Stephen Sakach
Founder and CEO of Zero Company and AICMO
Stephen Sakach is Founder and CEO of Zero Company | Visionary in Purpose-Driven Business Practices
Stephen Sakach is a transformative leader and the driving force behind Zero Company, where he is pioneering a new era of purpose-driven business. As the creator of the BLISS concept—“Build Love Into Scalable Systems”—Stephen is redefining how businesses grow, fostering empathy, connection, and sustainable impact at scale.
Under Stephen's visionary leadership, Zero Company has evolved from a traditional command-and-control structure into a thriving self-managed organization. This decentralized model has empowered teams, enhanced engagement, and fostered a culture rooted in transparency, collaboration, and shared purpose.
Stephen is also at the forefront of innovation in the AI space with the development of AI CMO, an empathy-driven, purpose-led marketing platform. Designed to make businesses more human-centric, AI CMO helps organizations build authentic connections with their audiences while aligning their strategies with core values.
Guided by the ethos of BLISS, Stephen has dedicated his career to embedding empathy and human-centered principles into every layer of business—transforming brands, systems, and cultures to prioritize care, understanding, and genuine connection from the inside out.
June 4, 2026
Civilization Advances When Compassion Becomes Infrastructure
Civilization does not advance only through technology. It advances when compassion becomes infrastructure.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we unpack a hard truth about AI adoption: AI will not fix your culture. It will amplify whatever is already there.
In this conversation, we cover:
• Why AI adoption should start with a culture audit, not a tool rollout
• How trust, clarity, and agency determine whether AI becomes an accelerator or a disruptor
• The difference betwee...
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we unpack a hard truth about AI adoption: AI will not fix your culture. It will amplify whatever is already there.
In this conversation, we cover:
• Why AI adoption should start with a culture audit, not a tool rollout
• How trust, clarity, and agency determine whether AI becomes an accelerator or a disruptor
• The difference betwee...
Guests: Stephen Sakach , Tullio Siragusa
May 1, 2026
AI will Amplify Your Culture, Not Fix It
Most teams think AI is a productivity upgrade. It is more accurate to treat it as a culture amplifier.
In Episode 10 of the BLISS monologue series, Stephen Sakach breaks down a simple truth: AI will not fix misalignment, politics, or fear-based behavior. It will scale them. Fast.
Stephen covers:
• The first question leaders should ask before adopting AI: what kind of human system is AI entering
• Why trust, clarity, and agency determine whether AI becomes a force multiplier or a forc...
In Episode 10 of the BLISS monologue series, Stephen Sakach breaks down a simple truth: AI will not fix misalignment, politics, or fear-based behavior. It will scale them. Fast.
Stephen covers:
• The first question leaders should ask before adopting AI: what kind of human system is AI entering
• Why trust, clarity, and agency determine whether AI becomes a force multiplier or a forc...
Guest: Stephen Sakach
Nov. 5, 2025
Marketing With Purpose Kit: Bringing Purpose and Empathy into Marketing
According to McKinsey, 70% of consumers say their sense of connection to a brand influences their purchasing decisions. Yet many companies still overlook the importance of empathy and purpose in shaping authentic marketing strategies that truly resonate.
In this week’s Marketing With Purpose Kit from The Bliss Business Podcast, we’re joined by Stephen Sakach, Founder and CEO of Zero Company and aiCMO. Stephen brings over two decades of experience helping brands grow through data-driven mar...
In this week’s Marketing With Purpose Kit from The Bliss Business Podcast, we’re joined by Stephen Sakach, Founder and CEO of Zero Company and aiCMO. Stephen brings over two decades of experience helping brands grow through data-driven mar...
Guest: Stephen Sakach
Sept. 10, 2025
Marketing With Purpose Kit: Marketing ROI with a Long-Term Lens
Emotionally connected customers deliver 306% higher lifetime value than merely satisfied ones (Harvard Business Review). In financial services, that number jumps to 800% .
Yet too often, ROI is measured only by short-term clicks and conversions. These snapshots miss the bigger picture: loyalty, advocacy, and resilience that come from building trust over time.
In this week’s Marketing With Purpose Kit from The Bliss Business Podcast, we explore how purpose-driven marketing reframes RO...
Yet too often, ROI is measured only by short-term clicks and conversions. These snapshots miss the bigger picture: loyalty, advocacy, and resilience that come from building trust over time.
In this week’s Marketing With Purpose Kit from The Bliss Business Podcast, we explore how purpose-driven marketing reframes RO...
