Tech Pathways: Stories Behind the Screens

Joe Hollier: CEO of The Light Phone – Digital Wellness, Skateboarding, Art School, & Rethinking Tech

ZETA — Thu, 07 May 2026 00:55:04 GMT

Joe Hollier is an artist, designer, and entrepreneur whose work sits at the intersection of technology, creativity, and digital wellness — all driven by a belief that the best technology should help people live more intentionally, not consume more of their attention.

Thank you for listening — for more information about ZETA, visit https://www.connectZETA.org

Today we’re joined by Joe Hollier — co-founder of Light, the company behind the Light Phone, a device designed to offer an alternative to today’s always-connected smartphone culture.

From growing up between suburban New Jersey and the rural South to immersing himself in skateboarding, art, and design culture, Joe’s journey has always been shaped by curiosity, creativity, and questioning the status quo.

After studying design at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, Joe worked across film, animation, fine art, and freelance creative work before joining Google’s experimental incubator program, 30 Weeks. There, he gained firsthand insight into how modern apps and platforms are designed to maximize attention and retention — an experience that ultimately became the foundation for the Light Phone.

What started as an artistic and philosophical challenge to smartphone culture has since grown into a movement within the digital wellness space, with over 100,000 Light Phones helping people rethink their relationship with technology.

In this episode, Joe shares how skateboarding shaped his creative mindset, how art school expanded his worldview, why he became skeptical of “attention economy” tech, and what it means to design products that give people their time back.

📲 Connect With Joe / Light:
🌐 Light: https://www.thelightphone.com/
👔 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joehollier/

Find ZETA:
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📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@connectZETA
👔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ConnectZETA/

🕓 Timestamps
0:00 🚀 Sneak Peek
0:28 🎧 Music Intro
0:35 👋 Meet Joe Hollier
4:50 🌎 Growing Up Between NYC & The Rural South
14:17 🛹 Skateboarding, Creativity & Early Entrepreneurship
23:13 🎨 Art School in NYC & Expanding His Worldview
33:24 🎥 Early Creative Work & Freelancing
37:25 📱 Google’s Incubator & Rethinking Tech Culture
43:14 💡 The Origins of the Light Phone
59:47 ⏭️ The Future of The Light Phone
1:05:30 🌱 Digital Wellness & Healthy Relationships with Technology
1:17:36 🔚 Outro

Robbie Douek: CEO of BLAST – Google, Disney, Gaming, Building the Future of Entertainment

ZETA — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 21:35:54 GMT

Robbie Douek is a global entertainment executive and CEO whose career spans Google, Disney, and the rapidly growing world of esports — all driven by a belief in building where the future is unfolding.

Thank you for listening — for more information about ZETA, visit https://www.connectZETA.org

Today we’re joined by Robbie Douek — CEO of BLAST, a global competitive entertainment company shaping the future of gaming, esports, and live digital experiences.

From a multicultural upbringing to leading teams across continents, Robbie’s journey is defined by curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to take bold leaps into emerging industries. His career has taken him from early work in mobile technology to Google through the AdMob acquisition, into the creator economy at Maker Studios and Disney, and now to the forefront of esports.

At BLAST, Robbie leads a global organization delivering world-class competitive gaming experiences across titles like Fortnite, Counter-Strike 2, and Rocket League—working with major publishers and building fan-first moments for a new generation of digital audiences.
In this episode, Robbie shares how early life experiences shaped his leadership, what it means to “go where things are changing,” and how he’s helping redefine entertainment in the age of Gen Z.

📲 Connect With Robbie / BLAST:
🌐 BLAST: https://blast.tv
👔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbiedouek/

Find ZETA:
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📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@connectZETA
👔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ConnectZETA/

🕓 Timestamps
0:00 🚀 Sneak Peek
0:27 🎧 Intro
0:34 👋 Meet Robbie Douek
2:18 🌍 Multicultural Upbringing & Global Mindset
8:22 🧠 Loss, Resilience & Early Motivation
12:54 🎓 From French & Politics → Tech Career
15:52 🔮 Spotting Trends, Taking Risks & Big Opportunities
21:50 🏢 Google & Disney (Big Tech Experience)
26:55 🎮 Pivot to Esports & Gaming Industry
30:01 🚀 Building a Global Esports Company (BLAST)
33:35 🌐 The Future of Esports & Entertainment
36:08 👨‍👧‍👦 Parenting, Gen Z & Digital Culture
44:10 💬 Advice for Gen Z & Future Entrepreneurs
46:52 🔚 Outro

