Welcome to another thrilling episode of Chance Conversations! I'm Carey Lening, and alongside my co-host Conor Hogan, we delve into the ever-evolving landscape of privacy and data protection with the esteemed Odia Kagan, partner and Chair of Data Privacy Compliance at Fox Rothschild. Odia is also the coiner of many a privacy phrase I wish I’d come up with like #privacyFOMO and my personal favorite, #cryandpray.
Odia joined us for a delightful chat where we navigated through industry trends, career reflections, and, of course, personal musings. Holding certifications that could form an alphabet soup in the data protection world, including the respected Fellow of Information Privacy, Odia brought a wealth of knowledge sprinkled with humor, humility and … dare I say it? A little bit of stoicism.
Defining Success through Curiosity and Impact
Our conversation with Odia was a whirlwind of topics, but what truly resonated was her morning ritual, which I’m pretty sure is a uniquely Odia invention (just like those hashtags). Every morning, at the crack of dawn, she juggles reading 15 books on a myriad of topics— from philosophy to statistics, and even Winnie the Pooh! (Yes, you read that right!) This eclectic morning routine is a testament to her insatiable curiosity and lifelong learning approach. I must admit, the concept of juggling 15 books at once is mind-boggling to me, but if anyone can do it, Odia can.
We also talked about Odia’s definition of success. It’s not about traditional accolades or milestones. For Odia, it’s the endless pursuit of work that is intellectually stimulating and positively impactful. Odia's passion for what she does is apparent, and it’s informatively contagious! She frequently emphasized the joy she finds in solving complex puzzles and helping clients navigate privacy challenges.
Navigating Industry Insights and Rethinking Data Privacy
We ventured into the core of our chat, exploring where the privacy industry might go in the coming years. The consensus? It’s a mixed bag of continual challenges and opportunities, but many of my usual subjects (consent, legal dynamics, compliance) came up. While Conor and I expressed our concerns about the accelerating pace of technology outstripping current laws, Odia provided thoughtful insights on the need for transparency in data usage—a recurring theme in her advisory work.
Odia emphasized the importance of empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their data usage, a task that's increasingly complex given the invisible, far-reaching impacts of data sharing.
Our chat also tackled the common misconceptions about data privacy, with Odia addressing the frequent definitional confusion about personal data, PII, privacy, data breaches, and other legal standards, especially in the United States. It’s evident there’s an educational gap in fully understanding what personal information entails, a gap that Odia and others in her field diligently work to close.
The Personal Touch: Being Present and Enjoying the Now
On a more personal note, Odia shared a reflective wish: the ability to embrace the present moment while trusting in the future. It’s an insightful reminder of the balance between planning ahead and savoring the present—a lesson she imparted that her children had mastered early, who live joyfully in the now.
Wrapping Up with a Little Philosophical and Practical Wisdom
Just as we were wrapping up, our conversation took a delightful philosophical turn, unsurprisingly back to her reading list when we explored ideas of predetermination and chaos. Odia eloquently balanced both views, acknowledging the mixture of innate predispositions and life's randomness in guiding us.
Her ability to weave connections between seemingly disparate topics—privacy law, philosophy, and personal growth—left us both inspired and grateful.
Tune In and Share!
If you're eager to unravel the complexities of privacy law with a touch of Stoic wisdom, tune into this episode! Whether you're a privacy professional or just curious, there's plenty to ponder and learn. Don't forget to join us next time when we chat with theatrical data protection wizard, Tim Turner, and man behind the always delightful DPO Daily. Until then, keep engaging, stay curious, and feel free to leave a comment about what you enjoyed on this episode!
Timeline
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:55 Explaining the Rules of the Game
02:16 Career Insights: Defining Success
04:42 The Morning Reading Routine
08:55 Industry Trends and AI Concerns
12:22 Transparency and Privacy Challenges
18:49 Personal Reflections and Life Lessons
22:04 Future of the Privacy Industry
24:05 The Role of Privacy Practitioners
25:06 AI's Impact on Legal and Consulting Professions
27:17 AI's Limitations and Human Expertise
32:14 Misconceptions About Data Privacy
40:34 Personal Reflections and Philosophical Insights
45:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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