Sept. 3, 2025
Marketing With Purpose Kit: Avoiding Purpose-Washing by Staying Authentic in Your Actions and Claims
In this Marketing With Purpose Kit episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, Stephen Sakach, Mike Liwski, and Tullio Siragusa break down avoiding purpose washing, the gap between what a brand claims and what it actually does, and share five practical guardrails for making purpose real, measurable, and consistent.
Aug. 27, 2025
Marketing With Purpose Kit: Purpose in the Brand’s Tone and Voice
73% of consumers say they are more likely to trust a brand whose tone of voice feels authentic and consistent across every touchpoint (Edelman Trust Barometer).
In this week’s Marketing With Purpose Kit from The Bliss Business Podcast, we explore how tone and voice bring your brand’s purpose to life, not just in what you say, but in how you say it.
📅 Wednesday, August 27, 2025 | 🕗 8:00 AM PDT
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach, Tullio Siragusa, and Mike Liwski
🎧 Produced by Tullio Sir...
In this week’s Marketing With Purpose Kit from The Bliss Business Podcast, we explore how tone and voice bring your brand’s purpose to life, not just in what you say, but in how you say it.
📅 Wednesday, August 27, 2025 | 🕗 8:00 AM PDT
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach, Tullio Siragusa, and Mike Liwski
🎧 Produced by Tullio Sir...
Aug. 20, 2025
Marketing With Purpose Kit: Growing Your Mission Without Losing Your Soul
40% of purpose-driven companies experience higher employee retention and stronger brand loyalty (Deloitte).
As your business grows, markets shift, and your audience changes, your purpose may need to evolve. The key is doing it in a way that deepens impact without losing the essence of who you are.
In this week’s Marketing With Purpose Kit from The Bliss Business Podcast, we explore how to refresh your mission so it continues to inspire, guide, and connect—while staying true to your r...
As your business grows, markets shift, and your audience changes, your purpose may need to evolve. The key is doing it in a way that deepens impact without losing the essence of who you are.
In this week’s Marketing With Purpose Kit from The Bliss Business Podcast, we explore how to refresh your mission so it continues to inspire, guide, and connect—while staying true to your r...
Aug. 13, 2025
Marketing With Purpose Kit: When Your Offer Becomes Proof of Your Beliefs
64% of consumers say shared values are the primary reason they form a relationship with a brand (Harvard Business Review).
In a world where products can be copied overnight, your beliefs are the one thing competitors can’t replicate. Purpose-driven product marketing turns what you sell into living proof of what you stand for.
In this week’s Marketing With Purpose Kit from The Bliss Business Podcast, we explore how your offer can become a statement of your values, building trust, emot...
In a world where products can be copied overnight, your beliefs are the one thing competitors can’t replicate. Purpose-driven product marketing turns what you sell into living proof of what you stand for.
In this week’s Marketing With Purpose Kit from The Bliss Business Podcast, we explore how your offer can become a statement of your values, building trust, emot...
Aug. 6, 2025
Marketing With Purpose Kit: Creating a Purpose Platform for Content Marketing
82% of consumers say they want brands to take a stand on values they care about, but only 43% believe brands actually deliver on that promise. (Source: Edelman Trust Barometer)
In this week’s Marketing With Purpose Kit from The Bliss Business Podcast, we explore what it really means to create a purpose platform for your content strategy, and how to shift from random acts of marketing to a brand narrative that resonates long-term.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach, Ash Maher, and Tullio Sir...
In this week’s Marketing With Purpose Kit from The Bliss Business Podcast, we explore what it really means to create a purpose platform for your content strategy, and how to shift from random acts of marketing to a brand narrative that resonates long-term.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach, Ash Maher, and Tullio Sir...
July 30, 2025
Marketing With Purpose Kit: Positioning with Purpose
🧠 64% of consumers say shared values are the primary reason they form a relationship with a brand (Harvard Business Review).
In a crowded market, features fade fast. But purpose, and the beliefs you stand for, can set your brand apart for years to come.
In this week’s Marketing With Purpose Kit from The Bliss Business Podcast, we dive into how brands can carve out their unique white space by leading with a belief rather than just selling features.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach, Ash...
In a crowded market, features fade fast. But purpose, and the beliefs you stand for, can set your brand apart for years to come.
In this week’s Marketing With Purpose Kit from The Bliss Business Podcast, we dive into how brands can carve out their unique white space by leading with a belief rather than just selling features.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach, Ash...
