Stephanie Neill-Payne

Executive Director, Digital Service, Department of Homeland Security

Neill-Payne has taken that oft-uttered saying about the size of the world — that it’s a surprisingly small place — to the heart of her leadership style. The leader of DHS’s U.S. Digital Service team is a strong believer in doing right by the people around you. “It’s the most important aspect of leadership,” she said, of mentoring and empowering a team. “Regardless of your industry, you’re operating in a small world of recurring characters. If you develop and empower your people today, they will follow you anywhere tomorrow. Keep the long game in mind, and do right by your staff every day.”