The Final Update · 2026-06-12 · 4 min
After exiting his company sooner than expected, Manuel Saez faced a question many founders avoid: What now? Instead of rushing into the next startup, product, or opportunity, he paused. What emerged from that pause was a question he now asks before making any meaningful decision: "What's my vibe?" In this episode, Manuel shares why the emotional state behind a decision matters just as much as the decision itself. We discuss why the feelings you start with tend to follow you, how building from a place of insecurity or needing to prove something can compound over time, and why FOMO is often a poor foundation for long-term commitments. We also explore the value of creating space before the next idea takes over, the role intuition plays alongside data, and why the best founders learn to balance science with art when navigating uncertainty. Whether you're building a company, considering a career move, or facing a major life decision, this conversation offers a thoughtful framework for understanding what's really driving your choices. Because before asking, "What's next?" it may be worth asking, "What's my vibe?"
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