July 23, 2025
Marketing With Purpose Kit: Purpose-Led Customer Personas
🧠 74% of consumers say they are more loyal to brands that understand them at a personal level (Source: Salesforce, 2024).
Too many companies build personas based on demographics. But what if you built them around purpose?
In this week’s Marketing With Purpose Kit from The Bliss Business Podcast, we unpack how to create purpose-led customer personas that speak to the why behind the buy—and why traditional segmentation is no longer enough.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach, Mike Liwski...
Too many companies build personas based on demographics. But what if you built them around purpose?
In this week’s Marketing With Purpose Kit from The Bliss Business Podcast, we unpack how to create purpose-led customer personas that speak to the why behind the buy—and why traditional segmentation is no longer enough.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach, Mike Liwski...
July 16, 2025
Marketing With Purpose Kit: Building Your Brand Narrative Around Purpose
🧠 55% of consumers say they’re more likely to trust a brand that tells a compelling story aligned with its values (Source: Edelman Trust Barometer).
Too many companies say they have a purpose. But how many can actually story it?
In this week’s Marketing With Purpose Kit from The Bliss Business Podcast, we unpack what it really means to build your brand narrative around purpose, and why your purpose needs to be more than a slogan.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach, Mike Liwski, and...
Too many companies say they have a purpose. But how many can actually story it?
In this week’s Marketing With Purpose Kit from The Bliss Business Podcast, we unpack what it really means to build your brand narrative around purpose, and why your purpose needs to be more than a slogan.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach, Mike Liwski, and...
July 9, 2025
Marketing With Purpose Kit: Purpose as a Strategic Filter
When everything feels like an opportunity, how do you stay focused on what actually matters?
Clarity is a competitive advantage. Brands that use purpose as a strategic filter outperform those chasing every shiny object. Just ask REI or Dr. Bronner’s, two companies that have said bold "no's" to stay true to their values and built trust that lasts.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we unpack how to use purpose not just as a statement, but as a decision-making tool.
🎙️ ...
Clarity is a competitive advantage. Brands that use purpose as a strategic filter outperform those chasing every shiny object. Just ask REI or Dr. Bronner’s, two companies that have said bold "no's" to stay true to their values and built trust that lasts.
In this episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we unpack how to use purpose not just as a statement, but as a decision-making tool.
🎙️ ...
July 2, 2025
Marketing With Purpose Kit: How Purpose Aligns Teams, Not Just Messages
According to Deloitte, companies with strong purpose alignment see 30% higher levels of innovation and retention. Yet many organizations still treat purpose like a branding exercise instead of a leadership strategy.
Join us this episode of the Marketing With Purpose Kit, where we explore how aligning teams around purpose transforms not just messaging, but momentum.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach, Mike Liwski, and Tullio Siragusa
🎧 Produced by Tullio Siragusa
In this conversatio...
Join us this episode of the Marketing With Purpose Kit, where we explore how aligning teams around purpose transforms not just messaging, but momentum.
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach, Mike Liwski, and Tullio Siragusa
🎧 Produced by Tullio Siragusa
In this conversatio...
June 25, 2025
Marketing With Purpose Kit: Finding the Human Truth Behind Your Brand
Does your brand actually feel human to your audience?
In this week’s episode of the Marketing with Purpose Kit on The Bliss Business Podcast, we’re going beyond features and benefits. This is about emotional relevance.
🎧 Episode: Finding the Human Truth Behind Your Brand
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach, Tullio Siragusa, and Mike Liwski
🎧 Produced by Tullio Siragusa
In this episode:
Why brands that speak to universal human truths outperform transactional messaging
How ...
In this week’s episode of the Marketing with Purpose Kit on The Bliss Business Podcast, we’re going beyond features and benefits. This is about emotional relevance.
🎧 Episode: Finding the Human Truth Behind Your Brand
🎙️ Hosted by Stephen Sakach, Tullio Siragusa, and Mike Liwski
🎧 Produced by Tullio Siragusa
In this episode:
Why brands that speak to universal human truths outperform transactional messaging
How ...
June 11, 2025
Marketing With Purpose Kit: The Concierge Fractional CMO
What if your brand had a marketing leader who didn’t just “get it done” but got you?
Join us as we explore the rise of the Concierge Fractional CMO, a high-touch, high-trust guide who aligns strategy with soul.
Discover how this model helps purpose-driven brands:
• Build emotionally resonant campaigns
• Scale with intention, not noise
• Curate the right team and tools, without hiring a huge department
• Operationalize empathy across every touchpoint
• Amplify their imp...
