Innovator-at-large
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About ME
I have a black belt in making things awesome.
In all seriousness, being founder developing pioneering tech (0-1) has taught me how to “game-change” systems, solutions and processes with startup velocity and efficiency. Combining UX/ UI and systems IQ with vibrant creativity and problem solving, I bring a builder’s mindset to modernize marketing and partner environments, web/digital operations, and sales orgs.
I’ve spent decades in client facing, sometimes forward deployed, roles translating complex business challenges into scalable solutions.
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
Recruited to expand client strategy, biz dev, digital products and sales enablement for a startup division within one of the world's largest media companies. Worked alongside founder and agency teams to develop custom technology, digital, and experiential strategies — translating a complex campaigns and RFPs into fast-growing product portfolio and winning proposals. Promoted to SVP of Strategy and Innovation.
Accomplishments:
Developed custom tech, digital, and experiential strategies alongside agency teams, producing RFPs and proposals that scaled large-contract wins from 6–8 to 35–40 per year — with individual contracts ranging $5M–$50M+
Grew division revenue from $18M to $300M+ in six years by engineering repeatable client strategy systems, biz dev frameworks, and GTM playbooks across a national organization
Built and scaled biz dev enablement infrastructure from one team to 10+ regional teams nationwide — developing tools, training, and storytelling systems that drove consistent revenue performance
Translated new product acquisitions and martech capabilities into compelling client narratives, demonstrating ability to bridge complex technology and client-facing strategy simultaneously.
Positions Held:
SVP of Strategy and Innovation | 2019-2021
VP of Strategy and Innovation | 2017-2019
Director of Innovation & Enablement | 2014-2017
Director of Integrated Marketing | 2012-2014 | Sacramento
Founder & Product Designer | 2005-2011 | Worldwide
Founder track record of creating solutions based on market signals: micro-video (2009, preceding Vine and TikTok), rich messaging (2008), and hyperlocal social (2010) — foundational skills that led to my recruitment by enterprise organizations.
Grokflok.com (2009–2012): One of the earliest micro-video sharing platforms, years ahead of Vine and TikTok. Incubated at Cal State Sacramento's Venture Incubator; secured strategic partnership with iHeartMedia — leading directly to enterprise recruitment.
MiniMe (2008–2009): Pioneering rich-messaging platform integrating stickers, images, and interactive media — anticipating features now standard in iMessage, WhatsApp, and Messenger.
Spreetail (2011–2012): SMS/email-based mobile loyalty platform for franchise businesses. Built working prototype and executed live beta with Beach Hut Deli.
Neighborstrong.com (2010): Hyperlocal social network. Validated, then shut down as Facebook Groups scaled and lack of user interest.
YoDida! (2009–2010): Photo-centric social platform; grew to 1,000 organic beta users. Preceded Instagram-era photo-sharing behavior.
2007 Moberazzi (Early Forum and Comment Intelligence) Think a mix of what became Reddit and Quora but featuring comment intelligence to up-level valuable information and insights in comments.
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.
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.
Case Studies
Hand picked examples of my juiciest work.