Chance Conversations with Carey & Conor (private feed for serioustrouble@privacat.anonaddy.com)

Welcome to the latest episode of Chance Conversations! Conor and I are thrilled to introduce you to Rowenna Fielding (AKA, MissIGGeek), an exceptional voice in data protection, privacy, and data ethics. With over a decade of real-world experience, Rowenna brings her unyielding passion for data justice and advocacy right to our podcast. Imagine sitting with someone who is not only a supreme nerd but also a fearless champion against surveillance capitalism—Rowenna is all that and more!Exploring Values and the Inner ToddlerOur conversation kicked off with Rowenna sharing her core values: compassion, integrity, and curiosity. She candidly revealed that while she strives to embody these principles, like the rest of us, she sometimes falls short. It’s a refreshing reminder of our shared human experience. Rowenna humorously compared human nature to toddler behavior, suggesting that just like the little ones, adults often struggle with realizing they're not the universe's center. This perceptive analogy resonated deeply with us, highlighting that no matter how sophisticated we become (or think we are), some aspects of our nature remain as pure—and sometimes irrational—as a toddler’s outburst.Career Insights: Bridging Gaps with WordsIn our industry-focused segment, Rowenna discussed her remarkable skill in pattern recognition, particularly in language. Diagnosed late with autism, she leverages her hypolexia—a turbo-charged linguistic ability—to bridge communication gaps between neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals. This unique trait not only enhances her advocacy but also demonstrates how embracing one's neurodiversity can lead to significant professional and personal achievements. Her love for words and their precise usage underscores her dedication to clarity in communication—a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of data protection work.The Challenges of Data Protection and PrivacyRowenna didn’t hold back when discussing the often-missing element in data protection: the focus on protecting people’s fundamental rights and freedoms. She emphasized that the core of data protection is about safeguarding these rights, not just checking compliance boxes. Together, we pondered the disconnect between risk assessments and real-world impacts, agreeing that data protection should focus on preventing harm rather than merely calculating risk. Her insightful critique serves as a call to action for professionals to rethink their approach to privacy and protection advocacy.Technology's Future: The Good, the Bad, and the FAFOAs the conversation veered into tech and our (possibly dystopian) future, Rowenna offered a sobering yet hopeful perspective. She acknowledged the historical pattern of innovation outpacing governance—and the persistent techbro mentality of “FAFO” (aka, Fuck around, and Find Out), will only get worse as technologies become more powerful and potentially damaging. To stop the bleeding, we need to keep fundamental rights and ethics in mind. Rowenna’s candid remark about humanity possibly being the first species to choke on its own creations highlighted both the gravity and absurdity of our predicament with technological advancement.Personal Reflections: Fighting the Good FightThe heart of Rowenna’s motivation lies in what she describes as "fighting the good fight." Her personal background—being mixed-race, bisexual, and having disabilities—fuels her advocacy against prejudice and power structures. While she acknowledges the practical necessity of earning a living, it's her unflinching passion for justice that truly drives her. This dual motivation reflects a profound dedication to her field, resonating with anyone who aims to make a significant impact through their career.Wrapping Up with Humor and Puffins?In true Chance Conversations style, our chat wrapped up with light-hearted musings on guilty pleasures and puffin obsessions. Rowenna shared her annual pilgrimage to a puffin colony in Wales—a delightful insight into her personal joys and a testament to finding happiness in the simple, beautiful moments life offers.Tune in!Join us in this engaging episode as we unravel complex privacy issues with Rowenna’s rich insights and advocate spirit. Whether you're a privacy professional or simply curious about the intersections of technology and justice (or puffins and toddlers), there's no shortage of thought-provoking moments in our chat.Don't miss our next episode with Avishai Ostrin, of TrustIZ, where we'll dive into more privacy challenges and opportunities shaping our field. Until then, stay curious, keep questioning, and share your thoughts on our LinkedIn page or leave a comment! Thank you for subscribing. Leave a comment or share this episode.

Welcome to another episode of Chance Conversations! I'm Carey, and alongside my co-host Conor Hogan, we touch on the dynamic domains of privacy and data protection with our guests. This time, we're joined by the extraordinary Debbie Reynolds, known throughout the land as "Data Diva." Debbie is not only a legendary figure in the privacy world but also the host of the acclaimed Data Diva Talks Privacy Podcast and the founder of Debbie Reynolds Consulting.Building Bridges in the World of PrivacyOur conversation kicked off with us asking Debbie what her dream job would be if she were to leave the world of privacy. It turns out, that Debbie loves rebuilding and rehabbing houses and has done so a few times already. That concept — of Debbie as a builder — continued throughout our chat. As someone who regularly tackles complex challenges in the industry, Debbie underlined the importance of viewing privacy not just as a legal obligation but as an integral part of data governance. She also gets why meaningful change and a privacy culture is only really achievable if we’re “building bridges, not building fences.” Her solutions approach the challenges of privacy and data protection on a deeply human level.On the Value of Plain-Spokenness & Small GroupsTowards her building metaphor, Debbie explained that much of her success in building bridges comes from her plain-spoken, calm, and inclusive approach to discussing problems and solutions. Despite her well-known podcast where she has interviewed over 200 professionals, as well as her frequent speaking appearances in large venues, she revealed that at heart, she’s actually an introvert, and prefers small groups to large ones. One-on-one conversations (whether with family or colleagues) are how you find depth and discover what someone is actually about. “When you have one-on-one conversations with people, they'll say things … that they wouldn't say in a group setting,” she said.Concluding with Connection and ConversationAs we wrapped up, Debbie left us with a lasting impression of what it means to truly connect with others, whether through one-on-one conversations or by fostering understanding across professional domains. Her approach to privacy is not just about compliance but is fundamentally about respecting human rights and finding common ground with people at different levels of understanding privacy.This episode is a testament to Debbie's unique ability to blend expertise with personal empathy, reminding us that, in privacy, as in life, building bridges creates more meaningful connections. Stay tuned for our next episode in a few weeks, where we’ll be chatting with the spicy Rowenna Fielding!Timestamps: * 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome* 00:45 Debbie Reynolds' Background and Achievements* 02:10 Explaining the Conversation Rules* 03:30 Career Insights: Debbie's Dream Business* 06:30 Industry Trends and Misconceptions* 13:34 Personal Values and Communication Style* 18:33 Advice for Aspiring Privacy Professionals* 24:56 Overhyped and Underhyped Industry Topics* 28:37 Debbie's Personal Life and Motivations* 35:01 Conclusion and Farewell Thank you for subscribing. Leave a comment or share this episode.

