Privacat Insights
Chance Conversations with Carey & Conor
Episode 5: On Time, Energy, and Life's Journey, with Liz Steininger
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Episode 5: On Time, Energy, and Life's Journey, with Liz Steininger

Also, Liz and I have a bit of a therapy session.
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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.

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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 Teaser

Stay tuned for the next episode, where we welcome Alexander Hanff to Chance Conversations and put him in the hot seat.

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If you liked this, you might also like my blog, Privacat Insights

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Privacat Insights
Chance Conversations with Carey & Conor
In each episode, Carey and Conor invite a guest from the world of data protection, information security, tech, or other interesting industries, to engage in a conversation where chance plays a key role. Guests pick a number that corresponds to a surprise question, blending industry insights, career wisdom, and personal life observations. Neither the guest nor the hosts know the question in advance, ensuring a fresh and spontaneous dialogue.
While it's mostly focused on the guest's unique insights into their chosen career & industry, the charm lies in the unpredictable, human side of the discussion. Listeners will gain valuable insights, practical tips, and enjoy a few laughs along the way.