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 a seat at that table: developmental programs, a strong network of peers and mentors. A SEAT AT THE TABLE provides access to all three of these needs, focusing on women since there are not traditionally the same opportunities for women as men.

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.

A SEAT AT THE TABLE is a 9-session program with a maximum of 8 senior level executive peers per class.  Each session is a full day focusing on a specific competency, each session building on the previous. Mentors can be chosen from The Link ‘Board of Mentors’ or from within the sponsor company as a support for the executive.

Our program is created around the belief that leadership includes a wide range of qualities, behaviors, skills and attributes. In its essence there are 2 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.

"...female leaders are seen by all around them to be strong in such traits as tenacity and emotional intelligence but trail men in one important aspect: Their superiors, peers and subordinates say that women lack vision." ~Harvard Business Review, January '09

The Facilitators
The Link For Women is working with a great team of experts to conduct the nine sessions of the program. They are smart, professional, understand the nuances of the business world and are considered ‘Best in Class’. This is a diverse brain trust that the participants can use as a resource thoughout the 9 sessions. Check out their bios.

The Board of Mentors
A SEAT AT THE TABLE will enable women to have the same opportunities as businessmen to connect and work with other women leaders. Our ‘Board of Mentors’ is an incredible group of the most powerful, successful and generous women in Portland and Seattle. Our Portland Board includes:

MISSION
> To provide a comprehensive program where competencies are enhanced to lead with confidence and achieve full potential in the workplace.
> To provide an environment of support and sharing among executive women.

OBJECTIVES
> To flourish and thrive by leading yourself with confidence in order to lead others most effectively.
> To strengthen competencies for thinking and communicating strategically at the highest levels.
> To provide a safe place to learn and test new ideas with diverse experts 
> To provide access to and guidance for a productive mentor/protégé relationship.
> To create access to a network of peers that provide perspective and a sounding board.

ELIGIBLE WOMEN
> 5–15 years of professional experience
> Independent business owners with at least 3 years as CEO
> desire to contribute in a powerful way to the strategic team.
> have demonstrated a commitment to reaching their full potential.
> possess a wide variety of skills and interestshave 5–15 years of professional experience.

PROGRAM FRAMEWORK**
> 9 session program
> Intensive weekend kick-off; 1 day per month for 7 months thereafter
> Up to 8 qualified senior level executives/1 woman per company/department
> Assessment survey incorporating the attendee’s manager, peers and associates thoughts on corporate culture and expectations
> 1:1 consultation with access to all facilitators throughout program
> Access to mentors from The Link  'Board of Mentors' or the sponsor company
> Monthly assignments designed to apply session learnings in the workplace immediately
> Membership in The Link For Women for 1 year
**Customized corporate programs available