Terry Chen
Q: Who are you? Where are you from?
A: I’m Terry Chen, Boston born and raised. I currently serve as CIO and lead Global Relations at Modulate, where I’m dedicated to shaping the future of trust and safety in online communities. Growing up in the Greater Boston area, I’ve always loved the city’s vibrant culture and history. Now, I’m dedicated to leveraging technology to foster both connection and protection—particularly through AI voice moderation that combats toxicity, harassment, and abuse.
Q: Go on…
A: On a day-to-day basis, I’m focused on making Modulate a global thought leader in AI-driven safety solutions. My role involves everything from operational strategy to ethical systems design—ensuring we build safeguards into AI technology so digital spaces can be safer and more inclusive. I’m also proud to serve on the boards of ECPAT International and Marketplace Risk, advocating for AI safeguards, child protection, and risk mitigation.
Q: What’s your background? What did you do before Modulate?
A: My academic training is in scientific research at UCLA. Professionally, I’ve bridged technology, strategy, and ethics as a Corporate Strategy Associate, Renewable Energy Analyst, Senior Audio Engineer, Founder, and Fellow at Harvard University. Along the way, I founded a recording studio that specializes in voiceovers and vocal processing, which deepened my expertise in audio engineering and AI.
Q: How did you first get into audio? When did you know this was something you wanted to learn about professionally?
A: It started in my youth when I was auditioning for the All-State Orchestra. I’d record my playing to perfect my performance, but before long, I became obsessed with the technical side—microphone placement, noise reduction, reverb, room acoustics. I barely ended up practicing the piece itself! Luckily, I still got in, and that moment sparked my passion for audio engineering. Eventually, I built a recording studio specializing in vocals and voiceovers, which shaped my vocal processing expertise.
Q: Why did you join Modulate? When did you know you wanted to join the team?
A: Back in 2017, I teamed up with Carter, Mike, and Philip (a dear friend and former Recording Engineer at Modulate) on a machine learning project called Aspect News—helping users recognize their personal filter bubbles in online media. We were an effective and passionate team. Then Carter and Mike showed me an early “Timbre Transfer” prototype, and I knew immediately I wanted in. My background in audio, ethical systems design, and cutting-edge technology aligned perfectly with Modulate’s mission. I’ve been scaling our AI-driven safety solutions since 2018, helping protect millions worldwide.
Q: What’s your ideal work environment? Any special strategies you use to stay effective?
A: I thrive in a relaxed, humorous atmosphere where each teammate is genuinely excited about the mission. I’m not big on the idea of “conspicuous hustle,” but I admire my generation’s resilience. At Modulate, we trust each other and avoid unnecessary bureaucracy—hard work is its own reward. As for staying effective, I love curating music playlists that match the type of work I’m doing, whether it’s strategy, finance, engineering, or even design.
Q: Who are you outside of work?
A: I’m happiest in the middle of a good hike, near the end of a transporting book, or laughing so hard I’m fully present in the moment. I’m also a big fan of deep conversations where people share their unique perspectives and problem-solving approaches. I believe continuous learning and open-mindedness make life more fulfilling.
Q: What’s something you’re great at that few people realize?
A: Street photography. It complements my fascination with audio by letting me capture another dimension of life’s moments.
Q: Leave us with a fun tidbit—a favorite joke, a story from your past, an obscure riddle, whatever you like!
A: Alright, here’s a riddle:
What did the kiwi say to the passionfruit?
Tough one, I know.