Parker Tracey: Leadership Coach & Policy Leader – Capitol Hill, Breaking Into Tech, Career Pivots

ZETA — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 20:33:44 GMT

Parker Tracey is a leadership coach, policy professional, and former tech operator whose career spans Capitol Hill, the energy sector, and the startup world — all centered on helping people navigate transitions, advocate for themselves, and unlock new opportunities.

Parker's Career Development Resource Kit: https://parker-tracey-coaching.kit.com/zeta

Thank you for listening — for more information about ZETA, visit https://www.connectZETA.org

Today we’re joined by Parker Tracey — an executive leadership coach, strategist, and former Capitol Hill staffer who has spent nearly two decades working across Congress, energy policy, and tech.

From her roots in suburban Detroit to working on Capitol Hill and later breaking into tech with zero industry connections, Parker’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and self-advocacy. Along the way, she’s worked across public service and industry, gaining firsthand experience in how policy, business, and leadership intersect in the real world.
Today, Parker works as a Professional Certified Coach, supporting high performers, from policymakers to athletes, through career transitions, leadership challenges, and moments of uncertainty.

In this episode, Parker shares how her early experiences shaped her perspective on access and opportunity, what it took to navigate bias and financial hardship in competitive environments, and how she ultimately built a career on her own terms.

🔔 Don’t forget to:
Subscribe for more conversations with leaders across tech and policy

📲 Connect With Parker:
👔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parkertracey/

Find ZETA:
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🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@connectzeta
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📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@connectZETA
👔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ConnectZETA/

🕓 Timestamps
0:00 🚀 Sneak Peek
0:24 🎧 Intro
0:30 👋 Meet Parker Tracey
3:58 🌆 Detroit Roots & Early Ambitions
15:58 🏥 Growing Up Without Healthcare Access
21:32 🏛️ From Working Class to Capitol Hill
28:52 🏈 D1 Athlete Journey & Career Pivot
40:54 🧭 From Policy to Leadership Coaching
47:13 🤝 Male Loneliness & Building Community
55:28 ⚖️ Facing Bias & Leading Through It
1:06:29 ⚡ Energy, Tech & Policy Work
1:14:23 🗣️ Leading When You’re Told You Don’t Belong
1:25:28 🌱 Coaching the Next Generation
1:38:35 🎬 Outro

April Watkins: Marketing Strategist & Founder – Google, YouTube, Web3, Brand Partnerships, $1M Deals

ZETA — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:26:21 GMT

April Watkins is a partnerships builder, entrepreneur, and marketing strategist whose career spans startups, Big Tech, and Web3 — all centered on helping brands grow, connect, and tell their story with impact.

Thank you for listening — for more information about ZETA, visit https://www.connectZETA.org
Today we’re joined by April Watkins — founder of SocialSway LLC and a trusted advisor to leading Web3 organizations, where she helps companies navigate growth, partnerships, and brand strategy.

Often called “the brand whisperer,” April has worked with global brands like Coinbase, Walmart, Dropbox, and Uber — building campaigns, closing $1M+ deals, and redefining what it means to drive partnerships at scale.

From her roots in a close-knit Boston family to her journey through the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Google, and YouTube, April’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and embracing non-linear paths in tech. Along the way, she’s also launched her own product, BookedBag, and continues to build at the intersection of marketing, entrepreneurship, and emerging technology.
In this episode, April shares how her upbringing, early career pivots, and experiences in high-growth environments shaped her approach to leadership — and how she’s building her own lane in the evolving world of tech and Web3.

