John M. Dane
Strategic integrator
Fueling Growth Engines & Brand Visibility through Data-Driven Insights
Fueling Growth Engines & Brand Visibility through Data-Driven Insights
Welcome to my portfolio site. I bring a unique blend of AI strategy, content strategy, and human-centered CX to drive measurable impact. This modern business strategy is built on three pillars that define my ability to design systems that are intelligent, scalable, and deeply aligned with human needs.
I’m passionate about creating systems that help people and businesses thrive in the digital world. My entire career has been a journey of deconstructing complex, often frustrating, processes and re-architecting them to be simpler, more effective, and more human. I believe the greatest opportunities are found not within silos, but at the intersection where strategy, technology, and empathy meet.
This portfolio is a reflection of that belief. It showcases a series of real-world challenges where I’ve applied a systems-thinking mindset to deliver clarity, efficiency, and measurable growth.
I design and synchronize systems that turn strategy into scalable, results-driven action.
As a strategic integrator, I unite AI strategy, research, content strategy, and human-centered CX into a cohesive growth engine that achieves results fragmented efforts cannot deliver.
My method is simple yet disciplined:
Insight First — Precision market research uncovers what the audience truly values.
Authority Building — A content and SEO framework positions the brand as the trusted authority.
System Engineering — Operational and technical systems convert attention into action, and action into profit. This is the deliberate transformation of knowledge into impact.
My credibility is grounded in evidence. As a top 0.5% performer in an elite 4,000-member AI program, I’ve built a portfolio that proves my advantages. Each project in this curated collection applies systems-level thinking to ambiguous, real-world challenges—translating them into clear, data-backed solutions that drive measurable growth in high-stakes environments.
My portfolio is built on three pillars—AI strategy, content strategy, and human-centered CX—which together define my ability to design systems that are intelligent, scalable, and deeply aligned with human needs. Each area demonstrates a distinct strength: transforming AI into a strategic partner, building content ecosystems that accelerate growth, and translating user insights into experiences that inspire trust. Viewed collectively, these case studies highlight an integrated methodology—uniting technology, strategy, and empathy to deliver measurable business outcomes and lasting competitive advantage.
Read More Below 👇
Featured Case Study: Trusted Tester Program – Shaping the Future of AI
Supporting Case Study 1: Proprietary Prompt Suite – Automating Senior-Level Workflows
Supporting Case Study 2: Pulse Labs Research – Optimizing Gemini AI for Strategic Workflows
Featured Case Study: Local Nonprofit – Digital Overhaul Driving 800% Growth
Supporting Case Study 1: Hunting Outfitter – Roadmap to Local Market Authority
Supporting Case Study 2: Global Pharma – Translating Complex Oncology Content for SEO
Featured Case Study: TELUS International – Safeguarding Trust on Meta Platforms
Supporting Case Study 1: H&R Block – Enhancing CX/UX in Digital Tax Filing
Supporting Case Study 2: University of Alaska Anchorage – Redesigning the Mental Health Patient Journey
Search and Strategy Contributor | Confidential AI Development Programs | December 2024 to Present
Ranked in top 0.5 percent of over 4,000 elite testers, consistently delivering precise, high-value feedback that shaped core product direction.
Contributed to multi-phase research studies, including diary study applying Gemini AI to advanced coding workflows.
Designed and validated AI prompt architectures applied to SEO, content strategy, and UX optimization, earning formal recognition, and performance bonus for high-leverage insights influencing feature rollouts.
Strategy Consultant | McKinsey and Company Forward Program | September 2024 to December 2024
Selected for McKinsey’s global leadership program in digital transformation and growth-oriented problem solving.
Led capstone strategy project addressing a complex urban crisis, and delivered evidence-based revitalization plan to senior stakeholders.
Diagnosed 35-point decline in public transit usage as root cause of gridlock through multi-year data analysis.
Applied Pyramid Principle to distill nine competing factors into two priorities of transit revitalization and infrastructure modernization, framing roadmap to reduce commute times by 50 percent within five years.
Lead SEO and Content Strategist | Trinity Lutheran Church | February 2020 to August 2024
Orchestrated 10,000 percent organic traffic increase over 4.5 years, ranking top 5 for over 2,100 targeted keywords.
Built and optimized content library of 270+ articles, generating 86,000+ impressions and sustained engagement times exceeding 10 minutes per article.
Elevated domain authority through comprehensive technical and local SEO program, producing an estimated $2,150 per month in earned media value.
Expert Research Contributor | MarketVision Research, Sago, SIS International and Others | September 2023 to Present
Partnered with global brands including General Mills, Pfizer, H&R Block, and WhatsApp Meta, delivering 300+ actionable insights across product, packaging, marketing, and digital strategy, reducing launch risk and optimizing adoption.
Directed end-to-end consumer and neuromarketing research, including multi-day In-Home Use Tests and packaging diagnostics, shaping retail strategy, product satisfaction, dosage communication, and shelf impact.
Led UX and digital strategy initiatives, including 60-minute smart home device study and WhatsApp privacy campaign, uncovering five key user frustrations, generating six actionable recommendations, and transforming storyboards into 10 to 20 second short-form videos that boosted clarity, engagement, and adoption.
Prompt Engineer | Personal Project | April 2023 to Present
Built proprietary suite of 300+ advanced AI prompts, including 40+ master frameworks, forming modular operating system for strategic execution.
