Ep 20: Warren Wilansky: Servant Leadership in the Age of AI and Accessibility

Warren Wilansky has been building for the web since the ‘90s, but what makes his story stand out isn’t just longevity—it’s intention. As the Founder and President of Plank, a B Corp Certified digital agency, Warren has spent the last 25 years helping mission-driven organizations create ethical, inclusive, and accessible digital platforms that actually serve their communities.In this episode, we talk about how Plank came to be, how Warren bet on the web before it was mainstream, and how his leadership style evolved from scrappy founder to servant leader. We also dive deep into accessibility—not just as a requirement, but as a business advantage—and what it really takes to build a strong, remote-first team that still cares.If you care about digital culture, inclusion, and the long game of building something that lasts, this one’s for you.🔍 Topics We Cover:What sparked Warren’s early interest in media and designThe transition from CD-ROMs to the internet (and how he bet on the right thing)The origins and mission behind PlankWhat it means to run a B Corp in techWhy accessibility is a strategic advantage, not just a checklistPractical advice on building an inclusive design processLeading a remote team and creating a real culture without an officeServant leadership in action—and how Warren sees his role evolvingHow AI is changing workflows (and what he’s skeptical about)The future of Plank and building with intention🧠 Quote to Remember:“Accessibility isn’t something you tack on at the end. It’s part of how you design for real people, from the start.”🔗 Resources & Links:Plank Website: https://plank.coCulture Page: https://plank.co/en/cultureWarren’s Blog & Personal Site: https://warrenwilansky.com📣 Connect with Us:Follow @deartechpodcast on InstagramSubscribe and listen on your favorite podcast appLeave a review if this episode resonated with you!