We also explore:
🌎 How April’s Boston upbringing and family shaped her mindset
📚 Finding confidence through sports, books, and early curiosity
🔄 Pivoting from finance to marketing — and embracing change early
💼 Closing $1M+ deals and redefining account management in Atlanta
🚀 Lessons from Google & YouTube working with global brands and creators
📦 Launching BookedBag and balancing entrepreneurship with a full-time career
🤝 Becoming the “brand whisperer” and building trust with organizations
🌐 Transitioning into Web3 and founding SocialSway
💬 April’s advice for Gen Z navigating pivots and building careers in tech

Connect With April:
👔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilswatkins/

Find ZETA:
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🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@connectzeta
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/ZETA/61562518743584/
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@connectZETA
👔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ConnectZETA/

🕓 Timestamps
0:00 🚀 Sneak Peek
0:31 🎧 Music Intro
0:37 👋 Meet April Watkins
2:53 🌆 Boston Roots & Family Influence
5:01 📚 Books, Sports & Navigating Sibling Relationships
11:52 🔄 Pivoting from Finance to Marketing
21:23 💼 Working Through College
32:41 💼 Atlanta Journey & First $1M+ Deal
45:15 📦 Building BookedBag (Entrepreneurship Begins)
51:24 🚀 Google & YouTube Experience
1:01:44 🤝 Working with Brands & Creators at Scale
1:08:18 🌐 Entering Web3 & Founding SocialSway
1:15:57 💬 Advice for Gen Z in Tech
1:19:03 🔚 Outro

Kenley Joseph: Tech & Telecom Policy Leader – Haitian Roots, Big Law, AI & Digital Access

ZETA — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 21:33:48 GMT

Kenley Joseph is a telecommunications and media attorney whose career bridges Big Law, public service, and nonprofit advocacy — all in the name of building a more equitable digital future.

Thank you for listening — for more information about ZETA, visit https://www.connectZETA.org

Today we’re joined by Kenley Joseph — Tech and Telecom Policy Counsel at the Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council (MMTC), where he works to advance fair and inclusive access to broadband, spectrum, and emerging technologies.
From his roots in South Florida as the son of Haitian immigrants to his work advising Fortune 500 clients and shaping national tech policy, Kenley’s journey is one of perseverance, adaptability, and purpose. Along the way, he’s led high-impact pro bono cases, mentored future policy leaders, and brought a human-centered perspective to some of today’s most pressing digital equity challenges.
In this episode, Kenley shares how his upbringing, education in psychology and philosophy, and legal career informed his approach to advocacy — and why expanding digital access is critical in the age of AI.

We also explore:
🌎 How Kenley’s family history shaped his ambition and values
⚖️ Lessons from Big Law and his decision to pivot into nonprofit policy work
📡 The urgent stakes of broadband access and digital inclusion
🤖 AI policy and the importance of diverse voices in shaping the future
🏛️ What it’s really like to work with policymakers at the state and federal level
💬 Kenley’s advice for Gen Z changemakers in tech policy

Connect With Kenley:
👔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenley-joseph-56a923b5/
📝 MMTC: https://www.mmtconline.org/

Find ZETA:
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🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@connectzeta
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/ZETA/61562518743584/
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@connectZETA
👔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ConnectZETA/

🕓 Timestamps
0:00 🚀 Sneak Peek
0:31 🎧 Music Intro
0:37 👋 Meet Kenley Joseph
3:34 🌍 Haitian Roots & Immigrant Story
9:58 🔎 Childhood Curiosity → Law Path
14:10 ⚖️ Hobbies that Balance Legal Work
16:13 🧠 Psych & Philosophy → Problem-Solving in Law
21:43 🎓 Law School at Howard (DC Life)
26:37 💼 Legal Advocacy at Willkie Farr & Gallagher
31:48 📡 Broadband, AI & Digital Inclusion w/ MMTC
37:59 🤖 Gen Z & The Future of AI
42:13 🏛️ Working with Congress & FCC (Advocacy Tips)
45:41 🤝 Building Coalitions in Shifting Politics
56:30 📱 Kenley’s Favorite Tech Tool
57:56 🔚 Outro

Pher Ellis: Artist & Experience Designer - Texas Roots, The Whoa Studio, Music as Storytelling

ZETA — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 21:29:29 GMT

Pher Ellis—known to many as Pher the Legend—is an event production expert, multidisciplinary artist, and creative futurist helping redefine what it means to blend technology with personal expression.

