''When you persist through days, weeks, and months of uncertainty, You eliminate the possibility of failure''
Nannette is the Founder of humanaize - Creating Empathetic AI Agents That Seamlessly Integrate Into Daily Life To Provide Assistance Where Humans Need It Most. She has taken the challenge to answer our 20 Truth Questions, For us to get some insight, And learn the Truth about the people behind the venture.
My TRUTH Story:
1. INTRODUCE YOURSELF IN THE THIRD PERSON TO A CROWD OF 10,000+ PEOPLE? Nannette is a Berlin-based serial entrepreneur, CEO & co-founder of humanaize (building empathetic AI agents) and naize (full-service AI consultancy). She holds a PhD in economics. Her mission is to assist humans with AI where they typically feel left alone. During her academic career, she researched data analytical methods in impact studies focusing on inequality and poverty alleviation. As CEO of humanaize & naize she is following her mission to build AI for good, putting people at the center of advancing technologies.
2. WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF A TRUTH FOUNDER? I would say a Truth Founder is someone with a strong vision to establish fundamental values within their organization and ripple them out to society through consumption. We consume all day: ideas, ideologies, food, clothes, it's endless... With that consumption, we inhale values.
Likewise, with creation and production, we spread values taken up by people buying our services or products. In this sense, a Truth Founder creates an organization and builds products and services that strongly align with their values and truth.
3. WHAT EVENT OR EVENTS HAPPENED TO YOU THAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A FOUNDER?
I don’t recall those events. I think it’s a combination of finding most jobs truly boring and unmeaningful, And having my own ideas of how I want to shape the world.
I just find it easier to realize in an entrepreneurial journey than as a micro-part in an existing organization that somewhat aligns with my life goals.
4. WHAT IS YOUR MORNING ROUTINE & RITUAL? That’s certainly too boring to write about it.
5. WHAT MANTRA,QUOTE,LINE OR PHRASE DO YOU SAY OFTEN TO INSPIRE AND MOTIVATE YOURSELF? It takes guts to be gentle and kind. (The Smiths, Song: I know it’s over; I love the Jeff Buckley version of it.)
6. WHY DO YOU THINK PEOPLE SHOULD CARE ABOUT YOUR VENTURE? We are dedicated to creating empathetic AI, a technology that holds immense potential to support individuals in situations where they currently lack adequate assistance. The opportunities are vast, and I see numerous applications in various domains. We're initially focusing on the realm of work, especially as remote and hybrid work arrangements become more prevalent.
In these scenarios, employees often experience a heightened sense of isolation. Empathetic AI can step in to provide assistance with tasks and emotional support while facilitating connections with colleagues, adding a human touch when needed.
Consider the possibilities of empathetic AI in healthcare and elderly care, where it can enhance the quality of life for individuals in need.
Furthermore, imagine its role in guiding teenagers through challenging times or helping them navigate the complexities of the labor market. There's an abundance of untapped potential to improve the way we assist people, surpassing the limitations of current approaches.
7. WHY DO YOU THINK YOU ARE THE ONE TO MAKE YOUR VENTURE A SUCCESS?
In the entrepreneurial journey, commitment and relentless follow-through are your best allies. Success isn't about taking the easy path; it's about tackling everything head-on, even when things get tough.
What truly matters is my daily dedication, even when success seems distant. When you persist through days, weeks, and months of uncertainty, you eliminate the possibility of failure.
It's your unwavering commitment and consistent effort that leads to success. Syncing up with and showing up for my mission, pushing through the non-fun parts, too, outgrowing myself many times, are how I work on leading my company to success.
8. WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE FOR YOUR VENTURE? ( START WITH: IMAGINE A WORLD... WHAT IF... WE WILL BE... )
Imagine a world where empathetic AI is seamlessly integrated into various aspects of society such that people aren’t left alone anymore. In this world, our technology has become a trusted companion in the workplace, supporting employees emotionally and enhancing their productivity. Beyond the workplace, we envision a healthcare system where our empathetic AI provides compassionate care to the elderly and patients, reducing isolation and improving well-being.
Picture a world where kids, teenagers, teachers, and parents are not judged but assisted and receive invaluable support through tumultuous times and life events.
Success for our venture is when we've maximized our potential to assist people, making their lives richer, healthier, and more fulfilling. It's a world where we've not only revolutionized industries but also touched hearts, bridging the gap between humans and technology in the most meaningful way.
9. ANSWER THESE AS MANY TIMES AS YOU LIKE - I BELIEVE... I DON'T BELIEVE... I believe that people are generally good.
I believe that harm happens from leaving people alone with problems they feel overwhelmed with.
I believe that people who feel hurt have a higher tendency for harmful behavior.
