Entrepreneurship is often portrayed as a linear journey, but as Justin Christian, founder and CEO of BCforward, can attest, the path to building a successful business is anything but a straight line. In a candid conversation on Off The Record, Christian shares his remarkable journey from aspiring musician to tech entrepreneur, offering insights into leadership, business growth, and personal perseverance.
Below is a short recap of the conversation.
You can watch the entire episode of Off the Record by clicking here.
From Music to Technology
Justin’s path to entrepreneurship was anything but conventional. Raised in New York City as the son of a jazz club manager, he grew up immersed in music and initially aimed to become a professional trumpet player. However, after enrolling at DePauw University, he pivoted to computer science. Even though he had shifted focus, the skills he developed as a musician, like creativity and improvisation, would help him in the technology space.
The Leap into Entrepreneurship
Following an internship at Eli Lilly, Justin co-founded BCforward with his business partner. Starting with limited resources (BCforward was started with only $1500) and facing the typical uncertainties of a new venture, he navigated the early challenges of securing investments and building a client base. This period of calculated risk and determination laid the foundation for his practical and thoughtful approach to leadership.
Building a Thoughtful Company Culture
As BCforward grew from a startup into a global enterprise with more than 5,000 team members, Justin remained deeply invested in fostering a strong company culture. He credits his wife, Darrianne, whose strategic support and operational contributions have been crucial to the company’s success since day one. Her involvement and his focus on nurturing talent have been integral to maintaining the organization’s core values.
Global Experience and Strategic Growth
Justin also discusses his experience in international business, sharing lessons from early projects in St. Petersburg, Russia, and long-term engagements in Hyderabad, India. He notes that these experiences provided valuable insights into working across different cultures and helped shape his approach to global business strategy. His recent acquisition of TSR Inc. exemplifies how BCforward continues to adapt and grow in an evolving market.
Beyond business, Justin’s philanthropic efforts have focused on education and diversity initiatives, particularly at DePauw University, where he and Darrianne helped open the Center for Diversity Inclusion.
Community Engagement and Personal Interests
Beyond his professional achievements, Justin speaks about his commitment to the community and education. His philanthropic work with DePauw University and involvement in local initiatives reflect his belief in giving back. On a personal level, he shares how family activities, such as building Lego sets with his daughters, provide a balanced counterpoint to the demands of running a business.
Watch the Full Conversation
For a complete look at Justin Christian’s insights and experiences, you can watch his full interview on “Off the Record” by following the link below:
