Every role, every challenge, every pivot, every piece of feedback I received – both good and bad – has been a stepping stone, shaping me into the marketer and strategist I am today.
Priyamvadha Ramakrishnan
Priya Ramakrishnan from New York City is a dynamic digital marketing manager and creative strategist who blends data, creativity, and technology to drive brand success. Moving to the U.S. in 2015 to pursue her Master’s in Media and Creative, she has worked with global powerhouses like Twitter, GroupM, Meta, and now Uber, building impactful campaigns and shaping marketing growth.
Beyond corporate life, Priya is a public speaker, mentor, and creative artist, balancing roles as an emcee, model, actor, and singer, with features in music videos, ad commercials, and NYC fashion shows.
Her career journey—navigating fierce competition as an international student—has been a testament to resilience, adaptability, and innovation. She is deeply committed to mentoring young professionals, believing that growth comes from perseverance, knowledge-sharing, and the right network of support.
You have had an impressive career journey, from moving to the US in 2015 to pursue your Masters and working with top companies. What inspired you to pursue a career in media and marketing?
I had always been fascinated by the way brands – both big and small – connect with people, shaping perceptions and behaviors, and inspiring them through strategic innovation. Having specialized in digital and visual media for my undergrad back in India and Singapore, I wanted to take that giant leap of faith and step foot in the media and communications capital of the world, aka, New York city, to learn and grow with some of the best minds and creative thinkers!! When it came to a creative-rich field like this, what inspired me the most was the ever-evolving nature of media and advertising—there’s always a new trend, a new platform, or a new challenge to solve, making it an exciting space to build, create, evolve and more importantly, learn from.
Can you share your experiences as an international student breaking into the competitive field of media and marketing? What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
Majority of students who land in the U.S to pursue their career belong either to the tech, business or finance industries. But the road I took was the least taken! When I came to the U.S. in 2015 to pursue my Master’s in Media management, I didn’t receive any guidance, direction or mentorship. I was thrown into the deep end only to find my own way to shore. I had to adapt quickly to a new culture, build industry connections (and also friends) from scratch, change the way I communicate to appeal to a more global audience, and prove my expertise in a highly competitive environment. I took advantage of every single opportunity that came my way and also chased the ones that didn’t come my way – be it networking or volunteer opportunities, part-time gigs on campus relevant to my study, taking on additional projects outside of my core, and not saying NO to anything that puts me out of my comfort zone!!
Post Masters, how did you shape your work experience over the past years and tell us a little about your journey working with startups and big tech giants like Twitter, Meta and now Uber?
I began my professional journey in a scrappy yet extremely fast-paced startup environment at Contently where I was pushed to wear every single hat and encouraged to take risks, fail and start again. That built a strong foundation for me which made me instantly thrive in the structured chaos of big tech companies like Twitter and Meta Platforms, where I learnt to refine my craft, adapt to shifting dynamics and embrace the growth mentality. In high-caliber environments like these, where brilliant minds and fierce competition are the norm, I learnt that success isn’t just about your individual achievement—it’s about collaborating, continuously learning from one another and collectively driving impact. Adopting this mindset over a period of time not only helped me succeed but also allowed me to build meaningful relationships along the way, expand my skill sets, and contribute to something bigger than myself. Every role, every challenge, every pivot, every piece of feedback I received – both good and bad – has been a stepping stone, shaping me into the marketer and strategist I am today.
Your role at Meta Platforms Inc. involved building marketing strategies for Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) products. How was the experience working on this?
My recent role at Meta working on marketing strategies for AR and VR products wasn’t just about selling cutting-edge technology—it was about redefining storytelling, shaping the future of digital experiences, expanding human connections in new ways and making immersive tech accessible to people worldwide. From crafting global campaigns that demystified the power of AR in everyday interactions to positioning VR as a tool for deeper connection, collaboration and creativity, the role challenged me to think beyond traditional marketing playbooks. It reinforced the importance of education, social proof, community engagement, and hands-on experiences in driving adoption for emerging tech through the lens of real-world use cases. I would say more than anything, it taught me that innovation in marketing isn’t just about following trends—it’s about creating new ones that change the way people see and interact with the world.
You are passionate about sharing your expertise through public speaking, guest lectures, and freelance strategy consultation. What drives your desire to give back and help others succeed in their digital innovation goals?
