iJustine - The Fire and the Tao of Tech

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When British novelist Robert Graves wrote "I Claudius" about the fourth Roman Emperor, he set the stage for our interview with Justine Ezarik, better known as iJustine, who is to me "The Empress of the Internet." She is a content creator for nearly two decades who has over a billion views on her YouTube channel, and even has young fans who were not yet born when their parents started watching her. We sought to understand the personal and professional trajectory that led to her becoming such an authority on technology and an inspiration to so many. We learned that passion and balance are central themes of her life. Firstly, technology is iJustine's first love. She observes that, "Today's technology is so accessible that we can do really anything we want, if we have the will to do it." This promise lights her up, and powers the fire of her hard-driving work ethic across all her varied interests. Secondly, there is balance - the Tao - the middle way between two extremes. Justine works hard, but also plays hard. She used to be very public about her life, but has now dialed that back to reclaim some of her life for herself. Consequently, she rediscovered authentic fun from what had become "fake fun." There are troubling aspects about social media, but so too there are amazing aspects that grace those who can strike the balance and curate their consumption carefully. The same goes for Artificial Intelligence (AI) - there are negative uses while at the same time there are wondrous uses. She cautions against becoming too alarmist. Seeking to avoid labels, stay positive, channel creativity, champion access and maintain balance, iJustine - The Empress of the Internet - shows the way. Join us to learn how she does it all.