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. 👋

Susanne Ekström

I Coach CEOs to Build Winning Companies Where People 💜 to Work (SME:s) | +$30M Client Profit Generated | Top Ranked Management & Leadership Creator Globally (#1 in Sweden) | Serial Entrepreneur

💡 Are you enthusiastic about waking up in the morning to be the master strategist of your company, or are you dreading another day spent fighting fires and not getting anything significant done?

👋 Hey! I'm Susanne, a CEO Coach, entrepreneur, #1 international bestselling author, and the founder of BeASmarterLeader and SEE Management.

𝐌𝐲 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧: To guide CEOs like you in reaching the top of your game.
I specialize in turning your big business dreams into reality, making your company richer, your team happier, and your business more robust.
And if you're up for it, we'll boost your bottom line by $499k in 99 days.


𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐈 𝐆𝐨𝐭 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞: Back in 2001, life was amazing. I co-owned a big Swedish dot.com company and started our Netherlands office. I invested my heart, time, and money into it. But then, everything fell apart when the company went bankrupt. I lost everything, and it was devastating—going from a dream job to no job at all.


𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠: We made these 4 epic failures!
⛔ We didn't delegate effectively
⛔ We weren't ready for massive growth
⛔ We didn't have streamlined processes in place
⛔ We, the C-Suite, stopped listening to our people


𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝: Combining 20+ years in management consulting, over a decade in leadership, and hard-earned lessons from my dot.com collapse led me to develop a foolproof system to help CEOs like you:
✅ Boost your profits
✅ Keep your best people
✅ 'Buy back' +8 hours a week
✅ Build a scalable business model for growth


Great leaders aren't born; they're made.
True transformation can be challenging, so I've designed my system to help you save time, reach your potential, and become a top-notch CEO. 


𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫: Strategies to:
⭐ 'Buy back' your time so you can lead, not be 'all-over the place'
⭐ Create a CEO role that you'll absolutely LOVE having
⭐ Create space for innovation & big-picture planning
⭐ Create trust, structure, and sustainable growth
⭐ Build a winning, scalable company culture



𝐌𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬: CEOs of SME companies on the U.S. East Coast, Canada, and Europe.
But why is this Swedish lady targeting the U.S. and Canada?
The mindset around the importance and value of a coach differs in the US and Canada from the rest of the world. I also love to speak English.
𝘚𝘔𝘌 = 𝘚𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘔𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘶𝘮-𝘴𝘪𝘻𝘦𝘥 𝘌𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘦


𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩: Book a 15-minute Opportunity Call today!
👉 https://calendly.com/susanne-ekstrom/15mincall

Susanne Ekström
📞 +46 70 205 40 44
✉ susanne@beasmarterleader.com
🌐 www.beasmarterleader.com

Founder & CEO | BeaSmarterLeader

🔥 We help CEOs and Owners of Companies with $5-20 Million in Revenue, Strategically Work ON the Business Instead of Being Stuck IN it.

BeaSmarterLeader is 100% dedicated to helping CEOs and Owners across dynamic industries scale business operations and obtain unparalleled marketplace advantages to unlock transformative, growth-driven futures.

As the Founder & CEO, I work confidently with you while providing all of the dynamic tools and coaching methodologies required to take your business to the next level with The CEO Profit System!

Ultimately, I’m here to help enable the conditions for your peak performance, and you'll drive your business forward in ways previously unimagined. Sign up today to double your profits and cut your daily workload by 50% in less than 4 weeks!

👉 www.beasmarterleader.com/ceopsli (With a Large Discount)

If your people stopped telling you the truth tomorrow, how long would it take before you noticed?

Most CEOs wouldn’t know until it was too late.
And by then, trust, energy, and ideas would already be gone.

According to Gallup, only 3 in 10 employees strongly agree their opinions count at work.

This costs billions every year in lost engagement, missed opportunities, and slow decision-making.

The real question isn’t 𝘪𝘧 your people talk to you.
It’s 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺’𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦.

So... when you put on your clothes in the morning, put on your large ears too. 😉 

Because if you don’t, you’ll miss:
💢 The frustrations that drain motivation
💢 The bottlenecks your dashboards never show
💢 The small ideas that could become your next breakthrough

Why do so many CEOs stop listening?

Usually it’s:
↳ A lack of time
↳ A lack of focus

Another reason is, sadly:
↳ A lack of interest (and/or courage) 

Make time.
Create space.
Ask questions that matter.

Then, truly, listen to the answers.
💢 See the problem areas 
💢 Document what you see & hear 
💢 Thank your people for their input 
💢 Do something about it (if prioritized) 
💢 Leave feedback about what's happening 

Leadership isn’t about having all the answers.
It’s about hearing the truth early enough to act on it.

PS. Use your large ears, but don't be all ears... 💜
Always listen with purpose.

Order My Latest Leadership Book In My Featured Section 💫

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The Battle

Stephanie Wilson

Susanne Ekström

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The Battle

Stephanie Wilson

Susanne Ekström

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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

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Performance ScoreStephanie Wilson's LinkedIn Performance