Thank you for listening — for more information about ZETA, visit https://www.connectZETA.org

Today we’re joined by Pher Ellis — a boundary-pushing creative based in the Bay Area whose journey has taken him from jazz-filled roots in Texas to his current role as an Event Manager at Stanford’s d.School. Known for his ability to merge artistic storytelling with immersive event design, Pher is showing a new generation that professional growth doesn’t have to come at the expense of creative authenticity.

In this episode, Pher shares how music, migration, and the pandemic shaped his approach to creative production and futurism. We also dive into his work with The Whoa Studio, insights from Stanford, and advice for Gen Z professionals hoping to align purpose with passion.

We also explore:
🎷 How jazz, blues, and gospel shaped his early storytelling
💡 What moving from Texas to the Bay unlocked creatively
🎨 The power of merging tech-forward thinking with art and music
🧪 How the pandemic led to co-founding The Whoa Studio
🧭 Lessons in risk-taking, innovation, and building creative ecosystems
🎓 What he’s learning from Gen Z changemakers at Stanford’s d.School
🔥 Advice for young professionals blending creativity with career

🎧 Spoiler: You don’t have to separate the “artistic you” from the “professional you.”

Connect With Pher:
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pher_thelegend
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pher_thelegend
🌐 Website/Portfolio: https://pherthelegend.com/

Find ZETA:
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🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@connectzeta
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/ZETA/61562518743584/
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@connectZETA
👔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ConnectZETA/

🕓Timestamps
0:00 🚀 Sneak Peek
0:29 🎧 Music Intro
0:35 👋 Meet Pher
1:47 🫱 How Pher Met Jose
3:11 🧢 The Story Behind the Name "Pher the Legend"
4:17 🎼 Musical Roots — Family, Church & Finding His Sound
11:46 🪄 Music as Storytelling
17:07 🎙️ Why Music Speaks Louder Than Words
23:44 🤖 AI in the Music Industry
31:09 🌉 Moving to the Bay — How It Changed Pher’s Creative Life
36:55 🎭 Fusing Events & Art
43:29 🛠️ Building The Whoa Studio During the Pandemic
53:53 🧑‍🎓 Gen Z + Creativity
1:02:13 🌱 Advice for Young Creators
1:08:13 🆕 What’s Next for Pher
1:11:07 ⚙️ Favorite Tech Tool
1:12:38 👋 Outro

Nick Plante: Gen Z Tech Organizer – Social Media, Attention Activism, Digital Rights, and Unplugging

ZETA — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 21:26:41 GMT

Nick Plante is a digital wellness advocate, Gen Z organizer, and leader in the fight for young people's rights in the digital age.

Thank you for listening — for more information about ZETA, visit https://www.connectZETA.org

Today we’re joined by Nick Plante — Organizing Director at Design It For Us, a coalition dedicated to advocating for responsible tech that protects the rights of young people in the digital space.

Nick’s journey began with a deep reflection on his personal relationship with tech, especially social media, which led him to study behavior change at Penn. From founding responsible tech startups to consulting for tech ethics organizations, Nick’s mission is to ensure technology serves society and respects our mental health and well-being.

In this episode, Nick shares his journey from researching social media use to organizing for tech accountability, as well as his work with the Strother School of Attention, where he experiments with methods of collective action aimed at protecting attention and promoting digital wellness.

We also explore:
💡 Nick's experience running behavioral studies on social media and tech use
🔧 How his startup experience shaped his understanding of tech's impact
🗳️ Why collective action and Gen Z leadership are essential in tech advocacy
🌍 The importance of designing tech with empathy, ethics, and responsibility

🎧 Spoiler: Sometimes the most radical action you can take is to unplug.

