Excerpt from Disruptors 4
Growing up in Los Angeles as one of four girls was extraordinary. People often ask, “How in the world did you survive that?” The answer is simple: my parents were incredible. They created an environment where we did not just get along—we thrived as best friends. To this day, I don't remember ever fighting with my sisters. We shared everything, and even now, we continue to do so—with our kids and their kids growing up together.
My dad believed in living life in the moment and instilled in us what I now call my “no regret policy”—never looking back and saying, “could’ve, would’ve, should’ve.” My mom was the epitome of unapologetic independence. She instilled confidence in each of us to believe in ourselves and know our self-worth. She even created the first women’s conference for the state of California over 30 years ago under Governor Pete Wilson. Who knew I would follow in her footsteps? My parents shaped me into who I am today, but like many women, I faced challenges—moments of self-doubt and the pressure to fit into moulds that were never made for me. Early in my career, I struggled with how I was going to "do it all" as a primary caregiver.
A pivotal milestone came when I received a bad review early in my career. It was a wake-up call. I realized I needed to be in charge—to do things my way—because I was tired of being the exception to the rules. I wanted to create a new norm. So, I left my corporate job to forge my own path and write my own rules—the uncorporate rules. It was terrifying, but it taught me to find and trust the power within myself. That decision set the foundation for who I am today: a champion for change, a believer in building tables where everyone has a seat, and someone who understands the transformative power of resilience.
I have always believed that if the rules don’t work for you, rewrite them. That is why I am known as the “Chief Troublemaker.” Break the rules that make no sense and create new ones! I believe there are two types of people: those who see what is and accept it (followers), and those who see what is possible and make it happen (trendsetters). What makes me a Disruptor is my refusal to accept “that’s just the way it is” or the status quo as an answer. There is always a solution—you just have to find it.
The catalyst for this mindset was realizing how often women were just accepting the uncomfortable—being excluded from conversations, opportunities, and decision-making, yet staying silent and going with the flow, or trying to fit into the boys' club. The rules of the workplace were written over 100 years ago by men, for men—not that that's bad, but women were not in the workplace then, and those rules have never been rewritten. As Sarah Jessica Parker says, “Trying to be a man is a waste of a woman.” Don't waste time trying to fit in; rewrite the rules so everyone can thrive.
Shelley Zalis–CEO, Founder and “Chief Troublemaker” of The Female Quotient–is an entrepreneur, three-time movement maker, and advocate for workplace equality. She is redefining leadership and challenging outdated systems.
At The FQ, Zalis built the largest global community of women in business across 30 industries in more than 100 countries. Previously, she transformed market research by founding OTX, later selling it to Ipsos. She co-created #SeeHer, championing accurate portrayals of women in media.
A LinkedIn Top Voice and contributor to TIME and Forbes, Zalis accolades include the Global Leaders 50 list and Fast Company’s Brands That Matter (2024).
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