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The ERic RIES Show
Curated conversations
At the Long-Term Stock Exchange, we are dedicated to creating a world where businesses are empowered to achieve lasting impact and long-term prosperity.
To foster meaningful conversations, we curate conversations from an ecosystem of leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries.
The Eric Ries Show, a podcast produced by Founder and Chair of LTSE Services, Eric Ries, reflects our mission.
The show features thought-provoking conversations with world-class technologists, thought leaders, executives, and others who are working to create a new ecosystem of organizations committed to growth with purpose.
To foster meaningful conversations, we curate conversations from an ecosystem of leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries.
The Eric Ries Show, a podcast produced by Founder and Chair of LTSE Services, Eric Ries, reflects our mission.
The show features thought-provoking conversations with world-class technologists, thought leaders, executives, and others who are working to create a new ecosystem of organizations committed to growth with purpose.
Disclaimer: Information contained in this podcast was obtained in part from publicly available sources (including the Eric Ries Show) and not independently verified. The Long-Term Stock Exchange and its affiliated companies do not make any representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the information and do not sponsor, approve, or endorse any of the content herein, all of which is presented solely for informational and educational purposes. Nothing herein constitutes an offer to sell, a solicitation to buy any security, or a recommendation of any security or trading practice.
Some portions of the podcast may have been edited for the purpose of length or clarity.
From the Eric Ries Show:
The Hired CEO with Founder Mode | Marten Mickos (MySQL, HackerOne)
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In this episode of The Eric Ries Show, I sit down with Marten Mickos, a serial tech CEO who has been at the forefront of some of the most transformative moments in open-source technology. From leading MySQL through its groundbreaking journey to guiding HackerOne as a pioneering bug bounty platform, Marten's career is a masterclass in building innovative, trust-driven organizations.
Our wide-ranging conversation explores Marten's remarkable journey through tech leadership, touching on his experiences building game-changing companies and, more recently, his work coaching emerging CEOs. We dive deep into the world of open source, company culture, and the nuanced art of leadership.
In our conversation today, we talk about the following topics:
• How MySQL revolutionized open-source databases and became Facebook’s database
• The strategic decision to make MySQL open source and leverage Linux distributions
• The art of building a beloved open-source project while creating a profitable business model
• How a lawsuit solidified MySQL's position in the open-source database market
• The role of transparency and direct feedback in building organizational trust
• Why Marten was drawn to HackerOne's disruptive approach to cybersecurity
• Marten’s transition to coaching new CEOs
• Marten’s unique "contrast framework" for making complex decisions
• And much more!
—
Brought to you by:
• Wilson Sonsini – Wilson Sonsini is the innovation economy’s law firm. Learn more.
• Gusto – Gusto is an easy payroll and benefits software built for small businesses. Get 3 months free.
—
Where to find Marten Mickos:
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martenmickos/
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/martenmickos.bsky.social
—
Where to find Eric:
• Newsletter:https://ericries.carrd.co/
• Podcast:https://ericriesshow.com/
• YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@theericriesshow
—
In This Episode We Cover:
(00:00) Intro
(03:15) The first time Eric used MySQL
(07:10) The origins of MySQL and how Marten got involved
(13:22) Why MySQL pivoted to open source to leverage the power of Linux distros
(17:03) Open source vs. closed
(18:56) Building profitable open-source companies
(24:52) The fearless company culture at MySQL and the Progress lawsuit
(29:30) The value of not cutting any corners
(33:35) How a dolphin became part of the MySQL logo
(35:55) What it was like to build a company of true believers
(38:47) Marten’s management approach emphasizes kindness and direct feedback
