Gender Judo: Autumn Ryan Of The SoRite Company On The Daily Gender Discrimination Women Face and How We Succeed Despite It

Exclusive – Authority Magazine

by Authority Magazine Editorial Staff

That moment wasn’t just about standing up for myself; it was about owning my vision, refusing to be intimidated, and recognizing that confidence and conviction are far stronger than fear or ego.

Asa part of this series, we had the pleasure to interview Autumn Ryan.

Autumn Ryan is the founder of The SoRite® Company, a revolutionary cleaning brand dedicated to safer, effective, and eco-friendly decontamination and cleansing solutions. With 24 years of janitorial and cleaning experience, she focuses on transparency, trust, and consumer education regarding the risks of conventional products. In April 2024, SoRite secured a key U.S. patent for its primary sodium chlorite–based formulation, marking a major industry advancement.

Thank you so much for joining us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory”? What led you to this particular career path?

Istarted a cleaning company, Southern Comfort Cleaning, one week after graduating from college 23 years ago. I grew that company as a woman-owned business in the Nashville metro area, specializing in construction, residential, commercial, corporate, and school cleaning. There was a big building boom going on in Nashville in the residential marketplace, and every neighborhood had one or more model homes. I would take a homemade bundt cake to the developer and pitch my services, and I got the contract from all but one builder. I had over 34 full-time and 23 part-time cleaners working for me. It didn’t take long for me to see flaws in the cleaning industry: people cleaning the wrong way, the school janitor dragging an old gray loop mop from restroom to classroom to cafeteria, creating the perfect conditions for cross-contamination of bacterial and viral illnesses. This “education” in what the industry was lacking led to the invention and patents that SoRite is known for today.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?

Receiving a dominant patent in the USA, Japan, and Israel for a sodium chlorite solution that is the basis for everything in our product line, as we provide many different solutions in healthcare. Our products disinfect against bacteria and viruses in 15 seconds, kill mold and mildew, neutralize fentanyl and other narcotics in 60 seconds, cleanse the skin from pepper spray, PAVA, and bear spray with the ability to open your eyes in less than 3 minutes after cleansing — and that’s just the beginning of what our patented technology offers. Our disinfectant is registered with the EPA as non-caustic, safe, and effective. We have filed patents with many other countries, which will be awarded in the months to follow.

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

In the early days of SoRite, during R&D, my chemists and I were experimenting with different formulations and thought we had some samples ready to send for lab testing. We shipped them via FedEx, and unexpectedly, the bottles reacted during transit, creating a messy situation that startled the driver and resulted in significant cleanup and shipping costs. Don’t worry — that formula is not the one that makes up SoRite today! That experience was a wake-up call, teaching us the critical importance of conducting accelerated stability testing before sending any samples and reinforcing the value of building safety and responsibility into every step of the process. It’s a lesson that has guided how we operate ever since.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful to who helped get you where you are? Can you share a story about that?

The first people who come to mind are Blake Bernard and Phyllis Rose. They’ve been with me from the very beginning — before money, before momentum, before anyone even knew what SoRite could become. They believed in me, in the product, and in the mission when belief was literally all we had.

Blake, my COO and general counsel, managed our patents worldwide and saw the vision for SoRite long before anyone else did. There were months, even years, when I couldn’t pay him, yet he stayed because he believed in what we were building. Phyllis ran our marketing, graphics, website, and labels, and she was my anchor when the pressure got heavy. She helped me mentally when the weight of it all felt overwhelming. Like Blake, she went months, sometimes over a year, without pay — and she stayed for the mission, not because it was easy. Next, she’ll be my ghostwriter for my book.

That kind of loyalty and trust is rare. SoRite literally wouldn’t exist without them, and their dedication has shaped everything this company stands for.

Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?

Circle of Chi by Master Lama Rasaji had a profound impact on me and completely changed how I approach life and leadership. It lays out practical principles for mastering your mind, body, and soul, and it taught me the importance of slowing down and appreciating the small things each day.

What resonated most was the focus on balance — mind, breath, nutrition, movement, and even money — and the idea of keeping your vibration and frequency high to attract positivity and opportunities into your life. It showed me that true success isn’t just about external accomplishments; it’s also about maintaining alignment, energy, and intention in every part of your life. Applying these lessons has helped me stay centered, resilient, and purposeful while navigating the challenges of building a business in a high-pressure, fast-moving industry.

Do you have a favorite “life lesson” quote? Do you have a story about how that was relevant in your life or your work?

