Interview Insight: Movable Ink Accommodates Multifaceted Identity - Blending Analytical, Creative, and African-American Perspective
At Movable Ink, innovation is all about the people, like Michael Green Jr., who brings together creativity and technical expertise in a unique way. As the Director of AI Insights, Michael helps teams and clients get a better understanding of how their AI models work, translating complex data into clear, understandable insights.
Michael's passion for writing doesn't just stop at fantasy novels; it also sharpens his approach to data science. He started his career with grad-school education in mathematical engineering, but soon realized that the banking environment wasn't for him. After a stint with a French investment bank, he switched to an insurance tech company, where he built models to recommend health interventions. His next stop was Tumblr, where he managed the analytics team, gaining valuable insights into how people engage with digital platforms.
Leaving Tumblr, Michael founded Lynit, a tool for writers to structure and outline their novels. With his technical skills, data science knowledge, and coding ability, he made the perfect tool for himself. Lynit took off when a BBC reporter discovered it, causing a flood of writers to flock to the site.
With Lynit, Michael was perfectly situated at the intersection of his writing, storytelling, and technical skills. When the company started to wind down, he found a similar intersection at Movable Ink, where he helps the company understand what their AI models are doing and turns those insights into a language that non-technical people can understand. His role is all about enabling people to make decisions, to think about data without needing a PhD in data science.
Being a person of color in tech and at Movable Ink, Michael has found a night-and-day difference from the banking sector. He felt immediately at ease and felt fully himself, sensing an authenticity from his colleagues. This difference was apparent even when the ratio of Black people didn't change. He has been able to bring his storytelling and writing background to his role at Movable Ink, with the company recognizing the value in that and encouraging it.
Reflecting on his career, Michael emphasizes the importance of getting mentors early on and engaging with ERGs (Employee Resource Groups) for support in advancing his career. For those looking to get into tech, he suggests focusing on talking about what you've done rather than what you know, teaching yourself something and creating something. Reading widely and attending events organized by ERGs can also be helpful for networking and learning about different career paths.
In conclusion, Michael Green Jr.'s journey is a testament to the power of diversity, creativity, and technical expertise in the tech industry. His experiences at Movable Ink and his entrepreneurial ventures demonstrate the importance of mentorship, storytelling, and a passion for writing in shaping a successful and fulfilling career.
- Michael Green Jr.'s expertise in data science extends beyond his professional roles, influencing his innovative approach to writing and storytelling.
- At Movable Ink, Michael's role in data science isn't just about numbers and models; it's about making complex data accessible to anyone, thereby facilitating smarter business decisions.
- Michael's career journey highlights the significance of diversity, not only in terms of racial representation but also in fostering a community where diverse perspectives are valued and encouraged.
- Engaging with ERGs (Employee Resource Groups), self-learning, and creating one's own projects are key strategies that Michael suggests for those aspiring to pursue careers in tech and data science, following his path of success and fulfillment.