Join us as we explore the rise of the Concierge Fractional CMO, a high-touch, high-trust guide who aligns strategy with soul.
Discover how this model helps purpose-driven brands:
• Build emotionally resonant campaigns
• Scale with intention, not noise
• Curate the right team and tools, without hiring a huge department
• Operationalize empathy across every touchpoint
• Amplify their imp...
June 4, 2025
Marketing with Purpose Kit: Traditional CMO vs. The Category Architect
The Traditional CMO is Dead. Long Live the Category Architect.
For years, CMOs have been stuck on a tactical treadmill:
🎯 Generate leads
📈 Prove ROI
💰 Cut ad spend
But in a noisy, AI-saturated landscape, is optimization enough?
This Wednesday on The Bliss Business Podcast’s Marketing with Purpose Kit, we unpack a better path forward:
+ What it really means to be a “Category Architect”
+ How to lead with belief, not just branding
+ Why movements matter more ...
For years, CMOs have been stuck on a tactical treadmill:
🎯 Generate leads
📈 Prove ROI
💰 Cut ad spend
But in a noisy, AI-saturated landscape, is optimization enough?
This Wednesday on The Bliss Business Podcast’s Marketing with Purpose Kit, we unpack a better path forward:
+ What it really means to be a “Category Architect”
+ How to lead with belief, not just branding
+ Why movements matter more ...
May 28, 2025
Marketing With Purpose Kit: What Is Purpose-Driven Marketing - Really?
Is your marketing built on noise—or purpose?
Too many brands mistake “purpose” for philanthropy. But purpose-driven marketing isn’t about adding a donation button to your checkout page. It’s about aligning every message, campaign, and touchpoint with your reason for being.
In this week’s Marketing with Purpose Kit episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we explored:
+ The 3Cs of Purpose-Driven Marketing: Clarity, Connection, and Consistency
+ Why emotionally connected custome...
Too many brands mistake “purpose” for philanthropy. But purpose-driven marketing isn’t about adding a donation button to your checkout page. It’s about aligning every message, campaign, and touchpoint with your reason for being.
In this week’s Marketing with Purpose Kit episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we explored:
+ The 3Cs of Purpose-Driven Marketing: Clarity, Connection, and Consistency
+ Why emotionally connected custome...
May 21, 2025
Reclaiming the Soul of Marketing: The Workshop
Marketing has lost its soul. Let’s get it back.
64% of consumers say they’re more likely to buy from a brand that shares their values. (Source: Accenture)
Yet most marketing still sounds like this:
“Optimize operational workflows to drive scalable efficiencies.”
That’s not connection. That’s a keyword graveyard.
In our latest workshop, From Clicks to Connection: Reclaiming the Soul of Marketing, we explored how purpose, empathy, and emotional resonance can transform yo...
64% of consumers say they’re more likely to buy from a brand that shares their values. (Source: Accenture)
Yet most marketing still sounds like this:
“Optimize operational workflows to drive scalable efficiencies.”
That’s not connection. That’s a keyword graveyard.
In our latest workshop, From Clicks to Connection: Reclaiming the Soul of Marketing, we explored how purpose, empathy, and emotional resonance can transform yo...
April 30, 2025
Marketing With Purpose Kit: Beyond Transactions—How to Create Customers Who Evangelize Your Brand
What makes someone rave about a brand—unprompted?
It’s not features. It’s not price.
It’s meaning.
It’s emotional connection.
In this third episode of our Marketing with Purpose Series, we explore how the best brands go beyond sales to build movements. They turn customers into evangelists by aligning with their values, telling compelling stories, and delivering experiences that make people feel something.
In this episode:
+ Learn why emotionally connected customers have 306% hi...
It’s not features. It’s not price.
It’s meaning.
It’s emotional connection.
In this third episode of our Marketing with Purpose Series, we explore how the best brands go beyond sales to build movements. They turn customers into evangelists by aligning with their values, telling compelling stories, and delivering experiences that make people feel something.
In this episode:
+ Learn why emotionally connected customers have 306% hi...
April 29, 2025
The BLISS Roundtable: Generosity & Animosity in Times of Change
Change is inevitable—but how we lead through it determines whether we build trust or spark resistance.
