Picture this: You’re dropping off your son at his college dorm, and his roommate’s family is there, too. The roommate’s dad, let’s call him John, starts a conversation and asks your son about his major. When your son proudly replies, “Business Management,” John follows up with, “Does your dad own a business?” Without missing a beat, your son responds, “No, my mom does.”

This was exactly my experience. John, clearly caught off guard and unsure of how to respond, quickly made his exit — as if a rocket had launched him out of the room.

I had only just met John. He didn’t know my background as a finance executive in the corporate world. He couldn’t have known how I felt after my first successful NetSuite implementation — an achievement that ultimately inspired me to start my own IT consulting firm. He had no idea about the long hours and hard work I’ve put into my business. He didn’t see me hustle to grow my client base, build my team, and continually evolve.

So why did John assume my husband would be the business owner? This is 2024, after all. Why default to the idea that a man would own the business? Unfortunately, it’s more likely the result of deep-rooted patriarchal assumptions that still linger today.

The good news is that these outdated ideas are slowly fading. As assumptions shift, the conversation is changing. Younger generations are growing up seeing women own businesses, lead teams, and succeed in fields like tech and finance as part of everyday life.

I’m proud to be raising sons who understand that their mom, sister, aunts, and female friends can be and do anything they set their minds to.

A true story.

Gayle Nelson

Founder & President

Rapid Cloud Partners, Inc.