Page 33 - Shaw Wall of Honor

My husband and I walked into the ballroom at 6pm. We had just arrived at a local fundraiser that would benefit schools in our area. We looked around for familiar faces and eased into the room. As we moved between groups, mingling, a theme came up: everyone asked him what he did for a living, and only one asked me.
This is an issue that many women in sales face. I have heard the same story from several friends who are law firm "rain makers," and women at other insurance brokerages (from the biggest of big on down).
So what's the difference between me and a man in a male dominated industry? Honestly, not much. But practically, I am starting 500 yards behind the starting line.
I say this not to illicit sympathy or to denigrate others, but so it opens up awareness. It is really difficult to network at kids' events or social engagements when you have to find opportunities to insert your experience, expertise, and work into the conversation, rather than having a door opened with the 'ol "so what do you do."
Being a Woman in a Male Dominated Industry
It always strikes me as an odd question, yet it is valid and there is a real reason why people still want to know what it's like. But here is the deal: I have always worked in a male dominated industry, and I have always worked with, for, and been mentored by MEN.
As a child, my career goal was to be the first woman president, so clearly I didn't see that there was anything lesser about me. As someone who started at a law firm that was
A Girl walks into
a bar....
WRITTEN BY
CRYSTAL WARE
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