Community connecting tech, policy and politics

# TheBridge Leaders Directory

TheBridge Leaders Directory includes hundreds of profiles with top leaders in technology, policy, politics. Check it out and [nominate](/content/nominate/index.html) a leader someone!

TheBridge Leaders Directory is an excellent resource of leaders, speakers, connections in technology, innovation, policy and politics.

All leaders are nominated by others in the community. Take a look through and [nominate](/content/nominate/index.html) a leader today!

# TheBridge profile: Stephen Boyce

**Name:** Stephen Boyce  
**Current city:** Washington, DC  
**Current job:** Director at Magnet Forensics; Adjunct Professor at Marymount University  
**Past job:** Senior Advisor at IFES; Principal Consultant/vCISO at Palo Alto Networks (The Crypsis Group); Digital Media Exploitation & Digital Forensics at the FBI; Pathways Information Technology Specialist at the U.S. Department of State

**Q. How are you currently bridging the gap between innovation and regulation?** The diffusion of innovation theory is a great way to approach the gap between innovation and regulation. Societal change is never met with overwhelming excitement and speed; however, balancing two through communication and trust helps to break down barriers.

**Q. Job advice in three words?** Foster strong relationships  
**Q. What can innovators learn from policymakers?** Innovators can learn that policymaking is akin to seeking funding from an investor. Policymakers receive 1000s of requests for attention from constituents, businesses, and vendors.

**Q. What can policymakers learn from innovators?** Policymakers can learn that many innovators want to impact society positively and would welcome engaging in thought-provoking dialogue.

**Q. Can you describe a skill you have carried throughout your career that has always proved to be valuable?** A problem-solving skill I have carried throughout my career that has proved valuable is focusing on the issue, which has helped me navigate office politics and gain buy-in from key stakeholders.

**Q. What is the best job interview question you have ever been asked?** “Tell us a time when you've had to explain something technical to a group of non technical people?”

**Q. Favorite spot for a coffee meeting?** Bluestone Lane West End Café  
**Q. Favorite book/podcast/long-form article you recommend?** The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers  
**Q. Why are you part of TheBridge community? Why do you think it's important this community exists for tech, policy and political professionals?** Non-partisan communities like TheBridge are important because many of the problems we are trying to solve individually is better served through proactive communication and collaboration.

**Q. Every day is probably different, but are there certain skills you think are essential to your job?** Humility, communication, and empathy.

**Q. Startup to watch?** Living Security  
**Q. How do you unwind after work?** Head to the driving range with my headphones  
**Q. Favorite app?** TripIt  
**Q. If you had to live in another city, which would it be?** London