A Founder’s Emotional Journey | Manuel Saez (Founder, Industrial Designer, Writer)

On today’s episode, we’re joined by my friend Manuel Saez! 

Manuel is a distinguished leader, industrial designer, and founder with a passion for elevating startups through emotional intelligence and strategic innovation. Over the past fifteen years, Manuel has founded two companies, brought over fifty products to market, and secured thirty-five patents. His groundbreaking designs have garnered global accolades and are recognized by the MoMA, including pieces in its permanent collection. Currently, Manuel focuses on coaching founders, emphasizing emotional intelligence to enhance decision-making. His work, celebrated by clients like Herman Miller and featured in Fast Company, showcases his commitment to creativity and efficiency. Manuel is from Argentina and resides in Brooklyn. He finds joy in fatherhood, writing, cooking, and restoring motorcycles, blending life's passions with professional excellence.

We talk about a lot on today’s episode including industrial design, the creative process, the emotional journey of fundraising, the story of Manuel selling his company, having empathy for ourselves, and managing our emotions.
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Timestamps: 

(0:00) Introduction

(1:30) World Cup Story

(4:39) Growing up in Argentina

(6:10) Giving advice to siblings

(8:25) Working as a lumberjack and moving to Europe

(10:57) Mindset working difficult jobs

(13:34) Studying industrial design

(14:57) Winning a design competition

(16:38) National Argentina gift to President Obama

(17:47) The creative process

(20:13) Argentinian hustle

(21:43) Thinking differently

(24:20) The origins of his company Beyond

(27:31) The emotional journey of fundraising

(28:39) Fundraising advice

(31:27) What would you change about the fundraising process

(34:52) Selling his company

(36:45) A company being part of your identity

(37:31) The importance of awareness and managing emotions

(41:41) Having empathy for yourself

(44:17) Advise Myself Newsletter

(48:28) When did the inner work journey begin

(49:08) Who is a role model to Manuel today

(49:40) A change in the definition of success
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Where to find Manuel:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/supermanuelsaez

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/supermanuelsaez/

Advise Myself Newsletter: https://www.advisemyself.com/

Where to find Chacho:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/chachovaladez

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chachovaladez/