Shelley Zalis

About

Shelley Zalis, CEO and Founder, of The Female Quotient (The FQ), and widely known as the “Chief Troublemaker”, is a trailblazing entrepreneur and global advocate for creating workplaces that work for everyone. She is redefining leadership and driving change across industries.Under Zalis' leadership, The FQ has grown into a leading media and events company with the largest global community of women in business, connecting over 7 million professionals across 30 industries in more than 100 countries. The organization produces premium events, editorial, and social content that connect top brands with influential leaders worldwide.Renowned for The FQ Lounge™, immersive spaces at industry conferences and cultural events, including the World Economic Forum in Davos, Cannes Lions, CES, and the Super Bowl, Zalis has created platforms where leaders convene to share ideas, spark action, and foster workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.Previously, Zalis transformed the market research sector by founding Online Testing Exchange (OTX), which she later sold to Ipsos. She also co-created #SeeHer, an initiative promoting accurate portrayals of women and girls in media.A sought-after thought leader, Zalis is a LinkedIn Top 20 Most Influential Voice and a contributor to TIME, Forbes, and IMD. Her accolades include the Matrix Award, Industry Legend Award, Mosaic Award, EY Entrepreneur of the Year, and a spot on the Global Leaders 50 List. In 2024, The Female Quotient was named one of Fast Company’s Brands That Matter.Through bold leadership and innovative action, Zalis is creating a new blueprint for workplace transformation.