A Bit of Optimism
Spite Is The Greatest Motivator with Watch Duty founder John Mills
Jan 21, 2025
John Mills, the founder of Watch Duty, a nonprofit app aimed at providing crucial information during wildfires, shares his inspiring journey. He discusses the creation of the app in response to his community's needs and highlights the significance of human connection over AI in emergencies. John emphasizes the importance of ethics and legacy in philanthropy, urging a shift towards collaboration. With a background in woodworking, he reflects on the lessons learned from childhood projects, advocating for innovative hiring and creativity in solving real-world problems.
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Quick takeaways
- John Mills created the Watch Duty app to provide reliable information and support community safety during wildfire crises, emphasizing technology's role in societal needs.
- Mills advocates for prioritizing human involvement over AI in emergency situations, highlighting the necessity of personal judgment in life-threatening scenarios.
Deep dives
The Advent of WatchDuty
WatchDuty emerged as a vital tool during the wildfires in Los Angeles, especially after the fires erupted on January 7, 2025. Initially, people relied on informal networks for updates on evacuation orders and fire perimeters, leading to confusion and anxiety. The introduction of the WatchDuty app transformed this situation by providing real-time, accurate information that was superior to governmental sources. This application, developed by John Mills, a tech entrepreneur motivated by personal experiences with wildfires, became indispensable for community safety, showcasing how technology can serve societal needs effectively.
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