Introductions
May 14, 2025
Josh Zerkel
# Team
Head of Marketing & Community-Led Growth
Hey team!
I’m Josh Zerkel, Gradual’s new Head of Marketing & Community, based just a block from the office here in San Francisco. I’m genuinely thrilled to be joining the team and helping bring Gradual’s mission to life.
Over the past few months, I’ve been working with Jerry in an advisory role—helping with messaging, positioning, demos, and more. That sneak peek showed me how special this team and product are, and it made the decision to go all-in an easy one.
My background is a mix of GTM strategy, community building, and customer engagement. I’ve led global programs at HeyGen (a Gradual customer!), Asana, and Evernote—everything from ambassador programs and education to forums and massive event series. I enjoy building things that connect people and create value—for the business and for customers.
What’s your favorite thing about working at Gradual?
As a longtime community builder, I know how painful a fragmented tool stack can be and what a barrier to growth and value it creates. I love that Gradual is solving that—and now I get to help bring it to more people. Also, the office is literally a block from my house, so… win-win.
Would you say you’re more of an extrovert or an introvert?
Personally, I’m an introvert—I’m often at my best when I have time to recharge and think quietly. Professionally, though, I’ve leaned into being an extrovert, as I like being around and working with people. I guess that makes me an ambivert? I have learned to love public speaking and I especially enjoy teaching others how to do it confidently. I’ve chosen a career that pushes me out of my comfort zone every day—and I kind of love that.
If you could eat only one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Easy: burgers. Fancy or greasy, fast-food or gourmet—I’m not picky. I maintain an ongoing list of the best burgers in SF, categorized by price point (yes, really), and I’ve got lists for most major cities I travel to. It’s… a thing. Just ask my doctor.
Oh, and the 🍔 emoji? It’s the only one I use. It means whatever you need it to mean. A celebration? 🍔 A moment of solidarity? 🍔 A great idea? 🍔 The answer is always 🍔.
What type of music do you like to listen to?
I’m into a wide range—but the genre I listen to the most is… K-pop. I’m decidedly not the target demographic, but something about the energy, storytelling, and fandom really speaks to me. A few weeks ago, I visited Tokyo primarily to see TVXQ in concert, went to Seoul and saw a live taping of a K-pop music show, then came home and went to a concert by Onew the same day I got back.
K-pop concerts are honestly some of the most powerful community experiences I’ve ever had. The connection between the artists and their fans (and the fans with each other) is intense, joyful, and deeply mutual—something I think all of us in community can learn from.
Do you have any special skills?
I usually can’t remember what I had for lunch yesterday, but I can recite random Star Trek trivia like it’s my job. If there’s ever a Star Trek-themed trivia night, I’m your ringer.
Also, I’m very good at Tetris. Possibly concerningly good. Sometimes I dream about Tetrominos.
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