I believe hearing and seeing people when they need it prevents harm - directly and through the ripple effect of harmed people.
I believe that with empathetic AI we can close the gap where human interaction fails.
Empathetic AI can be a safe and judgment-free space to be heard and seen and thus help prevent harm.
10. WHAT'S ONE DECISION YOU MADE AS A FOUNDER THAT COMPLETELY CHANGED THE COURSE OF YOUR JOURNEY? Following a product pivot, we faced a challenging situation when we lost our investors and missed out on the urgently needed second tranche we had planned for. This unexpected setback led us to a somewhat uncomfortable and tight spot, where the struggle felt overwhelming.
However, amid this adversity, we found a silver lining by rediscovering the positive aspects of bootstrapping. Bootstrapping offered us a sense of freedom and a significant reduction in psychological stress that often comes with external investors scrutinizing and comparing our business to others.
Instead of constantly justifying our decisions and approach to outsiders, we realized the value of focusing our energy on building the business. This newfound independence allowed us to make decisions based on our own vision and priorities, unburdened by the need to convince others of our path.
In this unexpected turn of events, we found empowerment and the freedom to shape our journey on our own terms.
11. WHAT DO YOU REGARD AS YOUR GREATEST SUCCESS PERSONALLY & AS A FOUNDER? Embracing constant change and learning to enjoy it. That wasn’t me in my younger years. I was rather afraid of losing what I had.
Now, my curiosity for opportunities is way bigger than my fear of loss. I am really happy about this revelation because with that given, the entrepreneurial journey is fun even when the above-described discomforts kick-in.
12. WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHY? My endless love for people and the small things.
My love for people is what shapes my focus on empathy. For me building empathetic AI agents @humanaize, and understanding the needs, desires, and challenges of your target audience is crucial.
My love for the small things is what easily makes me happy. Because I can feel profound joy looking at the sun shining through a leaf.
For our business, attention to detail is vital in making decisions, product refinements, and customer satisfaction. Small improvements each day can make a significant impact.
13. WHAT'S ONE THING YOU CAN IMPROVE ABOUT YOURSELF, AND WHY DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE NOT DONE IT BY NOW?
I can certainly improve my communication skills. I am not the worst communicator but I think there is a lot of room to communicate more effectively. I think my hesitant communication is grounded in my family background and was fed during my time as a scientific researcher. As a researcher, you really think things through before speaking them out. You don’t compromise on the quality of your thought.
Now, I am learning to put my thoughts on the table even if somewhat immature, and keep the conversation flowing. This way, I am able to communicate more angles and give a wider perspective rather than holding onto my thoughts and sharing only fragments of them. It's a transition toward more dynamic and inclusive communication that I'm actively working on.
14. WHAT'S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED OR GIVEN, OR BOTH?
"Opinions are like assholes; everybody has one” ;)
15. ON A SCALE FROM 1 TO 10 - 10 BEING THE BEST. HOW WELL DO YOU THINK YOU AND YOUR TRUTH STORY IS CLEARLY UNDERSTOOD BY YOUR COMMUNITY? ( WHY NOT 10? ) 5
16. WHO DO YOU MOST ADMIRE AND WHY? I think that is Lubomila Jordanova. She went from cleaning a beach in Marocco to fighting for decarbonization and building an organization that has just raised $27M.
She did this as a solo and first-time entrepreneur. That is pretty admirable.
17. DESCRIBE YOUR VENTURE - ELEVATOR PITCH STYLE?
Humanaize creates empathetic AI agents that seamlessly integrate into daily life to provide assistance where humans need it most.
18. WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT MISSION STATEMENT OR MESSAGE + MARKET FIT FOR YOUR VENTURE?
Our mission is to create empathetic AI solutions that enhance people's lives across various domains, from transforming the workplace to improving healthcare and providing support during crucial life transitions.
With a focus on understanding the nuances of human experience, we strive to bridge the gap between humans and technology, making a positive impact on individuals and society as a whole.
Join us on our journey to create a more compassionate and connected future with AI.
19. WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO TO UNWIND AFTER A LONG WORK DAY?
I love to take long, calm walks just by myself.
My number one relaxing activity is cuddling with my kids as they fall asleep.
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU TREATED YOURSELF TO AND WHAT DID YOU CELEBRATE? I am treating myself to eating ice cream while watching a soccer game today in the company of wonderful people.
As I've mentioned before, I derive profound joy from life's simple pleasures and believe that we don't always need a reason to create memorable moments.
Life is too short to spend time searching for reasons.
BONUS QUESTION: WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY TO ALL THE PEOPLE THAT ARE SUPPORTING YOU ON YOUR AMBITIOUS JOURNEY?
The biggest proof of love is staying in tuned when things get rough.
Thank you for always being with me.
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