Hi! I'm Stephanie! I'm passionate about building impactful partnerships, enabling businesses to grow, and making sure the social impact community thrives. With over a decade of consistently generating seven and eight figure annual revenue for companies, I understand what it takes to drive success.

Over the last 15 years working with non-profit, government and for profit businesses, I've developed a unique process for building community and generating revenue through a partnership growth mindset. I've been fortunate to develop programs and partnerships that have touched lives across the globe, from India to the United States and beyond. I've created thousands of ecosystems and opportunities that unite governments, educators, employers, and donors to make tangible change.

I believe that together we can achieve great things and am committed to paving the way for a more inclusive, impactful future.

Stephanie Wilson

I can coach a multi-million dollar proposal team, but coaching volleyball felt terrifying.

For years, I've lived and breathed volleyball—even having a court right in my front yard! But passion for a sport doesn't automatically translate into coaching skill. This thinking held me back.

Professionally, I'm confident coaching teams through complex proposals, government funding, and partnership strategies. 

But volleyball felt different. It was my pure outlet, my passion - what if I wasn't any good at it?

This year, I decided to challenge that fear. I took the leap and started coaching a regional training team of 15U/16U girls.

The results?

It's better than I ever imagined.

The skills I use in professional settings like mentoring, strategy, driving a team—are incredibly relevant on the court.

And yes, getting a clothespin that says "Fav Coach" at a tournament this weekend absolutely made my year! 🥳

My takeaway? Don't let the fear of the unknown sideline you. 

That simple phrase, "I don't know how to do this yet, but I'm willing to learn," is the easiest first step to unlocking unexpected growth. 

You may just surprise yourself with what you can achieve.

Ready to take the leap? What small risk are you committing to take this week to step outside your comfort zone?

#Leadership #PersonalGrowth #Volleyball #Coaching #ChallengeYourself

Cross-Sector Growth Strategist | $100M+ in Government & Partner Funding Secured | Nonprofit • Tech • Education • SaaS | Founder – The Uplift Collective

In two days, we hit the road for a month-long adventure.

Some vacation time, some work days, and a LOT of hours together - twenty-four a day for thirty days straight to be exact.

We did not take our annual road trip last year for a lot of reasons, so this one feels extra special.

He is my favourite person in the world, and every time we do a trip like this, I fall even more in love with him. 

For the way he sees life. 

For the way he interacts with strangers. 

For the way we show up for each other - him driving, me taking meetings.

I will share pieces of this year’s journey as we go.

Here is to adventure, love, and the balance of work and rest that somehow always feels right when you are on the road.

#JoinMe #Roadtrip

I’m equal parts terrified and thrilled to share this.

Because this one… it means something.

It’s built from every proposal written, every “not this time” email, every partnership formed, and every win celebrated over the last 20 years.

After months of work (and a few too many coffees), Sandra and I are launching something we wish existed when we started out.

Introducing The Funding Compass.

If you’ve ever spent hours searching for grants, rewriting proposals, or wondering how to turn one-time wins into steady, reliable funding — this is for you.

Between Sandra Saric and I, we’ve spent over two decades writing, reviewing, and funding proposals.

We’ve seen how competition has intensified, how partnerships have become harder to build, and how organizations are pushed to maximize their own piece of the pie instead of expanding what’s possible together.

We knew there had to be a better way.

✨ The Funding Compass helps organizations to not just find funding and win it but to turn opportunities into sustainable, predictable revenue streams.

It’s designed to bring clarity to the process, structure to your strategy, and momentum to your mission.

Because funding shouldn’t feel like chaos. It should feel like confidence.

Check it out: www.thefundingcompass.com

This isn’t just a launch — it’s a milestone built on every late night, every lesson, and every “try again.” And we’re just getting started. Join us!

Jedno #Funding #Government #SocialImpact 

Also - feedback is always welcome. We've already made improvements since it was launched to our Insider's Group.

______________
Hi! I'm Stephanie Wilson. Over the last 10 years, I've guided organizations to secure over $100M in revenue through government funding. Hit the bell 🛎️  to get notified of when I post. Join a newsletter to not miss a thing! Join The Funding Compass to get started with us today!

