Stephen Bolinger, Chief Privacy Officer at Informa, has a career that spans three continents and more than two decades, with the last seventeen years devoted to privacy and data protection matters across a range of industries, including tech, medical devices, and financial services. Stephen produced a fascinating film called Privacy People.

As technology evolves and cultural perspectives shift, so does the debate over privacy. With each new tech innovation, from smartphones to AI, companies are collecting more personal information than ever, leading some to claim that privacy is dead. Meanwhile, businesses are navigating a fragmented regulatory landscape, particularly in the United States, where varying laws create compliance challenges. These growing concerns raise the question: is privacy dead, or is it just evolving?

Cultural perspectives on privacy differ significantly, influencing how laws are structured in regions like the U.S., Europe, and Australia. While some nations treat privacy as a human right, others see it as a consumer protection issue. To address these concerns, companies need to integrate privacy into their overall data governance strategies, ensuring responsible data collection and AI oversight. As privacy expectations shift, businesses need to adapt, recognizing that privacy is not disappearing — it is being redefined, reinforcing the need for dedicated privacy professionals.

In this episode of the She Said Privacy/He Said Security podcast, Jodi and Justin Daniels chat with Stephen Bolinger, Chief Privacy Officer at Informa, about the evolving role of privacy professionals and how cultural differences influence data protection expectations worldwide. Stephen discusses the challenges of navigating privacy laws across different countries, the increasing importance of data and AI governance, and why privacy professionals need to expand their expertise beyond compliance to address broader ethical implications and technological advancements. Stephen also highlights his latest project, a documentary film entitled Privacy People, which sheds light on the complexities of data privacy.

Dave Sampson is the Vice President of Cyber Risk & Strategy at Thrive. In his role, he heads Thrive’s Consulting Practice, where he and his team of experts join forces with clients to deliver strategic guidance on a range of topics, including cybersecurity, IT operations, Cloud, Microsoft 365, compliance, disaster recovery planning, and more. Over the course of his extensive career, Dave has taken up various influential positions in the industry. He served as a Senior Consulting Technical Solution Manager at IBM, was Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Itrica, founded and served as CEO of Cloud Provider USA, and held the position of Chief Technology Officer at ColoSpace. Dave holds an MBA from Northeastern University and a BS in Communication and Media Studies from Emerson College. He is a former elected official in his hometown of Sandwich, MA.

As the cyber threat landscape becomes more unpredictable, organizations often struggle with implementing and managing different security tools and ensuring systems communicate effectively to keep up with threats. Organizations can no longer afford to take a reactive approach. Without a clear strategy and proper proactive security measures, organizations face operational disruptions, increased vulnerability to attacks, and challenges in responding to security incidents. So, how can companies take a smarter, more proactive approach to cyber risk management?

A proactive cybersecurity strategy isn’t just about having the right tools — it’s about integrating these tools effectively and ensuring visibility across systems to detect risk and prepare for worst-case scenarios. Companies like Thrive are making this process more efficient with their security platform that combines industry leading security tools, real-time monitoring, and AI-driven automation into a cohesive, managed solution that helps companies optimize operations and mitigate cyber risks. Yet, beyond the technology, companies also need to establish a disaster recovery plan, maintain transparency with third-party vendors, and perform privacy and security risk assessments to further enhance security and privacy measures and incident preparedness.

In this episode of She Said Privacy/He Said Security, Jodi and Justin Daniels talk with Dave Sampson, VP of Cyber Risk & Strategy at Thrive, about the critical components of cyber risk management. Dave discusses the challenges of integrating security solutions, the lessons learned from the CrowdStrike incident, and how AI is both a threat and an advantage in cybersecurity. He shares insights on cybersecurity best practices and discusses the growing need for outsourcing cybersecurity expertise, the role of third-party risk management, and the importance of disaster recovery planning. Dave also offers practical tips for strengthening both personal and enterprise security, emphasizing the need for vigilance, adaptability, and a proactive security mindset.

Doug Miller is an Executive Coach at Doug Miller Strategies, a consultancy for privacy and compliance executives, professionals, and teams. Having been a Global Privacy Leader at AOL and Yahoo, he's faced the challenges of overburdened privacy teams firsthand.

Privacy professionals face unique challenges in their roles, often working across teams to implement privacy initiatives that might not always be a top priority for the broader organization. Many privacy professionals struggle with persuading stakeholders, managing heavy workloads, and effectively communicating risk across their organizations. This uphill battle requires confidence, strong leadership skills, and persuasive communication to effectively integrate privacy into business operations. How can privacy professionals develop these skills while building privacy programs and addressing burnout and career growth?

