If you find yourself feeling drained after conversations with a founder, it may indicate that they are too pessimistic, affecting the morale of the team.

Always conclude an investor meeting with clarity, whether it's securing a commitment or understanding the next steps in the process.

The worst investor meeting can leave you feeling like you no longer want to pursue your business.

Look for signs of engagement from senior management and whether your colleagues seem busy and productive, as these can indicate the company's health.

Evaluate whether you have a seat at the decision-making table; if business leaders are making all the decisions without your input, it may indicate exploitation.

It's important to prepare for investor meetings by understanding who you're meeting with and what they value, as this can prevent awkward situations.

The level of effort in preparing for meetings goes to zero, while the level of presence and self-esteem increases significantly.

If you're constantly obsessing over how to grow and improve your business, it's a strong sign you're ready to take it to the next level. Being passionate about what you're working on will carry you through the inevitable challenges of building a company.

When deciding whether to start a startup, I ask myself where I perform best and where I feel organically motivated, reflecting on my life experiences to identify those situations. You need to be honest with yourself about when you truly kick into high gear, as this can help you determine your career path.