Since meeting in the Berkeley Haas Evening and Weekend MBA program, Aubrey (Yanzhu) Ji, and classmate Jue Zou, both MBA 27, have tapped a boundless curiosity to create an eclectic mix of videos for Ji’s YouTube channel.
Their interview subjects for the series “20 People I Met in Haas'” range from a porter Ji met during a winter break trek to Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro to veteran Haas photographer Jim Block to associate professor and leadership expert Mathijs de Vaan. Ji’s most recent interview with Renee Yao, BS 14, a director in ecosystem business development at Nvidia, covered Yao’s pivot from startup founder to Nvidia exec. (Watch below)
Zou edits all of the videos. We asked Ji, a senior product manager at Amazon Web Services, five questions about her interviews.
Why did you want to do these interviews when you came to Haas?
I’ve always been deeply curious about people’s life stories—how their decisions, values, and unique paths led them to where they are today. When I started at Haas, I saw this as a chance to not only explore these stories but also to build meaningful connections across the community. Through this series, I hope to give back by showcasing the diversity and depth of the Haas experience, and by providing inspiration and insight for both current students and prospective business school candidates.
How did you decide who to interview?
I intentionally selected a wide range of people who reflect different facets of the Haas community—professors, staff, students, and alumni. What they all have in common is an open mind and a generous spirit. These are individuals who are passionate about sharing their experiences and perspectives, and from each of them, I’ve learned something valuable. Their stories offer different lenses into leadership, resilience, and the Haas culture.
What was your favorite interview and why?
My favorite interview was with Jim Block. He’s one of the most beloved and respected figures at UC Berkeley Haas, known for his contagious energy and incredible ability to connect with hundreds of students in just a few hours. Hearing him talk about how he chose his career—and the personal stories that shaped his journey—was both moving and inspiring.
Your most unexpected/surprising interview?
One of the most surprising interviews wasn’t at Haas at all—it happened during a climb up Mount Kilimanjaro. I interviewed our porter lead, who was managing a team of 55 people during a 7-day expedition. His calm yet commanding leadership style left a deep impression on me. It was a powerful reminder that leadership can show up in the most unexpected places and doesn’t always come with a title.
Will you stop after 20 interviews?
Not at all! While the “20 People I Met in Haas” series will wrap after 20 episodes, I plan to continue with a new theme. I’m exploring ideas like “20 Women in Tech,” “20 PMs I Met in Tech,” or even “20 Investors I Met Through Haas.” There are so many more stories to tell, and I’m excited to keep sharing them.
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