Women Owning Their Seat at the Table
For too long, women have been told to wait their turn, sit quietly, or make themselves smaller in the spaces where decisions are made. The concept of "owning your seat at the table" has become a powerful metaphor for women asserting their rightful place in leadership roles, challenging societal norms, and ensuring their voices are not just heard but valued. In a world where representation matters more than ever, the idea of women confidently claiming their space in business, politics, and beyond is both revolutionary and necessary.
Understanding the Power of a Seat at the Table
The metaphor of the "table" refers to any space of power, decision-making, and influence. For many women, securing a seat at the table means being part of conversations that shape outcomes, whether in boardrooms, government offices, or the media. But owning a seat at the table goes beyond just being present—it’s about fully claiming your space, contributing your voice, and ensuring that your perspective is considered in the decisions that affect your life, your career, your business, and the world at large.
The Challenges Women Face in Claiming Their Space
Despite the progress made over the last few decades, women still face significant barriers when it comes to taking their place in leadership and decision-making roles. These obstacles manifest in many ways:
Imposter Syndrome: Many women still struggle with imposter syndrome, feeling that they are not "enough" to take their seat at the table, despite their qualifications. Society has conditioned women to second-guess their abilities and downplay their achievements, which often leads to self-doubt when opportunities for leadership arise.
Stereotypes and Gender Bias: Women are often expected to conform to stereotypical leadership styles that may not come naturally to them. While qualities like empathy, collaboration, and emotional intelligence are strengths that women bring to leadership roles, they may be dismissed or undervalued in male-dominated spaces. The bias that associates authority with masculinity often undermines women's credibility and authority at the table.
Balancing Societal Expectations: Women are frequently expected to juggle both career and family responsibilities, with little support or recognition for this double burden. These societal expectations can limit their ability to take on leadership roles or contribute fully when they do have a seat at the table.
Lack of Representation: A lack of female representation at the leadership level can create a sense of isolation for women who do break through. When there are few role models, it can feel like women don’t belong, even when they’ve earned their seat.
Taking a Seat
While the challenges are real, there are many powerful reasons why women should—and must—own their seat at the table:
Diverse Perspectives Lead to Better Outcomes: Research consistently shows that diverse leadership teams outperform their homogenous counterparts. When women occupy leadership roles, organizations benefit from different perspectives, innovative ideas, and more inclusive decision-making. Having women in leadership isn’t just about fairness; it’s about driving success in a world that demands creativity, adaptability, and inclusivity.
Breaking Down Barriers for Future Generations: Every woman who claims her seat at the table is paving the way for those who follow. When women take on leadership roles, they shatter stereotypes and dismantle the invisible barriers that have kept future generations of women from dreaming big. The more women see other women succeeding in positions of power, the more they will believe that they too belong at the table.
Empowering Others: When women own their seats at the table, they also create opportunities to empower other women. This empowerment can be both direct—through mentorship, sponsorship, or advocacy—and indirect—by setting examples and challenging outdated norms. Women who hold leadership roles can serve as advocates for workplace policies that support women’s growth and work-life balance, ensuring that the next generation has a clearer path forward.
Redefining Leadership: Women bring a different approach to leadership—one that values collaboration, emotional intelligence, and empathy. As women continue to claim their place in leadership positions, they are helping to reshape what it means to be a leader. The traditional, rigid definition of leadership as hierarchical and authoritarian is giving way to a more fluid and inclusive understanding of leadership as a collaborative, growth-oriented role.
How Women Can Own Their Seat at the Table
Owning your seat at the table is an intentional and deliberate process. Here are some strategies for women to assert their power and confidently take up space:
Speak Up and Be Visible: Own it! Too often, women hesitate to speak up in meetings or assert their ideas, waiting for the “perfect” moment. However, owning your seat requires speaking up, even when it feels uncomfortable. Don’t wait for permission to share your thoughts—your perspective is just as valuable as anyone else’s at the table.
Confidence is key. Learn to take pride in your achievements, and don’t downplay your successes. When you own your accomplishments and recognize your worth, others will too. Celebrate your achievements, and don’t shy away from acknowledging the hard work and expertise that got you to where you are.
Find Allies: No one should have to claim their seat alone. Seek out women who inspire you and teach you new things. Building a network of allies will strengthen your ability to influence change and grow as a leader.
Support Other Women: One of the most powerful ways to own your seat is to make room for other women at the table. Mentor, sponsor, and advocate for women who are striving to take their place in leadership. The more women support each other, the stronger the collective voice becomes.
Be Unapologetically Yourself: To truly own your seat, you must embrace your authentic self. Be here and be real! Don’t try to conform to the leadership style you think others expect from you. Instead, lead in a way that feels true to who you are. Your unique perspective and voice are what make you an asset to the table.
Looking Forward
The future of women owning their seat at the table is bright but requires collective effort. As more women claim their space, both the corporate world and society at large will benefit from richer, more inclusive leadership. The path ahead is about breaking down barriers, amplifying voices, and changing the narrative of leadership to reflect the diverse world we live in.
As more women continue to take their place at the table, they will not only change the spaces they occupy—they will redefine the entire table. So, women, it’s time to stop asking for a seat. You already belong there. Own it, and let your leadership shine.
— Kristie Clayton
HERverse Founder
#HERthoughts