In this episode of 'Chance Conversations,' hosts Carey & Conor are joined by Tim Turner, a renowned data protection expert known for his humorous and practical training courses. The discussion begins with an introduction to Turner’s background and expertise in data protection and FOI, including his candid approach to debunking the ‘necessity’ of our field in business. The episode covers a range of topics, from creating a culture of data protection within businesses to Turner's personal motivations and career journey. Turner candidly shares his struggles with adapting to the online format of his work, which was necessitated by the pandemic. The conversation touches on AI's impact on data protection, Turner's guilt-free pleasures, and his passions for travel. The episode wraps up with Turner reflecting on ways to stay relevant and engaged in the evolving landscape of remote work.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:55 Explaining the Rules of the Game03:17 Random Number Selection and Dice Anecdote04:27 Creating a Culture of Data Protection06:02 The Luxury of Data Protection Training07:40 The Reality of Data Protection and FOI Training10:26 Tim’s Career Journey and Motivations15:28 How Tim Gets In His Own Way20:07 No Guilty Pleasures 22:09 Hobbies & Travel23:04 Musical Theater Adventures24:16 Career Reflections and Aspirations26:52 Travel Dreams and Destinations32:40 The Impact of AI on Data Protection34:26 Adapting to the New Normal - A Metaphor to the Silent Screen43:27 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell Thank you for subscribing. Leave a comment or share this episode.

Chance Conversations Interviews (Odia Kagan) – 2024 08 28 15 55 IST – Recording[00:00:00] Conor Hogan: hi, and welcome to another episode of Chance Conversations. I'm Connor,[00:00:15] Carey Lening: and I'm Kerry,[00:00:16] Conor Hogan: and today we're so excited to have with us a true leader in the world of privacy and data protection, Odia Kagan. Welcome, Odia.[00:00:23] Odia Kagan: Thank you. Nice to be here.[00:00:25] Conor Hogan: Odia is a partner and Chair of Data Privacy Compliance and International Privacy at Fox Rothschild.She specializes in guiding companies through the complexities of privacy laws, including the GDPR, and offers practical advice on tech transactions and third party engagements. With certifications including all of the letters that you can possibly imagine, and recognition as a Fellow of Information Privacy from the IAPP, Odia brings deep expertise to her role.She's advised[00:00:51] Odia Kagan: Sure now I have to top that intro, right?[00:00:55] Carey Lening: I will briefly introduce the rules just for the folks who haven't heard this [00:01:00] before for each category you'll get to pick a number one through three where a question in that category will be chosen at random There are two questions in each category and three total categories.The first is industry trends and insights We'll ask questions about where you think the industry will go in the future, where it might be stuck, some common misconceptions, hype cycles, and a few other surprises, because I keep adding questions. Next, we will talk about career observations.And in this category we'll talk about your highlights, what you've learned along the way and what advice you might have for future generations in this space. And then finally, personal questions. This is one of my favorite sections. These are questions about you, who you are, your hopes, your dreams, your aspirations, life lessons and challenges you've overcome.Nothing too crazy personal, but just a little bit to get to know you better. You could skip one question and a new question will be asked in its place. You can also throw one question back on Connor and I and we'll answer it first But then you need to answer in the end [00:02:00] The goal here is as always to broaden the conversation and for serendipity to take over a little bit like the conversations you might have with friends So sound good.Cool. Let's do it. No nonsense All right, i'm gonna go first connorAll right, we're gonna start with career pick a number one, two, or three[00:02:21] Odia Kagan: Okay. I want to start i'm going to try two.[00:02:23] Carey Lening: Okay, two I should let everyone know I reconfigured my little random number generator thing And so now there are pictures of cats for each and it looks like there's like a playing card.It's pretty awesome. This is only for my personal edification, but it's our podcast, so I can do it. Okay, the question is, what does success look like to you?[00:02:44] Odia Kagan: Oh wow I read about this in one of my books that I'm reading, and it had a really good definition of success.Let me see if I can remember it. It basically said something like, Success is the continued. striving [00:03:00] towards a worthy goal or something like that. So. I've thought about this a lot recently because, I have spent Pretty much almost all of my career, and law firms and big law and kind of the concept of success in that construct is very clear.I think my definition as I'm thinking about it is basically to continuously do work that is interesting, that is intellectually challenging. And that makes a positive impact on, on people and on clients. So I really like what I do. I like what I do because I find it. Interesting because it changes all the time because there's challenges because there's puzzles to solve, because there are new facts to apply to old rules and there's [00:04:00] surprises that are happening all the time.There's technology involved. And also because I feel most of the time that I am, making a positive. Impact on the people that I work with, right? Be it, clients helping them solve problems, helping them, avoid problems, mitigate risk, avoid being sued, avoid, having a negative consequence.And so when I think the combination of those together is a definition of success for me.