2023 Women Leaders in Technology: Stephanie Oyler

Stephanie Oyler is the VP of Attestation Services at A-LIGN focused on managing and growing the SOC Practice, which performs SOC 1, SOC 2, SOC 3 and HIPAA attestations, as well as AUP, Microsoft SSPA, DMF and readiness engagements. Stephanie's responsibilities include serving as a subject matter expert to both clients and employees, as well as organizing trainings and shared guidance related to methodology changes.

What has been the biggest factor in your success so far?

The biggest factor in my success is without a doubt the mentorship I have received throughout my career. Implanting a dedication to achieve goals while being mindful of business need and purpose from an early stage has been imperative to prepare for making far-reaching decisions wisely. As I've continued my journey of consultancy in the form of leadership, I've made a commitment to lead with the needle of my moral compass pointed north, in faith that the right people who make sound decisions will do the same. Combining work ethic and integrity taught from the start line has certainly contributed to all of my successes.

What do you enjoy most about your career in the consulting industry?

I truly enjoy the opportunity to learn various types of businesses and industries and be given the opportunity to apply my expertise of applicable standards and regulations to those organizations. As my career has developed, I've found great joy in designing products to fill gaps in the marketplace that streamline audit experiences for clients.

What is your proudest achievement to date?

By understanding and analyzing the patterns of client performance, I was able to conceptually design a new technology-driven Audit Readiness Assessment product that allows clients to move at their own pace. The product meets various needs such as moving efficiently, providing readiness services at a cost-friendly price point and being on-demand when needed. The technology is user friendly, yet packed of useful content, to serve the newest compliance lead going through their first ever audit as well as the most established compliance program director in spinning up a new product's security posture.

What's the best advice you've ever been given?

I recall being told on my first day as a Staff Auditor, "Always give it six months." Early experiences in consulting are often cases of quick learning through on the job training, which at times stretch consultants to explore new educational boundaries. Established consultants will attest that the growth and learning never ends. Veteran consultants will validate that your clients' satisfaction will sway your professional satisfaction. The glory of consulting though, rests in the fact that if you view your development in hindsight, you will visibly see leaps of expertise and confidence developed across milestone dates that aren't so easily recognizable in the moment. When in doubt about your abilities, give yourself the grace of six months then reevaluate your performance.

What does this recognition mean to you?

Consulting, in my eyes, must seek to bridge gaps through innovation while understanding business needs and regulations in order to be a well-rounded solution for organizations. To receive recognition for excellence in innovation represents not only my solutions-oriented approach to professional and personal life, but also validates that women belong in the space of technology, and more specifically technological innovation. This specific space of recognition also validates my conceptual belief that with a dedicated work ethic and a north-pointing moral compass of integrity, astounding accomplishments can be achieved.