Meet Tiffany Elking

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tiffany Elking. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tiffany below.

Tiffany, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Early in my career as a young lawyer and lobbyist, I constantly found myself as the only woman — and often the youngest person — in the room. I’d sit in committee hearings or client meetings and feel like I had to over-prepare and be likable just to earn a seat at the table.

These are the thoughts that used to run through my head: “What’s so special about me?” “What have I actually accomplished when there are people doing so much more?” “Do I really know anything?”

Then I started reminding myself that all successful people — especially perfectionists — are critical of themselves. Only the unaccomplished never stop to ask if they could do better. Wanting to do more and be more is an indicator of my grit, not the lack of it.

When those doubts creep in, I look back on the times I’ve already performed well. You have to remind yourself that your perspective is the value — the way you think, the way you see connections, the experiences you’ve accumulated. Like a fingerprint, that combination will always be unique to you.

For me, my ability to see patterns, connect people, adapt quickly and resourcefully under pressure, and translate complexity into strategy wasn’t something I needed to prove — it was why I was there.

It has always felt like my mission to help women step into rooms they were told weren’t for them — whether that’s the boardroom, the legislature, or their first million-dollar business. The truth is, imposter syndrome doesn’t ever fully disappear. You just learn to keep moving through it — to act anyway. Most women do not necessarily need more credentials — we need more confidence. Imposter syndrome fades when you focus on your contribution instead of comparison.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m the founder of Elking Consulting, a government relations and lobbying firm based in Illinois that helps women-owned and minority-owned businesses grow through public policy, strategy, and certification. My work sits at the intersection of law, advocacy, and opportunity — connecting clients with decision-makers and helping them navigate systems that weren’t necessarily built with them in mind.

What makes my work exciting is how it blends strategy, empowerment, and innovation. On one side, I’m advocating for clients in the Illinois State Capitol — drafting legislation, building coalitions, and shaping policy. On the other, I’m working one-on-one with entrepreneurs to help them become certified as Women Business Enterprises (WBEs) or Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) so they can access contracts and opportunities that change their financial trajectory.

Over the years, I have seen that when women are financially independent, they don’t just change their own lives — they change their families, their communities, and the economy around them. That’s what keeps me passionate about this work.

Beyond my firm, I’ve been building a community for women entrepreneurs — a space that gives women the tools, templates, and systems they need to scale their businesses and build real wealth. The goal is simple: to make more women millionaires. Lately, I’ve been especially focused on how AI and automation can help make that possible — saving time, reducing costs, and helping founders stay focused on the work that truly drives growth.

Whether I’m advocating in Springfield, advising and coaching a business owner, or creating an automation or template that saves one of my clients hours a week, my mission is the same — to unlock the doors to power and influence for women everywhere.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three qualities that have shaped my career the most are resilience, resourcefulness, and trusting my own judgment.

1. Resilience.
There’s no substitute for it. In politics and business, things rarely go exactly as planned — deals fall through, legislation stalls, or opportunities take longer than they should. Resilience is what keeps you steady when the outcome is uncertain. I’ve learned that the difference between people who succeed and those who stop short isn’t luck — it’s the willingness to keep going, to adapt, and to see every setback as data, not defeat. Most people quit when they are 90% of the way there.

2. Resourcefulness.
I didn’t start my career with money, connections, or a clear roadmap. What I did have was curiosity and the determination to do well. Whenever I didn’t know how to do something, I tried to stay humble and learn. Whenever something didn’t exist in the way I wanted it, I figured out how to build it. Curiosity is the most underrated business advantage. I read constantly to stay agile and resourceful — legislation, leadership books, articles about technology, even case studies from industries completely different from mine. Every bit of knowledge connects somehow. The more you learn, the more dots you can connect — and that’s where innovation happens.

3. Trusting your own judgment.
This one ties it all together. It’s one thing to be resilient and resourceful — it’s another to have the confidence to follow your instincts when everyone else disagrees. Most people want things to stay the same or work the way they always have. When you challenge that, their first reaction is often to dismiss it. But the truth is, progress doesn’t come from fitting into other people’s boxes. At the end of the day, you have to trust yourself — that is where change and real leadership begin.

For anyone early in their journey: be resilient enough to keep going, resourceful enough to find a way, and brave enough to trust your own voice. Those three qualities will take you further than any title or degree ever could.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Absolutely. Collaboration and connection is the heartbeat of everything I do — whether it’s building coalitions in the Capitol, creating business systems with entrepreneurs, or designing resources that help women scale faster. I am always looking to partner with people and organizations who share a vision for empowering women through strategy, systems, and access to opportunity.

Right now, I am especially interested in connecting with:

• Women-owned and small businesses that want to streamline, scale, or automate their operations.

• Organizations, associations, and coalitions that are looking for representation or strategic guidance in Illinois government.

• Policy leaders and advocacy groups focused on modernizing legislation that impacts small business, innovation, or AI regulation.

• Brands or creators who want to collaborate on tools, templates, or educational resources for women and solo entrepreneurs.

In addition to my consulting and advocacy work, I’m developing a new women’s business growth platform — a community designed to bring together women entrepreneurs who are serious about scaling their businesses, automating smartly, and building long-term wealth.

The best way to connect is through my website at www.elkingconsulting.com or by email. I am always open to conversations with businesses, associations, and local governments seeking representation in Springfield, Illinois or guidance on navigating state policy. And if you share a passion for helping women gain access to power, influence, and financial independence — I’d love to connect and explore how we can build something meaningful together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.elkingconsulting.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanyelking/
• Other: Email: [email protected]

Image Credits

Zach Adams, 1221 Photography