Tech Leaders: Ronen Menipaz, Founder, M51

Welcome to my Tech Leaders Interview Series, where I interview impactful leaders and ask them to share tips and techniques that have benefited them, both in their personal and professional lives. 

This interview is with Ronen Menipaz, Founder of M51. 

About Ronen: 

Ronen is an Entrepreneur (3X exits) turned investor. Podcast host. Founder of numerous business ventures in the entertainment, adtech, real-estate, and gaming space.  

What are your main productivity tips? 

Time management may seem like a no-brainer, but it works. Ninety percent of my week is planned ahead. As a result, there are not many surprises, and I am able to focus on the things at hand without getting distracted.

In addition, I sometimes use the Eisenhower Matrix – a simple 2*2 table that helps separate ‘urgent’ from ‘important’ tasks. If something is both urgent and important – I do it right away. If it’s not urgent and not important – I don’t do it. Urgent but not important – delegate. That leaves the not urgent but important – I schedule time for those.

What is your favorite drink? 

Anejo tequila.

How do you deal with stress and anxiety? 

As soon as I begin to feel stressed, I get up and take a break. After researching the science of breaks, I confirmed my suspicion: they increase productivity and creativity (so no need to get on a guilt trip for pausing every now and then). 

I also exercise. It’s a cliche, but it’s true – exercise is a great outlet for negative emotions such as anger, frustration, and anxiety. So I make sure to find time for that (plus, it’s FUN!)

Your tips for aspiring entrepreneurs? 

Carefully choose who you work with and make sure you have the right team around you. As much it is about having someone who completes your skillset and expertise and fills the gaps, it’s just as much about their traits and character. 

And here’s the controversial part: I believe that loyalty and good chemistry are more important than talent.

Who in the Tech industry would you like to meet for lunch? 

Richard Branson. When Branson speaks of his success, he doesn’t mean the money. To him, success is about fun. My eye-opening experience with his book was the understanding that my intuition is that enjoying the journey is a goal in itself, is something I need to listen to and double down on. 

What is your favorite book recommendation? 

Tools of Titans: The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers by Tim Ferriss

Ferris distilled tactics, routines, and habits from his podcast (also recommended) as proverbial tools. I’m certain that pushing forward despite setbacks and achieving greatness is the key to becoming a top performer. It’s a topic I delve into deeply in my own podcast, and I think it’s an important read for entrepreneurs. 

Why are you in Tech? 

I believe that making ideas a reality is an amazing form of self-expression. I think Tech enables doing just that. And as an “impossible is nothing” kind of crazy guy, Tech feels like a playground for adults.  

About M51:

M51 is a private equity that primarily invests in people – those who are fearless, passionate, and creative. We make it possible for them to succeed by leveraging our ideas, time, and network of support.

We are a group of experienced entrepreneurs who understand the challenges entrepreneurs face today, and we do our best to take them to the next level, no matter what. These are causes we care about. Our goal is to leave everyone we meet better off than when we met them.

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