Jess Ekstrom

Jess lives by three words: inspiration from frustration.

Whenever she’s frustrated, she usually finds inspiration in a business idea to solve the problem. Hence, she’s a 2x successful social entrepreneur.

In 2012, she took a $300 grant and launched Headbands of Hope, a company that provides headbands to kids with illnesses.

Since then, her company has donated millions of headbands all over the world and has become the official headband provider for the NBA, WNBA, and are now sold in all Kohl’s locations.

Jess is a Forbes Top Rated speaker with past clients like Zappos, Priceline, Netflix, Canva, Edward Jones, Magnolia, Under Armour, Newell Brands, Leadercast Live, SAS, Harvard, TEDx, and more.

But her career goals are not just about getting herself on stage, she wants to help more women get on stages as public speakers. And in 2018, she founded Mic Drop Workshop®️, a company with the mission of empowering more women to share their message as a public speaker and author. 

Jess is a 2x bestselling author of Chasing the Bright Side and Create Your Bright Ideas. She’s been featured on the TODAY Show, Good Morning America, Vanity Fair, Forbes, and People Magazine ran an exclusive piece about her when her book was released. You’ve most likely seen Jess on your TV whether it was an interview on your favorite morning show, shopping on QVC, or watching her run her business from her Airstream in a global Canva commercial.

Some of her recent badges of honor…

• Chip Gaines said, “Jess Ekstrom is leaving her mark on this world and it’s amazing to watch her do it.” 
• Jess was dubbed The Ultimate Game Changer by Women’s Health Magazine
• The co-founder of Netflix said, “Jess is a very poised and polished speaker- confident, funny, great connection with the audience and left them inspired.”
• Jess was tapped to interview the First Lady of Iceland on women’s equality issues
• Linkedin Learning and TED Education have asked Jess to host courses on the art of public speaking
• Forbes named her a Top Motivational Speaker
• Arianna Huffington put her on her 99 Female Disruptors List
• Becoming a new mom to a little girl and advocating for moms in the workplace
• And Business Insider said Jess is a “Woman to Watch”

Jess brings humor, inspiration, and entertainment to every group she addresses. Her motivational, edge-of-your-seat storytelling and infectious energy is a refreshing experience for audiences looking to improve their culture, purpose-building, and fulfillment.