Michelle Zatlyn, co-founder and COO of Cloudflare, has been a transformative force in shaping the landscape of internet security and performance
In the world of technology and cybersecurity, few names resonate as profoundly as Michelle Zatlyn. As the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Cloudflare, Zatlyn has played a vital role in steering the future of internet security and performance. Her vision and leadership have catapulted Cloudflare into a crucial service that fortifies and accelerates any Internet application without the need for added hardware, installing software, or modifying existing code.
Hailing from Saskatchewan, Canada, Michelle Zatlyn’s educational journey was marked by a commitment to excellence and a keen interest in making a substantial impact. She earned her undergraduate degree in Chemistry from McGill University, an institution renowned for its research and academic rigor. After her stint in Canada, she relocated to the United States to pursue an MBA at Harvard Business School. It was here that the foundational ideas of Cloudflare began to germinate in collaboration with her future co-founders, Matthew Prince and Lee Holloway.
Her leadership is marked by a relentless commitment to innovation leading to its expansion across more than 100 countries
Cloudflare’s inception traces back to a project conceived at Harvard Business School. The trio of founders saw a glaring need for services that could offer robust security and enhanced efficiency for websites. Officially launched in 2009, Cloudflare was set up with the mission to provide essential security features that safeguard websites from prevalent threats such as DDoS attacks, malicious software, and data breaches. Simultaneously, it aimed to enhance the performance of these sites, ensuring faster loading times and smoother user experiences.
As COO, Michelle Zatlyn’s role spans across critical business operations including strategy, product development, and customer relations. Her leadership is distinguished by an unyielding commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence. These attributes have been instrumental in Cloudflare’s explosive growth. The company now operates from over 200 cities across more than 100 countries, providing vital security services to millions of websites, among them prominent organizations like IBM, Nasdaq, and the European Parliament.
As a staunch advocate for a secure and open internet, she influences global internet policy discussions
Zatlyn’s contributions have garnered numerous accolades, placing her on Fortune’s 40 Under 40, Forbes’ Top 50 Women in Tech, and Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business. Her influence stretches beyond Cloudflare as she is a sought-after speaker on topics such as entrepreneurship, internet security, and digital innovation.
Beyond her executive responsibilities, Michelle Zatlyn is profoundly involved in global internet policy dialogue. She is a staunch advocate for an open and secure internet, championing policies that defend individuals and businesses against emerging cyber threats. Her extensive knowledge and experience make her a respected voice at major international forums where the nexus of technology and policy is discussed.
Looking to the future, Michelle Zatlyn is relentlessly pushing Cloudflare towards new technological frontiers, focusing on developing pioneering products that secure and stabilize the internet. As digital landscapes evolve, her foresight and leadership are vital in addressing the myriad challenges and seizing the opportunities that lie ahead.
Michelle Zatlyn’s narrative is one of relentless innovation, influential leadership, and a steadfast commitment to a safer internet. As she continues at the helm of Cloudflare and influences the broader tech ecosystem, her impact is set to expand, promising a more secure digital environment for users worldwide.