Connect With Nick:
🔗Design It For Us: https://designitforus.org/
👔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicklplante/
📸Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designitforus
📝Substack: https://substack.com/@nicktheplant

Find ZETA:
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🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@connectzeta
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/ZETA/61562518743584/
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@connectZETA
👔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ConnectZETA/

🕓Timestamps
0:00 🚀 Sneak Peek
0:29 🎧 Music Intro
0:35 🧠 Meet Nicholas Plante
3:03 📱 Gen Z, Doomscrolling & The Digital Spiral
8:34 💔 Losing His Dad & Breaking Free from Phone Addiction
18:00 📚 Studying Tech & Gen Z at Penn
25:37 🦠 Research on Disconnection While Under COVID Lockdown
29:36 💡 Turning Research into Startups for Real-Life Connection
37:24 ✊ Fighting for Humane Tech with Design It For Us
48:14 👁️ Mindful Attention with The School of Radical Attention
55:31 🔮 Gen Z’s Role in Shaping the Future of Tech
1:08:55 🌲 Nick’s Favorite Way to Unplug
1:11:31 👋 Outro

Tanya Keskar: Nonprofit Founder – Joyful Leadership, Youth Power, Building Realize to Act

ZETA — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 21:20:47 GMT

Tanya Keskar is a youth funder, nonprofit founder, and Gen Z organizer proving that joy, strategy, and radical care are power moves.

Thank you for listening — for more information about ZETA, visit https://www.connectZETA.org
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Today we’re joined by Tanya Keskar — a student, founder, and full-time change-maker whose story is anything but ordinary. At just 12 years old, Tanya founded Realize to Act, a nonprofit that started with balloon animals and backpacks — and has grown into a powerful youth-led movement driving equity in education

Since launching Realize to Act, Tanya has empowered thousands of students to step into leadership, launched new programs that blend grassroots action with tech advocacy, and built partnerships that reflect the heart of her mission: when young people feel valued, they lead boldly.

In this episode, Tanya opens up about what it’s really like to lead from a young age, how joy became a core leadership strategy, and why Gen Z’s approach to power, care, and collaboration is reshaping the way movements get built.

We dive into grassroots vs. government work, the surprising lessons of mentorship, and the moments that tested her leadership the most. Whether you’re building something big or just beginning, Tanya’s story is a masterclass in starting where you are and staying rooted in your why..

🎧 Spoiler: Balloon animals can spark movements.

Connect with Tanya:
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanya-keskar/

Realize to Act:
Website: http://www.realizetoact.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realizetoact
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realizetoact
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/realizetoact/
_____________________
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👔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ConnectZETA/

Lisa Francoeur: Web3 Leader & Futurist – Crypto Innovation, Mindset Shifts, Disrupting Tech Access

ZETA — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 21:19:16 GMT

Lisa Francoeur is a web3 trailblazer, mindset engineer, and poetic technologist proving that revolution can start with a mindset—and scale with the blockchain.

Thank you for listening—for more information about ZETA, visit https://www.connectZETA.org
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Today we’re joined by Lisa Francoeur, a Haitian-American technologist ranked among the Top 50 Most Influential People in Crypto. Known as the “Oprah of Tech,” Lisa is reshaping what leadership looks like in web3, AI, and beyond—bringing authenticity, artistry, and access to the forefront of the future.

Lisa co-founded Crypto Tutors, a National Science Foundation-award-winning edtech company making blockchain education accessible. She’s also the founder of Fancyfied, a mindset engineering lab empowering teams at companies like Meta, Salesforce, and Microsoft through her signature “Authentic Intelligence™” framework.

In this episode, Lisa shares how her entrepreneurial journey spans from LinkedIn to launching a 7-figure startup with no external funding, why mindset is the real unlock in tech, and how Gen Z can shape the next internet on their own terms. If you’ve ever felt like your background isn’t “tech enough,” Lisa’s story will change your mind—and your mindset.

Connect With Lisa:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisafrancoeur
Crypto Tutors: https://www.cryptotutors.com
Fancyfied: https://www.fancyfied.com
_____________________
Find ZETA:
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🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@connectzeta
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/ZETA/61562518743584/
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@connectZETA
👔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ConnectZETA/
_____________________
Timestamps:
0:00 🚀 Sneak Peek!
0:34 🎶 Music Intro
0:39 🌟 Meet Lisa Francoeur
7:31 🇭🇹 Lisa’s Haitian Roots & Their Impact
20:00 📸 From Child Model to Confident Leader
29:22 💡 Why Lisa Co-Founded Crypto Tutors
37:14 🚀 Opportunities in Emerging Tech
39:23 🧠 Gen-Z: Digital Natives & the Crypto Shift
46:21 🔍 Data, Blockchain & Crypto—Explained
51:49 🤖 What’s Next: Blockchain + Robotics?
1:02:14 🦈 Crypto Tutors x Shark Tank & Industry Doubts
1:13:09 🌍 G20, Viola Davis & Crypto Scams
1:15:41 🧘‍♀️ Mindsets, Mantras & Building a Brighter Future
1:29:04 ⚙️ Lisa’s Favorite Tech Tool
1:31:59 🎤 Outro

