From Business Manager to Deputy Chief of IT: How Mentorship Helped This Leader Climb in Her Career

Stephanie F. is the deputy chief of IT Transformation and Integration at the National Security Agency (NSA) — a role she excels in because of her no-nonsense approach to problem-solving, her understanding of government funding, and her extensive experience supporting multiple agency missions.  

“I serve as the supervisor to an organization that takes new and emerging ideas, strategies, and requests for IT, and threads them across six different organizations,” she explains, adding that she also partners with other organizations within NSA. “The result of our work is to deliver successful IT outcomes to NSA, the Intelligence Community, and Military and Combatant Commands.”

Stephanie has been in her role for a little over two years. Before that, she served for over a decade in the Business and Acquisition organizations, helping the agency raise money.

“This organization is so big that when I want to do something different, I don't have to leave,” she says of her favorite perk. “I've evolved from a Business Manager to a leader, working in IT and supporting a lot of deep, cool missions. Very few companies have such a diverse offering of things to do, and that is a great thing to have in your back pocket.”

Stephanie’s journey at NSA has been storied — filled with influential people who’ve helped her navigate various paths. Here, we caught up with her to learn more about how their mentorship has enriched her career.

Does the NSA have a formal program in place for mentors or sponsorship?

While we absolutely have formal mentoring programs, most of our agency is heavy on the organic means of mentoring. It just happens on the fly. Nobody has time to stop and say, “Hey, should we do this mission?” So often, we all sit in a meeting and see someone who has what we need, and we go for it! It's how I acquired most of my mentors.

Similarly, having a leader as a coach is another form of mentoring that we don't talk about enough. The best leaders I've had also served in a coaching capacity. (Although I also had to be a willing participant to receive it – that's important, too.)

Who was the most influential person in your professional life, and why?

That is tough, but each and every one of my mentors. They've all given me one of the three Ps– Perspective, Push, or Peace of Mind (in knowing that I was going in the right direction), and you need all of those to thrive. I still keep in touch with many of them after their respective retirements, job changes, and permanent changes of station, and they've all shaped me significantly.

How has having a mentor or sponsor (or being a mentor or sponsor) enriched your own work experience?

They've all sharpened my political savvy and skills in the most amazing ways. That's it. Being a mentor is enriching because you get to watch someone “glow up” in their work, and it is very rewarding because, one, you see the advice you gave was the absolute best solution, and two, you know that there's a set of good hands you can leave the agency to when you depart.

Do you feel like your mentorship experience is reflective of the overall culture at NSA?

I think it has, but that culture is evolving. What is changing is how people receive information and this ever-burning need for the “why.” My mentors have done a great job of preparing me for the skills to effectively ask why, but to also convey why when it makes sense.

Ultimately, what has led you to stay at NSA?

The opportunities for growth are amazing, and the drive of knowing that I’m saving the nation is a plus. That's what I bring with me to work daily. The knowledge that I’m responsible for keeping this nation safe from foreign adversaries is pretty honorable.

What's your go-to stress-relief activity or routine?

Well, I have kids, so their activities are mine. When I do get that time alone, I absolutely love yoga, meditation, and cooking.