A new membership organization started in Nashville is growing rapidly. The Table is resonating with the business community because the goal is bold – to make Nashville the model city for equity and inclusiveness by taking action to create opportunities to grow prosperity for people of color.
Started in October of 2020 by Lee Molette and Kate Wood,The Table now has over 250 members and the support of companies such as Amazon, Ascend Federal Credit Union, Bank of America, CMA Country Music Association, CNM, CoreCivic, EO Nashville, Fisk University, Gresham Smith, HCA Healthcare, Ingram, JE Dunn, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Skanska, Tennessee State University, Truxton Trust, UBS and Vaco.
“What’s different about our organization compared with what has been done before is action. We have open discussions on race in a safe environment that allows our members to learn without judgment. This builds relationships and then quickly moves beyond that to take action to help other members with what they come to The Table with. This could be mentoring, introductions that open doors or sharing best practices in DEI efforts, for example,” stated Lee Molette.
Members bring their needs or intentions toward the mission which are very individual. Other Table leaders and members fulfill these and it is a very process. Members commit to working toward a solution beyond politics, creating safety and inclusiveness, creating a “class of” go-to leaders in the community, showcasing Nashville as a leader in a global issue that has gotten more polarizing instead of unified, and creating more economic opportunities for all.
“We’ve taken a different approach as to how to measure effectiveness. We are measuring it by gathering and communicating results stories from our members. These results show that change is happening now. Our members want to do something, they want to see change and The Table is a way for them to quickly get involved, get to know others they maybe would not have the opportunity to meet and to create a positive change in the community,” said Kate Wood.
The Table has seen many significant results, including real estate development mentoring and partnering on large scale projects, paid board positions, and contracts awarded, to name just a few.
The Table membership is $250 with scholarships available. To learn more, or become a member or sponsor of the table go to https:https://thetableaction.com/ .
You can also join an informational session to learn more about our mission and how you can help make an impact. A list of upcoming meetings can be found here https:https://thetableaction.com/contact-us/
Lee Molette II
Co-Founder, The Table
Founder, Molette Investment Services
Founder/CEO, Frank Stanton Developers, LLC
Lee Molette is passionate about helping people learn from each other in order to foster better sustainable relationships. Early on his journey to success, Lee was an investment adviser with Edward Jones and then opened his own Investment firm, Molette Investment Services Group. After 27 yrs. in the industry, he retired to focus on building Frank Stanton Developers LLC, a commercial and residential development named after his grandfather. Not one to have only one iron in the fire, he also co-leads The Table, which he cofounded in October 2020. Lastly, Molette is now spending time developing podcasts/live streams such as Women With Grit.
In addition to Lee’s business interest, he is very involved in the community, serving in leadership of boards such as 100 Blackmen, Teach For America, Una Youth Sports, Easter Seals, and as the chair of The Red Zone club at his oldest son’s high school, Ravenwood. He’s also a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, the Nashville Rotary Club, and a member of the 2004 class of Leadership Nashville.
“As I drove back from my first membership meeting at the Table today, my eyes filled with tears and gratitude for being offered a seat at The Table. It has been hard to find a seat at the table in Nashville over the last 12 years, and today I felt intentionally included. It is this alignment of mission with action that makes The Table a one-of- a kind organization!”
– Table Member
Kate Wood
Co-Founder, The Table
Intuitive Coach and Founder, Illuminate Coaching
With a passion for cultivating the greatest potential of individuals and teams, Kate merges business acumen, intuition, and executive coaching to offer a unique service.
Her clients include entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and creatives seeking business and career growth along with personal satisfaction and happiness. Kate balances tactical business solutions, developmental coaching, and perceptive psychology, a combination creating lasting, actionable results. She often sees what individuals can’t see for themselves, providing fresh and impactful insight. She has also authored a book, workbook and journal titled Clarity Compass: Moving Forward for Those Who Feel Stuck in Place found on Amazon.
In 2020, Kate built upon her desire to initiate conversation and change concerning race and inclusion and co-founded The Table.
Kate has been a leader in business strategy and coaching individuals her entire career, previously as Market President and Publisher of the Nashville Business Journal, a post held for 13 years. Her career with the NBJ’s parent company American City Business Journals spanned 25 years, equipping Kate with multidimensional business savvy and an insider’s perspective. Along with running Nashville’s premier business publication, Kate also trained sales executives from across the U.S., partnered with clients to achieve their goals and hosted more than 50 community events annually.
A board member of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and the YWCA, on the steering committee of the Private Director’s Association and on Nashville’s Agenda. She is a graduate of the Leadership Nashville class of 2009.