Open article: The Funding Compass - Never Miss a Funding Opportunity Again by thefundingcompass.com

The Funding Compass - Never Miss a Funding Opportunity Again

I woke up sick today.

And for the first time in a long time, it is just a regular cold.

Not the kind that comes from pushing too hard for too long. 

Not the kind where you finally slow down, take a break, and your body crashes the moment you exhale. The vacation cold. The post-deadline flu. The crash that happens right when you finally breathe.

Our bodies remember what we try to ignore. They hold the exhaustion we keep pushing through.

So this time, I am grateful. Grateful that this cold is just a cold. 

Just a normal, human, everyday cold.

It feels almost like a sign of progress. 

That maybe (just maybe) I am finally learning what balance looks like.

Sometimes the smallest things remind you that healing does not always look like rest. 

Sometimes it looks like living at a pace your body can keep up with.

#ProgressOverPerfection #TakeCareOfYourself #RestAndRelax

There's a light snow falling outside this morning. ☃️
Everything is quiet.
Still.

It's the kind of morning that reminds me how easy it is to overlook the quiet when life moves fast.

Today, I'm choosing to notice it.
To appreciate the space between what was and what is coming.

Because sometimes the most productive thing you can do is slow down enough to hear yourself think. ❄️

#Grateful #SlowDown

This week had wins. It also had moments of doubt, long pauses, and those quiet “am I doing this right” check ins.

That is the part of building something new that most people never see.

The good and the uncertain are always happening at the same time.

We launched things.
People showed up.
Feedback came in.
Progress is real.

And at the same time, I am learning, adjusting, and growing just as fast as the work itself.

It is a reminder that creating something meaningful is rarely smooth.

It stretches you, surprises you, humbles you, and energizes you… sometimes all in the same day.

If you are in a season where the wins and the wobble live side by side, you are not alone.

Both are part of the story. CHEERS TO GROWING AND IMPROVING!

What did this week teach you?

#SeasonofGrowth Jedno #Leadership #Authenticity

I AM A FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR.
Wait. What? Really? How did that happen?

I should have posted this yesterday.
You know, ON the ACTUAL National Women’s Entrepreneurship Day.
But for all the reasons I am sure many people face… I didn’t.
So here we are. One day late, still just as proud.

I never pictured myself in this world. I did the work. I led teams. I supported organizations. But entrepreneur felt like a title for other people.

And yet… here I am.

And what is EVEN BETTER than becoming an entrepreneur myself?

Building something with a cofounder who is also a woman.

Someone who brings her own brilliance and strength.
Someone who sees the vision and helps expand it.
Someone who wants to build something that makes a real difference.

There is something powerful about creating something with another woman who leads with integrity, purpose, and an enormous amount of heart. Shout out to you Sandra Saric!!!

So, to every woman who has stepped into something new, surprising, or brave this year… I see you.

#FemaleEntrepreneurship #FromFriendsToFounders Jedno

In the past few weeks, I’ve had conversations with nonprofit leaders and a common thread keeps surfacing.

Everyone’s trying to lead through change while the rules keep shifting.

The opportunities are still there, but they’re smaller, faster, and harder to catch.

A pilot project here. 

A short-term funding window there. 

A new initiative that may not exist by next fiscal year.

What I’m hearing over and over again is that leadership today feels less like strategy and more like triage. 

Leaders are holding their teams together, 
managing funder relationships, 
and trying to stay innovative when the ground won’t stop moving.

The challenge isn’t just finding funding anymore. It’s learning how to diversify it. 

Resilience has always been part of this work. But agility, well that’s becoming the new superpower.

If you are a leader in this space, the best thing you can do right now is stay curious.

Ask what else your organization could offer beyond its current programs.

Reach out to partners in different sectors.

Look at where your mission intersects with economic priorities.

Diversification starts with curiosity, not capacity.

You've got this!!!

#GovernmentFunding #RevenueDiversification #MakingADifference #BusinessDevelopment

Yesterday I had one of those conversations that fills you with pure joy.

