We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Justin Giordani a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Justin thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about the best boss, mentor, or leader you’ve ever worked with.

During college, I worked as a lease specialist for an apartment complex, and my boss at the time had a profound impact on the way I viewed leadership and work. She had a unique ability to empower her team, fostering an environment where people felt valued and motivated to go above and beyond. Through her encouraging words, thoughtful guidance, and generous gestures, she created a workplace culture that inspired excellence.

One moment that stands out to me is when we were working on an assignment together, and she unexpectedly praised my efforts and even gave me a monetary reward—simply because she appreciated the work I was putting in. At the time, I had only recently started the job and didn’t feel like I had done anything particularly exceptional. But her recognition made me want to work even harder toward our shared goal of leasing up the building. It was a powerful lesson in how small acts of appreciation can drive people to put forth their best effort.

Another aspect of her leadership that I admired was the way she trusted her employees and gave them creative control over their work. While there were certain guidelines we had to follow, she never micromanaged us or imposed unnecessary restrictions. Instead, she allowed us the freedom to approach tasks in our own way, which fostered both accountability and innovation. Rather than leading with rigid demands, she provided structure while still allowing flexibility—something that ultimately benefited both the team and the business.

One of the best examples of this was how she handled our social media channels. She would suggest ideas, allow us to take full ownership of execution, and then provide constructive feedback only when necessary. This hands-off leadership style gave us the confidence to take initiative and made us feel like we had a stake in the company’s success. As a result, morale was high, and we were all genuinely invested in our work.

Looking back, I realize how rare it is to have a leader who strikes the perfect balance between guidance and trust. She didn’t just tell us what to do—she empowered us to figure it out and grow in the process. That experience shaped my perspective on leadership, and to this day, I carry those lessons with me.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hello! My name is Justin Giordani, and I’m a 22-year-old Chicago-based content creator with a passion for skincare, haircare, and lifestyle. After graduating college in 2023, I discovered my love for content creation and began documenting my journey of balancing self-care, health, and wellness while navigating the realities of a 9-to-5 corporate job. Post-grad life can be overwhelming, but my goal is to show that building your dream life is possible—with the right mindset and intentional action.

Through a mix of Instagram Reels and TikTok videos, I blend aesthetics with authenticity to inspire my audience to prioritize wellness, embrace new experiences, and cultivate a life they genuinely love. I also share insights for those looking to start their own content creation journey, providing encouragement and practical tips along the way. As I navigate my own ups and downs, I remain committed to staying positive and consistent—because I truly believe that’s the key to turning dreams into reality.

Looking back, I’m incredibly proud of the consistency I’ve maintained over the past eight months. There were times when I questioned whether my efforts were worth it, but showing up for myself time and time again has proven that I’m capable of achieving whatever I set my mind to. Content creation isn’t just about inspiring others—it’s also been a powerful lesson in self-discipline, resilience, and personal growth.

This journey has brought so much joy and fulfillment into my life, and I’m beyond excited for what’s ahead. Whether you’re here for self-care tips, lifestyle inspiration, or motivation to chase your own passions, I hope my content adds value to your life and reminds you that you are capable of creating the life you want.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is knowing that my work inspires others. When I share something—whether it’s a new experience, a personal insight, or just something I love—and someone resonates with it, it feels like forming a genuine connection, almost like a friendship. It’s amazing to see people try something new simply because I had the courage to put it out into the world. Not everyone will connect with everything I create, and that’s okay—but finding those who do, and building that sense of community, is the best feeling

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Growing up, I didn’t see many young, suburban gay Black men like myself represented in the media or in everyday life. That lack of visibility made me feel like I had to fit into a certain mold—but now, I want to be the representation I wish I had. I want to show that there’s no one way to exist as a gay Black man. There’s no rulebook saying you have to act a certain way or fit into a specific stereotype.

You can embrace both masculine and feminine aspects of yourself however you choose—because at the end of the day, life isn’t about fitting into a box; it’s about discovering what makes you happy. If more people adopted this mindset and simply let others be, I truly believe the world would be a much better place. My mission is to inspire that kind of self-acceptance and freedom, not just for myself, but for anyone who needs to hear it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/yayjustintime
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justin.giordani/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@yayjustintime?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc