Who Sits at Your Table?

As women, we are often better at supporting others than we are at building the team that supports us.

Last month, I attended the 2026 Woman of Influence Awards luncheon hosted by the Nashville Business Journal, where I was honored in the Inspiration/Mentor category — which celebrates women who enrich and inspire the lives and careers of others by sharing their experience and wisdom.

My acceptance speech: "THIS is women's work!"

I sat down to a celebration lunch surrounded by nine very important people — my "nine people." Across the crowded ballroom, at every table of ten, there was an honoree and her guests. Her nine people.

The solo climb is a myth.

When working with clients, we often talk about individual achievement, drive, ambition, resilience, and balance. There is a narrative about success that looks like a solo climb: clean, linear, impressive.

That solo version is a myth.

Sitting at that table, it was clear to me: we never do this alone.

Research tells us that women are great at building relationships — but we are not as skilled at leveraging them for our own benefit. (How Women Rise - Helgersen/Goldsmith)

Women typically want to build true relationships, not engage in simple transactions. Here is the good news: by leaning into a "both/and" mindset, we can build genuine relationships and ask for help when we need grace, advice, doors opened, cheerleading, or honest feedback.

The challenge: who would be in your nine?

Think about your ideal table of ten. You are sitting in seat one. Who would be the other nine people sitting with you? The ones who have cheered you on, lifted you up, inspired and challenged you — who fills those seats?

There are so very many people who have cheered me on over the decades. These men and women would fill many, many tables. I am a lucky woman indeed.

This year, my table included:

Diane  |  The OG leader who made this all possible — aka Mom

Allison  |  The kindest, most thoughtful friend who teaches me something new at every encounter

Jocelyn  |  A brilliant creative mind and joy warrior — always one step ahead

Tiffany  |  Launched the Women's Leadership Academy at CMA — and made one of my professional dreams come true

Lisa  |  Seriously talented coach and the best coaching partner on the planet

Zach  |  My true love and partner in this crazy, beautiful mess we are making together

Luka & Nico  |  My why behind it all

Jane  |  Wicked talented nonprofit leader and fellow founding City School of Nashville board member (and not pictured because she had to go save the Earth)

Build your table — intentionally.

Here is what I know from years of coaching women at the highest levels of leadership: the leaders who go further require more than deep expertise. They are the ones with the most intentional, the most honest, and the most reciprocal relationships.

Successful leaders build tables. And they fill them with the right people.

So — who are your nine?

Show up for those people the way they show up for you. Celebrate them loudly. Tell them what they mean to you — not just on the days when the awards are given out, but on the ordinary Tuesdays when the work is hard and the progress feels slow.

Good luck building your table — and celebrating all they bring to you.