In the sphere of digital strategy, Justine Dharni has carved a unique and influential niche, marked by her dynamic expertise and charismatic presence. Her career spans strategic partnerships with industry leaders such as Google, Intel, Uber, American Express, and Sony Entertainment. Renowned for her outstanding people skills, she enhances customer interactions, nurtures inclusive workplace environments, and cultivates robust professional relationships. Significant roles in various organizations and notable contributions to diverse social endeavors distinguish her professional journey.
Career Synopsis
Digital Strategist and Creative Innovator
Her career trajectory began with an ambitious foray into YouTube video blogging, swiftly transitioning her to a prominent role as host and producer on an international talk show for Sony Entertainment Television. This show reached a global audience in over 150 countries and had 20 million subscribers, featuring esteemed guests such as Vivek Ranadive (TIBCO), Naveen Jain (Viome), Blair LaCorte (XOJET), Michael Mina, and stars of Indian cinema like Esha Deol and Hema Malini. Her journalism skills also led her to significant roles in Silicon Valley, including moderating at TiEcon Youth and announcing the TiE50 awards.
With a career spanning more than 13 years, she has masterfully integrated storytelling, creative ingenuity, and analytical rigor, elevating brands to new heights. As Director of Digital Strategy, her strategic vision and leadership have fueled innovative marketing campaigns for a spectrum of Fortune 500 companies across diverse sectors. Her role has spearheaded successful influencer campaigns, channel developments, strategic partnerships, and impactful research initiatives.
Workplace Belonging and Culture advocate
As Workplace Belonging and Culture advocate, she leads with empathy and a strategic mindset, focusing on inclusive narratives within marketing strategies. Her innovative approach has led to securing major deals and redefining industry standards. She is skilled in managing diverse teams, adapting to various learning preferences, and emphasizing mental well-being.
Academic Background
A First-Generation Graduate with Exceptional Achievements
Her educational journey mirrors her professional success. As a first-generation college graduate, she earned a B.A. from UC Berkeley and an MBA from Columbia Business School. She is also an IPEC Certified Energy Leadership Coach and holds a Cornell Diversity Certificate, reflecting her commitment to ongoing learning and talent nurturing.
Professional Achievements
Her academic accolades include being on the UC Berkeley Dean's List and receiving the Foresters Competitive Scholarship for community service. She also earned the Strong Training & Coaching BIPOC Scholarship. Professionally, she contributed to Intel's "Brains Behind the Brains" series, receiving a Shorty Award nomination. She was a finalist in ScreenCraft's TV Pilot Script Competition, liaising with industry leaders like WME Partners.
Areas of Expertise
Her expertise is vast, covering strategy development, creative ideation, content strategy, multi-platform social media marketing, data analysis, business development, team leadership, influencer marketing, partnership development, legal contract management, video production, scriptwriting, customer relationship management, budgeting, financial modeling, generative A.I. application, and research.
Unique Insight: Before her role in Uber's marketing department, she completed over 1000 rideshare trips, gaining direct insights from her target market.
Community Engagement and Volunteering
Her dedication to community service began during her college years, serving as a high school tutor and an AVID classroom counselor. She is involved in organizations like Cycle for Survival, Asha for Education, Pratham, Random Acts of Kindness, Jagriti Foundation, and the U.N. Global Development Agenda.
Future Endeavors
She eagerly anticipates graduating from Columbia Business School and aspires to further her education at prestigious institutions like NYU and Stanford, underscoring her passion for continuous growth and development.
Valued Colleague, Manager and Leader
Throughout Justine Dharni's career, Justine has consistently proven her value as a dedicated colleague, skilled manager, and sought-after team leader - a consummate professional with a commitment to collaboration and a knack for empowering teams with the tools and leadership they need to succeed.
Justine’s work as both collaborator and manager has earned extensive praise from numerous colleagues throughout her career, a testament to her character and her ability to build winning teams that deliver results.
Below are just a few accolades received by Justine throughout her journey in the digital strategy space:
Jenn M
Vice President, Digital Strategy
"Justine was a core member of M Booth's digital management team and really excelled in that position in many ways.
It didn't take long for Justine to jump in and help the new business team secure new clients leading to $10M+ in growth for the company. She was quickly seen as a strong and organic mentor by the junior team members, which was crucial during the confusion and stress that came with an abrupt shift to remote work. When junior team members needed advice or support, she took it upon herself to help them directly and tap necessary agency resources to arrive at the ideal solution. Sometimes, that even meant jumping in on work that she wasn't directly responsible for if it meant helping the team and the business.
All of that was accomplished on top of her primary role of client management and digital strategy. She worked on many accounts across multiple industries, but we overlapped most while working with Google. She was responsible for working side-by-side with product and program managers on fast-paced launches, high profile events, and brand campaigns in the edtech space - all during the height of distance learning during the pandemic.
All in all, Justine has a lot to bring to the table and I would highly recommend her for so many reasons!"
Katharina M
Vice President, Research & Insights
"It has been such a joy working with Justine. She is a committed team player, ever-curious and thoughtful in her work and always interested in learning about new ways to solve a business challenge at hand.
While working together, it has been wonderful to watch Justine expand her knowledge of research and insights capabilities, including quantitative and qualitative methodologies, as well as earned and social media measurement. She quickly applied her knowledge to existing and new client work, consistently demonstrating her strategic thinking and data comprehension skills.
Justine is highly motivated, always eager to learn and grow, hard working and simply a joy to be around."
Layne H
Brand Marketing Director
"I had the pleasure of working with Justine on the Global Social Media and Content Marketing Team at Uber. Justine was a bright light in the office-not only was her positivity infectious, but she approached every single task with a can-do attitude. In our time together, Justine supported me in monthly editorial planning for the @Uber social program, as well as led all agency partner relationships.
I'd recommend Justine to any company looking to add a highly creative and equally organized member to their team!"
Howard T
Senior Vice President, Analytics
"I had the opportunity to work with Justine on the Intel account at mcgarrybowen! Not only was Justine a pleasure to work with, she was instrumental in the ongoing success of the account.
Justine's social media prowess is second to none! Her social media content humanized the Intel brand while promoted the Intel brand image.
I'd welcome the opportunity to work with Justine again in the future!"
Kevin C
Program Manager
"Justine is an amazing colleague and leader. In addition to her consummate professional and interpersonal skills, she's an incredibly passionate leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion. When I joined McGarryBowen, she was among the first to welcome me with open arms and make me feel comfortable and at home. As I got to know her better, I was continually amazed at the energy she puts not only into her work but her passion for DE&I, driving initiatives both at an office and network level, organizing events, and empowering and supporting colleagues in their professional and personal growth. At the same time, she delivered absolutely top-notch work, helping clients create engaging and insightful content. Anyone would be lucky to have her on her team, and I'm counting the days until I have that pleasure again."
Fun fact: forever a ‘hype person,’ Justine was voted Miss Congeniality by fellow participants of the Miss India Globe program, a badge she wears with honor.
Personal Life
Beyond her professional endeavors, she is a fervent analyst of T.V. and film, an enthusiastic writer, and a self-defense practitioner. Her hobbies include baking, culinary experimentation, skincare, meditation, and engaging in self-help literature, embodying a well-rounded approach to personal wellness.
Justine Dharni's career is a fusion of professional accomplishment, academic rigor, and a commitment to making a societal impact, serving as a beacon for aspiring professionals. Her story illustrates the potent combination of passion, purpose, and a drive for positive change. As she progresses in her dynamic career, her influence is expected to extend beyond digital strategy and workplace inclusivity, mentoring, and inspiring future creative talents.