Lessons - How to Hire A+ Talent (When It’s Hyper Competitive) | Ian Tien - CEO & Co-Founder of Mattermost

In this "Lessons" episode, Ian Tien, CEO & Co-Founder of Mattermost, joins Scott to discuss the power of open-source software, security considerations, and scaling a tech company. Ian delves into the challenges and benefits of building secure systems, the importance of customer feedback, and his approach to hiring top talent. Security in Open Source: Ian explains that open-source software offers transparency, enabling customers to collaborate on security actively. While no software is fully secure, open source allows vulnerabilities to be addressed rapidly through a community-driven approach. Customer-Centric Development: Mattermost’s success came from constant communication with customers. Ian emphasizes a simple YC principle: "Talk to customers, build products, and stay healthy." This relentless focus on customer needs helped them land large enterprise clients, including the US Air Force. Scaling a Team: 56% of Mattermost's hires come from referrals, highlighting a strong internal culture. Ian believes the best hires are motivated by impact, personal growth, and connection, not just financial rewards. Mattermost also sources talent from its open-source community, hiring contributors who demonstrate passion and skill through their work on the platform.