Wade Foster, Co-Founder and CEO of Zapier, explores what real, lasting influence looks like in a world driven by algorithms, automation, and AI. From his early days growing up in Jefferson City, Missouri, to building one of the most influential workflow automation platforms in the world, Wade reflects on how influence is created not through visibility alone, but through action that meaningfully changes how people work and live. At the heart of Zapier’s success is a simple but powerful idea: helping people connect systems, eliminate friction, and unlock potential that already exists.

Throughout the conversation, Wade shares candid lessons on entrepreneurship, leadership, and trust—from why “default to action” matters more than over-planning, to how leaders can responsibly use AI without eroding authenticity. He explains how Zapier learns from its customers, builds influence internally before externally, and uses transparency to scale a remote-first culture. Ultimately, Wade redefines influence as something far more enduring than attention: the ability to shape behavior, empower others, and build systems that help people show up differently long after the moment has passed.

Takeaways:

• Redefine Influence as Behavior Change: Real influence isn’t about likes or visibility—it’s about changing how people act, work, or think long after the interaction is over.
• Default to Action, Not Perfection: Learning happens fastest through doing. Act, observe the results, and iterate—momentum beats waiting until everything feels “ready.”
• Build Influence From the Inside Out: You can’t create advocates externally without first empowering and aligning your internal team. Culture is your first audience.
• Use Technology to Create Connection, Not Distance: Automation and AI should free people to focus on higher-value work and relationships—not replace human judgment or responsibility.
• Delegate the Work, Not the Responsibility: AI can execute tasks, but leaders must remain accountable for the outcomes. Trust is built when humans stay in the loop.
• Create Space for Learning to Overcome Apathy: Workshops, shared problem-solving, and community learning moments help people break out of the status quo and adopt new tools.
• Tell Stories, Not Just Strategies: Data informs, but stories inspire. Leaders who can translate complex ideas into relatable narratives are far more likely to mobilize others.

Quote of the Show:

• “Default to action. You learn more by doing than by planning.”

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wadefoster/ 
• Website: https://zapier.com/