Margaret Wang: Climate Educator & Nonprofit Leader – Teaching, Global Impact, Building Tech for Good

ZETA — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 21:11:52 GMT

Margaret Wang-Aghania is a climate educator, entrepreneur, and nonprofit leader proving that you can build tech for good—without chasing the spotlight.

Thank you for listening—for more information about ZETA, visit https://www.connectZETA.org
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Today we’re joined by Margaret Wang-Aghania, whose work sits at the intersection of climate action, education, and tech-enabled systems change. She’s the co-founder of SubjectToClimate, a B-corp founder, a curriculum innovator, and somehow also an Ironman athlete.

In this episode, we dive into Margaret’s lifelong love of teaching, her global work empowering youth in Africa through Novustack, and the bold decision to build a tech-forward climate education platform from scratch. She shares what it takes to scale a mission-driven org, why Gen Z’s creativity is essential to tackling climate, and how endurance sports fuel her approach to leadership.

Whether you’re a young person wondering how to start a purpose-driven career—or a seasoned professional looking to pivot—Margaret’s story offers hard-earned wisdom, honesty, and inspiration.

Connect With Margaret:
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-kathy-wang/
_____________________
Find ZETA:
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🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@connectzeta
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/ZETA/61562518743584/
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@connectZETA
👔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ConnectZETA/
_____________________
Timestamps:
0:00 🚀 Sneak Peek!
0:22 🎶 Music Intro!
0:28 🌟 Meet Margaret Wang-Aghania
4:00 📚 Why Margaret Chose to Work in Education
7:09 🍎 First Days Teaching — Stepping Into the Classroom
13:24 💡 From Teacher to Trailblazer: Starting Her Entrepreneurial Journey
19:29 🌍 Founding a B-Corp & Taking Education Global
25:45 🧠 The Birth of SubjectToClimate: From Idea to Action
30:10 ⚡ Secrets Behind SubjectToClimate’s Rapid Growth
37:37 🏛️ Scaling Impact: Building a Statewide Education Hub
44:01 🏅 How Being an Athlete Shaped Margaret’s Leadership & Drive
50:47 👩‍💼 Life as a Business & Nonprofit Leader
53:08 💬 Advice for Aspiring Changemakers & Entrepreneurs
56:19 🔮 What’s Next for Margaret & SubjectToClimate
1:00:41 🔁 Staying Motivated Through Change & Uncertainty
1:04:25 🛠️ Margaret’s Go-To Tech Tool
1:05:44 👋 Outro

Kyla Kasharian: Philanthropy & Tech Policy Leader – Model UN, Global Leadership, Breaking Into Tech

ZETA — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 21:05:45 GMT

Kyla Kasharian is a philanthropic strategist and tech policy advocate proving that you don’t need a tech degree to shape the future of innovation.

Thank you for listening—for more information about ZETA, visit https://www.connectZETA.org
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Today we’re joined by Kyla Kasharian, whose path into tech didn’t start with coding—it started with Model UN debates, international travel, and a passion for people-powered change.

Now leading initiatives at Siegel Family Endowment, Kyla is working to ensure that philanthropy fuels innovation that serves society—not just the market. Her journey is a powerful reminder that some of the most influential voices in tech come from outside traditional pipelines.

In this episode, we dive into her pivot from diplomacy to tech philanthropy, what it means to shift power (not just resources), and why Gen Z’s leadership is crucial for the future of tech. Kyla also shares advice for anyone on an “unconventional” career path—especially those who feel like they don’t belong in the tech world. Spoiler: You do.

