Create Your Own Table – Creating Opportunity for Remarkable Women

By Cheldin Barlatt Rumer, CEO and Executive Producer, THIS IS IT NETWORK™

We’ve been taught to wait patiently, to play by the rules, and to hope someone will eventually notice our talents and invite us into the room. But if we’ve learned anything over the past few decades—through shifting industries, evolving workspaces, and the voices of powerful women—it’s this: We don’t have to wait for an invitation. We can create our own tables. And when we do, we must remember to leave the door open and pull up extra chairs for the remarkable women coming up behind us.

The Myth of “Making It” Alone

There’s a dangerous narrative in entrepreneurship and leadership that glorifies the solo journey—the image of the self-made woman who fought her way to the top with no help, no handouts, and no community. But the truth? That woman doesn’t exist.

Success is never a one-woman show. It’s built through community, collaboration, and courage. It’s built through mentors, partners, friends, and supporters who help shape the vision and keep it alive when things get hard.

As women, we don’t need to compete for one seat at the table. We need to build bigger tables—together.

The Power of Creating Your Own Space

When I started THIS IS IT NETWORK™, it wasn’t because I had all the answers. It was because I saw a gap. A void. Too many women were doing extraordinary things, but their stories weren’t being told. Their brands weren’t being seen. Their voices weren’t being heard.

So I created a space where they could be.

I created a table that didn’t just make room for others—it was built with others in mind. And through our SCREAM YOUR DREAM™ community, we’ve continued that mission: to provide a safe and brave space for women to grow, share, learn, and lead.

Because when women feel seen, they show up fully. When they’re surrounded by encouragement, they take more risks. And when they’re part of a trusted circle, they dream even bigger.

Safe AND Brave Spaces

There’s a difference between safe spaces and brave spaces—and we need both. Safe spaces provide the comfort and trust that allow women to speak freely. Brave spaces empower them to stretch beyond their comfort zones and take bold action.

In the SCREAM YOUR DREAM™ community, we aim to be both. We’re a support system and a launchpad. A sisterhood and a strategy circle. A place to fall apart and a place to rebuild.

Women thrive when they don’t have to choose between authenticity and ambition. We deserve spaces where we can be all of who we are—and be celebrated for it.

Building for Others, Not Just Ourselves

Creating your own table isn’t about ego. It’s about impact. When you rise, your journey becomes someone else’s inspiration. Your visibility gives someone else permission. Your leadership unlocks opportunity for others.

It’s not just about building your brand or growing your business. It’s about what you do with that success. It’s about who you bring along for the ride.

When women create spaces, we don’t just invite people in—we nurture them. We mentor. We collaborate. We share resources. And we remind one another that there is room for all of us.

What Does This Look Like in Practice?

Creating your own table can take many forms:

• Starting a mastermind group for accountability and idea sharing.
• Mentoring another woman who is just starting out.
• Advocating for inclusive hiring and promotions within your organization.
• Hosting events or virtual meetups that prioritize connection and empowerment.
• Joining communities like SCREAM YOUR DREAM™ that prioritize purpose and growth.

No step is too small. What matters most is the intention behind it: to build with heart, and to lift as we climb.

The Legacy of Leadership

At the end of the day, your career, your business, your personal brand—they are all extensions of your legacy. What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?

One that ends with your success story—or one that begins a new chapter for the women who follow?

I believe we’re at our best when we lead from abundance, not scarcity. When we create access instead of hoarding opportunity. When we recognize that our power is multiplied—not diminished—when we share it.

So don’t just take a seat. Don’t just fit in.

Build your table. And make it beautiful, bold, and open to others.

Together, we’re stronger. Together, we’re unstoppable.