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. 👋

Ricardo Cuellar

HR professionals are trained to spot burnout in others. But we rarely recognize it in ourselves.

HR burnout doesn't announce itself. It builds quietly while you're busy supporting everyone else.

Here's what it actually looks like:

𝗘𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝘀 
Dreading your morning inbox. 
Feeling cynical about employees or leadership. 
Emotional exhaustion from managing everyone else's problems. 
Struggling to separate work stress from personal life. 
Losing empathy or feeling numb to workplace issues.

𝗣𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝘀 
Fatigue that sleep doesn't fix. 
Tension headaches or stomach problems. 
Trouble sleeping despite exhaustion. 
Getting sick more often than usual.

𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝘀 
Procrastinating on tasks you used to handle easily. 
Avoiding difficult conversations. 
Working longer hours but accomplishing less. 
Snapping at coworkers or family. 
Withdrawing from your professional community.

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝘀 
Feeling like nothing you do matters. 
Second-guessing decisions you'd normally make with confidence. 
Fantasizing about quitting HR entirely. Losing interest in learning and development. 
Going through the motions instead of thinking strategically.

Recognizing these patterns is the first step. You can't pour from an empty cup, and HR deserves better support systems too.

♻️ Repost this if it could help someone in your network who needs to see it.

➕ Follow Ricardo Cuellar for more HR insights and career guidance.

HR Coach, Mentor • Helping HR grow • Follow for posts about people strategy, HR life, and leadership

If you're reading this during a rough patch, this one's for you.

9 reminders that you're stronger than you feel right now:

↳ You've already survived your hardest days. And you're still standing.

↳ Your skills have value. Even when the market feels uncertain, what you know matters.

↳ You have agency. You can pivot, set boundaries, and choose your next move.

↳ Resilience is your superpower. Every setback you've faced prepared you for this moment.

↳ Your voice drives change. Whether it's in a 1:1 or a company-wide meeting, what you say creates impact.

↳ You're still growing. Even when progress feels invisible, you're evolving.

↳ You contribute to something bigger. Your work matters to your team, your organization, your community.

↳ Your wins weren't luck. Look back at what you've accomplished, you earned every bit of it.

↳ Your future isn't fixed. The choices you make today shape what comes next.

You might not feel strong today. But that strength is still there, it always has been.

Drop a 💪 in the comments if you needed this reminder today.

♻️ Repost to encourage someone who needs to hear this. 
➕ Follow Ricardo Cuellar  for real talk about HR, careers, and leadership.

9 reasons you are stronger than you realize

Want to know the difference between managers people tolerate and managers people respect?

It's not about being liked. It's not about being the "cool boss."

Respect comes from consistent actions that prove you're worth following.

Here are 10 ways to earn it starting today:
1. Lead by example
↳ Your team watches everything you do. Model the work ethic and behavior you expect.

2. Communicate with clarity
↳ Be transparent. Share the "why" behind decisions, not just the "what."

3. Show genuine empathy
↳ Listen to understand, not to respond. Support your team's growth and well-being.

4. Recognize achievements publicly
↳ Celebrate wins—big and small. People remember how you make them feel.

5. Be fair and consistent
↳ Play favorites and you'll lose trust fast. Apply standards equally across the board.

6. Empower through trust
↳ Micromanaging kills morale. Give people ownership and watch them rise.

7. Give feedback that builds
↳ Critique to develop, not destroy. Make feedback about growth, not punishment.

8. Own your mistakes openly
↳ Accountability builds credibility. Show your team it's safe to fail and learn.

9. Stay sharp and relevant
↳ You can't lead effectively if you're not learning. Keep your skills and knowledge current.

10. Cultivate psychological safety
↳ Create space where people can speak up, disagree, and contribute without fear.

The bottom line:
Respect isn't a title. It's not in your job description.
It's earned through daily actions that prove you're a leader worth following.


Which of these resonates most with your leadership style?

What would you add to this list? 👇

♻️ Repost this to help other managers level up.

➕ Follow Ricardo Cuellar for more HR insights and leadership strategies.

10 Steps a Manager Can Take to Gain Respect-

Most succession plans fail before they even start.
 
Why? Because they're built around the org chart of today, not the business of tomorrow.
 
Here's how to fix that 👇
 
If you want a succession planning program that actually works, follow these 10 tips:
 
 1. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆, 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗲𝘀 
    Align succession plans with where the business is headed, not just today's org chart. Ask: What skills will our leaders need 3–5 years from now?
    
 2. 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗲𝘀, 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿 𝗢𝗻𝗲𝘀 
    Focus on positions that directly drive revenue, culture, or strategy. Succession isn't just for the C-suite, it's also for key technical and operational roles.
    
 3. 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 
    Move beyond vague "leadership potential." Build a competency framework that defines the skills, behaviors, and values leaders must embody.
    
 4. 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵-𝗣𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 
    Don't rely solely on manager nominations. Incorporate performance data, 360 feedback, and engagement scores to identify rising leaders.
    