Connect With Kyla:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylakasharian/
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Find ZETA:
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📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@connectZETA
👔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ConnectZETA/
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Timestamps:
0:00 🚀 Sneak Peek!
0:24 🎶 Music Intro!
0:30 🌟 Meet Kyla Kasharian
2:20 👑 How Being the Oldest Sibling Shapes Leadership
7:24 🌍 Traveling to 20 Countries Before 18: A Global Shift in Perspective
11:46 ⚽ Soccer + Strategy: Leadership Lessons from the Field
16:17 🏃‍♂️ How Running Taught Jose Discipline, Clarity & Accountability
18:06 🌐 Model UN: Behind the Scenes
22:21 🎬 Jose’s Love for Madam Secretary – The Perfect Show!
23:36 🌏 From Foreign Relations to Philanthropy + Tech
30:40 💡 Philanthropy as a Power Move: Changing the Game
36:40 💻 Navigating Tech Without a Tech Background: A Real Talk
41:33 🌱 Philanthropy's Vital Role in Shaping Tech’s Future
46:12 🚜 Policies in Rural Spaces + Jose’s Youthful Leadership as a Trustee
53:18 🔥 Gen Z’s Power to Reshape Philanthropy & Tech
57:23 💰 If You Had $100 Million, What Tech Issue Would Kyla Tackle?
1:01:35 💡 Advice for Breaking Into Tech Without a Tech Background
1:05:45 🛠️ Kyla’s Favorite Tech Tool (Hint: It's a Game-Changer!)
1:07:52 ✌️ The Outro: Until Next Time!

Jay Flores: American Ninja Warrior, STEM Education, Engineering, Entrepreneurship

ZETA — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 21:02:28 GMT

Jay Flores is a mechanical engineer, entrepreneur, and STEM advocate redefining what it means to make science exciting.

Thank you for listening—for more information about ZETA, visit https://www.connectZETA.org
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Today we’re joined by Jay Flores, whose career takes STEM education to a whole new level—literally. As a mechanical engineer turned TV personality, entrepreneur, and real-life American Ninja Warrior, Jay blends science, storytelling, and physical challenge in a way that’s made learning magnetic for the next generation.

From being the first engineer in his family to founding Invent The Change, Jay has spent his career breaking down barriers in STEM education. We talk about his early inspirations, how athletics shaped his leadership style, and how his time with the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers built the foundation for his mission today.

We’ll also dive into his journey from the engineering world to national TV—through shows like Make48, Mystery Science, and American Ninja Warrior—and explore how he uses these platforms to inspire curiosity, creativity, and perseverance. Plus, we talk about his goals for the future of STEM, his advice for Gen-Z innovators, and how he stays motivated while juggling media, advocacy, and entrepreneurship.

Connect With Jay:
Website: https://www.jayfloresinspires.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JayFloresInspires
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayfloresinspires
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jayfloresinspires
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaydflores/
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Find ZETA:
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connectzeta
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@connectzeta
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/ZETA/61562518743584/
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@connectZETA
👔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ConnectZETA/
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Timestamps:
0:00 🚀 Sneak Peek
0:28 🎶 Intro Beat
0:34 👋 Welcome to Tech Pathways!
1:09 🙌 Meet Jay Flores
3:16 🔍 Curiosity in STEM + Leading with Purpose
13:05 🛠 First Engineer in the Family
17:58 🏃‍♂️ Athletics + Leadership
28:20 🧒 Teaching STEM to Kids
39:02 🧗 Inside American Ninja Warrior!
46:58 📺 Hosting PBS’s Make48
51:29 💥 Top Moments: Ninja Warrior + Make48
1:03:54 💡 Innovation Starts with Childhood Stories
1:17:06 🌍 Legacy & Impact – Jay’s Vision for Change
1:29:24 🔮 Where Jay Sees Himself in 5 Years
1:34:20 🧠 Message to Policymakers
1:37:16 ⚙️ Jay’s Favorite Tech Tool & Org
1:40:08 👋 Outro – Thanks for Tuning In!

Cecilia Marrinan: Activist & Tech Policy Researcher - Organizing, Life in a Small Town, Data Privacy

ZETA — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 20:58:45 GMT

Cecilia Marrinan is an activist, tech policy researcher, and Gen Z leader.

