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 Privacy
Our 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 Groups
Towards 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 Conversation
As 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
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