[00:04:34] Carey Lening: I like it. It's a well rounded answer. I love that by the way, you were reading a book on the definition of success. What book is that, by the way?[00:04:42] Odia Kagan: So I have I have a reading corner, where in the morning in the crack of dawn, I read 15 books simultaneously.And I read like a few pages in each as I drink my coffee. That's like my morning thing.[00:04:53] Carey Lening: 15 books simultaneously[00:04:55] Odia Kagan: yeah, I read afew pages in each, they're all different things. They're like [00:05:00] philosophy, history, I don't know, statistics, like different things.Yeah.[00:05:05] Carey Lening: How do you do that without like your brain exploding?[00:05:08] Odia Kagan: Seriously, that is like my time of happiness. I really like Kindle and I don't do paper at all and everything is digital, but this is like a literal stack of books.That's brilliant. Like, I'm very similar to that.[00:05:20] Conor Hogan: Not that I have 15 books on the go at any one time, but usually if I'm reading a book, which is pretty regularly, I usually have more than one and probably less than five on the go, but like 15 just blows my mind.[00:05:31] Carey Lening: I can't keep track of reading a menu without, having to focus.So the idea of fifteen in like small bits and chunks I don't know how you do it, girl. But that does explain a few things about how prolific you are in your responding to and summarizing all these pieces. You must have like speed reading done or something.[00:05:49] Odia Kagan: So I think to answer your question, it was probably, it was either I have two quote books.One is Robert Greene. It's the Daily Laws. It's like a quote a day, right? And one is the Daily [00:06:00] Stoic, the Ryan Holiday, who I love his books. I might, it's either one of those, or it might be I'm reading Tal Ben Shachar, who's this Israeli researcher. He works, I think, at, he's got a famous course. Now I don't remember if it's Harvard or Yale, about happiness.So the book is called Being Happy. And I think that might be where I read it.[00:06:21] Conor Hogan: Oh, wow. Do you know what, we were talking on an earlier episode about, I think it might have been the same question, and the answer that the guest in question gave was that there's not something necessarily that they're striving towards, In terms of, retirement or, the typical measures of success, but rather it was really similar to this in that it's actually constantly striving to make an impact and to be better and to enjoy.And I just think it really is quite revealing when. Somebody like you, Odia is of exactly that same mindset, it's actually very encouraging, I would argue, to anybody who's, listening and embarking on a career [00:07:00] in this space or, wants to pursue big law and all that sort of stuff you can still do that, be happy and enjoy and make an impact, that's what I'm hearing.[00:07:07] Odia Kagan: Yeah, I really like what I do. I really enjoy it. , I think that this type of career is really difficult to do if you don't really love what you're doing. It's hard because it's very, time consuming and, a lot of investment and. Yeah, and it's also very easy to get embroiled in all your day to day stuff and kind of forget that, you're supposed to enjoy it, too.[00:07:28] Conor Hogan: And you're, so you're, your coffee in the morning at dawn with 15 books, is that time to yourself where you're like, you know what, it's not just about a rat race or anything like that.[00:07:38] Odia Kagan: , like I'm reading one of my books is Winnie the Pooh.Which is amazing.It's so cool. It's Rabbit is and Eeyore and it's very, like, when you read it as an adult, it's wow, this is really interesting.[00:07:50] Carey Lening: So you're reading like fiction, nonfiction, studies, law, whatever.[00:07:54] Odia Kagan: Yeah, there's a privacy thing in there. There's a lot of philosophy. There's the quote books. There's [00:08:00] Winnie the Pooh. I'm reading a book about like math and statistics, which, I'm a lawyer. I can't do anything related to graph paper. That's, that stopped, a while ago.So I'm trying. So yeah, there's Yeah. It's, I'm doing a thing in like Chinese medicine.[00:08:14] Carey Lening: Oh, geez. . I thought I was impressed, impressive because I was like trying to pick up Feynman's lectures on physics again.And I read it and I'm a couple pages like you. I can't do too much because my brain is literally going to explode. But you're all over the map. You got everything going.[00:08:27] Odia Kagan: That was one of the books that's on my list is he's got a book about like six simple things, right? Or something like that., but physics was what I avoided in high school. I did not, I was in the physics class, like all my classmates were doing physics and I was the person who didn't do physics, but I sat with them and watched them struggle. So my physics knowledge is like negligible.[00:08:47] Carey Lening: He's a good one to read for that. Yeah. Okay. We're going to talk about books the whole time. Connor, you should ask another question.[00:08:54] Conor Hogan: Alright, okay. I will move to industry. We'll try and put it back in there. Odia, pick a [00:09:00] number, one, two, or three again, please.[00:09:02] Odia Kagan: Let's try three.[00:09:04] Conor Hogan: Okay, perfect. Ooh, I like this one, actually. What is something that you've rethought In the last year it doesn't even have to be the last year but what is something that you've thought about again all over again and Rethink it rethought it[00:09:18] Odia Kagan: In the privacy industry[00:09:20] Conor Hogan: in the industry Yeah,[00:09:22] Carey Lening:

