Spotlight on Women at Focus: A Conversation with Michelle Wilkins

What does International Women’s Day or Women’s History Month mean to you personally?

For me, this time of year is about honoring the women who came before us, celebrating the women walking beside us, and being intentional about the path we are creating for the women who will come next.

I come from a long line of strong, independent, determined women, so for me it starts close to home in your daily life. It’s in the way you show up for your family, friends, colleagues and community. Then it expands outward to women who are influencing our industry and the financial world, and finally to a global scale, to women who are changing how we live.

It’s also a reminder to pause and celebrate the small things, not just the big promotions or major milestones. The everyday moments matter just as much: getting through a hard week, taking a risk that scared you, or supporting someone behind the scenes.

Is there a woman, past or present, who has influenced or inspired your professional path?

I have been very fortunate. When I look back on school and my career, I can point to several women who helped shape major decisions in my life. I had wonderful female teachers and mentors who encouraged me to take up space, be clear about what I wanted, and go after it. Not everyone has that kind of support, and I never take it for granted.

If I had to choose one person, it would be my mom. I have never met a harder worker. She was a single parent who worked in the medical field in front-office roles and steadily worked her way up. She did that both at work and at home, leading with empathy and grace, even when life was hard.

My mom didn’t go to college, so from a young age she instilled in me the importance of education and opportunity. Becoming the first person in my family to graduate from college was a huge milestone, not just for me, but for all of us. It felt like I was carrying forward her sacrifices and the sacrifices of the women before her. Even now, when I have a hard day, she is still the person I call. Her grit, her determination, and the way she treated people have all shaped how I try to show up, both personally and professionally.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in this industry, and how did you navigate them?

Like many industries, the music business has historically seen strong representation of women in early- and mid-career roles, with less parity at the highest levels of leadership.

The encouraging part is that I have seen real change in Nashville. When I first moved here, leadership at the major record labels and independents was predominantly male. Now, there are women running labels, managing some of the biggest artists, and leading with the kind of long-term credibility and respect that helps shift the culture. That’s been a meaningful change in just over a decade.

On a personal level, one of my biggest challenges has been getting out of my own way. I think a lot of women are taught, often in subtle ways, to be seen and not heard. That can show up in how you write an email, speak in meetings, or whether you raise your hand for new opportunities.

A lot of that work is mental. It’s about being clear on what you bring to the table and taking up space without apologizing for it. If you’re holding yourself back, you’re not giving other people the chance to support or advocate for you. Sometimes the biggest hurdle is simply trusting your own voice.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career so far?

Mentorship has been the most rewarding part for me.

My role has evolved significantly during the 12+ years I have been at Gelfand. I now manage a team and have had the opportunity to work with people at different levels and stages in their careers. To me, there’s a real distinction between management, leadership, and mentorship. Management is about workload and process. Leadership is about vision and example. Mentorship goes a step further: it’s about investing in someone in a way that changes their trajectory.

One relationship that means a great deal to me is with a bookkeeper I worked closely with over the years. We grew together professionally, and I had the opportunity to mentor her into an Account Manager role. She is thriving now and watching her succeed has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career. Her wins feel like some of my favorite successes, even though they are entirely hers.

To me, mentorship is the legacy you leave behind. Titles and projects come and go, but the people you help grow, and the paths you help open, are what last.

What do you enjoy most about working on the business management side of the music industry?

People often assume that bookkeeping or financial work is very black and white, but business management is far more complex. It feels like solving a puzzle every day, and that novelty is something I really value.

Many of my clients tour, and I’ve always been fascinated by the live music space. Working on this side of it has completely changed the way I experience concerts. Now, when I go to a show, I can’t help thinking about everything happening behind the scenes, from insurance and production costs to the months of planning it took to make that moment happen. Some of my favorite experiences are taking my family to see a client perform and knowing how much work went into what they are watching that night. It is special to be even a small part of something so much bigger.

I also appreciate that I get a full view of my clients’ financial lives. If you work in music publishing or at a label, your vantage point is somewhat limited. In business management, we see every facet of the industry. It’s intellectually engaging, constantly changing, and never boring.

What advice would you give to young women considering a career in business management?

My biggest piece of advice is to go for it full force, and don’t pull punches if you don’t need to.

Kindness and positivity also go a long way. It doesn’t cost anything to be kind, and I do believe that what you put into the world comes back to you. That doesn’t mean letting people walk all over you: you can be empathetic and collaborative while still holding firm boundaries around your work and your worth.

Finally, if you love music but don’t see yourself as the person on stage or in the studio, know that there is absolutely a place for you on the business side. That is my story: I am better suited for business and am much happier in this role than I would have been in a purely creative one, but I still get to be deeply involved in an industry I care about.

Any final thoughts you would like to share?

Use your voice. There is a longstanding stereotype that women in business are too emotional. I see emotion as a strength, especially when paired with emotional intelligence. Emotions include everything from empathy to frustration to happiness and anger. These aren’t weaknesses; they can be powerful indicators that something needs to change. Learn to recognize them and channel them to move forward.

Don’t be afraid to ask for a mentor, seek clarity around your path, or ask for more opportunities to grow. Be honest and specific about what you are looking for and why it matters, not only for you, but for the firm as well. Sometimes it starts as simply as saying, “Here is where I feel at a loss, and here is how more guidance could help me contribute at a higher level.”

Use your voice, be intentional about what you’re asking for, and don’t hesitate to take up the space you’ve earned.