Today we’d like to introduce you to John Imah.
John, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I realized my passion for technology at a tender age. I was five years old when my parents bought our first household computer. Our computer room was located upstairs in our living room, and when I first caught a glimpse of our PC, I was infatuated with it. So when my parents went downstairs to where their bedroom was, I got a screwdriver and took the whole thing apart, as a young, optimistic kid would do. My parents were furious at the sight of our brand-new computer in pieces on the floor. My parents gave me time to think about my actions by going to a movie for the afternoon, but not before demanding I find a way to fix it. Scared and confused, five-year-old me didn’t know what to do. I was crying, but I was a precocious and a determined kid, so after an hour (or three), I (re)assembled my first computer.
Fast forward years later, I sold my first two companies at the age of 15 & 16. It was then that my influence as one of the few only young African American males in the technology industry had given me the nickname of the “Michael Jordan of Tech” and social media due to my vast knowledge across the industry.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
At seven or eight years old, my parents sat me down and told me, “In order to be successful, you will need to work ten times harder because of the color of your skin.” I wouldn’t understand what that meant until I got older. In every role I’ve held throughout my entire professional career, I’ve been the first black employee with the title. It’s been challenging for sure, but I’ve used being the first as motivation. I’ve used these obstacles as opportunities to show my colleagues that black people are capable, smart, and hard-working and to show that we are just as talented and inventive as anyone else. It has also become my mission to inspire more black people to get into the tech industry. I want to show the tech world that we can be successful here. Most recently, I spoke on behalf of Snapchat at our Snap Partner Summit, to be seen by millions of people. My hope is that when people watch this event, they’re reminded that black people are assets. I love being black, and I love who I am. Even when thinking of the obstacles, I would never change that.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I’m known for my innovative ideas and business savvy creativity. I’m also an award-winning entrepreneur and been employed at some of the world’s biggest tech companies (e.g., Facebook/Instagram, Snapchat, Amazon/Twitch) and worked with top agencies, celebrities, and influencers. I also am a tech advisor for startups and to many of Hollywood’s A-list celebrities, such as Kevin Hart, Martin Lawrence, The Boondocks creator Aaron McGruder, and many more.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I hope to continue impacting the world with innovative technology products and content while inspiring more people of color to get into the tech industry. “Aspire to inspire before you expire,” which simply means to positively influence an individual into action so that they fulfill their innermost desires before they leave this earth.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/iamjohnimah
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamjohnimah
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnimah/
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