What is ‘News’? Is the Fact a CEO of a Big Company is Having a Child Really ‘News’?

As I am scrolling through my Facebook feed this afternoon I see a story that left me at a loss. The story was from the Portland Press Herald about the CEO and President of WEX is having her first child in September. Melissa Smith will take a short leave of absence after the birth. Ms. Smith…to you I say CONGRATULATIONS!  But, am I totally out of touch? Is this news?

I mean, I am very happy for her. It is interesting to those in her business and social circles as well as family. What a wonderful thing and all that happy stuff. BUT she is a woman, who happens to be very successful in the business world, so that makes her pregnancy and other baby plans ‘news’? If her name was Melvin Smith and he was a soon to be dad, would I have read the same information?  Would I?  If you can honestly answer that question with a ‘YES’; I would have no issue.

Clearly she is a smart person to have achieved this level of success. I do not know Ms. Smith, but I think she can figure how to be CEO and parent.  From what I can see, being a good parent is a commitment for from the parental units. The gender of the parental units does not make the job harder or easier.

This is a going to a memorable year for Ms. Smith. January she was named to take over control of WEX and now a baby!  To you Ms. Smith I raise a glass of sparkling cider and say ‘congratulation on the baby and the job!'

Oh, what is WEX you ask?? I had to look it too. WEX is a 'South Portland company that is a leading provider of corporate payment solutions.'