(42:12) Marten’s hiring philosophy
(45:14) Why MySQL sold to Sun Microsystems and tried to avoid Oracle
(50:24) How Oracle has made MySQL even better
(52:22) Why Marten decided to lead at HackerOne
(55:41) An overview of HackerOne
(59:31) How HackerOne got started and landed the Department of Defense contract
(1:03:19) The trust-building power of transparency
(1:08:30) Marten’s successor and the state of HackerOne now
(1:09:23) Marten’s work coaching CEOs
(1:14:20) Common issues CEOs struggle with
(1:16:45) Marten’s contrast framework
(1:26:12) The book of Finnish poetry that inspired Marten’s love of polarities
—
Referenced:
- MySQL: https://www.mysql.com/
- Sun to fork out $1 billion for open-source firm MySQL: https://www.cnet.com/culture/sun-to-fork-out-1-billion-for-open-source-firm-mysql/
- HackerOne: https://www.hackerone.com/
- Execs Divided Over Oracle’s Acquisition Of MySQL: https://www.silicon.co.uk/data-storage/execs-divided-over-oracles-acquisition-of-mysql-3218
- Oracle: https://www.oracle.com/
- Mark Zuckerberg on X: https://x.com/finkd
- David Axmark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidaxmark/
- Monty Widenius on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/montywi/
- RedHat: https://www.redhat.com/
- OpenSuse: https://www.opensuse.org/
- Postgres: https://www.postgresql.org/
- Slashdot: https://slashdot.org/
- The SCO vs. Linux Saga: 20 Years of Open-Source Turmoil: https://opensourcewatch.beehiiv.com/p/sco-vs-linux-saga-20-years-opensource-turmoil
- MySQL suffers setback in Progress lawsuit: https://www.information-age.com/mysql-suffers-setback-in-progress-lawsuit-24206/
- MySQL, NuSphere Settle GPL Contract Dispute: https://www.theregister.com/2002/11/21/mysql_nusphere_settle_gpl_contract/
- Sun Microsystems: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_Microsystems
- Oracle buys Sun, becomes hardware company: https://www.cnet.com/culture/oracle-buys-sun-becomes-hardware-company/
- Heatwave MySQL: https://www.oracle.com/mysql/
- Slack: https://slack.com/
- Netscape: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netscape
- Eye of Sauron: https://lotr.fandom.com/wiki/Eye_of_Sauron
- Hack the Pentagon: https://www.hackerone.com/events/hack-the-pentagon
- Kara Sprague on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ksprague08/
- Julia Mossbridge on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-mossbridge/
- Navigating Polarities: Using Both/And Thinking to Lead Transformation: https://www.amazon.com/Navigating-Polarities-Using-Thinking-Transformation/dp/1733382836
- Out of the Crisis #7, Brian Chesky Part 1: running Airbnb in crisis mode, being multi-stakeholder, and re-founding the company: https://www.startuplessonslearned.com/2020/06/out-of-crisis-7-brian-chesky-part-1.html
—
Production and marketing by https://penname.co/.
Eric may be an investor in the companies discussed.
Show Notes
In this episode of The Eric Ries Show, I sit down with Marten Mickos, a serial tech CEO who has been at the forefront of some of the most transformative moments in open-source technology. From leading MySQL through its groundbreaking journey to guiding HackerOne as a pioneering bug bounty platform, Marten's career is a masterclass in building innovative, trust-driven organizations.
Our wide-ranging conversation explores Marten's remarkable journey through tech leadership, touching on his experiences building game-changing companies and, more recently, his work coaching emerging CEOs. We dive deep into the world of open source, company culture, and the nuanced art of leadership.
In our conversation today, we talk about the following topics:
• How MySQL revolutionized open-source databases and became Facebook’s database
• The strategic decision to make MySQL open source and leverage Linux distributions
• The art of building a beloved open-source project while creating a profitable business model
• How a lawsuit solidified MySQL's position in the open-source database market
• The role of transparency and direct feedback in building organizational trust
• Why Marten was drawn to HackerOne's disruptive approach to cybersecurity
• Marten’s transition to coaching new CEOs
• Marten’s unique "contrast framework" for making complex decisions
• And much more!
—
Brought to you by:
• Wilson Sonsini – Wilson Sonsini is the innovation economy’s law firm. Learn more.
• Gusto – Gusto is an easy payroll and benefits software built for small businesses. Get 3 months free.
—
Where to find Marten Mickos:
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martenmickos/
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/martenmickos.bsky.social
—
Where to find Eric:
• Newsletter:https://ericries.carrd.co/
• Podcast:https://ericriesshow.com/
• YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@theericriesshow
—
In This Episode We Cover:
(00:00) Intro
(03:15) The first time Eric used MySQL
(07:10) The origins of MySQL and how Marten got involved
(13:22) Why MySQL pivoted to open source to leverage the power of Linux distros
(17:03) Open source vs. closed
(18:56) Building profitable open-source companies
(24:52) The fearless company culture at MySQL and the Progress lawsuit
(29:30) The value of not cutting any corners
(33:35) How a dolphin became part of the MySQL logo
(35:55) What it was like to build a company of true believers
(38:47) Marten’s management approach emphasizes kindness and direct feedback
(42:12) Marten’s hiring philosophy
(45:14) Why MySQL sold to Sun Microsystems and tried to avoid Oracle
(50:24) How Oracle has made MySQL even better
(52:22) Why Marten decided to lead at HackerOne
(55:41) An overview of HackerOne
(59:31) How HackerOne got started and landed the Department of Defense contract
(1:03:19) The trust-building power of transparency
(1:08:30) Marten’s successor and the state of HackerOne now
(1:09:23) Marten’s work coaching CEOs
(1:14:20) Common issues CEOs struggle with
(1:16:45) Marten’s contrast framework
(1:26:12) The book of Finnish poetry that inspired Marten’s love of polarities
—
Referenced:
- MySQL: https://www.mysql.com/
- Sun to fork out $1 billion for open-source firm MySQL: https://www.cnet.com/culture/sun-to-fork-out-1-billion-for-open-source-firm-mysql/
- HackerOne: https://www.hackerone.com/
- Execs Divided Over Oracle’s Acquisition Of MySQL: https://www.silicon.co.uk/data-storage/execs-divided-over-oracles-acquisition-of-mysql-3218
- Oracle: https://www.oracle.com/
- Mark Zuckerberg on X: https://x.com/finkd
- David Axmark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidaxmark/
- Monty Widenius on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/montywi/
- RedHat: https://www.redhat.com/
- OpenSuse: https://www.opensuse.org/
- Postgres: https://www.postgresql.org/
- Slashdot: https://slashdot.org/
- The SCO vs. Linux Saga: 20 Years of Open-Source Turmoil: https://opensourcewatch.beehiiv.com/p/sco-vs-linux-saga-20-years-opensource-turmoil
- MySQL suffers setback in Progress lawsuit: https://www.information-age.com/mysql-suffers-setback-in-progress-lawsuit-24206/
- MySQL, NuSphere Settle GPL Contract Dispute: https://www.theregister.com/2002/11/21/mysql_nusphere_settle_gpl_contract/
- Sun Microsystems: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_Microsystems
- Oracle buys Sun, becomes hardware company: https://www.cnet.com/culture/oracle-buys-sun-becomes-hardware-company/
- Heatwave MySQL: https://www.oracle.com/mysql/
- Slack: https://slack.com/
- Netscape: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netscape
- Eye of Sauron: https://lotr.fandom.com/wiki/Eye_of_Sauron
- Hack the Pentagon: https://www.hackerone.com/events/hack-the-pentagon
- Kara Sprague on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ksprague08/
- Julia Mossbridge on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-mossbridge/
- Navigating Polarities: Using Both/And Thinking to Lead Transformation: https://www.amazon.com/Navigating-Polarities-Using-Thinking-Transformation/dp/1733382836
- Out of the Crisis #7, Brian Chesky Part 1: running Airbnb in crisis mode, being multi-stakeholder, and re-founding the company: https://www.startuplessonslearned.com/2020/06/out-of-crisis-7-brian-chesky-part-1.html
—
Production and marketing by https://penname.co/.
Eric may be an investor in the companies discussed.
Disclaimer
The information is provided for informational and educational purposes only, and nothing contained herein should be construed as investment advice, either on behalf of a particular security or an overall investment strategy. Information about the company is provided by the company, or comes from the companies’ public filings and is not independently verified by LTSE. Neither LTSE nor any of its affiliates makes any recommendation to buy or sell any security or any representation about the financial condition of any company. Statements regarding LTSE-listed companies are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investors should undertake their own due diligence and carefully evaluate companies before investing. Advice from a securities professional is strongly advised.
Curated Conversations
