Salesforce, GitHub and more. Matt explained why the company is investing heavily in new AI native products and why being close to customers is becoming a priority as their needs become more complex. He also shared how openness, active communication, and a willingness to be challenged guide the way he leads through uncertainty.

The more we talked, the clearer it became that Appfire's next chapter is a blend of product innovation, cultural maturity, and a renewed focus on service. Matt's story offers a useful lens for anyone wrestling with questions about values, growth, and the human side of technology. What does a "good company" look like in practice, and how does that shape the road to long term success?

I'd love to hear what resonated with you, so let me know your thoughts.

Useful Links

Connect With Matt Dircks on LinkedIn
Learn more about Appfire
The No Asshole Rule: Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One That Isn't by Robert I. Sutton
Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein

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