Einführung
Welcome to the fifth edition of our “37 Questions” series, where we explore the people who make Modelwise special in a fun and casual way. Why 37? It’s inspired by a fascinating Veritasium video that reveals the unique significance of this number. At Modelwise, we chose 37 questions to celebrate the individuality and intriguing stories of our team members – just like this remarkable number.
Today, we have Claudius, our Senior Engineer, who has been fascinated by robotics since childhood. A mechatronics and informatics graduate, he brings his magic to both projects and research. But he is not only a skilled engineer—he also has a hidden talent in the kitchen. His passion for baking brings a unique flavor to our team of food lovers at Modelwise. In his free time, he indulges in this passion and has even earned the prestigious “Best Baker Award.”
But there’s more to Claudius than his career trajectory and baking skills. Let’s dive into our 37 Questions to uncover his inspirations, preferences, and a few surprising fun facts!
Fact File: Claudius Jordan
- Nickname: CJ
- Pronunciation: claw-di-us
- From: Deutschland
- Joined Modelwise: Jan 2024 (as a full-time employee)
- Current Position: Senior Engineer
- LinkedIn: Claudius Jordan
Rapid Fire Q&A
The rules are simple! 37 questions, and Claudius has to answer with whatever comes to his mind first—no overthinking allowed. Let’s roll!
Aravindha: Alright, Claudius. Let’s start the fifth edition with a question about work! What inspires you in your current work at Modelwise?
Claudius: Helping build this company while advancing functional safety analyses in hardware engineering. It is both a personal learning journey and a way to make an impact.
Aravindha: That is a solid combo—learning while making an impact! What is at the top of your priority list this week?
Claudius: Handing in a research project proposal.
Aravindha: And today’s goals—what is keeping you busy?
Claudius: Finishing some sections of that research proposal and preparing OKR workshops.
Aravindha: Mornings—love them or tolerate them? How do you kick-start your day?
Claudius: Ideally with a run. But, well… life does not always align with my ideal schedule.
Aravindha: Ha! Running is ambitious. Do you have any rituals that help you stay focused?
Claudius: A run or at least a walk outside.
Aravindha: A run, a walk… I see a pattern. Would it be fair to say you are more of a routine person? Or do you enjoy a bit of chaos?
Claudius: Both! Structure is great for productivity, but spontaneity makes life exciting.
Aravindha: Now let’s mix it up. Movie outside your favorite genre that you actually enjoyed?
Claudius: Barbie.
Aravindha: That’s nice! Was just able to catch up on that movie very recently! What TV series have you been binge-watching recently?
Claudius: Tour de France: Unchained.
Aravindha: Cool! Do you play/engage in any other sports?
Claudius: Road cycling and running.
Aravindha: Ah, now that fits! Road cycling obsession confirmed. Claudius smiles and nods! What is a trend you think will continue to thrive?
Claudius: Road cycling.
Aravindha: Of course! No surprises there! We both laugh!
(Great start! Here comes the next set of questions…)
Aravindha: Tell me something interesting about you that most people do not know.
Claudius: I am a Drapeauteasseur.
Aravindha: I have so many follow-up questions, but let’s keep it mysterious for now. What is the one possession you value the most?
Claudius: I am a Drapeauteasseur, what do you think?
Aravindha: Okay, okay, we now have to unravel the mystery. What is it?
Claudius: Drapeautasseur is a neologism (I created that word). It’s a playful portmanteau of French terms
– Start with “drapeau” (“flag”)
– Add “tasse” (“cup”)
– Finish with the suffix “‑eur,” commonly used in French to mean “someone who does [X].”
“Drapeautasseur” would then suggest “someone who collects cups (tasses) with flags (drapeaux).
Aravindha: Wah! I am word-blown now! Let’s talk food. Favorite pizza topping?
Claudius: Arugula, tomato & Parmesan.
Aravindha: Classy and keeping it sophisticated! Sweet or savory snack person?
Claudius: Sweet! I mean, can you resist homemade cake?
Aravindha: Nope, you got me there. Cake wins every time. Growing up, who were your role models?
Claudius: My brothers.
Aravindha: That is wholesome. And what did you want to be as a kid?
