Michelle Zatlyn

Chapter I

The toughest challenges you've faced as a founder.

The founder’s climb is anything but linear, and I’ve faced countless hurdles, big and small. Building something entirely new means there are no shortcuts, and “no’s” meet you at every corner. Innovation is hard, demanding a relentless mindset and an unwavering commitment to progress. When we were first starting, our tiny team was fully motivated to tackle giant problems. We had to invent fundamental technical architecture, and I quickly had to build the muscle of handling criticism, learning not to take every rejection personally. We had to find our believers, because people can’t always see the future at the pace you do. It can be isolating being in an industry where most leaders don’t look like me, but it’s overwhelmingly motivating. A big priority is to lead a company that supports and uplifts women in the workplace. We have work to do but I am proud of what we’re accomplishing. Today, I am the only female founder running a publicly traded tech company of this scale, growing into an iconic $70 billion technology company. Cloudflare is one of tech’s most sought-after employers, attracting 1 million+ applicants annually, a testament that business success and a purpose-driven culture can coexist.

Chapter II

Your vision.

Cloudflare’s mission is to help build a better Internet. That means rolling up our sleeves daily to solve the challenges that keep it safe, reliable, private and accessible for everyone. In 2024, we worked to safeguard democracy, protecting 415+ state and local election websites, 144 campaigns, and 29 political domains in the U.S. for free. We keep essential voices online. Through Project Galileo, we support 2,900+ organizations worldwide, from independent journalists to human rights defenders, creating a digital sanctuary for those otherwise vulnerable. And we’re taking important steps to support a new model for the web, one that protects creators and the original content that fuels the Internet. Our commitment to an open, trusted Internet, built on privacy, transparency, human rights, and AI accountability, remains unwavering. Since 2017, we’ve donated $67 million in products, and this year we were honored as one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential Companies.

Chapter III

The impact you want to leave behind — for your industry, your community, and the women who come next.

I want my work to matter. I feel incredibly lucky to do what I do, and I don’t take the responsibility lightly. Staying relevant in a fast-changing world is hard, but it’s also exhilarating, and that challenge fuels me. We’re making a real difference in the world, creating a place where people do their best work and together shaping what’s next. The work is demanding, but the joy is in the effort — in the people, the problems we solve, and the shared adventure of building a better Internet together.