Welcome to another insightful episode of Chance Conversations, where Conor Hogan and I unravel the intricacies of privacy and technology with renowned expert Dr. Gabriela Zanfir-Fortuna. Gabriela, Vice President of Global Privacy at the Future of Privacy Forum, joined us for an engaging dialogue that darted between AI's future impact to the profound importance of history in the law and why if we don’t start paying attention, we might be doomed to repeat it. Think someone might be interested in hearing this episode? Why not share it with a friend (or two!)Conor and I properly acknowledge that Gabriela is a force in the data protection and privacy world. Her experience straddles both sides of the Atlantic, and with a plethora of influential roles under her belt, Gabriela commands attention, while being gracious, humble and encouraging to others in the community. Her impressive introduction left her a touch embarrassed, but excited to dive into our "chance conversation."In Privacy, It’s About the Past as Much as the FutureGabriela graced us with her nuanced perspective on the origins and evolution of data protection laws like the GDPR. Drawing from deep knowledge in this space, including her past stint working for the EDPS, where she advised EU legislators on the GDPR during the drafting process, she reminded us of the why behind the laws, and the necessity for laws and regulations to adapt as technology advances. We both appreciated Gabriela’s insights, especially on the question if tech always outpaces law. As technology accelerates, will our comprehension of its effects ever keep pace? Gabriela had some thoughts, and they’re definitely worth listening to. But just as a teaser, her spicy take was that while the legal landscape obviously needs to evolve with technology, many of the challenges we face today in our endless war between new tech and law are actually old battles, that have been fought, won, and lost in the past, so maybe we should all be reading a bit more history before trying to reinvent things (again). Personal Reflections: On Journalism, Impact, and A Secret DreamInterestingly, Gabriela's journey in data protection isn't her first foray into leading an impactful life. Previously, Gabriela was a journalist, where she wrote about local and national issues in Romania. One poignant memory she shared involved her investigation into early climate-induced desertification in Romania. We bonded over our common goal of seeking truth and finding out the why. But the more fun part of the conversation was around what she would do if money was no object — let’s just say, it includes many of my favorite things, but you’ll have to listen to find out. On Cats, Clippy, and PhilosophyBut don’t worry — not all of our conversation was heavy with such lofty goals and societal implications. A delightful interlude about Clippy and later one about my insane cat obsession also made it in. She even asked me an important question: will AI replace cats? Looking over the timestamps, honestly we might have spent too much time on cats. Sorry. As our conversation wrapped up, Gabriela even threw a few questions back on me (Conor had to leave a bit early, sadly), and for once, I felt like I was in the hot seat. We talked about our passions, and my latest writing obsessions. It was probably more of me than anyone wanted to listen to, but hey. That’s what makes it a chance conversation!Listen and Engage!We invite you to join this stimulating exploration by tuning into the full episode. Whether you're a privacy enthusiast or just curious about technology's imprint on our lives, Gabriela offered an engaging compass to navigate the privacy world. Stay tuned for our next episode featuring the remarkable insights of Odia Kagan, another luminary in privacy law. Until then, keep pondering where humanity and technology converge—and diverge.Want to get these podcasts delivered in your inbox? Why not subscribe? Timestamps: * 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome* 00:31 Gabriela's Background and Achievements* 01:44 Explaining the Rules of the Conversation* 03:06 Career Highlights and Personal Aspirations* 05:56 Industry Trends and Future of Technology* 16:27 AI and LLMs: Will They Replace Us?* 22:09 Inference, Intuition, and Philosophy* 22:29 Personal Questions: Do You Like Cats?* 23:13 Growing Up in Romania* 24:03 The Irish and Their Cats* 25:13 AI and the Future of Cats* 26:34 Final Thoughts and Farewells* 26:57 Career Motivation and Journalism* 27:59 Climate Change in Romania* 32:00 Challenges of AI Compliance* 35:37 Closing Remarks and Upcoming Guests Thank you for subscribing. Leave a comment or share this episode.

