By: Mae Cornes
Justine Dharni, can you describe your experience hosting an inspirational talk show on Sony Entertainment Television?
Hosting the talk show was an incredible journey of discovery and connection. The show reached 20 million subscribers in 150 countries. My role went beyond interviewing guests; I was involved in the production process, from crafting narratives to editing episodes and securing sponsorships. Also, video on social media was just taking off, so we were expanding to various platforms.
I enjoyed the process and connection so much that, when the show wrapped, I continued to interview thousands of guests in unconventional ways—I drove rideshare, which I referred to as my talk show on wheels. Unbeknownst to me, this experience in grassroots market research would come to a close when I landed a job on the performance marketing team at Uber. Let the record show I was a 5-star driver before entering HQ.
What were some memorable moments from your time as a host?
One that stands out is when I interviewed the CEO of TIBCO and owner of the Sacramento Kings, Vivek Ranadive, at his home. I’m a huge basketball fan, so this makes sense if you know me. We faced off in a friendly game of HORSE before diving into a friendly Q&A. I also had the privilege of connecting with two of India’s finest actresses, Hema Malini and her daughter Esha Deol, to name a few. Now that you’re jogging my memory, I must say each guest was special.
How did you balance preparation and spontaneity in your role as a host?
Balancing preparation and spontaneity was key. I often did thorough research before interviews to understand each guest’s background and perspective. However, being open to unexpected insights and stories during the interviews was equally important. It kept the conversations dynamic and allowed for genuine connections to form on air.
What impact did the setting in Silicon Valley have on the show’s themes and discussions?
Silicon Valley provided a unique backdrop for the show. It’s a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship, so many of our discussions naturally gravitated toward disruptive ideas and personal journeys of resilience and success. The environment encouraged deep dives into tech trends, startup culture, and the human stories behind novel achievements. The hope was that viewers could glean inspiration and see themselves accomplishing entrepreneurial feats, big and small.
How did your involvement in production and sponsorship enhance your hosting experience?
Being involved in production and sponsorship gave me a holistic view of how a talk show, as a business, comes together. I learned an immense amount about shaping content, ensuring it resonated with our audience, and securing partnerships that supported our goals. This hands-on approach deepened my appreciation for the craft and the impact of authentic storytelling.
Looking back, what does hosting this talk show mean to you personally and professionally?
Personally, it taught me the power of stories and the importance of connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Professionally, it reinforced my passion for media and communications, showing me how impactful television can be in shaping narratives and fostering global dialogue. I also learned a lot about self-love, as being on camera can be nerve-wracking. Keeping with the mission of bringing inspirational outlooks to audiences worldwide made it possible to host with joy and gratitude.
What are your hopes for the future following this experience?
I hope to continue leveraging my skills and experiences to amplify voices, share inspiring stories, and foster meaningful conversations between brands, consumers, and advertisers. Whether through television or other digital platforms, upon graduating, I’m committed to making a positive impact and contributing to the discourse on important issues that resonate across borders.
Published By: Aize Perez