 5. 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗶𝗽𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 
    ensure underrepresented groups are intentionally considered. Monitor succession slates for diversity gaps and correct them proactively.
    
 6. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 
    Real leadership growth happens on the job. Assign high-potentials to lead initiatives, cross-functional projects, or turnaround challenges.
    
 7. 𝗣𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 
    Match emerging leaders with experienced mentors. Formal mentoring programs accelerate growth and transfer institutional knowledge.
    
 8. 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗜𝘁 𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗼𝘂𝘀, 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 
    Review and refresh succession plans regularly, not just once a year. Business priorities and talent readiness shift fast; the plan should too.
    
 9. 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘀 
    Track metrics like internal promotion rates, bench strength, and turnover of high-potentials. Share results with executives to prove ROI.
    
10. 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 (𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻) 
    Provide emerging leaders with clarity on their development path. You don't have to promise promotions, but showing investment builds engagement and retention.
 
Succession planning isn't about filling empty chairs, it's about ensuring your organization is always ready to grow, adapt, and thrive. The best programs are strategic, inclusive, and constantly evolving.
 
 
♻️ Repost this if you think it could help someone in your network build a stronger succession program.
 
And follow Ricardo Cuellar  for more HR insights and career guidance.

10 Tips for HR Pros Looking to Build A Successful Successi

"Q4 is slow, right?"

Tell that to HR.

While everyone else winds down, we're just getting started.

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧:
𝟭. 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗘𝗻𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 
Running enrollment + answering the same questions 200 times (yes, the HSA and FSA are different)

𝟮. 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗖𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘀 
Chasing down managers who've procrastinated all year, now scrambling to complete reviews

𝟯. 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 
Building merit increase models under tight deadlines with budgets that somehow shrunk

𝟰. 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗣𝗧𝗢 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗼𝘀 
Managing coverage gaps + fielding "Can I roll over my days?" requests daily

𝟱. 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 
Planning for next year amid hiring freezes, budget cuts, and "let's be strategic" conversations

𝟲. 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿-𝗘𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 
Processing exits that were conveniently delayed until "after Q3 earnings"

𝟳. 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 
Meeting hard government deadlines while juggling literally everything else

𝟴. 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗲 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 
Counseling others through their exhaustion while managing our own

𝟵. 𝗕𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝗴𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 
Defending every HR investment for the upcoming year (yes, employee engagement matters)

𝟭𝟬. 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 
Managing leadership transitions, restructures, and "strategic pivots" before December 31st

Q4 in HR isn't a wind-down.
It's a sprint to the finish line while building the track for next year.

To every HR pro in the thick of it right now: I see you.

♻️ 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗛𝗥 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀
➕ 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 Ricardo Cuellar 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗛𝗥 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲

Most leadership development programs aren't building leaders, they're just checking boxes.
 
I've watched too many organizations invest heavily in succession planning, only to scramble when a key leader leaves. Why? Because their programs were built on flawed assumptions.
 
Here are 7 reasons leadership development and succession planning programs fail and what HR can do differently:
 
𝟭. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘀, 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 
↳ Succession planning shouldn't be about "who's next in line", it's about "who's truly ready." When we promote based on tenure instead of leadership skill, we set people up to fail. HR must shift from filling seats to building capabilities that drive results.
 
𝟮. 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝘀 𝗧𝗼𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰 
↳ Off-the-shelf leadership workshops rarely address your real business challenges. Leaders walk away with theory but no tools to apply. Development must be customized to your organization's strategy and culture, not borrowed from someone else's playbook.
 
𝟯. 𝗡𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹-𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 
↳ Leadership isn't learned in a classroom, it's tested on the job. Without stretch assignments or project ownership, future leaders don't get the reps they need. Programs fail when they don't embed learning into daily work.
 
𝟰. 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗼𝗳𝘁 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 
↳ Many programs emphasize strategy and financial acumen but neglect emotional intelligence, communication, and coaching. The result? Leaders who are technically capable but fail to inspire or retain teams. "People skills" must be weighted as heavily as technical ones.
 
𝟱. 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗣𝗶𝗽𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗟𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 
↳ Too often, succession programs reinforce existing biases and recycle the same leadership profiles. Without intentional inclusion, we shrink innovation and alienate underrepresented talent. Diversity in your pipeline isn't just right, it's strategic.
 
𝟲. 𝗡𝗼 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 
↳ Programs often track participation, not outcomes. "We trained 50 managers" isn't the same as "We improved retention of high potentials by 20%." Without metrics tied to business outcomes, programs lose executive support and funding.
 
𝟳. 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗦𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗳 
↳ Many organizations treat succession planning as an annual paperwork exercise. When leaders leave suddenly, the "plan" is outdated or irrelevant. Succession must be a living process, reviewed and adapted continuously.
 
The Bottom Line: Leadership development fails when it's a checkbox exercise. To succeed, HR must create capability-driven, inclusive, and measurable programs that prepare leaders for today's challenges and tomorrow's opportunities.
 
If this resonates with you, repost it to help other HR leaders build better leadership pipelines. ♻️
 
Follow Ricardo Cuellar for more HR strategy, leadership development, and career growth.

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