Helsinki and the Next Quarter
I’m thrilled to share some exciting updates from Western Symbolics, reflecting on recent events and future directions for our team.
Earlier this month, on June 11th, I had the privilege of co-hosting a workshop on AI for sustainable development at the Sustainable Innovation and Research Congress in Helsinki, Finland. Alongside my professor and colleague Bruce Goldstein, and community coordinator Thomas Hasselbock from the Transformations Community, we introduced the Transformations AI research platform, a project I've been passionately collaborating on. The experience was incredibly enriching, and it underscored the potential of AI in driving sustainable innovations.
Following the workshop, I took some time off to vacation in Europe and reflect on the next steps for Western Symbolics. This period of reflection has led to some significant decisions and exciting news that I’m eager to share with you all.
Welcoming Jeremy Koch as Operations Director
I’m delighted to announce that my close childhood friend, Jeremy Koch, is joining Western Symbolics as our new Operations Director. Jeremy and I have known each other since we were five years old, and our collaborative spirit dates back to our teenage years when we built small products for friends. Jeremy’s journey with us began in 2020 when he joined our precursor UI/UX design firm, Freeway. He successfully managed five projects before I decided to pause the firm to focus on my university studies.
Jeremy graduated in 2023 and has spent the last year and a half gaining valuable real-world experience in Boston. His role will be crucial in ensuring that project deadlines are met as we take on new responsibilities and expand our team. Jeremy’s operational expertise complements my focus on high-level project direction and relationship building, making him an essential asset as we grow.
Building a Collaborative Culture
Those who know me understand that I thrive on juggling multiple projects simultaneously. While I excel in time management, I recognize that keeping pressure on team members is not my strongest suit. This is where Jeremy’s skills will shine. As we bring new developers on board, Jeremy will lead in managing the team and maintaining accountability to timelines.
Together, we aim to cultivate a collaborative and innovative culture at Western Symbolics. My vision is to partner with organizations that share our values, work closely to enhance their processes, and turn these solutions into products that benefit a broader audience. This approach not only aligns with our mission but also ensures the financial sustainability of Western Symbolics.
Looking Ahead
We have several exciting projects in the pipeline that we will be announcing in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to push the boundaries of AI and sustainable development.
Thank you for your continued support and interest in Western Symbolics. We are enthusiastic about the future and the impact we can make together.