The kind where you pause for a second, smile, and think, THIS is why I do this work.

Someone I have had the privilege of working with just had their second proposal approved.

Seeing their excitement, their relief, and their sense of possibility made my whole day.

What makes it even better is remembering the journey, all the learning, the refining, the patience it takes to get to this point. 

Every funded proposal carries a story of persistence and growth.

I am so proud of the work they are doing, and so grateful to play even a small role in helping bring their vision to life.

Here’s to more of these conversations.

The quiet wins that remind us that momentum builds one “yes” at a time.

#CelebratingWins #GovernmentFunding #ProposalDevelopment #BusinessDevelopment

Every now and then someone says something that hits you in a way you did not expect. That happened yesterday.

I was in a conversation that flowed easily. We talked about work and life. We were catching up because it had been a few years since we spoke and a lot had changed in both our lives. 

At one point she said she always remembered and valued that I wasn't an ego driven leader.

It stopped me for a moment because it reminded me why I do this work. 

I care about helping people work together in ways that feel honest, supportive, and real. 

I care about creating connection. 

I care about clearing the noise so teams and partners can do their best work together.

Her comment felt less like praise and more like a small reminder that I am on the right path. 

The work matters because the people matter.

What is something someone said to you recently that stayed with you?

#HonestConversations #Connections #Leadership #Impact

It is raining here today and honestly… it matches my brain.
When it rains it pours and I am all up in my head about balance.

We have our very first Jedno workshop next week and I am so excited about it. 

It is free, it is useful, and it is built to help people avoid the funding mistakes we see all the time. And did I say it's our FIRST!?!?! Eeekk!!

And yet here I am trying to walk that fine line between sharing something exciting for us and not turning my feed into a parade of promotions.

People do not come to LinkedIn to be sold to.

They come for connection and insight and a little bit of humanity.

So here is the balance I am trying to hold today.
I want to share what we are building because I know it will help people.
I also want to respect the space and the people in it.

If you are in the world of government funding or know someone who is, the workshop is there for you next week. Link in first comment (hope to see you there).

If not, I hope you still see me as someone who shows up with intention, not noise.

Maybe that is the real balance.

Leading with value first and letting people decide what they need.

What helps you stay centered when everything starts to pour at once?

#Leadership #FromFriendsToFounders #GovernmentFunding #SocialImpact

If your feed is full of budget reactions and you’re thinking about scrolling past, I get it.

But here’s why it might be worth a closer look (at the document itself, not my post lol).

This year’s federal budget puts most of its weight behind a few big focus areas. 

Nearly 80 percent of the investments are directed toward two priorities: protecting Canada’s long-term economic and national strength, and reducing costs for Canadians.

The biggest areas of investment are housing, infrastructure, artificial intelligence and innovation capacity, national defence and cybersecurity, and support for businesses looking to scale or stay competitive.

There’s also a shift in how the government plans to spend overall: less on day-to-day operations, more on long-term projects it believes will shape Canada’s future economy.

What’s quieter this year are broader investments in education systems, immigration supports, nonprofit capacity, or community development — except for some targeted programs like youth employment and support for personal support workers in health care.

So while you don’t need to read every page of the 300-plus page document, it’s worth spending a few minutes looking up the areas that matter to you. 

Budgets don’t just reflect spending — they reflect priorities. And those priorities affect where opportunities flow next.

#FederalBudget2025 #CanadianEconomy #CanadaStrong

I'm at #SaasNorth today and tomorrow! Say hi if you see me!

#SN2025 Jedno

Launching something new always comes with a mix of excitement and nerves.

And this week has reminded me why I care so deeply about this work.

Over the years I have watched incredible organizations pour their hearts into proposals only to hear no.

Not because their ideas were weak.

Not because their mission lacked value.

But because the application itself got in the way.

So for our very first free workshop at Jedno, we chose to tackle this head on.

Three Proposal Mistakes That Make Funders Say No

This is a live session for leaders who want more clarity, stronger positioning and a better understanding of what funders actually look for.

If you work in a nonprofit or start up organization and you're trying to be more successful with funding, this session will absolutely support you.

