Edition #62
August 26, 2026
Welcome to The W Profile, a study of the women leading at the intersection of sports, media, and global business. As college athletics adopts professional structures, it is instructive to look to the visionaries who have already mastered the complexities of the corporate world. By bringing C-Suite lessons to the athletics community, this series will provide leaders with the insights necessary to build a lasting legacy.
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Introduction
The internet was originally designed for a small group of researchers to share files, not to serve as the foundational infrastructure of global commerce, communication, and artificial intelligence. Because it was never built for this scale, it requires a massive, unseen layer of security and optimization to function. As the Co-Founder, President, and Co-Chair of Cloudflare, Michelle Zatlyn is responsible for retrofitting the modern web.
She oversees a connectivity cloud company that sits in front of approximately 20% of the world's internet traffic, protecting millions of organizations from malicious attacks while simultaneously accelerating their performance. Her leadership is defined by a ruthless commitment to operational efficiency, an unwavering focus on solving tangible customer pain points over chasing hype, and a philosophy that true technological influence comes from acting as the internet's invisible immune system.
From Chemistry to Cloud Infrastructure
Zatlyn’s path to the upper echelons of Silicon Valley was unconventional. Born in Saskatchewan, Canada, she earned a degree in chemistry from McGill University—a background that instilled in her a rigorous, analytical approach to problem-solving. After stints at Google and Toshiba, and working with early startups, she attended Harvard Business School, where she met her future co-founder, Matthew Prince.
In 2009, Prince was working on Project Honey Pot, an open-source system tracking online spammers. While Prince saw a tool for tracking bad actors, Zatlyn identified a massive commercial opportunity: what if they could build a system to actively stop them? Along with their third co-founder, Lee Holloway, they sketched out the business model for Cloudflare. From day one, Zatlyn served as the crucial bridge between visionary ideas and operational reality. She views the co-founder dynamic as a necessary friction between the "idea generator" and the person who says, "here’s how we actually bring them to life." Her ability to translate complex cybersecurity concepts into accessible, democratized tools for small businesses and Fortune 500 companies alike propelled Cloudflare to a massive IPO in 2019.
The Cloudflare Playbook
Zatlyn approaches the scaling of a multi-billion-dollar tech enterprise with a strategy that treats security and speed as universal rights, not luxury add-ons. Her playbook encompasses three critical pillars:
➤ Efficiency as DNA: To compete with legacy, hardware-based firewall companies, Cloudflare had to build a vastly more efficient, software-based network. Zatlyn helped architect a company culture obsessed with maximizing resources. By building a platform on commodity hardware where any server in any city could run every Cloudflare service, she ensured the company could maintain the high gross margins of legacy hardware vendors while operating with the agility of a SaaS business.
➤ Radical Transparency: In the high-stakes world of cybersecurity and cloud infrastructure, mistakes are inevitable. Zatlyn champions a culture of "radical transparency" to foster psychological safety. By openly admitting her own missteps to her team and instituting practices like sharing weekly failures without casting blame, she ensures the organization learns from errors rapidly, shortening innovation cycles and preventing minor bugs from becoming catastrophic outages.
➤ Solving for the Pain Point, Not the Pitch: Zatlyn famously admits she knew nothing about internet security when she co-founded Cloudflare. Instead, she anchored the company on customer feedback. When early small business owners told her that stopping spammers would finally allow them to sleep through the night, she realized Cloudflare wasn't just selling software; it was selling peace of mind. She mandates that every new product launch must answer a simple question from the user: "Will this actually help me?"
Lessons on Growth and Grounding
Zatlyn has built a career on the philosophy that you do not need to be the loudest voice in the room to build a foundational, world-changing company. She leads with the belief that true executive power comes from being a steady, operational anchor who provides the "guardrails for innovation."
Crucially, she is a pragmatic leader who rejects the idea of work-life "balance" in favor of making strategic concessions and setting clear priorities. She advocates for executives to aggressively edit their lives, focusing their intense energy on solving the right problems rather than simply working hard on the wrong ones. Her success proves that the most formidable tech leaders are those who can navigate the hype of Silicon Valley while remaining entirely focused on the unglamorous, critical work of keeping the digital lights on.
Takeaways
➤ Execution is the Differentiator: An idea is only as valuable as the team's ability to operationalize it. Zatlyn’s role in taking Project Honey Pot from a tracking tool to a massive active defense network proves that operational strategy is the true engine of startup success.
➤ Vulnerability is a Competitive Advantage: Her commitment to radical transparency shows that when leaders openly discuss failures without blame, teams report errors faster and innovate quicker, turning psychological safety into a tangible business metric.