In this episode of Chance Conversations, Conor and I interview Robert Bateman, a renowned expert in data protection and privacy law. Robert shares his journey from self-professed ‘lazy man’ into data protection powerhouse, after he became unexpectedly obsessed with data protection in 2017. Robert is the owner of KnowData Ltd, based in Brighton, England, where he provides consultancy, training, writing, and events related to data protection, privacy, and AI regulation. He also works as a data protection consultant for a number of firms, and as a trainer for Act Now Training. He also writes and hosts the bi-weekly Privado Privacy Corner, where he turns the crazy churn of privacy and data protection news into something manageable for all of us. A Unique Approach to Training & Putting Privacy on the Map: When the topic of building a privacy culture came up as the first question, Robert immediately flipped it back on us, so if you haven’t heard Conor or my takes on the subject, prepare yourselves. But for Robert, the heart of effective data protection lies in making the process approachable and meaningful. His philosophy is can be boiled down into a few key points: * be helpful & proactive* be clear, and * be approachable—cultivate a culture where data protection is second nature rather than a dictated chore.Part of this mentality comes from Robert's deep commitment to empathy and logical consistency. Robert shared how his search for fairness and his focus on empathy have shaped him both professionally and personally. It’s nice to see that while the world of data protection can sometimes feel a bit like a battleground, Robert’s emphasis on understanding and fairness reminds us that at the core of it, data protection is fundamentally about people and doing right by them.Compliance Grievances: What would a Chance Conversations episode be without at least a little airing of grievances when it comes to privacy theatre. I’ll admit, this is a bit in the weeds and mostly EU-focused, but for some of you, I suspect there will be some nodding in empathy and acknowledgement of our shared pain. Finding a Passion for Data Protection and Understanding What Drives Him: Robert's journey into data protection wasn't an entirely straightforward one (though he did do the oft-customary legal song-and-dance first). Candidly, he admitted that he used to be “quite lazy”, and that he’s the kind of person who is less driven towards a specific goal or goals (professional or otherwise), and is instead mostly carried along by what interests him. But after an illness, he did find his passion in data protection. Fortunately for us all, even after so many years, Robert seems pretty committed to making data protection, privacy, and AI understandable and clear. And notwithstanding his own opinion, I personally think Robert is one of the most hardworking folks I know, so I think he successfully dislodged his inner lazy. For Robert, it’s about living in the moment, prioritizing the people he cares about and the life he wants to lead, rather than being consumed by lofty, long-term (and often unachievable) goals. This mindset not only keeps him present but also adaptable to the twists and turns life throws his way.Inevitably, AI and The Fault in Our Laws: On industry Robert shared his thoughts about the current buzzword dominating our industry: AI. While many see AI as overhyped, Robert offered a nuanced view that it might actually be underappreciated by some in the data protection community. But he also shares the view that the state of expectations (including legal expectations) may have to change. We even get into what might happen if the law gets ahead of technology… oh my. Still, the constant evolution and the legal intersections with AI make it an endlessly fascinating topic, one that Robert believes demands more thoughtful consideration as we hurtle toward a more automated future.Timeline: * 00:00 Welcome and Introduction* 00:15 Meet Robert Bateman* 01:45 Conversation Rules and Format* 03:18 Industry Trends and Insights* 03:33 Creating a Culture of Data Protection* 13:22 Career Observations* 19:54 Personal Questions* 29:08 AI and Data Protection* 36:19 Final Thoughts and Farewell Stay tuned for the next episode of Chance Conversations, where we interview Gabriela Zanfir-Fortuna of the Future of Privacy Forum. If you liked this episode, consider sharing it with a friend, leaving a comment, or subscribing to the podcast! Thank you for subscribing. Leave a comment or share this episode.

In the latest episode of Chance Conversations, Conor and I dive into the intricate world of data privacy with Alexander Hanff, a towering figure (both figuratively, and literally) in privacy advocacy and an unwavering champion for data protection rights. With decades of experience shaping the laws and ethics surrounding privacy, Alex's insights are not just invaluable—they're transformative.Meet Alexander HanffWe begin the episode by talking about Alex's remarkable journey. For those entrenched in the data protection sphere, Alex barely needs an introduction. His contributions span from the drafting of the GDPR to advising the EU Parliament, all underscored by a genuine passion for advancing fundamental rights. Through his consultancy, Hanff and Co., Alex has been a beacon for privacy advocacy worldwide for decades.Embracing Change in Data ProtectionOne standout moment in our conversation emerged when Alex shared his views on fostering a culture of data protection within businesses. According to Alex, the crux lies in a willingness to change—something that, despite its challenges, is pivotal. As he empathetically explained, many organizations are resistant not out of malevolence, but habit. Bringing change requires empathy and effective communication, an ethos Alex carries into his consulting and advisory roles.The Human Touch vs. Technological AdvancesIn an era where technology dominates, Alex urges us all to strike a balance. While automation and technology can support privacy efforts, Alex warned against over-reliance on these tools at the risk of losing the critical human element. "We’re talking about human rights," he asserts, emphasizing that technology, as sophisticated as it might be, can never fully grasp the nuances of human dignity and rights. Here’s Alex’s take on privacy notices and how we might be doomed if AI start generating them:Personal Insights and Industry ReflectionsTurning the conversation personal, Alex shares his unwavering belief in learning from life's challenges. He posits that every experience—every hardship—has shaped him into the person he is today. This perspective really touched us, and highlighted the resilience and dedication that define his approach to data protection and privacy advocacy.A particularly moving part of the episode was Alex's recollection of an encounter with a WWII veteran during a speech at the London School of Economics—a poignant reminder of the human cost behind the rights many of us take for granted. This moment, among others, fueled Alex's commitment to preserving and advancing these hard-won rights.Looking AheadAs discussions about future technological impacts and privacy unfold, Alex remains a steadfast advocate for keeping privacy human-centric. His call to action is both a challenge and a reminder: to protect and prioritize human dignity in the face of ever-evolving technology.We also reflected on the collegiality of privacy professionals — it was a bit of a love-fest at times. Conor and I think you’ll really enjoy listening — the episode was truly a masterclass in understanding not just the mechanisms of privacy and data protection, but the heart behind the movement. The conversation leaves listeners inspired, introspective, and eager for our next episode, which features Robert Bateman.Stay connected with us on our LinkedIn page, where we continue to explore and discuss the dynamic world of data protection! Timestamps:* 00:00 Welcome and Introduction* 01:50 Industry Trends and Insights* 08:18 Career Observations* 13:58 Personal Questions* 18:41 Future of Technology in Privacy* 23:49 The Role of Technology in Privacy* 24:31 Challenges with Current LLMs* 25:39 The Importance of Context in Privacy* 29:14 The Future of AI in Privacy* 30:26 Personal Reflections on Privacy Careers* 33:22 The Impact of Personal Experiences* 36:55 Final Thoughts and Reflections* 42:36 Closing Remarks Thank you for subscribing. Leave a comment or share this episode.

