Innovation through simplicity
Alex Zaccaria, Co-Founder and CEO, Linktree
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About the podcast
Alex Zaccaria, Co-Founder and CEO of Linktree
In this episode, Matt Heine sits down with Alex Zaccaria, Co-Founder and CEO of Linktree, to explore how a simple idea became a global digital identity platform. Alex discusses Linktree’s early days in the music industry, its explosive user growth, and the challenges of scaling a tech company through rapid change. He shares insights into leading through crises, balancing simplicity with innovation, and why customer obsession has been key to Linktree’s success.
They also delve into AI transformation - how Alex is rewiring his business with “AI factories,” empowering teams through automation, and rethinking leadership in the age of intelligent tools. A must-listen for anyone building products, teams, or ideas that scale.
Summary
00:01:15 – Alex’s journey from music to tech
Alex shares how a digital agency for musicians evolved into Linktree, born from a simple need to unify fragmented online links.
00:04:40 – Scaling simplicity
How Linktree’s success came from making complex tech feel effortless—balancing minimalism with deep functionality.
00:07:10 – The mindset of a founder
Why solving real problems, not chasing money, drives Alex—and what he’s learned about intuition and decision-making.
00:11:30 – People and leadership lessons
Alex opens up about hiring mistakes, confidence, and redefining what “good leadership” means during rapid growth.
Listen to more Between Meetings podcasts
In this podcast series Matt Heine, Joint Managing Director of Netwealth, chats to industry professionals and thought leaders on what opportunities and challenges they see for financial advisers and the wealth industry as a whole.
00:13:50 – Crisis management and resilience
The Instagram ban that almost ended Linktree—and the customer love that turned it into a breakthrough moment.
00:20:30 – Customer obsession and feedback loops
Inside Linktree’s user-driven culture: from Selena Gomez to 90 million creators, how they institutionalize listening.
00:23:40 – Raising capital and lessons from VC partnerships
Alex discusses his experience taking investment during COVID, and the importance of values alignment with investors.
The Netwealth Portfolio Construction Podcast
In this podcast series, our investment research team pick the brains of key wealth management professionals to uncover unique insights on the investment areas they are most passionate about.
00:28:10 – AI transformation and the ‘AI factory’
How Linktree is rewiring operations for AI—embedding automation, empowering staff, and driving “time on craft.”
00:33:45 – CEO AI hacks
From personal productivity to business ops, Alex shares the tools and agents transforming his workflow and leadership style.
00:40:15 – Advice for advisers using Linktree
Alex shares tips on how financial advisers can use Linktree effectively—to boost visibility, showcase content, and engage client
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