Shelley Zalis is the CEO of The Female Quotient, a company that advances equality in the workplace through the power of collaboration. In partnership with Fortune 500 companies, the brand hosts FQ Lounges at conferences, companies and college campuses around the world as a home of equality for women (and men) to activate change together. That’s a mission we can definitely get behind. The Female Quotient also creates metrics for leaders and companies to rewrite the rules and build cultures where everyone feels like they belong. When she’s not leading her women-empowering business, Shelley can be found chasing total solar eclipses, traveling across the globe without getting jet lag, or earning her nickname of “Chief Troublemaker.” We asked this inspiring entrepreneur to tell us about how she maintains healthy habits as a busy CEO–she shares her secrets below. 
Bad habits you’ve cut from your daily routine?

  1. I recently cut out carbonated beverages.
  2. I stopped sitting still in boring meetings. Instead, I’ve turned them into walk and talks so I can move while I’m getting things done.
  3. My new favorite f-word is feMENism, where we respelled feminism to include the word “men.” Although, from time to time, the other f-word will still come out! After all, it’s a passion word.

Good habits you’ve added?

  1. I started going to Rumble with my daughter.
  2. I believe in giving back with generosity. I’m not only giving money to organizations that need help, but also giving my time, building schools brick by brick.
  3. I’m making an effort to drink more water. It must be cold, freezing cold.

How do you keep yourself balanced or take care of yourself throughout the day?
I don’t think there is such a thing as balance, so I take that pressure off. When I’m at home in LA with my family, I shut off after 6pm and I live in the moment. I always say, when you love what you do, it’s called passion. When you don’t, it’s called stress. I may be tired and a bit overwhelmed at times, but I eliminate the word “stress” from my life.
Are there any activities or hobbies you do to de-stress?
I binge-watch tv shows that have no connection to my work, and I’ll go spinning with my girlfriends (I love Soul Cycle).
How many hours of sleep do you get a night?
Not enough! Don’t tell Arianna Huffington. I love sleeping and would be happy to sleep a lot more, but there are only so many hours in a day. My best ideas come at 3am; I don’t want to miss those epiphanies!
Do you have a favorite wellness trend?
A massage every once in a while goes a long way. Also, I love a very hot bath filled with bubbles.

What is your favorite healthy food?
Is pizza healthy? If not, I’ll take pasta.