Long before he ran a global technology consulting business, Justin Christian was a computer programmer who started a boutique IT consulting business. A coder by trade, systematic precision was everything.
“Eventually you start to put together a strategic plan, and things grow from there. But I did not start the organization thinking that 25 years later, we would have this global success story. I did know we could be successful.”
Christian’s business, BCforward, is one of the largest Black-owned businesses in the U.S. The Indianapolis-based company specializes in IT consulting and workforce management services, with extensive capabilities in the financial services, life sciences and technology industries. It also operates a development center in India with more than 1,000 employees.
Diversity at the core
Christian’s entrepreneurial drive was shaped by his experiences as a student at DePauw University, a small liberal arts college in Greencastle, Ind. It’s where he sought out community from a diverse student body and met his wife, Darrianne Christian, who has been a sounding board through every phase of BCforward’s growth.
Naturally, a small startup company takes on the personality traits of its founder. But as it scales, leaders need to take meaningful steps to ensure their priorities continue to shine through.
“Diversity is just core to who I am,” Justin said. “We’ve been really intentional in terms of how we hire and promote people.”
He’s also intentional about fostering a company culture that encourages authenticity and creativity.
“His management style is such that if you work for him, he really gives you latitude to truly be your best self,” Darrianne said. “He’s focused on how he can help other people grow.”
Abhishek Sambatur met Justin at a 2016 campus event, during his sophomore year at DePauw. Christian talked about BCforward’s ambitious growth in Hyderabad, India—at an office only a few minutes away from Sambatur’s childhood home.
The campus connection quickly turned into an internship opportunity in both Indianapolis and Hyderabad. After graduating, Sambatur rejoined BCforward, and today he leads the company’s India operations.
“The empathy [Justin has] shown across our seven-year relationship is unmatched,” Sambatur said, pointing to Christian’s unwavering support through his immigration- and work status-related challenges.
Frederick Royall III, National Head of Diverse Businesses for JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking, said Justin’s values—his push for business excellence, focus on clients, personal connections with colleagues and focus on diversity—set him and BCforward apart within the business world.
“He really walks the walk,” Royall said. “He’s genuine, he’s authentic, he’s sincere. Those are qualities you can’t teach as a leader.”
Widening the impact
Those leadership qualities extend to the Christians’ alma mater. In 2017, their philanthropy led to the opening of the Justin and Darrianne Christian Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI).
The motivation for the gift came from a realization the Christians made years after graduating: The formal education at college isn’t the main benefit.
“The most valuable thing you get from DePauw is access to the DePauw network,” Darrianne said. “When people realize you’re an alum, it opens doors that would otherwise not be open for you. Alumni are interconnected in so many places you would never imagine.”
Initially the Christians’ goal was to spruce up a room used by the Association for African American Students (AAAS)—the same space where Justin, Darrianne and other Black students gathered two decades earlier, on the same tattered couches. But the vision grew; DePauw offered a prime central location for a brand-new, modern facility that now houses the AAAS, university offices and dozens of student affinity groups.
Inclusion extends to providing subtle comforts and conveniences for students of color. The space has a salon and barbershop, sparing students and faculty the need to drive an hour or more to businesses in Indianapolis. It also has grills for students and visitors to use for football weekend block parties.
“The CDI has truly met our goal of allowing people—especially students of color— to come together with other students to engage in the network [now], not just after they graduate, like we did,” Darrianne said.
Sambatur, who was a senior at DePauw when the CDI opened, appreciates the macro impact of the space: “It has a ripple effect across various classes of students that come through the university,” he said. “And it produces the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs.”
Leaving a legacy
Justin and Darrianne wanted to name the CDI after a prominent Black historical figure. But university leaders encouraged them to serve as the CDI’s namesake. For current students and recent graduates, seeing the names of active, engaged and present community leaders sets a tone for their own professional goals.
Paige Burgess, a DePauw student who frequents the CDI, said the symbolism is clear. “These buildings and opportunities don’t pop up in isolation,” she said. “Somebody has to see a need and do something about it.”
Gervhona Lemon, the current president of DePauw’s AAAS, said the CDI will help future students and faculty learn and network more effectively. “It’s a generational process,” she said. “Through a building, we understand that when [the Christians are] gone, and when we’re gone, this will still be here to show their commitment to DePauw and to students of color.”
More resources
Justin previously spoke with JPMorgan Chase about how he overcame challenges in growing his business. He’s also reflected on his approach to philanthropy and transforming communities.
The firm supports the efforts of businesses like BCforward and entrepreneurs like Justin and Darrianne Christian as they strengthen our communities and inspire future generations. Our team can help provide the capital, expertise, and solutions that serve your professional and personal aspirations.
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Visit jpmorgan.com/commercial-banking/legal-disclaimer for disclosures and disclaimers related to this content.
