Matt Verlaque, COO at SaaS Academy, on Enhancing Team Performance Through Healthy Conflict and Feedback

Jul 11, 2024

Matt Verlaque, COO of SaaS Academy, shares insights on building cohesive teams, effective feedback strategies, and creating unbreakable businesses. He emphasizes servant leadership, continuous improvement, and the importance of investing in people over tasks. Matt discusses adapting systems as companies grow, conducting one-on-one meetings, and structured quarterly planning for success in leadership roles and tech startups.

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ANECDOTE

Accidental Tech Journey

Matt Verlaque accidentally started his first software company after 10 years in the fire department.
His shift partner opened a CrossFit gym, and Matt built a website and marketing automation for it.

INSIGHT

Leadership Parallels

Elite tech leaders apply principles from public service industries, such as training and coaching.
Fire departments emphasize a training/coaching focus due to the physical limitations of the job.

ANECDOTE

Firefighting and Team Dynamics

New firefighters, similar to junior developers, have basic skills but need real -world experience.
Building a cohesive team with shared knowledge and pre -planned roles is crucial in high -pressure situations.

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In this episode, our host Aydin Mirzaee sits down with Matt Verlaque, COO of SaaS Academy and co-founder of High Speed Ventures. Matt’s unique career journey spans over a decade in firefighting and emergency services before venturing into technology and entrepreneurship. He shares how his experiences have shaped his approach to leadership and management, emphasizing the importance of servant leadership and continuous improvement.

In episode 11 of season 2, Matt delves into the critical aspects of building cohesive teams and the significance of investing in people over tasks. He discusses the evolution of team dynamics and the necessity for adapting systems as companies grow. Matt provides actionable insights on conducting effective one-on-one meetings, giving and receiving feedback, and maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life.

Matt also introduces the concept of building unbreakable businesses and the common pitfalls founders face, particularly around pricing and self-worth. He shares his strategies for creating robust operational systems that scale with the company and highlights the importance of having a structured approach to quarterly planning and goal setting.

Tune in to explore Matt’s techniques and insights that have contributed to the success of multiple startups and his current role at SaaS Academy.

This episode offers a wealth of actionable advice for leaders looking to enhance their management practices, build strong team cultures, and lead with intention and impact.

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TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES:

[01:53] Leadership differences in firefighting and tech

[07:48] Navigating seniority, advocacy, and building rapport

[11:51] Common mistakes CEOs and founders make

[18:46] Establishing team structure and communication as the team grows

[20:25] Balancing transparency and effective communication

[27:11] Quarterly planning and goal setting

[34:33] Efficiently setting goals and priorities in meetings

[38:01] SaaS Academy’s upcoming book "Software as a Science"

[40:46] Leaders should bring out greatness in others

👉 Check out the resources mentioned here: https://fellow.app/supermanagers/matt-verlaque-saas-academy

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Connect with Matt on LinkedIn
Read Million Dollar Weekend by Noah Kagan
Learn more about SaaS Academy
Join the Supermanagers Slack community