➤ Democratize the Solution: By providing enterprise-grade security to small businesses without the need for expensive hardware, Cloudflare proved that making a product radically accessible is the fastest way to capture massive market share.
➤ Be the Infrastructure: Zatlyn’s vision of Cloudflare as the "sanitation" of the internet highlights that the most resilient companies aren't building consumer fads; they are building the essential plumbing that the rest of the economy relies upon.
Read. Watch. Listen.
READ: The Wall Street Journal's feature, One Co-Founder's Climb from University Startup to Internet Stronghold, which details her journey from Harvard Business School to leading a company that acts as the "digital bouncer" for the web. (link)
WATCH: Her on the She Leads with Carly podcast where she discusses her upbringing and career path, how she improves decision making, the “slow burn” of success, the power of small teams and shared purpose and more. (link)
LISTEN: To the Grit podcast where she sits down with Joubin Mirzadegan to share how Cloudflare secures the internet for millions, her vision to ensure the company lasts for generations, why staying close to reality and to customers becomes harder as success compounds, and how Cloudflare is helping content creators regain control in an AI driven internet. (link)
Quote to Remember
I often hear three common worries from entrepreneurs: ‘Someone is going to steal my idea,’ ‘I need to raise venture,’ ‘The media won’t pay attention to me.’ Those aren’t the right things to worry about. Instead, ask yourself, ‘Am I working on a big, meaningful problem?’ Obsess over how you’re going to do all the things needed to build a product that solves that problem and how you are going to create a company that attracts and retains the best people. If you get those two right, the other things follow.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Jess Smith – President, Golden State Valkyries
Publication Date: Sunday, August 23
Raquel Ferreira – Executive Vice President and Assistant General Manager, Boston Red Sox
Publication Date: Wednesday, August 19
Annemarie Roe – President, BaAM Productions
Publication Date: Sunday, August 16
W Jobs is a dedicated distribution channel that highlights leadership and professional opportunities in college athletics for women who want greater visibility into the full range of roles across the industry.
Positions featured here are also posted on the comprehensive CollegeSports.jobs site and are open to all qualified candidates. W Jobs exists to expand awareness, not define who a role is for, because every job in college athletics should be accessible to women. Employers choose to amplify their postings through W Jobs to reach a broader audience and demonstrate their commitment to equitable access to opportunity.
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(Posted from most recent over the last 15 days)
(NEW!) Account Executive (University of Notre Dame / Notre Dame, IN): The Account Executive drives revenue and achieves predetermined sales goals related to securing and retaining football, men's and women's basketball, and hockey ticket and hospitality revenue. More details HERE.
(NEW!) Assistant Director, Marketing & Fan Experience (University of Notre Dame / Notre Dame, IN): Assistant Director, Marketing & Fan Experience is the primary fan experience/marketing contact for assigned sports, overseeing promotional planning, game presentation, and campus/community outreach. More details HERE.
(NEW!) Operations Manager (University of Notre Dame / Notre Dame, IN): The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations for Joyce Center, along with leadership for facility operations, maintenance, event logistics, and administrative functions. More details HERE.
Director of Aquatics (Trinity University – Texas / San Antonio, TX): Responsible for operating, staffing, maintaining, and oversight for Hixon Natatorium and the outdoor pool. More details HERE.
Assistant Athletic Director, Development (California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo / San Luis Obispo, CA): Serve as a professional in the Athletic Department to cultivate & solicit former student athletes & coaches, alumni, parents, friends, community members, foundations & corporations for contributions. More details HERE.
Associate Director of Athletics, Wellness, & Recreation - Operations (SUNY New Paltz / New Paltz, NY): The Associate Director of Athletics, Wellness, & Recreation - Operations serves as the department's lead administrator for operational needs and event management. More details HERE.
Assistant Athletic Trainer - 10-month Position (Loras College / Dubuque, IA): Assists in the oversight of all aspects of health care for Loras College student-athletics within the guidelines set forth by Loras College, the American Rivers Conference, and the NCAA Division III. More details HERE.
Assistant Director, Live Events & Video Services (Army West Point / West Point, NY): Execution of live events by overseeing equipment, ideation, and the creative process in preparation of graphics and videos. More details HERE.
Assistant Director, Strategic Communications (University of Arizona / Tucson, AZ): Drive the Arizona Athletics brand through strategic storytelling, media relations, digital content, and championship-caliber communications that inspire fans and stakeholders. More details HERE.
Assistant Coach, Men's & Women's Tennis, Part Time (Loyola University Maryland / Baltimore, MD): Assist Head Tennis Coach in daily coaching and training operations, as well as support programs in all aspects to create a positive Division I student-athlete experience. More details HERE.
