46: From Military Intelligence to AI Innovator (with Zak Wiatr)

AI Product Leader

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THE GUEST

Zak Wiatr is a product leader at the intersection of fintech, higher education, and emerging technology, with a career spanning Air Force intelligence operations to scaling payments infrastructure for a $50 billion-plus education ecosystem. Currently leading product at Transact Campus, Zak helps universities modernize and simplify the student payment experience, while also driving digital solutions for government clients and delivering millions in cost savings through strategic data and client experience initiatives. A former Air Force officer and architecture graduate turned product strategist, he brings a unique blend of systems thinking, precision execution, and human-centered innovation to every challenge. Passionate about shaping technology that serves real people, Zak joins us today to share his journey from military intelligence to AI-driven product leadership.

THE SUMMARY

From Air Force Intel to Product Leadership — Zak’s journey from military intelligence to product management shows how skills in risk analysis, systems thinking, and competitive intelligence translate directly into building and scaling software products.

AI in Higher Education — At Transact Campus, Zak is driving AI adoption in student payments and university operations. His team’s approach: start with the question “what work do you not want to do?”—focusing on removing friction rather than chasing hype.

Building Without a Coding Background — Despite not being an engineer, Zak built working AI apps with tools like Replit, Magic Patterns, and Claude. His bold take: real estate agents may not exist in 15 years because AI can automate core steps in home buying and selling.

AI-First Household — As a father, Zak applies AI not just at work but in parenting—using tools like NotebookLM for research hacks and AI-powered storybooks for kids. His stance: parents must teach AI safety alongside internet and social safety.

Empowering Others with AI — Zak even coached an Uber driver who wanted to launch a farm-to-table delivery startup, showing them how to use ChatGPT and Replit to spin up a business plan and prototype without coding skills.

Advice to Beginners — Fear and FOMO pushed Zak into AI, but his message is clear: it’s easier than most people think, and anyone—even a 93-year-old—can build apps with today’s tools.

THE SHOW

Weekly conversations with the AI’s top product leaders. Join Polly Allen as she discovers the paths to success in the world of AI.

THE LINKS

Have a question you want us to answer? Send it through to [email protected]

Zak Wiatr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zakwiatr

My links

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/pollymallen/⁠

AI Career Boost: ⁠https://www.aicareerboost.com/⁠