It is practical.

It is accessible.

And it comes from years of reviewing, writing and winning proposals across sectors.

You can grab your spot here:
https://lnkd.in/edR_dSG4

I am really looking forward to this one. It is going to be a powerful conversation and I hope to see you there.

#FirstWorkshop #SoExcited #MakingADifference

Open article: Crack the Funding Code: 3 Proposal Mistakes That Keep You From Winning Big by eventbrite.ca

Crack the Funding Code: 3 Proposal Mistakes That Keep You From Winning Big

I love a good audience engagement moment, don't you? 

During a recent presentation, the facilitator asked a simple question:

“When you hear the word performance, what’s the first word that comes to mind?”

The answers filled the screen in a word cloud: results, excellence, consistency, mindset, success, talent, grit.

What struck me most was how few of the responses were about people.

So much of how we measure performance focuses on outcomes and efficiency, not the human side that makes those results possible.

Performance is more than metrics.

It’s Connection. 
Clarity. 
Consistency. 
Care.
(I'll stop here cause I can't think of any more C's 😂 )

It’s how people feel supported enough to keep showing up and growing.

If you asked your team this question, what word would you hope to see appear?

I’d love to hear yours.

#Outcomes #Leadership #SocialImpact
Jedno The Uplift Collective

Yesterday I saw so many posts about gratitude. And I LOVED READING EVERY ONE OF THEM!!!

But It also reminded me that thankfulness does not need a date on the calendar. 

It is a practice. Something we can choose every day.

Today I am thankful for amazing friends who always show up, a business that is finding its rhythm, and a cofounder who is just as inspired to make a difference with the work we do. (And tissues, I'm so thankful to the inventor of tissues)

Gratitude changes everything. 

It turns the everyday into evidence that we are moving in the right direction.

What are you thankful for today?

The Canadian War Museum invites you to learn more about Canada’s military history during Remembrance Week.

The museum will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today. Admission is free.

On Remembrance Day, visit the museum’s webpage to watch the light shining through Memorial Hall at the Canadian War Museum. At exactly 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, sunlight enters through a single window in Memorial Hall, illuminating the headstone of Canada’s Unknown Soldier.

Link: https://lnkd.in/e3Uh-rXs

Canadian War Museum
#WeRemember #UnknownSoldier #CanadianWarMuseum

Open article: Memorial Hall Visitation and Livestream | Canadian War Museum by warmuseum.ca

Memorial Hall Visitation and Livestream | Canadian War Museum

Choose your favorite ⬇️ and pretend the universe sent it just for you.

1️⃣  Seats are free but your next funding opportunity is priceless.

2️⃣  Your proposal deserves a glow up.

3️⃣  The algorithm brought you here for a reason.

4️⃣ We promise this will be more fun than reformatting a budget spreadsheet.

5️⃣ Your weekend self might scroll. Your weekday self will thank you.

SEE YOU THURSDAY AT NOON EST!!!

If you are reading this on a Saturday night, THIS post might be your sign.

You could be anywhere right now, but you are here.

Thinking about work. Thinking about growth. (Ok, that's probably not what you were originally thinking about but now that we said it you are 😂 )

And probably wondering why funding always feels so complicated. (Because aren't we all?)

Good news. We've got you covered.

This Thursday, join our live workshop and learn how to avoid the proposal mistakes that keep great ideas from getting funded.

It is free, fast, and might just make your next proposal a lot stronger.

Link in comments.

Now back to your weekend. 👋

The Dating App Founder | 8M members | Bootstrapped startup with a team of 50+ | Co-founder & COO of Inner Circle | Follow for insights on business, leadership and relationships

Co-founder of dating app Inner Circle — a global community where people with similar lifestyles meet. No games. No endless swiping. Just real people, genuinely worth dating.

Built from the ground up without external funding, Inner Circle now connects over 8 million people across the world, through shared lifestyles, intentional design and a belief that opposites don’t attract.

Currently every 4 seconds 2 people meet through Inner Circle.

keen to meet your match?
try the app with code MK2024 for a month of premium access.

Follow me for honest insights about work, life and love.