Heads up: Conor had a reprieve and I ran this one solo. I had the pleasure of speaking with Liz Steininger, CEO of Least Authority — a privacy and security auditing firm based in Berlin, Germany. Least Authority’s focus is primarily on Web3, and I’ve had the good fortune to work with Liz and her brilliant team. We started out by diving deep into reflections and insights that only come from lived experience. Liz's thoughtful perspective provided a wealth of wisdom, offering up advice that is not only personal but universally resonant. The Question That Opens Time: I started off by posing an introspective question: "If you could go back in time, what's one piece of advice that you would give a younger version of yourself?" It’s the kind of question we’ve all pondered at least once in our lives, and Liz’s response was both relatable and inspiring.On Misplaced Energy: Liz didn't hesitate to reflect on her past. She shared that one of the most poignant pieces of advice she’d offer her younger self revolves around the use of energy. Specifically, she would tell herself not to waste so much energy on certain people or situations. Focusing on What Matters: Instead, she advised that while it’s easy to get caught up in the minutiae of daily life, to let certain situations drain our energy and consume our thoughts. Liz's advice serves as a potent reminder: life's challenges are often temporary, and holding on too tightly can prevent us from progressing toward better opportunities that lie ahead.Remembering to direct energy toward things that truly matter is a lesson many of us could revisit, and Liz's candidness underscores just how transformative this shift in mindset can be.A Guidepost for Life's Journey: While much of our talk revolved around time, energy and focus, and was indeed a bit of a therapy session, Liz’s reflections are not just words of wisdom but can be seen as a guidepost for all of us navigating life’s tumultuous journey. She reminds us that while the challenges of the moment can seem overwhelming, tomorrow often brings new opportunities that are worth our attention and care.Thank you, Liz, for sharing your insights and reminding us of the power of strategic self-focus. Timeline: * 00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Liz* 03:02 Career Observations: Defining Success* 08:21 Industry Trends: Learning from Failures* 15:19 Personal Questions: Dream Destinations* 21:59 Creating a Culture of Security and Privacy* 25:57 Advice to Younger Self* 29:48 Life Lessons and Guilty Pleasures* 35:37 Conclusion and Next Episode TeaserStay tuned for the next episode, where we welcome Alexander Hanff to Chance Conversations and put him in the hot seat. Thanks for listening — if you liked this episode, consider sharing it with others!If you liked this, you might also like my blog, Privacat Insights Thank you for subscribing. Leave a comment or share this episode.

In this episode of Chance Conversations, we welcome R. Jason Cronk, a principal privacy consultant at Enter Privacy Consulting Group. Jason shares insights from his diverse career and deep expertise in privacy engineering, privacy by design practices, and regulatory standards. True Randomness & Philosophy: We start off with some unprompted philosophy about … randomness— Jason shares his latest read Determined: A Science of Life Without Free Will by Robert M. Sapolsky and explains why he created his own pseudo-random number generator to choose a random number. Epic nerdery indeed. We get into some deep philosophical discussions, including the implications of predetermination on life, our brains, and decisions we make around consent & autonomy, as well as fuzzy / murky consent. I also take the opportunity to shamelessly mention JM Berger’s Optimal and my Gikii presentation (which I dive into more detail on in this post). Jason’s Million Dollar Idea: You’ll have to listen in, but I promise, this is so good. Hey Policymakers: Theory is Nice, But We Need Some Practical Guidance: Jason shares how one of the biggest glaring problems in privacy and data protection is the lack of specificity in the law, especially when it comes to implementing and building in privacy by design. High-level principles based theory is good, but as he notes “when the rubber hits the road, what does all of this mean and how do you get people to implement it?” Much ranting occurs concerning Article 25 GDPR. Changing Personal History & Defining Success: Jason reflects on how a different opportunity might have radically reshaped his life. We then go totally off the rails and we end on a discussion of meteors and Armageddon, before coming back to Earth and hearing his views on what success means for him.Cognitive Biases & Cultural Influences: We all wax on about the different global views on privacy, and Jason leads us back to how cultural influences and biases often shape (or determine) how we think about privacy, autonomy, obligations, and even what approaches to take. This, he argues should be considered and inform practitioners when it comes to training, raising awareness, and informing others about data protection. Jason also shared a new-to-us cognitive bias—the Einstellung Effect, which refers to a person’s predisposition to solve a given problem in a specific manner even though better or more appropriate methods exist. When all you have is a hammer… Wrapping Up: We close discussing the future of technology and Jason’s dystopian and hopeful futures. Naturally, AI & LLMs came up, as well as overreliance on tools that ‘do it for us’ versus being additive. If you listen in, you might get the inadvertent pun we were dancing around the entire time… Timeline:* 00:00 Introduction to Chance Conversations* 00:17 Meet R. Jason Cronk: Privacy Expert* 01:08 Explaining the Rules of the Game* 02:17 Predetermination and Free Will* 05:13 The Concept of Consent in Privacy* 09:43 Career Highlights and Aspirations* 12:38 Challenges in Privacy Training* 14:41 Policy Makers and Privacy Engineering* 20:09 Personal Reflections: Decisions That Shaped My Life* 22:06 Hypothetical Time Travel: Changing History* 23:46 Career Insights: Defining Success* 25:02 Global Perspectives on Privacy* 29:15 Cognitive Biases and Privacy Training* 31:30 Future of Technology: Dystopian vs. Hopeful* 37:40 Closing Thoughts and FarewellOur next guest will be Liz Steininger of Least Authority!Like what you’re hearing? You also might like Privacat Insights!Consider sharing this episode with a friend or colleague — or leaving a comment below. Thank you for subscribing. Leave a comment or share this episode.

