I recently went one-on-one with Zach Burnett, CEO of RadarFirst.
Adam: First things first—how did you get here? What experiences, failures, setbacks, or challenges have been most instrumental to your growth?
Zach: I’ve always been drawn to high-growth environments and complex challenges. Early in my career, I was fortunate to work under leaders who emphasized adaptability and execution. However, it wasn’t always smooth sailing; one of the most defining moments was leading a go-to-market expansion that fell short of its targets. I had to learn, quickly and humbly, how to rebuild a strategy based not just on product potential, but on the voice of the customer and internal alignment.
That experience shaped my leadership style. Today at RadarFirst, I bring that same growth mindset, learning from every outcome, building strong teams around clear accountability, and adapting rapidly to change.
Adam: In your experience, what are the key steps to growing and scaling your business?
Zach: Growth begins with clarity on your mission, your customer, and the value you deliver. At RadarFirst, we’ve been intentional about aligning our commercial strategy with product-market fit, operational excellence, and customer success. That alignment is what fuels scalable growth.
From there, it’s all about discipline: establishing measurable goals, building repeatable processes, and empowering your teams with data and ownership. Culture also matters deeply. Scaling a business is about more than metrics; it’s about creating an environment where people can thrive and take bold risks.
Adam: What is your best advice on building, leading, and managing teams?
Zach: Start with trust. The best teams I’ve worked with were grounded in it. When people feel supported, they’re more likely to be bold and act with agency, bringing forward new ideas and challenging the status quo without hesitation.
Second, be relentlessly clear about expectations and outcomes. I’ve seen great people underperform because they didn’t know what success looked like. As leaders, it’s our job to define that and remove roadblocks.
And finally, invest in people. At RadarFirst, we emphasize learning and adaptability. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about creating an environment where your team can find the answers together and move fast.
Adam: What are the most important trends in technology that leaders should be aware of and understand?
Zach: The convergence of privacy, cybersecurity, and AI governance is creating a new frontier for technology leaders. At RadarFirst, we see firsthand how organizations are grappling with evolving global regulations while also navigating the risks and potential of AI.
Another key trend is the real-time expectation—both from users and regulators. Incident response, for example, can no longer be a purely reactive approach. Technology must enable confident and timely decision-making across all functions.
Lastly, I’d highlight automation. Used well, it doesn’t just improve efficiency—it enhances strategic focus by freeing up human capacity for higher-order thinking.
Adam: What do you believe are the defining qualities of an effective leader?
Zach: Effective leaders are great listeners. They make space for others to contribute and seek to understand before jumping to a solution. They’re also resilient, able to lead through change and ambiguity without losing their center.
Above all, I think effective leaders are builders. They build people, systems, cultures, and momentum. They’re not just managing the status quo—they’re creating the conditions for something greater.
Adam: How can leaders and aspiring leaders take their leadership skills to the next level?
Zach: Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Growth happens at the edge of your comfort zone, and leadership is about stretching yourself in service of a bigger mission.
Seek feedback constantly, not just performance feedback, but feedback on your blind spots and leadership presence. Some of the most valuable growth I’ve experienced has come from coaching and candid conversations.
And keep reading, learning, and connecting with people who challenge your thinking. Leadership isn’t static; it’s a lifelong discipline.
Adam: What are your three best tips applicable to entrepreneurs, executives, and civic leaders?
Zach:
- Focus on the fundamentals. When in doubt, go back to the mission, the customer, and the metrics that matter most.
- Move with urgency, not panic. Speed is a competitive advantage, but sustainable speed comes from clarity and process.
- Lead with authenticity. People follow people. Be honest about what you know, what you don’t, and what you’re committed to figuring out.
Adam: What are your best tips on the topics of sales, marketing, and branding?
Zach: Sales is about listening. The best sales organizations are built around solving real problems, not pushing features. Invest in understanding your customer’s world and aligning your entire go-to-market motion to that.
In marketing and branding, consistency is key. Your message should reflect your values, differentiators, and your ‘why’. At RadarFirst, our brand is rooted in trust, clarity, and leadership—because that’s what our customers need most.
Also: never underestimate enablement. Even the best brand or product won’t scale without a team that’s equipped to sell it.
Adam: What is the single best piece of advice you have ever received?
Zach: “Never confuse motion with progress.” Early in my career, a mentor told me that, and it stuck. It’s easy to be busy, but are you moving the needle on what matters most?
Adam: Is there anything else you would like to share?
Zach: Just this: leadership today requires a blend of decisiveness and humility. The world is changing fast, and none of us has it all figured out. The best leaders I know are those who can make bold decisions while continually learning and growing. That’s the kind of leader I strive to be.
