A Seat at the Table

“My business has taken a 180-degree growth spurt, and I attribute that success to “A Seat at the Table” and learning the importance of niching oneself and thinking more strategically.”

Sitting at a boardroom of 12, perhaps 2 of the seats are filled with women. Men and women executives need the same things to obtain and utilize their seat at that table: developmental programs and a strong network of peers and mentors. A Seat at the Table (ASATT) provides access to all of these needs, focusing on women who are not traditionally afforded the same opportunities as their male executive counterparts.

A Seat at the Table (and USING it) is a nine-session leadership development program for experienced senior level women leaders who wish to be more influential with their seat at the table, USING their seat in the most effective way to the contribute to the strategic agenda. Next Cless begins June 2012.

A Seat at the Table (and GETTING it) is a five-session leadership development program for women who are high potential middle managers or who have owned their own business for at least five years and wish to GET a seat at the table. Next class begins Jan. 12, 2012, followed by a class beginning August 2012.

Research shows that most women are dissatisfied with their ability to network and feel excluded from informal networks that provide access to influential clients and colleagues. The lack of mentoring opportunities is believed to be the leading barrier to women’s advancement. In order to flourish and thrive, women need new and creative opportunities to expand their base of influence and to gain the confidence and poise needed for success.

The goal of ASATT is to help women cultivate their vision, an influential voice and a strong community of experts, peers and mentors to lead with confidence and contribute effectively when they have a seat at the table. Our programs are based on the precept that leadership requires a wide range of qualities, behaviors, skills and attributes, summarized in 2 overarching components:

Leading Yourself: Knowing and leading from one’s strengths, interpretation of contexts and situations, being authentic and congruent.

Leading Others: Power from charting vision and strategy, risk-taking, influencing, creating and managing change, negotiating effectively, resolving conflict, and creating a WE-centric culture.

The Experts
The Link has assembled a team of experts who are savvy, smart, professional and considered ‘Best in Class’ to conduct the sessions. This diverse brain trust understands the nuances of the business world and is an invaluable resource throughout the nine-session program.

The Board of Mentors
Our ‘Board of Mentors’ is a vastly accomplished group of powerful, successful and generous women. The Portland Board includes:

Joan Tate Allen; Owner, Windermere Real Estate
Erica Dailey: Executive Director, CFO, Millar Nash LLP
Sue Hildick; President, Chalkboard Project
Karen Hinsdale; Philanthropist, Owner, the Cellar Door
Michelle Lantow; CFO, McCormick and Schmick’s
Sandi McDonough ; CEO/President, Portland Business Alliance
Sarah Mensah; COO, Portland Trail Blazers
Laureen O’Brien; CIO, Providence Health Systems
Linda Pearce; EVP/CFO, WARN Industries
Virginia Willard; Executive Director, NW Business Community for the Arts
DJ Wilson; Pres/GM, KGW Media Group Portland