NextUp: Female executives need ‘a village’ in their leadership journey

Female professionals are increasingly taking their seat at the proverbial boardroom table — many with the support of a network of peers, allies and corporate partners.

This was the message shared by Tamiko Olabintan, COO of NextUp, a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating barriers and advancing women in business, at Chain Store Age’s 59th annual SPECS event in Dallas.  Olabintan spoke at the SPECS session “Women in Retail: Strategies for Women to Emerge as Leaders.” 

Leading up to SPECS, Chain Store Age’s Deena Amato McCoy had a chance to catch up with Olabintan and learn what it takes for female professionals to blaze a leadership path and accelerate positive change in their careers.

What challenges do women still face in their leadership journeys, and how can they move past them?
Women are still fighting for our seat at the table — particularly women of color. Female professionals still face pay equity issues, they are hitting the “broken rung” on the corporate ladder (or bias impacting females moving into managerial positions), and are underrepresented in the boardroom and beyond. Ways to move past these barriers include banding together, advocating for mentorship and sponsorship, and working for increased transparency on pay equity.

What is a “courageous leader,” and why is it important for female professionals to strive to be one?
It is not a secret that women continue to swim against the current. For example, there are only 12 female CEOs among the 77 retail companies on the Fortune 1000, according to Nielsen. This underrepresentation illustrates why you need to be brave and fight the unconscious bias that still exists in our workplaces. That is what makes a courageous leader. And the more women who step up – especially those who step up for other women – the faster we can achieve gender equity.

What role does self-reflection play in achieving professional goals?
The purpose of self-reflection is to ask yourself, “Who are you? Where do you want to go? How do you want to get there?” You need to understand yourself and everything you’re capable of if you want to move toward your goals.

What is a personal "board of directors” and why are they important professionally?
Female professionals need to realize they aren’t alone. That’s why it’s important to establish a network of your peers, colleagues and friends. This group will support you, point out things you might not be aware of, and give you a strong community to fall back on throughout your career journey.

What is the difference between a mentor and sponsor or advocate?
A mentor can teach you the key skills you need to succeed. Meanwhile, a sponsor advocates for you in the rooms you’re not in. This will help you get access to the opportunities needed to prove your value.

What is the difference between a friend and an ally? 
Friends support us through thick and thin. Meanwhile, allies advocate for us to others and ensure we get the respect we deserve. Allies are also men, as well as women. For example, more than 50% of women in senior leadership roles promote gender and racial equality at work. Approximately 40% of male top executives do the same, according to digital small business community SmallBizgenius. This is an example of the value of allies.

How can female executives leverage their passion within their professional roles?
Self-reflection is key to tapping into your passion. Once you understand yourself and what you want to do, you can bring your full self to your role. Make no mistake – you have to be hungry for change, willing to try new things, get out of your comfort zone, and understand it all begins with each one of us.

What advice would you give to a female professional hoping to take the next step in their leadership journey?
Joining a community of your peers is an amazing way to both get support and find those sponsorships and allies that will really push your career forward. NextUp is one of these communities.