Assistant Coach, Men's and Women's Cross Country & Women's Track (Loyola University Maryland / Baltimore, MD): Work in conjunction with the Head XC/Track & Field Coach in daily coaching and training operations, as well as support programs to create a positive Division I student-athlete experience. More details HERE.
Assistant Coach - Cross Country and Track & Field (Cleveland State University / Cleveland, OH): Serve as the Assistant Cross Country and Track and Field Coach for our Women program nesseled in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. More details HERE.
Director of Compliance & Governance (Pac-12 Conference / San Ramon, CA): The Director of Compliance and Governance plays a critical role in supporting and administering the Pac-12 Conference’s NCAA and Conference compliance programs. More details HERE.
Assistant Athletic Director for Creative Strategy & Social Media (University of Texas at Dallas / Richardson, TX): The Assistant Athletic Director for Creative Strategy and Social Media serves as the Athletics Department coordinator of game-day promotions, social media and marketing. More details HERE.
Athletic Assistant Director of Compliance (Kennesaw State University / Kennesaw, GA): Oversees athletic compliance with NCAA, conference, and university regulations; monitors adherence, provides training, and supports development and implementation of compliance policies. More details HERE.
Assistant Equipment Manager (Army West Point / West Point, NY): Procuring, supervising, and maintaining uniforms, equipment, and gear for all athletes, coaches, and support staff, ensuring that all health and safety measures are implemented and maintained. More details HERE.
Athletic Trainer (Army West Point / West Point, NY): Provides care, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries and related problems in cadet-athletes. Assumes primary responsibility for assigned team - Men's Soccer. More details HERE.
Part-Time Assistant Men's Volleyball Coach (Loras College / Dubuque, IA): Performs volleyball coaching and management activities, including recruitment of student-athletes in a National Collegiate Athletic Association--Division III intercollegiate Men's Volleyball program. More details HERE.
Coordinator, Creative Video & Reporter (Army West Point / West Point, NY): Developing, producing, and executing original multimedia content that enhances the visibility and reputation of Army West Point Athletics. More details HERE.
Director, Marketing and Fan Experience, Athletics (Kennesaw State University / Kennesaw, GA): Assists with coaching, recruiting, scheduling, budgeting, fundraising, player development, academic support, & administrative duties while ensuring compliance with KSU, NCAA, & conference regulations. More details HERE.
Coordinator of Intercollegiate Programming (Princeton University / Princeton, NJ): As the primary scheduler, the coordinator issues contracts for varsity contests, serves as game day event ops manager, provides support to Director, and coordinates the use of Teamworks for Athletics. More details HERE.
Associate Director of Athletic Compliance (Syracuse University / Syracuse, NY): Manages day-to-day compliance operations for 4 NCAA Division I sports. This role leads the admissions, VISA/ I-20 logistics and initial eligibility certification for all sports. More details HERE.
Assistant Athletic Director, Marketing (California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo / San Luis Obispo, CA): Cal Poly Athletics is seeking an experienced athletics marketing professional to join our team. More details HERE.
Director of Athletics Eligibility & Institutional Services (Colgate University / Hamilton, NY): A critical role within Colgate Athletics' student-athlete holistic support structure, primarily overseeing athletics eligibility and institutional services supporting the student-athlete experience. More details HERE.
Director, Social Media & Digital Content (University of Arizona / Tucson, AZ): Turn moments into movements. Lead Arizona Athletics' social media strategy and digital storytelling to connect, engage, and grow the Wildcat community. More details HERE.
Assistant Director, Financial Reporting & Analysis (University of Notre Dame / Notre Dame, IN): The Assistant Director, Financial Reporting & Analysis serves as a key financial contributor responsible for operational execution and analytical oversight of the department's financial activities. More details HERE.
Assistant Athletic Director of Business and Finance (Florida International University / Miami, FL): Manages daily operations and financial impact of sport team activities in assigned area and oversees the coordination of travel for intercollegiate athletics Teams, etc... More details HERE.
Strength & Conditioning Coach (Army West Point / West Point, NY): Directly supervise the performance training program of Olympic sports assigned teams. Contributing to the wellness of cadet-athletes, assisting cadet-athletes in optimizing competitive performance. More details HERE.
Executive Associate / Assistant Director of Administration (University of Arizona / Tucson, AZ): Support executive leadership at Arizona Athletics by managing high-level operations, confidential communications, and the daily functions of the Director of Athletics' office. More details HERE.
Assistant Athletic Director, Communications (California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo / San Luis Obispo, CA): Cal Poly is looking for an experienced Sports Information Professional to join our team. More details HERE.
Strength & Conditioning Intern (Army West Point / West Point, NY): Gain exposure to Division I athletics and military/tactical training, continuing professional education, the opportunity to further develop as coaches in a practical setting. More details HERE.