Sheila Ronning
Founder & CEO, Women in the Boardroom
Sheila Ronning is recognized for her dynamic leadership and relentless pursuit of excellence. With over three decades of experience, she has left an indelible mark as a retail executive turned entrepreneurial visionary.
In 1996, Sheila blazed a trail by founding a marketing and PR agency, serving as a beacon for small business owners seeking to amplify their voices in a crowded marketplace. Recognizing a crucial gap in the industry, she pioneered a series of networking events, providing a platform for hundreds of businesses to showcase their offerings and connect with their target audience. This initiative, spanning a decade, catalyzed unprecedented growth and collaboration within the entrepreneurial community.
In 2002, Sheila further cemented her legacy by launching an event dedicated to enabling executive women to secure seats on corporate boards. What began as a singular initiative blossomed into a 15-city tour, drawing thousands of attendees eager to learn. Leveraging her invaluable experience and expertise, she revolutionized the event into a membership platform, offering personalized guidance to aspiring leaders navigating the path to boardroom success.
As the driving force behind Women in the Boardroom™, Sheila has emerged as a visionary catalyst for change, spearheading initiatives that go beyond industries and borders. Her unparalleled dedication and transparent approach have earned her a reputation for success, with a track record of facilitating over 3,000 connections between talented professionals and prestigious boardrooms worldwide.
A globally sought-after speaker and recognized authority, Sheila’s influence extends far beyond boardrooms and conference halls. She has graced stages at prestigious institutions such as Harvard, NYU, Barnard College, and Stanford University’s Distinguished Career Institute, captivating audiences with her unparalleled insights and infectious passion. Additionally, she has been invited to share her expertise at renowned organizations including KPMG, Kirkland Ellis, Aon, NewsCorp, L’Oreal, and Thomas Reuters, as well as esteemed platforms like the United Nations, the SEC, NACD and ACG.
Sheila’s media coverage includes features in top-tier publications such as Forbes, The Washington Post, FOX News Network, and The Wall Street Journal. Her unwavering commitment to advancing gender diversity and inclusive leadership has earned her accolades and admiration from peers and professionals alike.
In her relentless pursuit of excellence, Sheila Ronning continues to inspire individuals around the globe and encourages women to “Show Up, Stand Up and Speak Up”
