Shelley Zalis is the Founder and CEO of The Female Quotient, an organization dedicated to the business of equality and advancing diversity and inclusion. As CEO of The Female Quotient, Shelley strives to unite leaders to advance equality across industries and close the gaps that continue to impede women in parity, pathway, pipeline, and policy. She is also the Co-Founder of #SeeHer, a movement led by the Association of National Advertisers to increase the accurate representation of women and girls in advertising and media. Prior to her work with The Female Quotient, Shelley was the Founder and CEO of the research company, OTX, until she sold it to Ipsos OTX in 2010, where she also served as CEO from 2010 to 2015.

Shelley joins me today to discuss how she and The Female Quotient are making an impact every day in the business of equality and advancing diversity in the workplace. She shares what inspired her to launch The Female Quotient and explains why she consciously decided not to raise funds for the organization. She describes how she pivoted her business during the pandemic, leading to over 700 virtual events. She also underscores the values that make the best leaders, highlights the #SeeHer movement and what it means to her, and discusses why equality never sleeps.

“If we want to create true change, we can’t just change the equation with the visibility of women. We also need to close the gaps. And to close those gaps, we need to be conscious leaders.” - Shelley Zalis

“The best leaders of today are those that have the feminine values of empathy, compassion, and nurturing.” - Shelley Zalis

This week on SocialFly’s Entreprenista Podcast:

The beginnings of Shelley’s journey as an EntreprenistaThe exit process and how Shelley sold her first company, OTX, to Ipsos in 2010How she supported her son’s hockey game while in the middle of selling her companyShelley’s advice for women selling their companiesThe importance of knowing your worthHiring for lifestyle, culture, and life “stage”Feminine values and the qualities of the best business leaders todayThe founding of The Girls’ Lounge and how it transformed to The Equality Lounge and eventually The Female QuotientThe power of the pack and the value of women collaborating with other womenWhat it takes to close the gender gap and create changeThe Female Quotient’s initial business model and how it evolved over timeWhy Shelley consciously decided not to raise money for The Girls’ LoungeWhat the Female Quotient offers for women all over the worldHow the organization virtually migrated amid COVID-19The #SeeHer Movement and advocating for womens’ visibility in media, entertainment, and advertisingShelley’s remote working and Zoom best practicesCreating the perfect business pitch and getting the “Yes!”

Our Favorite Quotes:

“If your employees can have a full life where work is just one element, you’ll see that your business will be more successful on so many levels.” - Shelley Zalis“Never underestimate the power of emotion. Lead with authenticity.” - Shelley Zalis“Stay you and be you. Don’t conform to legacy and leadership, for they only perpetuate the status quo.” - Shelley Zalis

Connect with Shelley Zalis:

The Female QuotientThe Female Quotient on LinkedInThe Female Quotient on InstagramThe Female Quotient on FacebookThe Female Quotient on TwitterThe Female Quotient on YouTubeShelley Zalis on LinkedIn

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