Thank you for listening, for more information about ZETA visit www.connectZETA.org.
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Today we'll be joined by Cecilia Marrinan whose journey seamlessly weaves together grassroots activism, technology policy, and leadership. From organizing a Black Lives Matter march in her small hometown that brought over 1,000 people together, to tackling the complexities of data privacy and tech regulation, she’s someone who understands how activism and innovation intersect.

Today, we’ll explore how her upbringing in both the small-town community of Skaneateles, New York, and the urban energy of Boston shaped her perspective; her work leading in moments that mattered most; and her deep dive into technology, social impact, and policy-making. We’ll also talk about what it’s like to connect with industry icons, work at institutions like the Council on Foreign Relations and the White House, and fight for meaningful change in the tech world with the Kapor Foundation.

Connect with Cecilia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecilia-marrinan/
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Find ZETA:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connectzeta
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@connectzeta
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/ZETA/61562518743584/
YouTube: @connectZETA
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Timestamps:
0:00 🚀 Sneak Peek
0:25 🎶 Intro Music
0:31 🎙️ Welcome to Tech Pathways
1:54 👋 Meet Cecilia!
2:41 🏡 Small Town Roots, Big Impact
6:08 🎻 Music, Arts & Leadership
8:46 🏃‍♀️ How Running Built Mental Resilience
11:31 ✊ Activism in a Small Town
23:38 ⚡ When Activism Meets Opposition
28:54 🔄 From Protests to Policy
32:30 🌱 The Power of Mentorship
35:35 🌍 Interning at the Council on Foreign Relations
39:04 📱 Organizing at the Intersection of Media & Tech
40:40 🏛️ Inside the White House as a Gen Z Intern
48:48 🗳️ Leading Student Movements at Brown University
52:16 🤝 Meeting Political Leaders IRL (Bernie Sanders, Katie Porter, Maxwell Frost)
55:01 💼 Working in Tech Policy + the Kapor Foundation
1:00:49 💡 Cecilia’s Go-To Tech Tool!
1:08:22 🎬 Outro + What’s Next

Alberto Vargas: Tech Policy Advocate - Family, Working in Policy, Navigating Tech

ZETA — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 20:56:51 GMT

Alberto Vargas is a tech policy advocate, policy expert, and board member of ZETA.
Thank you for listening, for more information about ZETA visit www.gen-ZETA.org.

Alberto Vargas joins Jose to talk about growing up in a working class latino family, working his way up in the tech policy field, navigating policy and tech spaces, and the lessons he learned along the way. In this conversation, we’ll dive into his hands-on experience from the Mayor's Office to the Latino Policy Institute, his work on the front lines of community engagement, and his big dreams for tech policy reform in California. Following his journey from Granada Hills to the halls of government.

Alberto's story is rooted in resilience, shaped by his parents' hard work and his dedication to uplifting his community. Whether he's drafting human rights action plans for the FIFA World Cup, championing Latino representation in tech policy, or leading initiatives to ensure inclusive games for all, Alberto is all about impact.
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Find ZETA:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connectzeta
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@connectzeta
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/ZETA/61562518743584/
YouTube: @connectZETA
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Timestamps:
0:00 🚀 Sneak Peek
0:30 👋 Meet Alberto Vargas
2:40 🌟 Growing Up in a Working-Class Immigrant Family
6:43 🎯 Taking Bold Risks in Tech Spaces
10:15 🤝 Bridging Community Organizing & Tech Policy
12:06 💡 Inspired by Immigrant Parents
22:31 🎓 From Family Sacrifices to University Dreams
36:08 ✈️ From University to Washington, D.C.
47:47 🌴 Returning to Cali & Tackling Tech Policy
56:12 🎓 Master’s Degree + LA Government Work
1:05:14 🏙️ Tech Policy’s Impact on Los Angeles
1:09:12 🔄 Reflecting on Your Journey
1:14:16 🗳️ Running for Office & Tech Leadership
1:17:46 💻 Alberto’s Go-To Tech Tool
1:20:09 🙌 Wrap-Up
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