I have several life lessons that guide both me and my team every day:

Everything happens for a reason.

There is no such thing as coincidence.

Do not worry about the past or the future — only live in the now.

Nothing to fear but fear itself.

These aren’t just words; they’re tenets that shape how I approach challenges, relationships, and opportunity.

I’ve seen time and again how people enter your life for a reason, and the trick is paying attention and figuring out how they fit into your journey. One example is how I met the group that eventually introduced me to my investors. At the time, I wasn’t even looking for an investment, but the opportunity they presented was too significant to ignore. By recognizing the timing and acting decisively, I was able to close on that investment in less than 30 days, an opportunity that might never have happened if I hadn’t stayed present, trusted the process, and embraced the people crossing my path. It’s a reminder that nothing in life is random, and when you stay open and courageous, doors appear exactly when they need to.

How have you used your success to make the world a better place?

I’ve used my success to make a meaningful difference by building SoRite into a company that sets a new standard for safety, health, and innovation. From day one, we’ve focused on creating solutions that don’t just clean, they protect lives. SoRite was founded on innovation, education, truth, and trust, and every product we develop reflects those values.

Our patented sodium chlorite–based formulas are fast-acting, fragrance-free, and safe. They’re non-toxic and non-caustic, proving that you don’t have to compromise performance for safety. Whether it’s eliminating harmful viruses and bacteria or supporting rapid detox from OC/CS spray, our products work efficiently while prioritizing the health of people and the environment.

Beyond the formulas themselves, SoRite represents transparency, continuous improvement, and a commitment to future generations. We’ve built a brand people can trust — because when it comes to creating safer, healthier spaces, it’s just SoRite. Through this work, I’ve been able to leverage success not for accolades, but to make the world a safer, cleaner, and more responsible place for everyone.

Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Can you share a moment when you encountered subtle or overt gender discrimination, and how did you navigate that situation effectively?

I remember one moment that really crystallized what subtle (and not-so-subtle) gender discrimination can look like. A man once called me in for an after-hours meeting, and the second I walked in, I realized I was the only person left in the building. He shut the door behind me, dimmed the lights so only a desk lamp was on, and leaned back in his chair, raising himself higher than me, clearly trying to intimidate me before saying a word.

He went on to tell me how ignorant I was, how I’d never amount to anything, and how the company he worked for was worth $15 million — insisting I could never reach that level. I let him talk, smirking the entire time, then asked calmly if he was done. When he said yes, I stood up and said, “Clearly, you’re scared.” I laughed and added, “Fifteen million? That’ll be pocket change when I’m done with what I’m building in this industry, and I’ll make sure to put you in my book as inspiration.” And then I walked out.

That moment wasn’t just about standing up for myself; it was about owning my vision, refusing to be intimidated, and recognizing that confidence and conviction are far stronger than fear or ego. Experiences like that have shaped how I lead: with courage, clarity, and the belief that no one’s skepticism or intimidation can define what I’m capable of building.

What strategies do you use to counteract unconscious biases in professional settings and assert your expertise?

In professional settings, I approach unconscious bias head-on by showing up exactly as I would if I were a man — no special treatment, no shrinking to make anyone comfortable. I stand tall, fully present, and confident in my expertise. The reality is that the moment someone perceives weakness, they’ll test it. That’s just how bias works.

The strategy is simple but deliberate: I push back — calmly, firmly, without hesitation. I let my knowledge, experience, and presence speak for themselves. The moment you do that consistently, the dynamic shifts, and respect follows. It’s not about aggression; it’s about clarity, authority, and refusing to let bias define how you’re treated. That approach has been critical in asserting my expertise and setting the standard for how I — and anyone working with me — expect to be respected.

In what ways have you found support or allyship among colleagues when facing gender-based challenges?

Honestly, my closest allies are the people who have seen, or even experienced, the same challenges I’ve faced with gender bias. They know the negative behaviors I’ve encountered and understand that I don’t tolerate misogyny or disrespect. Because of that, they stand with me, not just as colleagues, but as partners in purpose.

I lead unapologetically, and I walk to the beat of my own drum. I bring zero fear and laser-sharp focus to everything I do, and that clarity earns their trust. They believe in the direction I’m taking the company, and that mutual respect and alignment create a network of support that makes navigating bias and challenges not just possible, but empowering. With allies like that, the work becomes about progress, not excuses.

Ok, super. Here is the main question of our interview. Can you please share “Five Things You Need to Turn Tribulations into Triumphs”? If you can, please share an example or story for each.