Executive coaching is a powerful tool for privacy professionals looking to improve their leadership skills and ability to influence decision-making. Mastering prioritization, cross-functional collaboration, and articulating the value of privacy programs are essential for long-term success in privacy roles. Practical strategies such as improving time management, refining persuasion techniques, and addressing burnout can help privacy professionals navigate their responsibilities more effectively. By focusing on behavioral shifts and mindset adjustments, privacy leaders can strengthen their influence, drive organizational change, and create sustainable privacy programs. Whether working solo or as part of a privacy team, patience, adaptability, and proactive engagement are critical for success. 

In this episode of She Said Privacy/He Said Security, Jodi and Justin Daniels talk with Doug Miller, Executive Coach at Doug Miller Strategies, about how coaching can help privacy professionals refine their leadership skills to navigate challenges and lead their teams. Doug shares insights on the skills privacy professionals need to develop, how leaders can better support their teams, and why coaching can help professionals build resilience amid regulatory and organizational challenges. He offers strategies for preventing burnout and fostering cross-departmental collaboration to build effective privacy programs.

Jessica Lee chairs Loeb & Loeb's Privacy, Security & Data Innovations practice and serves as Chief Privacy & Security Partner. She provides strategic legal counsel to companies navigating complex data governance issues, helping them turn compliance into a competitive advantage. Jessica advises on the full spectrum of privacy, security, and AI-related regulations, focusing on companies navigating the issues that arise from AdTech, the use of health data and other sensitive information, and other data monetization practices.

The California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA) is putting many businesses under legal scrutiny. Modeled after federal wiretapping laws, CIPA requires two-party consent for recording or intercepting communications and has become a target for the plaintiffs’ bar. The law has been used to challenge the use of session replay cookies, chatbots, and social media pixels, with claims that these technologies intercept data and communications without proper consent. As courts issue mixed rulings, businesses need to adapt their privacy frameworks and governance programs to reduce the risk of CIPA violations.

Addressing CIPA-related risks requires a proactive and thorough approach. Managing website tracking technologies is no longer just about implementing cookie consent banners. Businesses also need to conduct comprehensive website audits to identify which cookies, pixels, and trackers are in use, ensuring these technologies comply with CIPA's consent requirements. Implementing a cookie governance program, securing thorough contractual agreements with third-party vendors, and disclosing data collection and consent practices in privacy notices are critical steps for mitigating CIPA-related risks. By adopting these strategies, companies can reduce their exposure to legal action and maintain trust with their users, even as courts continue to interpret CIPA’s application to modern technologies.

In this episode of She Said Privacy/He Said Security, Jodi and Justin Daniels speak with Jessica Lee, Chief Privacy & Security Partner and Chair of the Privacy, Security, and Data Innovations Practice at Loeb & Loeb, about managing CIPA compliance. Jessica provides a detailed overview of CIPA’s requirements and breaks down why certain technologies are being targeted. She also discusses the importance of regular website audits and offers practical advice on mitigating risk by implementing a cookie governance program, reviewing consent management practices, and establishing contractual protections.

Timothy Nobles, Chief Commercial Officer at Integral, is passionate about empowering organizations to explore the full potential of their data while maintaining the highest standards of privacy and compliance. With over 20 years of experience in data and analytics, he has held leadership roles at innovative companies across multiple industries.

Balancing data enablement with privacy compliance is vital for organizations aiming to use data effectively while maintaining trust and meeting regulatory requirements. Data enablement focuses on making data accessible, usable, and valuable to users across an organization while ensuring it remains secure and compliant. Regulated industries, such as healthcare, face significant challenges, including evolving privacy laws and managing re-identification risks tied to sensitive data. Without a strong privacy framework, businesses risk regulatory penalties, reputational damage, and missed opportunities for data-driven decision-making. 

Effective data enablement relies on more than just technology — it requires governance and a thoughtful approach to privacy and compliance. By adopting privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs), such as tokenization, homomorphic encryption, data masking, and differential privacy, organizations can minimize risks and protect personal information while making data usable. However, these tools alone are not enough. Organizations need to implement data governance frameworks, assess re-identification risks, and balance data utility with regulatory requirements. By aligning compliance efforts with strategic business goals, organizations can unlock data potential without compromising privacy.

