The Other Stuff with internetVin The Other Stuff #29 — Aidan Gomez: Empathy and Conviction
Dec 19, 2025
Aidan Gomez, a computer scientist and CEO of Cohere, shares insights from his journey from a cabin in Codrington to leading AI advancements. He reflects on the values instilled by his family, emphasizing the importance of empathy and conviction. Discussions span his pivotal role in developing the 'Attention Is All You Need' paper and fostering Toronto's vibrant AI startup scene. Aidan highlights the need for Canada to invest in tech and his vision for leveraging AI to promote democratic values while addressing global challenges.
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Cabin Upbringing Shaped His Values
- Aidan Gomez grew up in a cabin his dad and grandfather built on 150 acres near Codrington after his grandmother died.
- He spent childhood summers chopping, stacking wood and living largely off-grid, which shaped his independence and values.
Poor Internet Sparked Deep Technical Curiosity
- As a teen Aidan had terrible internet (dial-up/satellite) so he learned to tinker with computers to speed them up.
- That curiosity led him to learn coding and eventual interest in AI research.
AI As The Last Scientific Mystery
- Aidan saw intelligence as the "last mystery" and pursued AI because it felt like the deepest unanswered question.
- That framing made research feel profoundly meaningful and addictive for him.