Just because something’s not your fault doesn’t mean it’s not your responsibility.

Introducing Michael Jancen-Widmer, the technical co-founder of Contrarian AI, the man who turns social media posts into wisdom. Whether he’s processing millions of social media posts or contemplating life’s mysteries under Tink Tank’s high ceilings, Michael brings a unique flair to everything he does. Keep scrolling to know more about this innovative thinker!

Tink Tank: What is your work about, where do you work, what do you do?

I’m working on Contrarian AI, a tool that evaluates product ideas based on opinions from social media posts. We’re incorporated in the UK, and I’m the technical co-founder, which means I get to collect and process the millions of posts.

Tink Tank: What was your first job and how old were you?

It was an apprenticeship as a computer scientist, at the age of 17.

Tink Tank: What do you like the most about your job?

The impact, it’s less of a job and more of a devotion to me.

Tink Tank: What inspired you to start working at Tink Tank, and what has been your experience so far?

To be in a clean and refreshing atmosphere where I can focus but also socialise and it worked out quite well!

Tink Tank: What do you like the most about Tink Tank?

There’s a lot but for me it’s the very high ceilings, creates a lot of headspace for me to think.

Tink Tank: How has coworking improved your productivity and work-life balance?

Probably the ability to network with others.

Tink Tank: What advice would you give to someone who is considering joining a coworking space?

Pick the one with high ceilings.

Tink Tank: What inspired you to pursue your current career path, and how has it evolved over time?

I identified something I’m very good at, and that’s challenging ideas and theories and so I productised that into my startup called Contrarian. It felt natural to me, and I always wanted to find ways to contribute in a unique way, which turned out to be this startup now.

Tink Tank: What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your professional life, and how has it influenced your career?

If you want to create or do something new, it’s to think from first principles. To keep in mind that theories and assumptions have limits in terms of how much evidence or observations they take into account, before it starts to contradict each other or the theory stops providing explanations.

Tink Tank: What advice would you give to someone who is starting out in your industry?

To think from first principles and to study the life of Socrates.

Tink Tank: Do you have a motto?

“Just because something’s not your fault doesn’t mean it’s not your responsibility.”

Tink Tank: If you had an extra hour every day, what would you do with it?

I’d work of course 🙂

Tink Tank: Have you ever eaten exceptionally weird food? What was it?

I don’t like my veggies so I cut the time of my suffering by just mixing and drinking them within a few seconds.

(Nice life hack Michael)

Tink Tank: Are there any movies you wish you could see again for the first time?

Probably “2001: A Space Odyssey”

Tink Tank: Finally, a very important question: if you were a loaf of bread, which one would you be and why?

Whole grain bread of course 🙂

Tink Tank: What’s your favorite corner at Tink Tank and Why?

Nice try, but you won’t find and take. My favourite corner is in the workpods at the beginning of the community area.

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