Zoe Kalar on Revolutionising Social Media, Ethical Leadership, & Redefining Success with WeAre8
In an industry often criticised for exploiting user attention, Zoe Kalar is steering social media in a new, refreshing direction. As CEO & Founder of WeAre8, Zoe leads with an emphasis on compassion, transparency, and social good.
Her journey—from navigating male-dominated boardrooms to creating a tech platform that puts people first—is a masterclass in values-driven leadership. I sat down with Zoe to discuss her career path, the principles guiding her work at WeAre8, and her vision for reshaping the digital experience. To say that I left our interview feeling inspired, is the biggest understatement of the year.
How Zoe found her way to WeAre8 (or vice-versa)
Zoe’s journey into the tech space was far from linear, but each step helped her build a toolkit that she’s now using to transform the social media landscape. This grounding in communication and community-building served as the foundation for her future work.
When she started WeAre8, Zoe knew she wanted her values mirrored in a mission to design a social media platform that would uplift users rather than exploit their attention. “There’s something radically different about WeAre8,” she explains. “The platform isn’t built on maximising user engagement for profit’s sake. It’s about creating a space where people feel respected, valued, and empowered to make a difference.”
WeAre8 aims to challenge traditional social media models - something of high importance for Zoe and her team
One of Zoe’s core beliefs is that digital platforms must be held to higher standards of accountability, transparency, and respect for users' mental health.
"Traditional social media platforms profit off the time users spend scrolling, and while this model is successful financially, it often leaves people feeling drained and unfulfilled," she points out. Zoe’s team at WeAre8 set out to create an alternative that empowers users instead of using them.
“At 8, we’ve flipped the model. Our platform rewards users not just for engagement but for positive actions, such as participating in charitable campaigns and supporting social causes,” Zoe explains. This conscious model prioritises community-building and aims to leave users feeling uplifted. "We want people to walk away from our platform feeling better, not worse, which is something I think should be a minimum standard in social media today."
As a female leader in tech, Zoe has faced unique challenges
Zoe acknowledges that navigating the tech industry as a woman hasn’t been without its challenges. "There’s often an unspoken pressure to conform, to act in certain ways to be taken seriously," she says. Early in her career, she encountered scepticism and doubt, which only reinforced her determination to lead with authenticity. "It took me a while to realise that I didn’t need to play by those rules. I could be myself and still succeed, maybe even more so."
Her experience has shaped her into a leader who prioritises empathy, integrity, and inclusivity. "At 8, we encourage people to bring their whole selves to work, and I think that’s so important for any business, especially in tech. Diversity is essential not just for innovation but for creating a company culture where everyone feels valued."
Zoe also actively mentors women entering the tech space, supporting them in navigating their careers and building their confidence. “I want to create an environment where women don’t have to spend years fighting for their place,” she emphasises. “Instead, they can focus on their talents, their ideas, and their passions.”
What are some of the unique features or philosophies that make WeAre8 stand out
Zoe lights up when discussing WeAre8’s commitment to social responsibility and user well-being. "One of our core principles is transparency. Users deserve to know how the platform operates, where their data is going, and what the platform stands for," she states. In a time when tech giants face scrutiny over data privacy and ethical practices, Zoe sees transparency as a non-negotiable.
Additionally, WeAre8’s commitment to supporting global social causes sets it apart. “We give a percentage of ad revenue to various charities, and users can easily see where their engagement is making a difference. It’s not just about passive content consumption; it’s about creating a ripple effect of positive change.”
Zoe emphasises that this approach is integral to building trust in the platform. “We’re saying to our users: ‘Your time and engagement are valuable, and we’re committed to making sure it benefits you and the world around you.’”
How does WeAre8 contribute to creating a more sustainable tech landscape, both environmentally and socially?
Zoe is passionate about WeAre8’s commitment to sustainability, which goes beyond the digital realm. “Sustainability is at the heart of what we do, and it’s embedded in every decision we make,” she says. Beyond reducing its carbon footprint, WeAre8 aligns with partners and initiatives that prioritise sustainable practices, aiming to lead by example.
“We’re also exploring ways to educate users on sustainability through engaging content and campaigns,” she adds. For Zoe, true sustainability in tech means not only reducing environmental impact but also creating systems that benefit society holistically. "If we're not using our resources to create something positive, then what’s the point? We have to think long-term, about how what we’re building today affects the world tomorrow."
What does the future hold for WeAre8?
Zoe is excited about the future of WeAre8, with plans for new features that will enhance user experience while deepening the platform’s social impact. “We have some incredible updates in the pipeline, focused on making it even easier for users to connect, support causes, and engage in meaningful ways,” she shares. “Our goal is to continue challenging what people think a social media platform can be.”
Personally, Zoe is committed to pushing the boundaries of what ethical tech leadership looks like. “I want to keep advocating for a tech industry that respects and uplifts its users,” she says. “We’re in a unique position to set a new standard for digital platforms, one where success is measured not just by revenue but by the positive impact we create.”
Final reflections
Zoe Kalar’s journey and vision offer a compelling look at how social media and tech can evolve into spaces that empower rather than exploit.
At WeAre8, Zoe is leading a revolution, showing that platforms can thrive while still prioritising the well-being of their users and the world. Her story is one of resilience, ethical leadership, and the power of reimagining success on one’s terms—a reminder that the future of tech can indeed be built on compassion and purpose.
Even more excitingly, WeAre8 are launching their new app feature, Flows, this November and we cannot wait to start using it and seeing where this brand goes next.
_
Emily King is a Marketing & Breathwork Consultant helping female founders scale their businesses sustainably with 360° marketing strategies and mindfulness practices. She is also the founder of The C Word Magazine, an online platform amplifying female voices. Connect with her on Instagram @_emnco, explore her expertise in marketing and breathwork on her website, or book a free discovery call to learn how she can help your brand thrive.