Join us on The Bliss Business Podcast for a powerful roundtable conversation with some of the most forward-thinking minds in business and leadership:
🔹 Doug Kirkpatrick – Self-management expert
🔹 Lisa M. Brazelton – Organizational transformation strategist
🔹 Jose Leal – Purpose-driven systems designer
🎧 Hosted by Stephen Sakach, Tullio Siragusa, Michael Liwski
In this round table...
Join us on The Bliss Business Podcast for a powerful roundtable conversation with some of the most forward-thinking minds in business and leadership:
🔹 Doug Kirkpatrick – Self-management expert
🔹 Lisa M. Brazelton – Organizational transformation strategist
🔹 Jose Leal – Purpose-driven systems designer
🎧 Hosted by Stephen Sakach, Tullio Siragusa, Michael Liwski
In this round table...
Guests: Jose Leal , Doug Kirkpatrick , Lisa M. Brazelton , Stephen Sakach , Tullio Siragusa , Michael Liwski
April 23, 2025
Marketing With Purpose Kit: The Paradigm Shift—Marketing with Purpose
Marketing isn’t just about being seen—it’s about being felt.
In Episode 2 of our Purpose-Driven Marketing series, we explore a powerful truth:
People aren’t just looking for products. They’re looking for meaning. And the brands that win? They don’t just sell—they stand for something.
73% of consumers say they’re willing to pay more for products that align with purpose and sustainability. (Nielsen, 2023)
Purpose-driven brands grow 2.5x faster than competitors. (The Purpose Study)
T...
In Episode 2 of our Purpose-Driven Marketing series, we explore a powerful truth:
People aren’t just looking for products. They’re looking for meaning. And the brands that win? They don’t just sell—they stand for something.
73% of consumers say they’re willing to pay more for products that align with purpose and sustainability. (Nielsen, 2023)
Purpose-driven brands grow 2.5x faster than competitors. (The Purpose Study)
T...
April 22, 2025
Marketing With Purpose Kit: The Problem—Why Marketing Is Broken
Why Marketing Feels Broken—And How to Fix It
Marketing today is louder than ever. But is anyone actually listening?
In the first episode of our 3-part series leading up to the aiCMO webinar, we unpack a hard truth: marketing has lost its way. We’ve traded emotional connection for conversion tactics, storytelling for shouting, resonance for reach.
The result? People are tuning out. Trust is fading. And brands are becoming forgettable.
Here’s what we cover:
+ Why most marketing is b...
Marketing today is louder than ever. But is anyone actually listening?
In the first episode of our 3-part series leading up to the aiCMO webinar, we unpack a hard truth: marketing has lost its way. We’ve traded emotional connection for conversion tactics, storytelling for shouting, resonance for reach.
The result? People are tuning out. Trust is fading. And brands are becoming forgettable.
Here’s what we cover:
+ Why most marketing is b...
April 3, 2025
The Importance of Emotional Connection in Marketing
Emotional connection isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the core of effective marketing.
In our 50th Producer Series episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we dive deep into how brands can stop chasing clicks and start building real relationships.
Hosted by Stephen Sakach, Tullio Siragusa, and Mike Liwski
In this episode, we unpack:
+ Why purpose and emotional resonance outperform transactional tactics
+ How tools like aiCMO are helping marketers craft campaigns that feel more human
...
In our 50th Producer Series episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we dive deep into how brands can stop chasing clicks and start building real relationships.
Hosted by Stephen Sakach, Tullio Siragusa, and Mike Liwski
In this episode, we unpack:
+ Why purpose and emotional resonance outperform transactional tactics
+ How tools like aiCMO are helping marketers craft campaigns that feel more human
...
Nov. 21, 2024
Leading with Purpose and Empathy with Stephen Sakach
What happens when leadership shifts from command and control to purpose and empathy?
Join us on The Bliss Business Podcast to find out!
🎙️ Hosts Tullio Siragusa and Michael Liwski will sit down with Stephen Sakach, founder of Zero Company Performance Marketing and creator of the BLISS concept—Build Love Into Scalable Systems—to discuss:
✅ The journey from centralized authority to self-management.
✅ Using OKRs to empower teams and align with purpose.
✅ How Zero Company’s tran...
Join us on The Bliss Business Podcast to find out!
🎙️ Hosts Tullio Siragusa and Michael Liwski will sit down with Stephen Sakach, founder of Zero Company Performance Marketing and creator of the BLISS concept—Build Love Into Scalable Systems—to discuss:
✅ The journey from centralized authority to self-management.
✅ Using OKRs to empower teams and align with purpose.
✅ How Zero Company’s tran...
Guest: Stephen Sakach