Today's guest was "an Only and a Lonely" her entire career. Shelley Zalis is the CEO of The Female Quotient, an equality services company that creates platforms for women and solutions for organizations committed to closing the gender gap in the workplace. Their "Equality Lounges®" at the world's largest business and industry conferences, from CES to DAVOS, SXSW, Cannes Lions, and more — along with an audience of more than 2 million — bring conscious leaders together to close the gender gap.

In this episode, Shelley shares her "whoosh" moment that changed how she looks at her work.

She also opens up about the moment she knew she needed to be her own boss.

"Representation only matters if it's not just about reflection." - Shelley Zalis

In today's show, we talk about the communication skills you need for people to really hear you and how to thrive and make your job fun, despite your environment. Shelley says in business, there is always a yes you just have to find it. Listen in to learn how men and women must work together to close the gender gap, the origins of Imposter Syndrome, and how to shift these labels.

"It wasn't about men. It wasn't about women. It was about closing the gap." - Shelley Zalis

Show Notes:

What does the power of the Only mean to Shelley Zalis
What was the inspiration for the Girls' Lounge
Why do men and women need to work together to close the gender gap
How to stay true to your power
Is the gender gap closing
How to cultivate the power of the Only
What is Shelley still working to improve
Where does imposter syndrome come from

"The collective power of women was quite remarkable." - Shelley Zalis

3 Pieces of Advice or Action Steps:

Be yourself because everyone else is taken
Know your value
Speak up, speak out, and speak together

"It took a while for women to own their feminine." - Shelley Zalis

Brand and Resource Mentions:

Check out this Giftedness and ADHD Venn Diagram
Check out Shelley's Forbes column that offers virtual mentorship for women in middle management

Connect with Shelley Zalis:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn

Thanks for being a part of this bold and powerful conversation on The Power of The Only!

Whether you feel like the only one in your company, industry, or community or the only woman in the room, we're here to support you in stepping up, speaking up through power, presence, and representation, to make an impact in your personal and professional life.

Want even more insider tips, resources, and training to help you own your voice and power and step into your leadership? Join me in my free, invite-only YOU, Amplified!™ community!

You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter.

Learn more about this episode of The Power of The Only with Angela Chee at www.angelachee.com/78