Looking for stars to join the team, check out the careers page: www.about.theinnercircle.co/careers. 

About me: 
I believe no strategy is better than its execution. 
My scope includes:
🏆 Hiring and developing winning teams 
✅ Alignment and execution driven by OKRs
🚀 Marketing that drives growth with ROI
🥾 Data to accelerate experiments that move the needle
🍸 Advisor and angel

In 2025, I stepped back into marketing as COO CMO. Content is the most powerful lever for any brand, so I started posting here to understand what makes it tick, share my learnings and lead my team better.

Michael Krayenhoff

16 Signs of a Highly Intelligent Leader:

Most people don’t quit companies.

They quit bad leadership.

Here’s what great leadership actually looks like:

16 Signs of a Highly Intelligent Leader

1/ They never punish honesty.
↳ Psychological safety fuels innovation and bold thinking.

2/ They admit when they're wrong.
↳ Humility builds trust faster than perfection ever could.

3/ They don't build followers, they build leaders.
↳ They know real leadership is leaving a team that thrives after they’ve gone.

4/ They hire people smarter than them.
↳ Intelligence isn't about ego, it's about building a team and results.

5/ They coach people, they don't control them.
↳ They don't want people just to deliver, they want them to develop.

6/ They step back so others can step into the spotlight.
↳ Greatness isn’t about the spotlight—it’s about the stage.

7/ They create calm in the chaos.
↳ Emotional control under pressure is a superpower.

8/ They ask more questions than they answer.
↳ Curiosity keeps their thinking sharp and teams empowered.

9/ They show up with the same attitude, every day.
↳ Consistency builds safety. Safety builds performance.

10/ They prioritize trust over popularity.
↳ They want to be respected to be liked.

11/ They set direction, not demands.
↳ Smart leaders guide, they don’t dictate.

12/ They care deeply but act objectively.
↳ Decisions are made with empathy, not emotion.

13/ They leave room at the table.
↳ Power isn't hoarded, it’s shared and multiplied.

14/ They don’t claim credit for the team's work.
↳ They direct praise to the team to celebrate those who execute.

15/ They over-communicate the ‘why’.
↳ People rally around purpose, not just plans.

16/ They give others permission to fail.
↳ Growth happens where there's freedom to stumble.

Intelligent leadership is transformational.

It’s not about being in charge,
It’s about how you lead those in your charge.

Which leader does this remind you of?
Let me know below 👇

♻ Repost this to help your network.
✅ Follow me, Michael Krayenhoff, for insights on business, leadership and relationships.

Reminder for managers:

Your new hire’s failure is your failure.

One of the biggest mistakes companies make...
is not setting new hires up for success.

You can’t expect people to “hit the ground running”...
if you never put them in the race.

If they fail in their first 3 months,
it’s not their fault.
It’s yours.

Because great onboarding isn’t just a process.


It’s training.
It’s preparation.
It’s sharing knowledge.
It’s building relationships.
It’s learning what good looks like.

Managers don’t just hire talent...
they shape it.

Set people up to win,
and they’ll make your whole team stronger.

♻ Repost to remind others that leadership starts with day one.
✅ Follow Michael Krayenhoff for more on business, leadership and careers

Good leadership shouldn’t be a mystery.

They find great people…
and get the best out of them.

The best leaders know this:

If we were good at everything,
we’d have no need for each other.

It’s about helping others see what they’re capable of.

↳ Inspiring them to believe in themselves.
↳ Drawing attention to their strengths.
↳ Helping them reach new heights.
↳ Giving them more responsibility.
↳ Pushing them to aim higher.
↳ Elevating their best work.

When you lead this way,
Your team doesn’t just perform better.
They become better.

Because leadership isn’t about control.
It’s about connection.

What’s one way a great leader helped you grow?
Drop it below 👇

♻️ Repost to remind others that leadership is about lifting others up.
✅ Follow Michael Krayenhoff for more on business, leadership, and teams.

People won’t remember what you said,

But they will remember how you treated them.

The best leaders don’t just manage tasks,

They connect with people.

And empathy is their most powerful tool.