There’s always something incredibly rewarding about teaching unto others and seeing them light up when they grasp a new idea or learning. I have had multiple humbling opportunities to conduct media workshops across India and NYC for aspiring women graduates and high school students striving for a career in Martech; been part of advisory panels for International Marketing Conferences to cross-share ideas with stakeholders; and freelance consulted for multiple small and emerging enterprises by giving actionable feedback on their content and marketing strategy. Whether it’s through these public speaking seminars, guest lectures, or freelance consultations, playing a small role to help people unlock their potential and bring their marketing goals to life is very fulfilling. The reason I share my professional experiences and struggles in the real world with others is so that they don’t have to make the same mistakes I did and can implement the things that worked for me. What drives me is the belief that success isn’t a solo journey—it’s about empowering others, creating other successful strategists around me and contributing to a world where innovation thrives through collaboration.
Can you share some of your favourite ventures as an actor, model and Emcee?
Graduating from Parsons The New School, renowned for its fashion expertise, was the perfect springboard into my modeling venture, paving the way to strut the runway for top Bollywood designers like Archana Kochchar and Kirthi Rathore in the heart of NYC. Along the way, I found myself stepping into the world of ad commercials, music videos, and Hindi short films, and got to collaborate with some budding, talented minds from the West. The real trailblazer came in 2022 when I landed an opportunity to be the Emcee/Host for the American Premiere League (USA’s biggest cricketing tournament). That moment catapulted me into hosting corporate events, fashion shows, and even Indian-American weddings. I think that’s the power of seizing opportunities—sometimes, they lead you to places you never even imagined. What started as a random passion project over a weekend quickly transformed into being my own full-blown adventure, reminding me that sometimes, all it takes is one unexpected break to unlock a world of endless possibilities.
You are a talented Emcee, model, actor, and singer. How do you balance your creative pursuits with your demanding role in media and marketing?
I have always wanted content to be at the heart of everything I do – be it a high-impact marketing campaign initiative or an artistic performance that keeps me on my toes. And what better way to unleash your creative energy in new ways! Knowing when to switch off the work brain helps me keep the fun side of things alive and kicking. What started off as just a hobby began to become a weekend routine for me…I started enjoying these fashion shows, acting, singing and Emceeing gigs alternatively as it became my favourite way of letting loose while keeping me refreshed, focused, and ready to tackle both my roles with flair.
What advice would you give to others navigating challenging careers in media and marketing?
The world of media, creative and marketing can be super fast-paced, highly volatile and unpredictable, but that’s where the magic happens. No two days for a creative professional are ever the same so it’s important to stay curious, be versatile, and surround yourself with people that inspire and challenge you — so you can ask them the right questions to learn from their journey. I have to quote the legendary Steve Jobs here for saying “The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.” The inference is that the people who dare to dream big and challenge the status quo are the ones who drive real impact. Whether you are joining a company or starting your own venture – take calculated risks, embrace failure as part of the process, and continue to trust yourself even when others tell you it’s impossible. For me, growth came not just from learning but also from unlearning—challenging old beliefs, adapting to new ideologies, and making space for fresh perspectives. And lastly, I would say bet on yourself—because if you don’t, why should anyone else?
Can you share a particularly impactful mentorship experience or advice that has helped shape your career?
One of the most transformative mentorship moments in my career occurred at Meta last year, when I found myself at a crossroads. I was torn between taking on a safe, familiar role with a steady growth trajectory or pursuing a completely new and exciting yet slightly risky opportunity. In the latter, I knew that no matter the outcome, I would wake up eager every morning to tackle the challenges it presented. My mentor offered simple yet powerful advice: “If it makes you uncomfortable, it’s probably worth doing.” That advice pushed me to step outside my comfort area, embrace uncertainty, and trust my ability to figure things out along the way. I chose Option B, and it proved to be a defining moment. That’s when I realized true innovation—whether in technology, media, or any field—begins with those who refuse to accept “this is how it’s always been done.”
How do you stay up-to-date and relevant with emerging digital trends?
IMO, innovation isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the driving force behind fresh ideas and strategies that can revolutionize how we connect with audiences, brands, customer sentiments and through it all – drive meaningful impact. Without it, you risk getting left behind. The only way to stay relevant and one step ahead of the game is to embrace the constant evolution of new digital tools, stay curious about emerging trends (like Gen AI or LLMs), and never shy away from exploring uncharted territories. In this fiercely dynamic and competitive landscape, it’s not just enough if you adapt to change—you also need to help shape it. That’s why I constantly challenge myself to think outside the box and be bold enough to push the boundaries of what’s possible, even when it’s slightly risky and shunned down by others.