In this episode of She Said Privacy/He Said Security, Jodi and Justin Daniels speak with Timothy Nobles, Chief Commercial Officer at Integral, about how organizations can embrace data enablement in regulated industries. Timothy discusses practical applications of privacy-enhancing technologies, strategies to mitigate re-identification risks, and the importance of starting with governance to guide data use. The conversation also highlights how companies can approach AI responsibly by focusing on understanding data inputs to ensure ethical and compliant outcomes.

Aaron Painter is a deepfake expert and the CEO of Nametag, an identity verification company at the forefront of stopping social engineering attacks at the employee IT helpdesk.

New cybersecurity threats, like deepfakes and social engineering attacks, are forcing companies to rethink their security measures  and fraud prevention processes. Companies face mounting risks as threat actors leverage advanced AI tools and other techniques to bypass traditional verification methods, such as passwords and security questions. This evolving threat landscape calls for innovative solutions that help companies verify identities, prevent fraud, and protect privacy, and that’s why companies like Nametag are creating secure platforms to address these challenges.

Nametag’s innovative approach to identity verification offers a practical solution to this pressing challenge. By leveraging the security features of mobile devices, such as cryptography and three-dimensional facial recognition, Nametag enables companies to verify identities with greater accuracy. This method offers a practical alternative to outdated approaches like passwords and security questions, which are often prone to fraud. Additionally, Nametag’s privacy-first design enables companies to tailor their solutions while protecting user data through features like privacy masking. Listening closely to customer feedback, Nametag has developed tools that empower companies to address pain points, such as help desk vulnerabilities, to improve security and privacy measures and the user experience.

In this episode of She Said Privacy/He Said Security, Jodi and Justin Daniels speak with Aaron Painter, CEO of Nametag, about the evolution of identity verification and deepfakes. Aaron explains the threats posed by deepfakes, the weaknesses in current systems, and how Nametag’s platform addresses these challenges. Aaron shares insights into the importance of balancing privacy with security and how companies can protect themselves as threat actors become more sophisticated. He also discusses how Nametag’s solutions address real-world problems, including reducing help desk vulnerabilities and improving MFA recovery processes.

Ben Chapman is the General Counsel and Chief Privacy Officer at Swoop. Prior to Swoop, Ben was the Deputy General Counsel for Real Chemistry. He has nearly 10 years of experience in ad tech, data, and privacy matters.

Companies that operate in the healthcare marketing space, like Swoop, approach privacy by emphasizing transparency, ethical practices, and building trusted partnerships. To remain compliant, businesses need to thoroughly understand their data handling processes and regularly assess their partners. By asking detailed, factual questions, companies can make informed decisions about their partners’ practices and ultimately strengthen their privacy programs. Additionally, adopting a consumer- or patient-centric perspective helps businesses navigate the complexities of privacy laws while aligning with regulatory requirements and ethical standards. A proactive and well-informed approach to privacy strengthens compliance efforts and builds trust.

Healthcare marketing faces new challenges as privacy laws evolve and health data definitions expand. Laws like the Washington My Health My Data Act broaden the scope of what constitutes health data, requiring organizations to reevaluate how they handle consumer data. Navigating this complex regulatory landscape requires companies to ensure compliance with state privacy laws and federal regulations like HIPAA, all while maintaining trust and transparency with consumers. How can companies ensure ethical and privacy-friendly marketing practices?

In this episode of She Said Privacy/He Said Security, Jodi and Justin Daniels speak with Ben Chapman, General Counsel and Chief Privacy Officer at Swoop, about the intersection of privacy and healthcare marketing. They discuss how state privacy laws redefine health data, the importance of ethical data practices, and strategies for evaluating partners. Ben shares his insights on building privacy programs, fostering collaboration, and navigating the nuances of healthcare marketing in a highly regulated environment. He also highlights the importance of continuous learning and collaboration within the privacy community to stay ahead in the ever-changing regulatory environment.

Natalie LaPorta is the Chief US Privacy Officer for Walgreens, where she focuses on various privacy matters that impact US patient and consumer data privacy, including state and federal data privacy compliance, complex contract negotiations, digital privacy, de-identification, AI, analytics, and marketing. Prior to her most recent role at Walgreens, Natalie was an Associate Attorney at Dentons US LLP, where she handled healthcare regulatory, tax-exempt bond finance, and M&A matters. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Benedictine University and a law degree from The John Marshall Law School.

New privacy laws, requirements, and expanding health data definitions require organizations to rethink and adjust their privacy programs accordingly. For companies like Walgreens, navigating these changes entails addressing both long-standing regulations, such as HIPAA, and emerging privacy laws that govern a broader scope of data. As businesses juggle diverse regulatory requirements, shifting data definitions, and operational demands, how can they create a privacy program that is effective and adaptable?

