Her Story
About Zoë
Zoe Scales is a Sales Compensation Analyst at IQVIA in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she oversees sales incentive plans and payouts for close to 200 employees across the JAPAC, EMEA, regions. In this role, she partners with HR teams to ensure payout structures remain compliant with local regulations, collaborates with managers and executives to keep compensation aligned with financial accruals, and manages the submission of payroll data. She has played a key role in modernizing her team's compensation processes, helping transition the organization from labor-intensive manual calculations to a streamlined, automated system in just one year, a shift that had eluded the company for a decade. Before stepping into compensation analysis, Zoë's career at IQVIA began in Inside Sales, supporting Clinical Technology solutions used in clinical research studies. This role helped shape her understanding of the industry and sparked her passion for driving business and operational excellence. Her career path was influenced by a variety of experiences, from shadowing a physician assistant and teaching children how to code to building confidence in sales through business development and cold-calling roles, all of which helped shape the skills she relies on today. Inspired by an early interest in sports medicine developed at Sanderson High School, Zoë earned a degree in Exercise and Sports Science from Meredith College, along with a minor in Biology and a concentration in Health and Wellness, graduating in 2019. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Zoë is deeply committed to giving back to her community through fundraising efforts and active participation in her company's Women's Networking Group (WIN), the Meredith College Alumni Network, and her church's Philoptochos women's group. Zoë credits much of her professional growth to the mentors who have challenged and supported her throughout her career. Driven by curiosity, self-discipline, and a strong desire to learn and succeed, she continues to embrace new opportunities for growth while balancing her career ambitions with a firm commitment to family and personal well-being.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Zoë
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to determination, self-discipline, and a lifelong commitment to learning. My grandfather always taught me that knowledge is power because it's something no one can ever take away from you, and there is no limit to how much you can gain. That lesson has stayed with me throughout my career, shaping how I approach challenges, pursue growth opportunities, and remain open to learning every day.
I'm also incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of my parents, who have always encouraged me to strive for my best and pursue my goals with confidence. One lesson they consistently reinforced was, "If your name is on it, make sure it's your best." That mindset has instilled a strong sense of accountability and pride in my work. Together, these values continue to guide both my personal and professional growth.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've received came from my mom and dad, both being entrepreneurs they both tell me: "The worst they can say is no." That simple piece of advice has given me the confidence to pursue opportunities, advocate for myself, and step outside my comfort zone. I can handle a no, but I never want to look back and wonder what might have happened if I hadn't asked or taken a chance. After all, a no is temporary, but missed opportunities can stay with you for a long time.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to embrace every opportunity that comes their way and maintain a positive mindset, even when the path isn't part of their original plan. Growth often happens in unexpected places, and not everything will come easily. Learning something new can be challenging, especially during the first six months, but staying curious, resilient, and open to learning will set you up for success in anything you choose to pursue.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest transformations I've witnessed in my field, particularly in Sales Compensation, has been the shift from manual, time-intensive calculations in massive Excel spreadsheets to a mostly automated compensation platform. While we're still working toward further automation and continuous improvements, the progress has been remarkable. Given the size and complexity of IQVIA, implementing this change was no small undertaking. However, through strong collaboration and dedication, my team and I successfully deployed the platform within a single year. At the same time, IQVIA is constantly evolving, especially with advancements in technology and the growing use of AI. Staying current with these changes and adapting to new ways of working has become essential, making this an exciting time to be part of the organization and the industry.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In the workplace, what's most important to me is maintaining my professionalism, staying dynamic, and continuing to cultivate meaningful relationships with my colleagues. Personally, I value growth, my marriage, and the relationships I have with my family and friends. My husband is a constant source of support and encouragement, and having a close-knit family and strong circle of friends keeps me grounded and gives me the energy to continue growing both professionally and personally.
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