Meet Leo Emanuel | Product design, CEO and Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Leo Emanuel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Leo, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Everyone that’s started a business has lived through their plans completely falling apart. This isn’t a risk, it’s a guarantee. Mike Tyson put it best: everyone has a plan until they get hit in the face.

So when thinking about risk, I frame it in terms of analysis and intuition. Risk, to me, is not about recklessness but about making informed decisions based on data, probabilities, and a clear understanding of potential outcomes. It’s essential for growth and innovation—both personally and professionally. But risk always comes with a shadow of fear—fear of the unknown, fear of failure. Yet, despite all the calculations and analyses, there’s always a leap of faith involved. Starting a business, for instance, is about betting on yourself, trusting that your vision, effort, and resilience will pay off. It’s about believing in success more than you fear failure. This belief is critical; without it, the outcome is predetermined. Like an athlete who steps onto the field with absolute confidence, you have to believe in your victory, even when the odds are uncertain, because if you don’t, then there is certain failure. Taking risks is about embracing that uncertainty, putting your ego and confidence on the line, and pushing forward despite the fear. It’s the final act of courage that separates those who dream from those who achieve.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’m currently CEO and founder of AutoAim but in one way or another I’ve been starting businesses for as long as I can remember. In middle school I found it more fun to be a waiter at my family’s dinner parties than to be a part of the festivities. In high school while COVID was raging across the country, I started a business putting vending machines in public spaces that were required to remain open, like hospitals (“contact-free snacking”). It’s never been easy, even as a ten year old serving hors d’oeuvres for tips to friendly adults. As Milton Friedman liked to say, there’s no such thing as a free lunch. What it’s taught me is that a business must first and foremost solve an immediate and real problem. It’s not about the entrepreneur, it’s about the customer.
This philosophy underpins what we’re doing today at AutoAim. Our mission is to build technology that addresses humanity’s most fundamental desires: creativity and connection.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When a friend visits LA, I like to kick things off with an iconic stop at the In-N-Out near LAX. There’s no better way to start their LA experience. For activities, LA’s natural beauty is a must-see, so we’d hit the trails—Dearing Trail is a favorite of mine for its stunning views and immersive nature. As for food, Bay Cities Deli is a must-visit; their “Godmother” sandwich is legendary. We’d also make a stop at Café Habana for some amazing Cuban-inspired fare before heading to Third Point Beach. Whether it’s a swim or some surfing, this spot is perfect for soaking up the LA sun and embracing the laid-back vibe that makes this city so special.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to my business partner and CTO, Nick Lazareff. As a CEO, I’ve been fortunate to have Nick as CTO by my side—a seasoned and brilliant engineer who brings invaluable experience to our startup. We’ve faced countless challenges together, from the highs of breakthrough moments to the lows of near-defeats. Through it all, Nick has been a steadfast partner, always ready to tackle the next obstacle with unwavering determination. His expertise and commitment have been crucial to our success, and I couldn’t imagine a better person to build this company with.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-emanuel-1a04b61b8/

Other: Leo@autoaim.com