In this episode of Chance Conversations, Conor and I interview Shoshana Rosenberg, co-founder of Logical AI Governance and co-founder of Women in AI Governance. Good Bosses Can Guide Us: We kick off by touching on significant career influences in Shoshana’s life, including what she has learned from supportive, inspiring leaders who let her take chances outside of what was listed on the job spec. We then discuss one of Shoshana’s many passions: operationalizing AI governance and her PRISM framework, as well as her passion for fostering an inclusive AI community. DEI, Digital Agency & Explainability: Shoshana discusses her journey, including the founding of SafePorter, a DEI tool suite with a privacy-by-design approach, and the importance in recognizing a right of ‘digital agency’ when it comes to personal information and data. For Shoshana, digital agency is interlinked with explainability, particularly with regards to AI and algorithmic decision making. Here we discuss the distinctions between technical ‘explainability’ or understandability (like the model weights, data provenance & architecture), versus explainability when it comes to context, controls, and the decision-making processes that models undertake. On Writing a Book: Did you know Shoshana wants to write a book? According to Conor’s mom, “we all have at least one book in us”, but in the case of Shoshana, I suspect she’s actually going to write that book (or books). We even mused about a collaborative fiction book with other privacy pros, which sounds like fun. Maybe I can write a cat-privacy themed haiku? On Fear, Bravery, Trust and Taking Risks: Shoshana offers some sage advice to a younger version of herself about not being afraid to go after things, even if it’s not the ideal (or initial) path you expected. Then she turns the question back on us! We also talk about trust, and what bravery means in many different contexts. It gets very philosophical, y’all. AI Governance & Recycled Air: She offers insights into the future of AI governance, what it means to her, and the pernicious problem of ‘recycled air’ — where people fall back to saying and relying on the comfortable and familiar, rather than taking a bold stance or saying something genuinely unique or different. As Shoshana reminds us ‘We’re in the Mining Era’ — and no, we’re not talking about gold or crypto. Finally on to Low Tech Problems, Solutions, and Back to Trust: We end with a brief discussion of the importance of handling low-tech problems (aka, we should be worried less about Terminator AI, and more about social engineering), and the value of low-tech solutions. There may, or may not be a product plug here, but we do go back to the all-important question of trust. It was a great conversation, and we had a wonderful time chatting with Shoshana. Also, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that I recently had the opportunity to take Shoshana’s excellent August AI Leadership bootcamp. Shoshana ran us through the paces, where we learned the value of logical frameworks, including her company’s signature LEARN and PRISM methodologies. Shoshana’s courses are vibrant, interactive, and delightfully intimate course, and one I highly recommend to other AI leaders (or those looking to become AI leaders!). You’ll learn a lot, though I suspect it’s a small tip of the huge iceberg of knowledge that Shoshana has. Timeline: * 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome* 00:22 Shoshana's Background and Achievements* 00:41 Women in AI Governance* 01:01 SafePorter and Privacy by Design* 02:00 Ground Rules for the Conversation* 03:49 Career Highlights and Mentorship* 10:04 Personal Goals and Writing a Book* 12:23 Future of Technology and AI Governance* 17:18 Explainability vs. Understandability* 20:31 Advice to our Younger Selves* 21:01 Navigating Career Paths: Trusting the Journey* 22:21 Embracing Risks and Learning from Mistakes* 23:18 The Importance of Trust and Vulnerability* 24:16 The Role of Cynicism and Trust in Professional Life* 25:48 Personal Growth and Self-Trust* 28:27 The Value of Diverse Perspectives* 31:13 Underhyped Aspects of Technology and Security* 35:45 Final Thoughts and Reflections Thank you for subscribing. Leave a comment or share this episode.

