Justin Constantine

Justin Constantine

JD, LLM

NJ, US
Through his journey of courage, combat injury and ultimate triumph, Justin teaches us about leadership, change, overcoming adversity, and the power within each of us to create positive transformation.

Justin joined the Marine Corps while in law school at the University of Denver School of Law, and served on active duty as a JAG officer for six years. Then as a Reservist, Justin deployed to Iraq in 2006, serving as a Civil Affairs Team Leader while attached to an infantry battalion. During a combat patrol, Justin was shot in the head by a sniper.

Although the original prognosis was that he had been killed in action, Justin survived thanks to risks taken by his fellow Marines and a courageous Navy Corpsman. In fact, when Corpsman Grant first rolled Justin over, he was no longer breathing. For his service in Iraq, Justin earned the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon and Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal.

Justin retired from the Marine Corps at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He now runs his own business as an inspirational speaker and veteran employment expert. His writing on military and leadership issues has been published in The Washington Post, Time, CNN, The Atlantic, Forbes Magazine and other media outlets. In 2015, he completed his first book, My Battlefield, Your Office, which applies military leadership skills to the private sector. And in partnership with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), Justin recently authored From "We Will" to "At Will", an authoritative and interactive guidebook about veteran and military spouse employment. Justin is also the Chief Business Development Officer at JobPath, a robust veteran employment platform that provides a variety of solutions to corporations, government agencies and nonprofit organizations that hire veterans.

Justin was the Honor Graduate of his class at the Marine Corps Command and Staff College. In 2012, the Virginia Legislature passed a resolution highlighting Justin's continued support of veterans and other wounded warriors. In 2015, he graduated on the Dean's List from Georgetown University with a Master of Laws degree focusing on National Security. In 2015, Justin co-founded the Veteran Success Resource Group, which provides innovative and impactful networking events on a national basis, and these programs have grown into the wildly popular BourBiz events.

Justin is a Presidential Leadership Scholar, was named a Champion of Change for Veterans by President Obama, and also was awarded the prestigious inaugural 2014 Lincoln Award recognizing his outstanding achievement and excellence in providing opportunities and support to our nation's veterans and military families. Justin was also one of the wounded warriors painted by President Bush in his book Portraits of Courage. In 2017, he received the Henry Viscardi Achievement Award for shaping attitudes, raising awareness and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities, as well as the Veterans Advantage HeroVet award for significantly contributing to the veteran community though ongoing service and leadership. In 2018, Justin received the Veteran Owned Business of the Year Award from The American Legion, Department of New Jersey.

Justin joined the Marine Corps while in law school at the University of Denver School of Law, and served on active duty as a JAG officer for six years. Then as a Reservist, Justin deployed to Iraq in 2006, serving as a Civil Affairs Team Leader while attached to an infantry battalion. During a combat patrol, Justin was shot in the head by a sniper.

Although the original prognosis was that he had been killed in action, Justin survived thanks to risks taken by his fellow Marines and a courageous Navy Corpsman. In fact, when Corpsman Grant first rolled Justin over, he was no longer breathing. For his service in Iraq, Justin earned the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon and Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal.

Justin retired from the Marine Corps at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He now runs his own business as an inspirational speaker and veteran employment expert. His writing on military and leadership issues has been published in The Washington Post, Time, CNN, The Atlantic, Forbes Magazine and other media outlets. In 2015, he completed his first book, My Battlefield, Your Office, which applies military leadership skills to the private sector. And in partnership with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), Justin recently authored From "We Will" to "At Will", an authoritative and interactive guidebook about veteran and military spouse employment. Justin is also the Chief Business Development Officer at JobPath, a robust veteran employment platform that provides a variety of solutions to corporations, government agencies and nonprofit organizations that hire veterans.

Justin was the Honor Graduate of his class at the Marine Corps Command and Staff College. In 2012, the Virginia Legislature passed a resolution highlighting Justin's continued support of veterans and other wounded warriors. In 2015, he graduated on the Dean's List from Georgetown University with a Master of Laws degree focusing on National Security. In 2015, Justin co-founded the Veteran Success Resource Group, which provides innovative and impactful networking events on a national basis, and these programs have grown into the wildly popular BourBiz events.

Justin is a Presidential Leadership Scholar, was named a Champion of Change for Veterans by President Obama, and also was awarded the prestigious inaugural 2014 Lincoln Award recognizing his outstanding achievement and excellence in providing opportunities and support to our nation's veterans and military families. Justin was also one of the wounded warriors painted by President Bush in his book Portraits of Courage. In 2017, he received the Henry Viscardi Achievement Award for shaping attitudes, raising awareness and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities, as well as the Veterans Advantage HeroVet award for significantly contributing to the veteran community though ongoing service and leadership. In 2018, Justin received the Veteran Owned Business of the Year Award from The American Legion, Department of New Jersey.

Officers Eat Last

After 16 years in the Marine Corps, Justin certainly understands the value and challenges of effective leadership. Not many lawyers have the opportunity to lead Marines in combat, but Justin has done just that, and much more. As he details, taking care of your people has to be your number one priority - this is true in any organization. Further, a leader's ability to convince his/her people - through actions, not words - that he truly cares for them fosters fierce loyalty and an unwavering...
Educational / InformativeInspirational / Life-changing

You Are Stronger Than You Think You Are

Justin was shot in the head in Iraq, and when Corpsman George Grant rolled Justin over, he was no longer breathing.  So Justin knows that life can be difficult and full of challenges, but believes that life is also beautiful, precious and something we should celebrate, not just "get through."  Justin chooses the glass to be half full, not half empty, and to live life in the future, not the past.  Justin will inspire any audience, and shows that through inner strength, humility...
Inspirational / Life-changing

Overcoming Adversity and the Power of Change

Whether in your personal or professional life, nothing remains constant.  We are all continually changing, adapting and evolving.  With one bullet, Justin's life changed drastically and by all objective measures he should not have survived to be here today.  Justin will demonstrate how to embrace change, that change is good, and with the right attitude we can each find a way to succeed in the midst of change. 
Educational / InformativeInspirational / Life-changing

Take Life By The Reins

Justin shares his life's lessons to prepare his audiences for the journey that lies ahead, motivating students to truly succeed and support others around them.He describes the power of the human spirit and challenges today's graduates to use their time wisely, be active in their communities and care for others.  This is an experience for both the students and their families; all will leave inspired and excited for the future.
Educational / InformativeInspirational / Life-changing