Emily Cebrián

To work with people and for people.

That is the most valuable lesson, the key for success learnt out of Emily’s experience working in international projects, in different geographies.

A problem-solver and digital strategist with an extensive background in business development in different sectors: software, industrial construction, energy, retail, civil construction. The experience of having lived in countries such as Brazil, Malaysia, France and Spain has led Emily towards a really global mindset and the ability to naturally manage multinational and multidisciplinary teams. Knowing how it is to start a project from scratch, to build the structure and make it grow, both from big Corporations perspective as from Startup’s one.

Where did the idea for Froged come from?

The idea for FROGED came from Ángel (one of my cofounders). He always talked of creating a SaaS for other SaaS. That was the seed of what FROGED is today (and what will be in the future).

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

I do start my day with a short meditation that helps me to have the clarity and the energy needed for an intense day. Then I check my agenda to have a clear picture of the day in front of me, check my emails and try to prioritize tasks. One thing I am trying to implement is to gather most meetings in just one part of the day so that I can work with less interruptions and so be more efficient at time consumption.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I consider myself to be a very creative person, and I really enjoy making things happen. I first see the clear picture in my mind and then naturally find ways to make it happen. The best is when that idea is shared within the team and so the way to make it happen is also built among the people of the team.

What’s one trend that excites you?

Digitalization & personalization. How the digital world tends to be more “human” and more personalized at the same time. On another sort of things, I also love the sustainability awareness that is being awakened among many businesses that contribute, as we do, to a greener Earth.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

To almost disconnect completely from while to while (most weekends). I come back to work with much more energy and focus.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Give more value to your own strengths and learn to listen to you.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

The coexistence of parallel realities at the same time.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

Surround yourself with good people: cofounders, teammates, advisors, always good people.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

Creativity and efficiency at the time of spending. Sounds very much like growth hacking. Having a big impact with little funds.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

I started a project with Franchises in Brazil that in despite of a big effort didn’t go as expected. I overcame it putting a full stop and gathering the experience and the learnings for the following project. Knowing how and when to put a full stop is very needed.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

A marketplace to exchange shares among startups founders.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

A cozy warm duvet for my bed. Sleeping well is something that I very much value.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

GSuite. Trello. Use it on a daily basis to organize to do, doing and done tasks.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

“The Hard Thing about Hard Things” Ben Horowitz. Good insights of what it means assuming your leadership and the ability to make decisions as CEO.

What is your favorite quote?

“If you can dream it, you can do it”

Key Learnings:

• Surround yourself only with good people.
• Learn to listen to yourself
• Be creative and wise even at spending.
• Knowing when and how to put a full stop.