About Justine Dharni

She has emerged as a prominent and influential figure in the digital strategy domain, renowned for her dynamic expertise and engaging presence. Her distinguished career features collaborations with well-known brands such as Google, Intel, Uber, American Express, and Sony Entertainment. She's celebrated for her remarkable people skills, excelling in customer engagement, enhancing workplace cultures, and building enduring professional relationships. Throughout her career, she's held critical roles in various agencies, significantly contributing to numerous social causes.

Career Path

Digital Wizard and Imaginative Innovator

Her career trajectory started with an ambitious venture into YouTube video blogging, which quickly propelled her to a significant role as a host and producer on an international talk show for Sony Entertainment Television. This show, broadcast in 150 countries to an audience of 20 million, featured high-profile guests, including Vivek Ranadive (TIBCO), Naveen Jain (Viome), Blair LaCorte (XOJET), Michael Mina, and Indian cinema stars like Esha Deol and Hema Malini. Her journalistic expertise also led her to prominent roles in Silicon Valley, notably moderating at TiEcon Youth and hosting the TiE50 awards.

With over 13 years in the industry, she has skillfully blended storytelling, creativity, and analytical prowess, driving brands to new heights. As Director of Digital Strategy, her strategic insight and leadership have been central in developing innovative marketing strategies for various Fortune 500 companies across multiple sectors. Her contributions include leading successful influencer campaigns, channel development, strategic partnerships, and significant research projects.

Workplace Belonging and Culture advocate

As Workplace Belonging and Culture advocate, she leads with empathy and strategic insight, advocating for inclusive narratives in marketing. This approach has secured significant contracts and reshaped industry norms. She is skilled at managing diverse teams, accommodating various learning styles, and emphasizing mental health.

Academic Pursuits

A First-Generation Graduate with Impressive Accomplishments

Her educational journey is as remarkable as her professional path. A first-generation college graduate, she earned her B.A. from UC Berkeley and an MBA from Columbia Business School. She is also an IPEC Certified Energy Leadership Coach with a Cornell Diversity Certificate, reflecting her dedication to continuous learning and talent development.

Professional Recognition

Her academic achievements include being on the UC Berkeley Dean's List and receiving the Foresters Competitive Scholarship for community service. Additionally, she was awarded the Strong Training & Coaching BIPOC Scholarship. Professionally, her involvement with Intel's "Brains Behind the Brains" series led to a Shorty Award nomination, and she was a finalist in ScreenCraft's TV Pilot Script Competition, collaborating with industry giants like WME Partners.

Expertise

Her expertise encompasses strategy development, creative brainstorming, content strategy, social media marketing across platforms, data analysis, business development, team leadership, influencer marketing, partnership cultivation, legal contract management, video production, scriptwriting, customer relationship management, budgeting, financial modeling, generative A.I., and insightful research.

Unique Perspective: Before joining Uber's marketing department, she drove over 1000 rideshare trips, gaining valuable consumer insights.

Community Involvement and Volunteering

Her dedication to community service began during her university days, including roles as a high school tutor and an AVID classroom counselor. She participates in organizations like Cycle for Survival, Asha for Education, Pratham, Random Acts of Kindness, Jagriti Foundation, and the U.N. Global Development Agenda.

Future Aspirations

She eagerly anticipates graduating from Columbia Business School. She has plans to further her education at esteemed institutions such as NYU and Stanford, demonstrating her commitment to lifelong learning and growth.

Valued Colleague, Manager and Leader

Throughout her 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 keen enthusiast of T.V. and film, an avid writer, and a self-defense practitioner. Her hobbies include baking, culinary experimentation, skincare, meditation, and delving into self-help literature, illustrating a well-balanced approach to personal well-being.

Her career combines professional achievements, academic rigor, and a commitment to social impact, inspiring those who aspire to make a difference. Her story exemplifies the effective integration of passion, purpose, and a drive for positive change. As she progresses in her dynamic career, her influence is poised to reach beyond digital strategy and workplace inclusivity, nurturing and inspiring the next generation of creative professionals.