Walgreens’ approach to privacy exemplifies how businesses can adapt to an evolving regulatory landscape. Effective privacy programs start with understanding how shifting privacy requirements impact different business functions, from marketing to IT and analytics. With privacy regulations now extending beyond HIPAA to include other forms of personal information, companies need to develop tailored privacy strategies, provide ongoing education, and build strong relationships across departments to ensure privacy measures are integrated into everyday business operations. By making privacy a proactive and collaborative effort, companies can enhance compliance and reduce risks.

In this episode of She Said Privacy/He Said Security, Jodi and Justin Daniels speak with Natalie LaPorta, Chief US Privacy Officer at Walgreens, about the evolution of privacy programs in the healthcare and retail sectors. Natalie shares her journey of building a privacy legal function at Walgreens, the importance of building cross-functional relationships, and how tailored approaches can address privacy challenges. She also offers practical advice for creating a privacy culture and shares insights on navigating vendor relationships and using technology to support compliance efforts.

Shay Colson is a Co-founder and Managing Partner at Intentional Cybersecurity, a risk assessment and strategic advisory firm. After spending his early career as a security engineer for the US Government, he worked for a global consulting firm. 

The evolving cyber landscape constantly presents new challenges that require businesses to elevate their cybersecurity posture. With the release of NIST CSF 2.0, organizations now have a stronger framework to guide their approach, focusing on governance as a critical function. This addition emphasizes the importance of integrating cybersecurity as a core business function rather than treating it as a siloed IT function. How can organizations adapt to this evolving landscape while improving resilience and reducing risk?

Governance now leads NIST CSF 2.0 as the primary function, emphasizing the importance for organizations to clearly define cybersecurity ownership, responsibilities, and decision-making processes. Organizations need to move beyond treating cybersecurity as a technical issue to recognizing it as a core business function. And, as threat actors become more sophisticated and leverage AI to accelerate cyber attacks, businesses need to adopt governance models that promote agility, resilience, and proactive risk management. This means integrating security and privacy frameworks into business operations.

In this episode of She Said Privacy/He Said Security, Jodi and Justin Daniels speak with Shay Colson, Managing Partner and Co-founder of Intentional Cybersecurity, about the critical role governance plays in building cyber resilience. Shay explains how companies can use frameworks like NIST CSF 2.0 to implement scalable cybersecurity strategies without overextending their resources. He also shares insights on the intersection of security and privacy, AI-driven risk assessments, and why focusing on the basics is essential before adopting advanced solutions.

Julia Shullman is the General Counsel and Chief Privacy Officer at Telly, the world's first dual-screen smart TV fully paid for by advertising. Prior to Telly, Julia was General Counsel and Chief Privacy Officer at TripleLift, through its $1.4B acquisition by Vista Equity Partners. She also held various leadership positions, including Chief Privacy Counsel and Lead Attorney, Publisher Technology Group at AppNexus, through its $1.6B sale to AT&T. Before advertising, Julia spent a decade in mergers and acquisitions at both Latham & Watkins and UBM. She is recognized as an industry leader at the intersection of privacy, products, advertising, policy, and strategy.

Navigating the intersection of privacy, product, and advertising demands strategy. Companies need to view privacy as integral to their operations and growth, especially in highly regulated industries like AdTech. Without effective privacy programs, companies face potential deal disruptions, diminished valuations, and reputational damages. For early-stage companies in particular, failing to integrate privacy into their operations can hinder growth, derail funding opportunities, and even lead to regulatory scrutiny. How can organizations ensure that privacy is both a priority and an enabler of success?

Developing effective privacy programs requires a tailored, pragmatic approach. Leaders need to educate their teams on privacy obligations and integrate privacy practices into business processes. This includes fostering collaboration among privacy experts and cross-functional departments, such as engineering and marketing, while adapting to industry-specific nuances.

In this episode of She Said Privacy/He Said Security, Jodi and Justin Daniels speak with Julia Shullman, General Counsel and Chief Privacy Officer at Telly, about building privacy programs that drive business success. Drawing from her extensive experience in M&A, privacy, and AdTech, Julia offers insights into balancing privacy with business monetization goals. She discusses the importance of understanding industry dynamics and the role of privacy in facilitating successful exits and partnerships. Julia emphasizes the value of cross-departmental collaboration and education in creating privacy solutions that resonate with a company’s culture and business objectives. She also provides tips on how organizations can align their privacy programs with broader business strategies to build trust, ensure compliance, and drive innovation.