Zaqary Whitnack — What I Build
Innovation Leader · Builder · Growth Amplifier

Zaqary Whitnack

Transforming business through AI and digital innovation.

916.532.6867 zaqaryw@gmail.com linkedin.com/in/zaqaryw
What I do

I accelerate digital innovation initiatives to increase impact for marketing, advertising and partner orgs. I am a proven cross-functionalist, bridging strategy, product, and execution to unlock transformational growth.

The four things I'm really good at
01
Recognizing innovation opportunities before others
I've built micro-video, rich messaging and mobile loyalty platforms years before mainstream adoption. Opportunity recognition isn't a skill — it's my gift. It's the main reason companies recruit me.
02
Demystifying complexity
I excel at unravelling complex business challenges and translating them into innovative solutions.
03
Building systems that ignite growth
At iHeartMedia I built the commercial motions for a startup division — products, playbooks, enablement, partnership strategy, — growing it from $18M to $300M+. The secret: systems and communications that scale, not heroics that don't.
04
Make digital transformations launch faster and be more effective
At Intel I rebuilt how 25,000+ global partners understood, navigated, and activated Intel's partner program — driving 200% pipeline growth. Complex ecosystems and AI transformations require smarter product thinking and agile instincts. I have both.
Proof of work
Contract
2026
Developing AI solutions to change the future of business

I currently help digital and ad agencies develop AI solutions and sales pitches to win clients. And I advise AI startups on venture strategy.

2 Clients pitched
1 Analytics solution won
3 Startups advised
Intel
2021 – 2025
Led AI Transformation, turning a 25,000-partner digital ecosystem into a leads machine

Recruited to reimagine how Intel's global partner network — distributors, SIs, ISVs, OEMs — experienced, and activated Intel partner program. Rebuilt the platform architecture, redefined the user journey, led AI transformations, and oversaw Publicis Sapient and VMLY&R engagement. Built co-sell experiences with Google, AWS, and Lenovo. Gained AI product management certificaion.

200% Partner pipeline growth
25% YoY organic traffic growth
25,000+ Partners in ecosystem
4 AI Transformations
iHeartMedia
2015 – 2021
Built a $300M marketing sales engine from a five-person startup team

Recruited to lead digital product strategy for a brand-new division inside one of the world's largest media companies. Built the GTM systems, the digital product portfolio, the partner enablement infrastructure — then scaled it across 10+ regional teams nationwide. Promoted to SVP of Strategy and Innovation.

$300M+ Revenue built in 6 years
35–40 Large contracts won / year
$50M+ Largest single contract
10+ Regional teams scaled
Healthstar
2014
Directed UX to save billions in fraud for health insurers

Recruited to bring UX innovation and design to venture backed electronic verification platform and app for in-home healthcare workers. Directed HIPAA-compliant UX. Coordinated client, business, design, and development teams to improve usability to reduce fraud risk.

Opportunity recognition — my founder track record

Startup and product development gave me and advantage in all aspects of developing digital solutions. The ability to see opportunities early and chart a path to a working product quickly — is why iHeartMedia, Intel, and Healthstar recruited me.

2009 – 2012
Grokflok
One of the earliest micro-video sharing platforms. Defined short-form video UX mechanics years before the format went mainstream.
→ Vine launched 2013 · TikTok 2016
2008 – 2009
MiniMe
Rich messaging platform with stickers, images, and interactive media — years before iMessage and WhatsApp adopted these features.
→ iMessage stickers launched 2016
2010
Neighborstrong
Hyperlocal social network with SMS alerts. Validated the concept, read the market signals, and shut down before burning resources.
→ Nextdoor launched 2011
Who should reach out

You should call me if...

  • You want faster AI or digital transformations to scale business
  • Your GTM motion is held together with duct tape and the CEO is still closing too many deals personally
  • You're a early venture and need someone who can support product, partner/sales and the digital experience to scale.
  • You need a leader who can sit in a room with engineers, designers, agency partners, and the board — and be fluent with all of them
  • You have product-market fit but the digital infrastructure and scale processes haven't caught up
  • You want someone who sees around corners and over silos, and has the receipts to prove it
  • You're open to a fractional or advisory engagement with the option to go full-time if it's right for both sides
Recognitions and Awards
3× Emmy Award — TV/Media
3× Addy Award — Advertising
1× Telly Award — Marcom
1× Horizon Award — Interactive Media
AI Product Development — Intel 2024

If any of this resonates, let's chat.

916.532.6867 zaqaryw@gmail.com linkedin.com/in/zaqaryw