Building an agency, scaling it, and maintaining a strong vision while delivering quality daily—these are challenges every founder in creative or digital services faces. I know I do, with 1600.

So when I had the chance to talk with Manuel Diaz, the successful founder of Emakina, I jumped on it. This guy embodies a rare kind of excellence. He built a leading European agency. And he keeps it real.

Here are the top 3 lessons I took from that conversation. You’ll find the full video interview embedded below.

1. Standing out is more than just good production

At 1600, we’re obsessed with the final result. Smooth animations, sharp transitions, sound design that pulls you in.

But Manuel reminded me: high-quality production is the baseline. Not the differentiator.

"The real value is in strategy. Vision. Helping your client build something long-term."

For a motion design studio, that means our role isn’t just to make pretty videos. It’s to help brands tell their story better. Clarify their message. Create real connection.

Since this talk, we’ve shifted how we approach briefs. We start with strategic questions. What’s the business goal? What perception are we shaping? The video comes after.

2. Excellence is a system, not a stroke of luck

What struck me most about Manuel is his rigor. Everything he does is rooted in systems. Clear processes. Metrics. A focus on detail—not for show, but to repeat success.

"If you want to scale, you need to get out of craftsmanship mode. Build a machine that runs without you."

That hits hard for creative agencies. We’re often strong in execution but weaker in formalizing our know-how.

At 1600, we’ve since documented every production stage. Every deliverable has a template. The goal? Deliver the same seamless experience every time, while keeping our unique creative touch.

3. Surround yourself with people better than you

This one hit deep. I asked Manuel what made the biggest difference in his journey. He didn’t hesitate:

"I always surrounded myself with people who were better than me."

Not to shine, but to learn. To move faster. To stay ahead.

Since then, I’ve changed how I hire—and how I grow as a founder. I ask for help more. I seek out those who’ve already succeeded. Like Manuel.

Because that’s what entrepreneurial excellence really is: a constant willingness to learn, to rethink your approach, and to raise the bar without losing your direction.

Watch the full interview with Manuel Diaz

Find the full video below, or watch it on our YouTube channel.

Conclusion: Get inspired, then act

Talking with Manuel Diaz wasn’t just insightful—it was a wake-up call. Success isn’t luck. It’s the result of strategy, discipline, and the right people around you.

If you run an agency, a startup, or a creative studio: get inspired by the best. Then build your own system of excellence.

And if you’re curious to see how we bring that mindset into motion design, check out our portfolio or get in touch.