Exclusive Q&A: Women Professionals Turn Challenges into Growth -- Only at SPECS

Female professionals that embrace challenges are primed for career growth, innovation and reinvention.

Taking chances, seeking professional “sponsors” and learning from setbacks are among the strategies that can jumpstart female professionals’ leadership journeys. SPECS, March 9-11, at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, will highlight these and other trends creating positive career opportunities. (Click here to register for the conference.)

Tamiko Olabintan, executive coach & CEO Advisor for Tamiko Monic Enterprise, spoke with Chain Store Age to discuss the opportunities transforming women’s career trajectories.

What does "the power of possibility" mean to you?

“The power of possibility” is about not being confined by the limits that others set for you—or the ones you set for yourself. The biggest breakthroughs in my career happened when I started seeing beyond what was in front of me and believing in what could be. This mindset shift takes you from "I hope this happens" to "I’m making this happen."

I’ve seen the power of possibility unfold in my own journey. There were times I thought I had to follow a traditional career path, but when I started embracing opportunities outside of what I initially planned —doors I never imagined started opening. Possibility is about expanding your vision and taking action, even when you don’t have all the answers.

How should female professionals apply that phrase to their career journeys?

Women need to give themselves permission to think bigger and redefine success on their own terms. Too often, we wait for someone to tap us on the shoulder, offer us the promotion, or tell us we’re ready. Possibility isn’t about waiting — it’s about “positioning.”

Embracing possibility means saying yes to challenges before you feel 100% ready — not limiting yourself to a single path. Your career is a portfolio of experiences, not a ladder you have to climb one rung at a time. And always expand your network, the right connections can introduce you to opportunities you never considered.

When I started thinking this way, I stopped waiting for permission and started creating opportunities for myself. That’s when everything shifted.

What challenges do women still face in their leadership journeys?

One of the biggest challenges women face isn’t external barriers — it’s internal ones like self-doubt and perfectionism. I’ve sat in rooms where I was just as qualified (if not more) than others, yet I second-guessed myself while they confidently took up space.

There are systemic challenges too, like the lack of sponsorship. Women often get mentored but not sponsored. We need people who advocate for us in rooms we’re not in.

Then there’s the unrealistic expectations, including pressure to “do it all:” you be a high performer, manage a household, stay likable, and still ask for more. For many of us, it’s being overlooked for leadership roles because we’re seen as capable but not as leaders.

What I’ve learned is that confidence and visibility are just as important as competence. Women must speak up, own their expertise, and build relationships with decision-makers. The reality is, no one is coming to save you. You have to advocate for yourself and strategically position yourself for the opportunities you want.