How Founders Can Stop Losing A-Players and Start Building Ownership Culture with Michael C. Bertoni

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Michael C. Bertoni, Founder and CEO of SaaS Talent, the global talent and growth engine behind hundreds of high-performing SaaS and tech companies. With over 25 years of experience helping founders scale revenue, build elite go-to-market teams, and turn hiring into a competitive advantage, Michael operates at the intersection of SaaS growth, recruiting, AI, and leadership.

Michael shares his journey from being a high-performing sales leader working for others to taking the leap into entrepreneurship at 39. He opens up about early mistakes, the mindset shifts that shaped his evolution, and why he believes every business challenge traces back to one core issue: talent. This conversation is a practical and honest look at what it really takes to scale a company through people, systems, and energy.

Chapters:
 01:35 - The Origin of “The Rainmaker”
 03:37 - Taking the Leap Into Entrepreneurship at 39
 05:54 - Starting as a Solopreneur Without a Playbook
 07:36 - Early Mistakes and Getting Kicked Out of Co-Working Spaces
 10:25 - Self-Awareness and Evolving as a Founder
 13:27 - Building a Personal Board of Advisors
 18:01 - Inside SaaS Talent: Talent Acquisition and GTM Growth Coaching
 19:48 - “Every Problem Is a Talent Problem” Explained
 22:22 - How to Know If You Have the Right Person in the Right Seat
 24:00 - Locking In A-Players Through Growth and Ownership
 26:40 - The Founder’s Role: Bringing the Energy and Vision
 30:09 - What Young Founders Should Look for in Talent
 34:27 - Creating “Wow” Moments and Hiring Through Community
 41:11 - Lessons from 20+ Years in SaaS and Tech
 46:07 - Why You Need an Operating System to Scale
 49:26 - Advice to His 13-Year-Old Self
 52:07 - The Morning Routine That Changed His Leadership
 55:13 - Gratitude, Manifestation, and Long-Term Growth
 1:00:21 - Using LinkedIn as a Growth Engine
 1:04:00 - Final Reflections and Building With Energy

Guest Links:
Website: https://www.saas-talent.com/
LinkedIn: Michael C. Bertoni

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