Engineered workflows to cut tactical workload by up to 85 percent while amplifying creativity, strategic clarity, and client-facing performance.
Digital Market Research Analyst | Telus International | June 2022 to June 2023
Delivered 25 to 50 mission-critical insights per product for global CPG brands, influencing SEO, customer experience, and marketing strategy.
Conducted deep analyses across 100+ data points per project cycle, translating complexity into clear, actionable reports for executive stakeholders.
Partnered with product and marketing teams to transform data into measurable growth strategies.
Founder and Niche Market Specialist | Tabby Care | September 2020 to January 2023
Founded and scaled niche WordPress platform to 7,600+ global views across 128 countries, demonstrating rapid market entry and global reach.
Secured 1,034 backlinks and strong keyword rankings through competitor intelligence and strategic content development.
Field Representative (Market Research) | U.S. Census Bureau | February 2020 to August 2020
Achieved 91% conversion rate on non-respondent follow-ups using advanced persuasion and interpersonal strategies.
Mentored colleagues on emerging data collection technologies, ensuring 100 percent data accuracy and compliance in high-stakes, confidential environment.
Translate market intelligence and user data into strategies that unlock growth and competitive advantage.
Business Planning, Roadmapping & Growth Strategy
Market & Competitor Intelligence
Data-Driven Insights & Financial Modeling
User Research (Personas, Journey Mapping)
SEO & Content Opportunity Analysis
Consulting Frameworks (Pyramid Principle, First Principles)
Leverage AI to drive innovation, streamline workflows, and deliver scalable business impact.
Prompt Engineering & Workflow Automation
AI-Augmented Content & SEO Systems
Generative AI & LLM Applications for Business
AI-Assisted Coding & Markup (HTML, CSS, JS, JSON-LD)
Systems Integration & Tooling Architecture
Architect seamless systems and experiences that align operations with user and customer needs.
Systems Thinking & Operational Design
UX/CX Strategy & Funnel Optimization
Content Architecture & Information Systems
Revenue Operations & Go-to-Market Enablement
Engineer measurable growth through data-driven SEO and conversion optimization.
Full-Funnel SEO (Technical, On/Off-Page, Local)
Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) & A/B Testing
Content Development Lifecycle & CMS Management
Digital PR & Authority Building
Mobilize cross-functional teams and stakeholders to deliver strategic outcomes.
Team Leadership, Mentorship & Development
Stakeholder Management & Strategic Communication
Change Management & Organizational Agility
My professional development is built on a curated progression of elite training, technical certifications, and academic foundations, reflecting my identity as a strategic integrator, a professional who bridges specialized execution with executive-level strategy.
Strategy & Operations: Revenue Operations (HubSpot); Agile Scrum Master (Simplilearn)
Research & Analytics: Certified Research Professional (IIPMR); Advanced Conversion Rate Optimization (Simplilearn)
Technical Execution: SEO Manager & Tech SEO (Blue Array Academy)
McKinsey Forward Program – I was selected for McKinsey & Company’s global leadership initiative focused on problem-solving, digital transformation, and growth-oriented leadership in complex environments.
Digital Marketing Specialization – University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: Focus on integrated digital campaigns and data-driven growth
Principles of Marketing Research – University of Georgia: ESOMAR, MRA, and MRII; applied market research frameworks and analytics
B.S., Business Administration (Management) – Montana State University Billings: Foundation in leadership, operations, and strategic management
Consistently recognized for elite performance, leadership, and integrity within a high-stakes federal environment, demonstrating mastery of critical soft skills that translate directly into strategic roles.
Sustained Excellence
Earned the highest performance rating, Level 5 – Achieved Excellence, for four consecutive years (2011–2014) across all core competencies, including critical thinking, integrity, and collaboration.
Recognized Leadership & Mentorship
Honored with 12 formal performance awards, including a Special Achievement Award for mentoring new employees and commendations citing the “profound impact” of coaching on team performance.
Distinguished Communication & Composure
Commended by both senior leadership and the public for resolving high-conflict situations with “extraordinary poise” and a “thoughtful communicative style.” Notably, received an unsolicited written commendation from a professional traveler describing service as “EXTREMELY courteous, respectful, and professional…an example to lead and be followed.”
I am always open to exploring new opportunities where my expertise in AI, content strategy, growth marketing, and customer experience can drive measurable impact for your organization.
For consulting and projects, I'm available to discuss how my cross-disciplinary approach can deliver structure and measurable ROI. I partner with individuals and organizations seeking clarity, execution, and growth through:
Strategy Sessions: Focused deep-dives to solve challenges, sharpen positioning, or map your next move.
Project-Based Work: End-to-end execution on content strategy, customer journeys, or market analysis.
Ongoing Partnerships: Retainer-style advisory for teams desiring an embedded, trusted strategist.
For a full-time role, I pursue senior opportunities in content strategy, growth marketing, and BizOps, where I thrive in ambiguity and excel at building structures that deliver impact.
Let's Connect
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Mountain Time). I typically respond within one business day.
My resume is available upon request for interested parties. For privacy and security reasons, it is not available for direct download.
Ride through the deserts of adversity until you strike gold!
Today’s business landscape is a desert of ambiguity, filled with complex challenges and uncertain paths. Progress requires more than endurance. It demands a guide who can ride through conditions of adversity and strike gold.
Let's carefully architect the path forward, to not merely survive the journey, but to lead through it with resilience, strategic clarity, and a clear destination in mind.