✅ It’s how you earn trust.
✅ Diffuse conflict.
✅ Build loyalty.

And lead with heart, not ego.

Here are 15 Ways to Lead With Empathy:
(That Your Team Won’t Forget)

1/ Flex when life gets messy
↳ Be adaptable and offer options when life takes over.

2/ Listen to what isn’t being said
↳ Watch body language, mood shifts, and what’s left out.

3/ Make it safe to say “I don’t know”
↳ Reward curiosity and remove fear from learning.

4/ Stay steady when emotions run high
↳ Help to stabilize uncertainty and guide people back to the goal..

5/ Give people grace when they make mistakes
↳ Use errors as coaching moments, not moments for judgment.

6/ Ask “How can I support you?” and mean it
↳ Let them define what support looks like. Then step up.

7/ Lead with transparency in hard moments
↳ Share context honestly. Don’t leave people in the dark.

8/ Give feedback that grows, not shames
↳ Be direct, but kind. Critique behaviors, not people.

9/ Ask them how they’re really feeling
↳ Go beyond work and show you’re invested enough to listen.

10/ Listen without fixing or finishing
↳ Don’t rush to solve, but give people room to learn and grow.

11/ Support the person, not just the performer
↳ Check in when they struggle not just when they shine.

12/ Model positive boundaries and respect theirs
↳ Don’t glorify burnout, but lead with respect and boundaries..

13/ Make space for quieter voices
↳ Invite input early rather than letting the loudest dominate. 

14/ Act before they have to ask
↳ Anticipate needs and pay attention to signals.

15/ Praise progress, not just perfection
↳ Recognize the progress people make - not just the end result.

16/ Defend people when they’re not in the room
↳ Speak up when it counts. Loyalty is leadership.

17/ Speak to their potential, not just performance
↳ Reflect back the future you see in them regularly.

Let me know below 👇 

♻ Repost this to help your network.
✅ Follow Michael Krayenhoff for more on business, leadership and careers.

You don’t need more time.

You need more focus.

1 hour a day isn’t much...
but done with intention, it changes everything.

That small window compounds into better judgment, 
sharper thinking, and clearer direction.

📚 Read an hour a day and:

→ You’ll make smarter decisions
→ You’ll connect ideas others miss
→ You’ll start leading from insight, not impulse

But instead…

→ We scroll through noise
→ We chase what’s urgent
→ We call it “no time”

Truth is,

We’re not short on hours.
We’re short on focus.

Every great leader I’ve met has one thing in common:

They carve out time to learn. Every single day.

Because reading isn’t a hobby.
It’s a competitive advantage.

What’s one book that’s changed the way you think or lead?
Share it in the comment 👇

♻️ Repost if you found this useful
✅ Follow Michael Krayenhoff for more on business, leadership and careers.

Too many leaders still fear being “outshined” by their teams.

It’s backwards.

The goal isn’t to be the smartest person at the table…
It’s to build a table full of smart people.

We had our Brazil managers over in Amsterdam.
A full house of talent, energy and ideas.

It reminded me:
Leadership isn’t about having all the answers.

It’s about surrounding yourself with people who:

→ raise the standards,
→ challenge your thinking,
→ and help you move faster together.

When you build a team like that:

→ Execution compounds.
→ Decisions get sharper.
→The culture gets stronger.

And winning stops being luck. 
It becomes repeatable.

I loved the buzz of being together in real life…

The brainstorms
The laughter
The honesty

Proud of my team that shares openly, cares deeply, and keeps pushing for better.

You don’t need to be the brightest spark in the room.
You just need to create the air for others to burn bright.

What’s one way you make space for your team to shine?👇

♻ Repost if this hit home.
✅ Follow Michael Krayenhoff for real talk on leadership, business, and growth.

taplio

The Battle

Stephanie Wilson

Michael Krayenhoff

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance ScoreStephanie Wilson's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreMichael Krayenhoff's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

taplio

The Battle

Stephanie Wilson

Michael Krayenhoff

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Stephanie Wilson's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreMichael Krayenhoff's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

Performance ScoreStephanie Wilson's LinkedIn Performance