1. Determination

From day one, I could see myself walking up the steps of a federal building in Washington, papers in hand, ready to deliver a message that could save lives. Change doesn’t happen overnight. It pushes you, it tests you, and sometimes it feels impossible. But determination keeps you moving when no one else believes. It’s the fire that carries you through every “no” and every obstacle.

2. Know Your Limits (and Who to Call)

I’m not a chemist. I was a marketing student turned janitor. But when I have an idea, I find the people who can make it real. Early on, someone asked if my product could be used for opioid decontamination by first responders. I didn’t know, but I believed it could be done. Years later, with the right team, SoRite DECON became a reality. Admitting what you don’t know isn’t weakness; it’s smart.

3. Money

Let’s be real: product development costs a fortune. Pathogen testing alone could have made me quit. But I found ways to make it work — I would Airbnb my house near the Titans stadium for 6 years every weekend, moving my kids and 5 pets — anything to keep the research moving. Still, money isn’t the goal. I want products that are safe, effective, and affordable. Business should lead with heart and purpose, not greed.

4. Patience

Impatience is everywhere. I’ve been told, “Do this now!” when I knew the timing or the product wasn’t right. Patience isn’t passive. It’s strategic. Slowing down, thinking through the details, and asking, “How can we make this better?” — that’s what protects your work and ensures it lasts.

5. Faith

Faith is what carries you when patience is tested. I listen to the still, small voice inside me that says, “Trust and believe,” “It’s coming,” “Go with the flow,” “Trust the process.” One of my most unforgettable moments came in Knoxville, touring the University of Tennessee with my youngest daughter. I was at one of the hardest points of my life when a homeless woman approached me in a restaurant. She handed me a golden $100 bill and said, “My child, it’s all going to be okay. Stay the course.” The manager asked if I wanted her removed; I didn’t. That $100 bill now hangs framed in my office, a daily reminder that reassurance sometimes walks right up to your table and speaks directly to your soul.

How do you stay resilient and maintain confidence when faced with persistent gender stereotypes in your industry?

By standing my ground and showing no fear. I approach every situation with intelligence and clarity, speaking confidently about the topic at hand. When I enter a room, I make deliberate eye contact with everyone present, I read the energy in the room, from person to person, and I can usually tell who’s truly aligned with the mission and who isn’t.

Before I commit to any business relationship, I make it a priority to meet the executive team personally. That gives me a clear sense of the people I’ll be working with, their intentions, and whether they operate with integrity. Confidence isn’t just about knowing your own worth; it’s about observing, assessing, and setting boundaries so that the people around you match the energy and commitment you bring to the table. In an industry marked by bias, this approach has been crucial in maintaining focus, respect, and resilience.

You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good for the greatest number of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.

If I could inspire a far-reaching movement, it would start with education — real, actionable education that empowers people to make safer, smarter choices every day. Beginning in 2026, I’m launching “Autumn SoRite,” a social media platform dedicated entirely to this mission. Most people don’t realize how little we’ve been taught about cleaning as it relates to chemicals, tools, and techniques, and the consequences show up everywhere: in schools, hospitals, restaurants, and even our own homes.

Education is everything. Take something as simple as dwell time: most disinfectants need to remain wet on a surface for 4 to 10 minutes to actually work, yet almost no one follows that rule. It’s no wonder bacteria and viruses keep spreading. SoRite flips the script; our disinfectant kills bacteria and viruses in just 15 seconds. That kind of knowledge changes behavior, and when people truly understand the science behind safety, everything clicks.

This platform isn’t just about products — it’s about shifting awareness, raising standards, and empowering communities to protect themselves and others. I believe that one idea, when shared and amplified, can trigger a ripple effect of positive change, and this is the movement I’m building to do exactly that.

We are very blessed that some very prominent names in business, VC funding, sports, and entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.

I don’t follow the movies, sports, or entertainment, and I don’t idolize people or things. My focus has always been on learning, growing, and understanding life at a deeper level, so the people who inspire me aren’t celebrities or executives; they’re those who live intentionally and with purpose.

If I had the opportunity for a private breakfast or lunch, it would be with the Walk for Peace monks. Their dedication to mindfulness, peace, and service resonates deeply with me. I’d want to hear how they maintain clarity and compassion in every action, how they cultivate inner strength, and how their practices might be applied to leadership and impact in the modern world. That kind of conversation wouldn’t just inspire me; it would provide insight into living and leading with heart, purpose, and unwavering focus.