Claudius: A robot inventor.
Aravindha: Not just any inventor—a robot inventor! If you could have lunch with any historical figure, who would it be?
Claudius: Alexander von Humboldt at the foot of the Chimborazo volcano in Ecuador.
Aravindha: Wow! A volcano lunch with a legendary scientist. Respect! Let’s up the ante. What’s the coolest thing you have ever done?
Claudius: Playing a concert of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony… during an earthquake.
Aravindha: That is INSANE. You did not stop playing, did you?
Clauidus: Of course not. The show must go on.
Aravindha: Do you consider yourself a night owl, an early bird, or a bit of both?
Claudius: Depends on my plans.
Aravindha: Pragmatic answer, as expected, Claudius!
(Halfway through! Halfway to go…)
Aravindha: Some quickfires. Night in or night out?
Claudius: Night in.
Aravindha: Beach destinations or mountain retreats?
Claudius: Mountain retreats.
Aravindha: Podcasts or audiobooks?
Claudius: Podcasts.
Aravindha: Team Podcasts still leading 5:nil against audiobooks! What’s your favorite season and why?
Claudius: Spring! The weather is perfect for outdoor sports… and fresh ingredients for homemade cakes start appearing.
Aravindha: Of course, cycling and cake season! Makes total sense. What is your go-to drink?
Claudius: Tap water or coffee.
Aravindha: What’s your favorite movie genre to relax and unwind?
Claudius: Sports documentaries.
Aravindha: What fascinates you the most about your job?
Claudius: The diversity of responsibilities and the endless opportunities to grow..
Aravindha: And what is the best advice you have ever received that influenced your professional journey?
Claudius: Life (and work) is about human interactions. At the end of the day, business is human interaction—so be kind, be human, and treat people well.
Aravindha: Love that. What achievement are you most proud of professionally?
Claudius: Held an Informatics Master’s course at TUM for several hundred students that included bare-metal programming.
Aravindha: That sounds intense. Speaking of Modelwise—how did you first hear about it?
Claudius: Through a common research-related acquaintance.
(We’re on a roll! Here come the last set…)
Aravindha: First job experiences can be chaotic. What was yours like?
Claudius: Overwhelming and a bit chaotic—I joined a startup as a freelancer during my undergrad days.
Aravindha: Trial by fire, right? Claudius agrees!
Aravindha: Were you an active user of early social media?
Claudius: Is ICQ still a thing?
Aravindha: I have to Google it! Is there a cause or social issue that is close to your heart?
Claudius: Two, actually. Gender equality & women’s empowerment, and Movember—support for prostate cancer research & men’s health.
Aravindha: Solid causes. You rock a mean Movember mustache yourself! If you could attend a concert of any artist from any era, who would it be?
Claudius: Beethoven.
Aravindha: Full circle moment! Who is your favorite film/comic book/fairy tale villain?
Claudius: Dr. Albert W. Wily – he builds crazy robots.
Aravindha: Now, flipping the question, if you had a superhero power, what would it be?
Claudius: Bottomless Stomach – I just love/adore cake.
Aravindha: How would your friends describe your personality in one word?
Claudius: Meticulous.
Aravindha: You most definitely are! Finally, what is the most valuable life lesson you’ve learned so far?
Claudius: Always parting in peace – especially with family.
Aravindha: And that wraps up the 37 questions, Claudius! This was a blast, and thank you for letting us peek into your world.
Claudius: Absolutely, Aravindha! This was fun—thanks for the great questions. Let’s do this again sometime!
Wrap-Up: Final Words for the Fifth Edition!
Thank you for joining us in getting to know Claudius Jordan. Our “37 Questions” series aims to bring you closer to the people who make Modelwise an innovative, fun, and dynamic place to work. We hope you enjoyed this inside look into Huzaifa’s life and work.
Stay tuned for more engaging stories from our incredible team members in the upcoming editions of “37 Questions”. If you have any questions or want to share your thoughts, feel free to reach out to Aravindha.
Until next time, keep exploring and stay inspired!
Adios!
“Life (and work) is about human interactions. At the end of the day, business is human interaction—so be kind, be human, and treat people well.”
Claudius
