Experience

Stephanie Byford is a dynamic senior-level business development leader with over 20 years of experience in the finance sector. As a passionate advocate for elevating women in leadership, Stephanie is dedicated to celebrating their successes and amplifying their voices in the boardroom and beyond. She empowers women founders and executives to overcome networking anxiety and cultivate authentic connections that drive sustainable business growth—on their own terms.

Stephanie’s commitment to advancing women in business is reflected not only in her strategic advisory work with CFOs and senior finance leaders, but also in her thought leadership. She is a writer and recently published her first reflection on Substack, “Anxiety to Advocacy: Owning Your Voice in the Room,” where she shares insights on transforming self-doubt into confident advocacy.

At BDO, Stephanie leverages her extensive experience to build relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring clients receive tailored solutions aligned with their unique objectives. Her proactive engagement, deep understanding of financial operations, and unwavering commitment to excellence have positioned her as a trusted advisor in the industry.

Known for her ability to navigate complex financial landscapes and deliver measurable results, Stephanie’s leadership is defined by her dedication to empowering finance teams and championing operational excellence. She is also committed to continuous learning, staying at the forefront of trends and advancements in the finance sector. Stephanie’s vision and advocacy continue to drive the success and growth of BDO’s business development initiatives, while inspiring women leaders to own their voices and celebrate their achievements.

Professional Affiliations

• Financial Executives International San Francisco Bay Area Chapter – Membership & Program Committee

• Association for Corporate Growth San Francisco Chapter – Growth Awards Committee

• How Women Lead & How Women Give

• Women Leaders Connect

• Athena Alliance

Education

• Psychology, San Diego State University