What does success mean to you, and how do you measure it in your career and personal life?
Someone once told me “In life, there will be times when you can’t make the right decision, but you can at least work towards making the decision right.” That instantaneously struck a chord with me. I moved to NYC from India almost 10 years back and ever since, there have always been constant ebbs and flows in my academia and professional journeys. Life as an immigrant in the U.S. comes with its challenges, and it’s even tougher without a reliable support system to lean on or a right mentor to guide you along. Navigating a new culture, building a career from scratch, and finding a sense of belonging can feel overwhelming. Instead of agonizing over the unknown, I focused all my energy on things that I CAN control to make it work (and of course, left the rest to God). Regardless of whether it was a personal life crisis or a work-centric challenge, I adapted, problem-solved on the fly, and turned a potential failure into solid learning. That’s when I realized success isn’t always about making flawless decisions—it’s about having the confidence, perseverance and resilience to make any decision a success.
You have worked with both startups and global tech giants. What are some key differences in approach or mindset that you have observed between these two types of organizations?
The striking contrasts of working at both are simply fascinating. Working at a startup is like sitting on a roller coaster— you never know when the twists and turns will hit and how deep they will be. I have been in numerous situations where we are launching a campaign or product with minimal resources, but the excitement and pressure make it feel like the sky’s the limit. On the other hand, global tech giants are like well-oiled machines—structured, data-driven, and focused on scalability. As part of creative teams, we have to not only see the big picture, but also focus on the finer details. In large orgs, we have the resources to back bold ideas but also the responsibility to ensure everything is aligned with a global vision. Even the smallest changes require extensive research, testing, and approvals across multiple teams. Although the level of precision and strategy is impressive, it does feel like navigating a massive ship rather than a speedboat.
How has the journey been thus far and what has kept you motivated even during challenging times, especially as you are away from friends and family?
The biggest game changer for me has been the physical, mental and spiritual routines I have built for myself on a daily basis – working out at the gym, meditating for atleast 10-15 mins and taking time off to spend on constructive activities and with people that add value to my life. I have been very selective about my social circle, as I believe it’s far more valuable to have one person who spreads even a small ounce of positivity than surrounded by a group that fosters negativity. Beyond my artistic hobbies, traveling has reignited my sense of purpose. There are some moments of loneliness and times when I deeply miss my family, but in those instances, I remind myself why I embarked on this journey in the first place. The unwavering belief that I am creating something meaningful—no matter how small—keeps me moving forward.
What skills or expertise do you think will be most valuable for professionals in this space?
First and foremost, being extremely data-savvy and having a deep understanding of cutting-edge tools and analytics is essential. After all, data tells the story of what works and what doesn’t. And with the massive boom of AI, strategists should tactfully learn to use it as a collaborative and constructive tool rather than a replacement, ensuring that the human touch of intuition, storytelling, and strategy remains at the core.
Beyond the science of data and automation, defining and redefining the art of creativity and storytelling remains the lifeline of any great campaign. The ability to craft compelling narratives and build a human-centric connection through messaging that resonates with audiences is key. For those aspiring to make a cut with the big tech, resilience & adaptability matter more than ever. The ever dynamic nature of big tech means constant shifts, reorganizations, and new challenges, and only those that stay adaptable, resilient, pivot to changes efficiently and are open to learning – survive in the longer run.
Are there any exciting initiatives on the horizon for 2025 that you are eager to share?
One of my guiding mantras for 2025 is to stay productively engaged, continuously tackling new projects and challenges—even on weekends. Whether it’s my professional or personal life, I never want to settle for anything less than work I can be proud of, knowing that true fulfillment comes from pursuing such meaningful endeavors.
On the work front, I am excited to embark on my new ride with Uber Technologies Inc. in NYC – making a small contribution to reimagine and revolutionize the way the world moves for the better! I will be collaborating with some dynamic non-profit South Asian orgs in the US as well as some universities in India to share some of my work and mentor aspiring students in this field. Keeping the momentum going with my singing, acting, and emceeing gigs—plus, aiming to explore at least three new destinations this year. And this is just the beginning—bigger challenges await!