Welcome to another thrilling episode of Chance Conversations!In this episode, Conor and I sit down with the dynamic Lisa Forte, a partner at Red Goat Cybersecurity and an awe-inspiring high-altitude climber and caver.Lisa shares her mountain (get it?) of insights on cybersecurity, personal adventures, and life lessons that will leave you inspired, contemplative, and a little jealous (I know I was).A little about Lisa: Lisa is not your average cybersecurity expert. Beyond her role at Red Goat Cybersecurity, where she runs cyber crisis simulations and awareness courses, Lisa is an accomplished mountain climber and caver. Her exploits have taken her to some of the world's highest peaks and most exotic locations, and she has starred in several documentaries while regularly contributing to BBC news and national papers.Navigating High-Stakes Environments: In a light-hearted yet profound moment, Lisa captures the essence of balancing perfectionism and humility. She shared how her type-A personality has evolved to make her a better consultant and person, by leveraging the positives of getting things right, while simultaneously putting her ego to the side and really listening to client and business needs. Even if their right and her right don’t match.As the sole professed Type B in the conversation, Conor really appreciated the humility angle.Adventures in the Central Asian 'Stans: Lisa also drew perhaps, one of the best questions in the bunch for a jet-setter such as herself — What’s one part of the world she would love to visit but hasn’t yet. If you want to find out where she’s been (and where she hopes to go soon), you’ll have to tune in.Hint: This country’s landmass is known for its mountainous terrain and breathtaking landscapes. Also, the Pallas’ cat, a famous wildcat in the area, has been celebrated on a postage stamp.But she also reminds us that her travels are not just leisure but also about practicing resilience in daily life, broadening her perspectives, and connecting to others who have diverse cultural and societal viewpoints.Lisa’s Most Impactful Person: Lisa shared her thoughts on how an impactful science teacher early on shaped who she was and helped her find a place. We all then spent a good bit of time reminiscing over why we each found value through special science teachers in our lives.A Brush with Mortality: One of the most impactful moments in the conversation was Lisa's recount of a life-altering accident she had a decade ago. The severe brain injury she sustained caused her to reassess her approach to life, imbuing her with a 'seize-the-day' mentality. This experience has propelled her to live fully and fearlessly, urging others to embrace life's opportunities without delay.One of those take-aways? Focus more on the actual experience, and less on taking a selfie of you in the experience.Final Thoughts: As the episode wrapped up, Lisa threw a thought-provoking question back to us:"If you could see one thing happen in our industry in the next year, what would it be?"Let’s just say, we had some thoughts. Though none of them were quite as profound as what Lisa had to share.In short, whether you're interested in cybersecurity, personal development, or thrilling travel tales, this interview has something for everyone.Timeline:* 00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction* 01:36 Explaining the Rules of the Game* 03:20 Career Insights: Lisa's Comparative Advantage* 09:10 Personal Questions: Dream Destinations and Travel Stories* 15:55 Industry Trends: Overhyped Technologies* 24:00 Career Reflections: Influential Figures* 24:59 A Teacher's Influence* 28:36 A Life-Changing Accident* 30:53 Living in the Moment* 36:23 The Importance of Redundancy* 40:35 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsPS: our next episode, where we'll chat with the remarkable Shoshana Rosenberg, co-founder of Logical AI Governance. Catch you next time on Chance Conversations! Thank you for subscribing. Leave a comment or share this episode.

Ever wondered how an idea can snowball into something incredible? I honestly think that’s exactly what happened with our new podcast, Chance Conversations. In our inaugural episode, we had the honor of speaking with the legendary Ralph O'Brien, principal of Renbo Consulting Limited and a visiting fellow at Maastricht University. With decades of experience in global privacy and security compliance, he’s seen it all, and lived to tell the tale. We kicked off with Ralph playfully questioning the "chance" aspect of our conversation, and once we put his mind at ease, Ralph shared his insightful views on how policymakers often ignore the voice of data protection pros before diving into how special the data protection and privacy community really is. Right back atcha, Ralph. Perhaps one of the most inspiring moments came when discussing career advice. Ralph’s dedication to mentoring the new generation of data protection professionals clearly shines through and really made Conor and I smile. As Ralph wisely said: If I can get paid for doing something that I find morally and ethically good, my motto, if you like, what I'd written on my gravestone is hopefully I’m somebody who made a difference.And that's really all I want.For those who love a bit of existential pondering, Ralph even shared his thoughts on predetermination vs random chance. I told you this podcast would be like having a chat with an old friend!We even dove into some playful banter about his recent London meetup (which was looking to draw quite a motley crew of folks in the English data protection and privacy scene). Let us know in the comments if you were able to attend.Curious to hear more about Ralph's take on technology's role in data protection, his candid thoughts on the profession, or what fuels his passion? Tune in to our very first episode and join us in celebrating those unforeseen, yet deeply meaningful conversations. Conor and I have both learned so much from Ralph (and our other amazing guests) and we hope you will also benefit. Transcript Timeline:* 00:18 Meet Ralph O'Brien: Privacy and Security Expert* 01:05 Explaining the Rules of the Game* 01:28 Industry Trends and Insights: Data Protection Challenges* 09:27 Career Observations: Ralph's Journey and Advice* 18:29 Personal Questions: Existential Views and Beliefs* 22:56 Artificial Intelligence: Hype, Reality, and Future* 26:29 The Role of AI in Our Lives* 26:43 Tech Bros and Black Mirror* 27:26 AI's Present and Future Impact* 28:49 Creativity and AI: A Complex Relationship* 30:25 The Human Spark of Creativity* 31:52 The Hero's Journey and Patterns in Storytelling* 32:55 Mentorship and Community in Data Protection* 39:08 Personal Reflections and Advice* 43:39 Conclusion and FarewellBy the way, we’ve got more coming up. Stay tuned for our next episode featuring the incredible Lisa Forte of Red Goat Cybersecurity. Until then, happy listening! Thank you for subscribing. Leave a comment or share this episode.

A few months ago, a dear friend and colleague (Conor Hogan) and I were musing about creating a podcast. We waffled on concepts for months, but nothing really stuck. That is, until I came across the amazing Wild Card podcast hosted by Rachel Martin. The premise is novel: Rachel interviews some of the world’s greatest artists, thinkers, actors, and musicians, and asks guests to pick a card across three categories. Neither she, nor the guest know the question on that card, but it’s always interesting. What makes this fun is that it’s so unscripted — so raw and real. When I heard this, I realized this would be a brilliant vehicle for interviewing people within the data protection, information security, AI, tech and adjacent spaces. Conor loved it, and so far, all six of the guests we’ve interviewed have also really enjoyed this strange experience into the slightly unknown.Our podcast is a bit less existential, but it sill maintains the serendipity and opportunity to learn about people we might know in the industry or online, in a format that’s quite different than most podcasts. Conor and I have been learning a lot from our guests, and over the next few months, we’ll be sharing these ‘Chance Conversations’ with you. Like us, I hope you enjoy listening. Here’s a teaser episode. Thank you for subscribing. Leave a comment or share this episode.