The Tamarillo Table

Tamarillo Table

Tamarillo [tam-uh-ree-yoh] – a bright shade of orange.

As women, we often focus on the need to achieve a seat at the table. The “table” we are focused on is the meeting table, or the board table, or just a table full of men. It is the place where decisions are made. It is the place of ownership and equity. It is the place where our lives are changed without our input. Finding a “seat at the table” has long been the goal of many women in commercial real estate, especially those who have been marginalized such as women who are Black, Indigenous and Persons of Color (BIPOC).

But there is an even more important table for women in commercial real estate than the board table. It is the table where women come together. To huddle. To form their village and create an ecosystem of support. These tables are designed to build blocks for women to climb upon. These tables are where ideas are shared freely with no fear of belittlement or misappropriation. These conversations are brave, raw, and empowering. These tables are seated with equality, where no person seated there is less or more important than others. This table is the place where women build the foundation of their network that will elevate them to the board table, meeting table and straight through the glass ceiling. 

These tables are informal, without the traditional stiff white table cloths. They are orange and green and every other color. They are bright and inviting. They are set with wine, coffee, or whatever you like. They are set to inspire creativity, thought leadership, friendship and growth. There is no false flattery, only reality. They are designed to foster transparency and self-reflection in a supportive environment.    

This table can be more important than the board table, or any other table in the career of a woman in commercial real estate. This table requires time and attention. It requires presence, not just being there, but true presence. It requires commitment, honesty and vulnerability. The reward from holding a seat at this table is not immediate satisfaction. It is a slow building, deep-rooting benefit that is not obvious, but appears just when you need it. If your table is set properly, it can be a net that breaks your fall or infrastructure for your future empire.  

My tables are set with tamarillo table cloths. Tamarillo is a bright shade of orange that brings joy and inspires creation. My tables are open.  And there is usually coffee, sometimes cocktails, and always hope.  Set your own table with a bright color table cloth. Invite women to join you. See what you create together.