Why Not? Yolanda Obaze on Embracing Possibility, Purpose and the Power of Education

In this Season 2 episode of the We Grow Aces Podcast, we sit down with Yolanda Obaze, Associate Dean of the School of Business and Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management, to explore a powerful and refreshing take on purpose.When asked about her “why,” Yolanda’s answer was simple yet transformative: “Why not?” Rather than viewing life through the lens of limitation, she challenges us to consider possibility—especially in moments when the world tells us we’re stuck or that change isn’t possible.Yolanda shares her journey from Nigeria to the United States, her early career in the business sector, and the pivotal realization that led her into higher education. Today, her purpose is deeply rooted in student development—walking alongside students not just in the classroom, but through their lived experiences, personal growth, and professional transformation.This episode is an invitation to reframe obstacles, rethink what’s possible, and approach life and leadership with curiosity, courage, and a bold “why not?” mindset.