Shelley Zalis

Known as the “Chief Troublemaker,” Shelley Zalis, CEO & Founder of The Female Quotient, is a trailblazing CEO, entrepreneur, three-time movement maker, and global advocate for women in the workplace.

Today, Zalis is dedicated to the Business of Equality®, amplifying the visibility and voices of corporate women globally and driving systemic change across industries. She co-founded #SeeHer, a groundbreaking initiative to ensure accurate portrayals of women in media, and launched The Female Quotient, known for its signature Equality Lounge®—spaces for conscious conversations and collective action that are inclusive destinations at industry conferences worldwide. Earlier in her career, Zalis pioneered online research by founding Online Testing Exchange (OTX), revolutionizing the market research industry before selling the company to Ipsos for $80 million.

At The Female Quotient, Zalis has built the largest global community of more than 6 million women in business spanning 30 industries and 100 countries. Her work fosters collaboration, connection, and intentional action to change the equation, close the gender gap and transform workplace cultures.

Recognized as one of LinkedIn’s Top 20 Most Influential Voices globally, Zalis is a sought-after thought leader and contributor to TIME, Forbes and IMD. Her numerous accolades include the Matrix Award from New York Women in Communications, the Global Leaders 50 List, the Industry Legend Award from the AdClub, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and the Entrepreneur Award from Springboard Enterprises. The Female Quotient was recognized as a Fast Company Brands That Matter in 2024.

A visionary leader, Zalis proves that breaking the rules - rules mainly made for and by men before women were in the workplace - is key to creating equality for all.