10/20/2026
Last week, I had the honor of presenting recent RBC survey findings about women and wealth—the growing economic influence of women and the financial accomplishments behind that shift. It's exciting to see, and worth celebrating (ask me for a copy!)
Then yesterday, my parents offered a very practical illustration
My dad, who turns 89 soon, went shopping for a new Ford F-150. He has driven them as long as I have been around. He found one he liked, then brought my mom back to see it and give her blessing.
There was one problem: no running boards. At 88, my mom had a legitimate concern about stepping up into a truck with that much ground clearance.
The salesperson brushed it off, suggesting she probably wouldn't ride in it much anyway, or would figure it out. He had just lost a sale - and never knew it.
Within minutes, my parents were off the lot.
Her concern was practical. It deserved a conversation. A simple "Let's see what we can do about that" might have led to a very different outcome.
I spend a lot of time thinking about women and wealth through the lens of financial advice. This was a reminder that the same lesson applies across industries: pay attention to whose questions you answer, whose concerns you take seriously, and whose voice you might be overlooking.
Women's growing financial influence deserves our attention. So does the woman standing right in front of us.
Sorry dad - looks like you'll be driving your current truck for a while . . .
