Product and innovation Leader
Welcome to my digital Resume. Scroll around.
About ME
I have a black belt in making things awesome.
In all seriousness, as a 0-1 founder developing pioneering tech, I “game-change” systems, solutions and processes with startup velocity. Combining web and systems IQ with vibrant creativity and problem solving mojo, I’m experienced at producing contract winning, happy client making, outcome improving solutions for startups and enterprises, alike.
Recent Experience
Intel | 2021-2025 | Remote
Spearheaded significant transformation initiatives for Intel's Global Marketing and Partner programs. Led strategy, cross-platform solution development, stakeholder management, agencies, IT, and UX/UX teams to accelerate innovation development, increasing stakeholder usage and audience engagement
Leadership Success:
Strategic Partner Experience Transformation | 2025
AI Workforce and Platform Transformation | 2024
Sales Enablement Modernization | 2024
Adobe Target, Audience targeting and CMS Modernization | 2024
Partner Program Analytics Hub Overhaul |Q3 2023
AI Program(s) Unification and Web Migration | 2023
Interim Intel Marketing Studio Product Manager | 2023
Partner Portal Redesign with Multi-platform Integration | 2022-2024
Distributor Program Portal Redesign | 2022
Salesforce Marketplace Redesign | 2021-2022
Four-time Intel Innovation and Culture Change Winner
iHeartMedia | 2012-2021 | Hybrid | Nationwide
Managed ideation and development of custom websites, Apps, VR experiences, gamification, experiential solutions for multi-million dollar integrated regional and national marketing campaigns. Managed divisions platforms, developer and media production budgets. Also, served as lead presenter for tech focused sales pitches.
Positions Held:
SVP of Strategy and Innovation | 2019-2021
VP of Strategy and Innovation | 2017-2019
Director of Innovation | 2014-2017
Director of Integrated Marketing | 2012-2014 | Sacramento
Accomplishments:
Helped scale a five person regional team into a 80+ strong national powerhouse with $2 billion in sales during my tenure
Successfully designed and launched dozens of custom gamification experiences/apps
Launched multiple custom social media solutions, games, filters and contests
Produced three virtual reality experiences (one winning our client a national award)
Implemented multiple sales operations tools to streamline proposal GTM
Implemented numerous online tools to improve integrated campaign management
Successfully managed creative teams and media production services
Founder & Product Designer | 2005-2011 | Worldwide
0-to 1 Founder of multiple pioneering tools for chat, photo sharing, micro videos, forums and retail loyalty. Led product vision/creation, feature development, UX, developer management, marketing and GTM. We eventually secured angel investment and licensed one solution with the largest media and podcasting company at the time, iHeartMedia.
2012 Spreetail (Mobile Retail Loyalty) Early text/email based loyalty and customer engagement platform for large franchise.
2009-2013 Grokflok.com (Early Micro-Video Sharing Platform) One of the first micro-video sharing platforms, pioneering short-form video functionality before Vine and TikTok normalized the format.
2009/10 Neighborstrong.com (Early Hyperlocal Social Network) One of the first neighborhood-based social networks ahead of the hyperlocal platform wave dominated by NextDoor.
2009 YoDida! (Photo Centric Social Network) YoDida was a photo centric social network inspired by Dailybooth and predecessor to Instagram.
2008/9 MiniMe (Pioneering Interactive Messaging Platform) An early chat-based platform that integrated stickers, images, and interactive media into chat—anticipated the shift toward more expressive and interactive, media-driven communication.
2007 Moberazzi (Early Forum and Comment Intelligence Solution) Think a mix of what became Reddit and Quora but featuring comment intelligence to up-level valuable information and insights in comments.
EXPERIENCE by Org type
Solutions by the numbers
Tools, platforms, systems, custom solutions I’ve created or managed.
Awards
Case Studies
Hand picked examples of my juiciest work.
Take their word for it
“Zaq was a high impact CHANGE AGENT… an All-Star, and a secret weapon for any team.”
Andrew Marsee - General Manager, Intel Partner Program
“Zaq’s ability to speak fluently across technical, design, and business domains made him an indispensable partner in every major product decision.”
Michael Gill - Chief Technology Officer
“Transformation isn’t just about ideas. It’s about execution. It’s about timing. And it’s about people who can see the big picture while still rolling up their sleeves.
Grateful to have partnered with someone who embodies all of that.”
Cynthia Kolbe - AI Biz Architect, Intel
my AI experience is real, unlike this AI generated image I created.
AI Experience in a nutshell
Certified in AI Product Management through Intel, I bridged strategy and execution to embed GenAI, ML, and advanced workflows into sales, support, UX, and content development (AIO)—transforming business and future proofing operations.