Michael Suen

Michael Suen is the founder and principal of Weirdo, a digital brand and product studio focused on helping early-stage ventures build thriving online communities. With over ten years of experience as an independent designer and strategist, Michael collaborates closely with startup teams to define their brand identity, reduce risks associated with their value propositions, and engage with their initial customer base. He also shares his expertise by teaching design at Noble Desktop, a top-ranked UI/UX bootcamp recognized by Fortune magazine.

Previously, Michael served as an adjunct professor at the City University of New York, where he co-developed and instructed the curriculum for the institution's user experience training program. His diverse professional background includes journalism, content production for award-winning museum exhibits and educational games, and co-founding a successful online education platform known as SwitchUp, which has become a key player in the technology bootcamp industry. In 2018, Optimal acquired SwitchUp, cementing its position in the market.

Michael's academic journey took him from his upbringing in Hong Kong to receiving a Bachelor of Arts in English & American Literatures from Middlebury College in Vermont. Currently residing in Queens, NY, Michael shares his home with his partner, two cats, and an impressive collection of five video game consoles. His professional experiences span across various roles in different organizations, showcasing his versatility and expertise in design, education, content creation, and entrepreneurship.