Meet Stephanie Skryzowski, the Founder and CEO of 100 Degrees Consulting, providing CFO and bookkeeping services to nonprofits around the globe.

Stephanie had more than ten years of experience in the nonprofit sector when she first became a mother. She decided to use her extensive background and newfound flexibility as an entrepreneur to help nonprofits navigate the financial landscape. By zeroing in on her team and nonprofit corporations, Stephanie has exceeded her initial expectations of what she believed her company could do. 100 Degrees Consulting has reached one million dollars in annual revenue and is aiding in the success of the meaningful work of nonprofits. 

 

We had the opportunity to talk to Stephanie about the biggest impact her work has had, the calculated risks she’s currently taking, and what’s next for 100 Degrees Consulting.

 

Tell us the story behind your company’s founding. How and why did you start working on 100 Degrees Consulting?

100 Degrees Consulting was created to fill two different needs. First, I saw that there were hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of nonprofits in the U.S. that desperately needed financial management. They didn’t have strong systems in place, lacked financial strategy, and their bank balances were struggling. At the same time, they couldn’t afford to hire a full-time CFO or even a full-time bookkeeper, as their resources were limited. 

After working inside nonprofits for nearly a decade, I created my company to provide fractional CFO services to nonprofits—the same high-level strategy and support at a fraction of the cost. The second need my company filled was my own. I was newly pregnant with my first daughter and wanted more flexibility in my life to be able to spend time with her. As much as I loved my work at the nonprofit, traveling the world and seeing the impact of its work in real life, I was ready for a personal change as well.

 

What are some of the most meaningful impacts your business and work have had so far? 

Our work is directly connected to nonprofit organizations and the incredible work they do. If they are financially healthy, then they can continue changing the communities and people they serve. Our work has helped nonprofits obtain additional and larger grants, build significant cash reserves to make sure their organization is sustainable, and pay their employees more, helping them to retain the staff they need to continue doing their meaningful work. We are lucky to get to see the tangible impact of what we do on our clients every day.

 

Can you share a pivotal moment where taking a calculated risk led to significant growth or innovation?

When I started the company, my intention was to serve only nonprofit organizations. But soon enough, small business owners started approaching me and inquiring if we could provide them with similar support. They struggled with budgeting, cash flow forecasting, and financial analysis as much as our nonprofit leaders. So, over time, our client portfolio expanded and we were taking on almost any type of company that wanted our services. This led to a dilution of our expertise, profit margins, and focus. Our small business team and clients began to struggle. As a result, we ultimately decided that it was no longer best for us to continue serving our small business clients. 

We sold our small business portfolio to focus entirely on nonprofits, which are the heart and soul of our company and its beginnings. It was a huge risk to let go of nearly half of our recurring revenue, but it remains the best decision I’ve made in the history of my company. Today, we are confident in our expertise and the services we provide to our clients and are focused on making the nonprofit sector a better, stronger place.

 

We dare you to brag. What achievements are you most proud of?

A pivotal moment of success for me was providing health insurance to our employees. That felt like we’d made it as a “real” company. We had grown to 15 employees and had the funds to support this important investment in our staff. I’m also incredibly proud of the team we’ve built. I was sitting at our most recent in-person team retreat watching my leadership team present our strategic plan. I was so proud that we have leaders who are as passionate about our success and our clients’ success as I am. My leadership team also helps me step out of the day-to-day and focus on guiding our strategic direction as the CEO—any small business owner knows what a gift this is!

What resources or people have contributed the most to your successes?

Our team is the biggest contributor to the success of the company and our clients. Over the years, I have also invested heavily in my own growth by hiring business coaches who were a few steps ahead of me in their own business journeys. These coaches have helped me determine what to focus on at specific periods in my business growth and have helped me think, plan, and dream much bigger than I would on my own. They have pushed me to expand beyond my current vision of success. My peers have also contributed to my success. I’ve made it a point to always surround myself with other business owners who are on a similar journey. We share resources and ideas and commiserate when things get tough because we all understand exactly what it’s like to build an impactful company.

 

How have you grown as a leader since starting 100 Degrees Consulting? What experiences have contributed to this growth?

I’ve learned to make hard decisions, clearly communicate my thoughts, and set rock-solid boundaries for myself over time. I’m not naturally an assertive person, and I’m pretty conflict-averse. But being a business owner, leading a team, and serving hundreds of clients over the years has forced me to make quick decisions—even when they’re unpopular—and articulate those decisions clearly.

Transitioning our small business portfolio was a prime example of needing to make a decision and then communicate it to people who may not be thrilled about it. We learned many lessons through that experience, which pushed me outside of my comfort zone. I’ve also had to create and uphold my own boundaries. When I first started my company, I said yes to almost all requests: meetings outside of working hours, work outside of the scope of what I was paid for, and even clients that were less than ideal. I’ve learned that creating and enforcing solid boundaries actually gives you more freedom and flexibility because you are better able to serve in your zone of genius.

 

What is the advice that has had the biggest impact on your entrepreneurial journey?

 

“Why not?” has been the most impactful question asked to me over the years. When I have imposed my own limiting beliefs over what my company is or what I am capable of, my coaches have asked me why. I once told a business coach that there was no way my company could grow past one million dollars in annual revenue, and she asked me why. Then, we did it. The question “Why not?” has helped me dispel so many of my own limitations that have allowed our company and myself to grow beyond my wildest dreams! 

 

What’s next for you and 100 Degrees Consulting?

 

We will continue to serve nonprofit organizations around the world to help them build a strong financial foundation and continue their legacy of impact. We aim to equip all nonprofit leaders with the education and tools they need to make smart decisions using their finances through our online courses, workshops, and training webinars. I’m also writing a book called Do Good and Prosper, to help people working in impact-focused careers live a prosperous and thriving life without martyring themselves to the mission.

 

Stephanie is a member of Dreamers & Doers, an award-winning community that amplifies extraordinary women entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders by securing PR, forging authentic connections, and curating high-impact resources. Learn more about Dreamers & Doers and get involved here.