"I do it because I do it—in pink, if possible."

What is Michael Bridge's superpower?

Answer: Pink. How? The superpower lies in the color itself: "Pink always works," as Michael says. By this he means that, regardless of the person standing in front of him, he responds to them and listens to them - or more accurately: approaches them and listens to them. The "zentroomie" and partner Irene confirms this: "Pink reflects the generosity and love with which Michael approaches other people". If you look for the symbolic meaning of pink, you come across the English word for carnation, among other things. This closes a circle for the native of Basel with English roots: from the 15th century onwards, white carnations, now also red, were a symbol of love. In contrast, yellow carnations symbolize a strong aversion. This contrast also shines through in Michael's personality from time to time: "I'm a Gemini zodiac sign. Light and shadow are both in me. But I get to choose". "Typical Gemini" or "Janus-headed", Michael occasionally hears from those around him. Janus was the Roman god of beginnings and endings. The Zen practitioner Michael tries to overcome this dualism and grasp happiness in the present.

Happiness is now or never

Michael is something of a melancholy happy-go-lucky guy. His nature is melancholic and profound, his intellect clear and bright. He is sensitive to the "Weltschmerz" and at the same time grateful for his current life situation, both professionally and privately. "Happiness is now or never!": a favorite quote or even a credo of Michael. Being happy in the "here and now" means either ignoring the reality of life or fully accepting it. Michael went both ways. If you want to understand the complex character of Michael Bridge, you have to roll up his biography from the back - to land back in the "here and now".

Coworking space in a roundabout way

After working in the financial sector for around 10 years, the law graduate ventured into self-employment - in a new business area:coworking. In 2011, Michael intended to set up a coworking space in collaboration with a colleague in London - the hotspot for the new trend in Europe at the time. He changed the business area, but not his basic attitude: "The drivers were success and money - without passion and without philanthropy," he recalls self-critically. Despite the promising business model, he was unable to convince investors. A second attempt with the same intentions in Switzerland failed again: "I was in the right place at the right time with the right business plan - but the wrong person". This professional "failure" and personal challenges led him into a crisis and ultimately to a turning point: "I learned a lesson in humility and radical acceptance of reality." Michael could barely muster the energy to apply for a new job. Through a colleague, he finally found a trainee position at Witzig (office planning & furniture). It was this company that then bought the coworking space "Business Point" - the predecessor of the "zentroom". During the application process for the operation of a coworking space near Zurich, the question arose at Witzig as to who in the company might be predestined for the pitch. The answer was: the intern Michael Bridge. After the successful pitch, Michael was put in charge of this new business unit, which ultimately comprised the locations in Bern, Zurich, Frauenfeld and Lenzburg.

Rollenverteilung

Michael now uses the account management experience he gained at Witzig, such as pitching, checking inquiries and dealing with customers in general, at the coworking space zentroom. His specialist knowledge of office equipmentand furniture, which he acquired at the same place, can also be put to good use in his responsibility for ordering. The "professional superpowers" of each of the five zentroomies flow into the 25 or so individually defined roles. It is therefore only natural that the lawyer has been given responsibility for contracts and the implementation of legal guidelines, such as the new Data Protection Act. And, he is the "janitor" of the zentroom. With his extensive emotional keyboard, he can strike the right note with everyone. The role of "good listener" is not only highly valued by guests, but also within the team: "Michael has an outstandingly special way of interacting with people. He combines his strength in attentive listening with great empathy and choosing the right words at the right moment. This makes him an extremely valuable part of zentroom and his team," says "zentroomie" Tanja about him.

Swimming in the river of life and in the indoor pool - with orientation aids

By the way, two topics you can dive into with Michael are swimming and Zen: "Every thought is a negligence" ... It also took Michael decades to understand the content of such a Soto Zen sentence, as he tells us. He first came into contact with Zen at the age of 14 through his swimming teacher, a Zen Buddhist. "I thought meditation was terrible in those early years. But it never let go of me." Today, he still practices both swimming and Zen. And he pursues both without purpose. "Zen has been of no use to me in terms of content for 30 years. But I am interested in the spiritual foundation and I practise Zen every day - it is a guide for me." By his own admission, he could swim before he could walk. In his younger years, he took part in competitions. For about ten years, he has simply been swimming - twice a week - without intention: "I do it because I do it". He prefers to swim in indoor pools because he needs a guideline underneath him - as an orientation aid. This is understandable, because a "Janus head" looks in two opposite directions at the same time - but sees things that would remain hidden from a one-sided perspective.