Why such a fuss

Are you handling data the right way? In today’s world, where data is imperative, managing data securely isn’t just important—it’s essential! That is why in this episode, I sit down with Julie Marsh, a Human Resource Consultant, to break down the top tips you need to know when handling and managing data. From protecting sensitive information to staying compliant with regulations like having a ROPA....

Did the pandemic affect how businesses handle data? Absolutely! In the 80th episode of my podcast, I sit down with Julie Marsh, a seasoned Human Resource Consultant, to explore how the pandemic reshaped data culture in organisations—both positively and negatively. From the sudden shift to remote work and the challenges of managing sensitive information while ensuring employees do their work from r...

What exactly does data culture mean, and why does it matter for your business? In the insightful 79th episode of our podcast, I sit down with Julie Marsh, a Human Resource Consultant, to unpack the concept of data culture and its role in modern workplaces. Data culture isn’t just about compliance or policies—it’s about how businesses use, value, and trust data to make smarter decisions, improve op...

Have you ever wondered how data protection professionals find their way into this  impactful field? In the 78th episode of our podcast, Michael Mulholland, a seasoned Data Protection Partner at Spencer West LLP, and I share our personal journeys into the world of GDPR. From the events that led Michael to his role to the moments that shaped my own career path, we discussed what makes data protectio...

Is the AI boom in need of rules to thrive? I team up with Michael Mulholland, a seasoned Data Protection Partner at Spencer West LLP, to tackle one of the hottest topics in tech and governance: AI regulation. From the UK government’s part of regulating AI use, to the EU AI Act’s promises and potential impact, we break it all down in a way that’s easy to understand and relatable. We explore whether...

Is GDPR a burden or a blessing for micro-businesses? Let's find out! In this episode I have invited Carrie Wilkes, a passionate micro-business owner, to talk about her GDPR journey. Together, we discussed the surprising benefits of embracing GDPR as a micro-business, exploring how compliance can be a great tool for trust, efficiency, and business growth. Carrie shares her first-hand experience wit...

Discover the truth behind two of the most sought-after business certifications in this enlightening episode! Join me and Annie McNeely, as we provide deep insights about ISO and B-Corp certifications. Are these certifications revolutionary for businesses, or is it all just hype? We break it down for you. In this episode: ✅ We debunk common myths surrounding ISO and B-Corp certifications. ✅ Explo...

What does it truly mean for a business handling people's data to be GDPR-compliant? In this episode I have invited Karen Levett, Managing Partner at Live Chat Factory, who is also a client to uncover the critical role that GDPR plays in building trust with her clients.  We explored a bit how AI intersects with GDPR in the customer service world and why businesses handling personal data must view c...

Will AI replace Data Protection Professionals? That’s the big question on everyone’s mind! In this engaging episode I have with me Michael Mulholland, a seasoned Data Protection Partner at Spencer West LLP, to dive into the future of AI in the world of data protection. ✅ Michael shares his thoughts on whether AI can fully take over the roles of data protection professionals. ✅ We explore if AI s...

Do you need consent to send service messages, or are you safe under GDPR without it? In this exciting episode, I team up with Laura Shaw, a Business Development Manager and Veterinary Surgeon, to unpack one of the hottest debates in the veterinary industry. We explore: The distinction between service messages and direct marketing messages, two concepts often misunderstood but critical for complian...

Many businesses are under the impression that e-learning for GDPR is a worthwhile investment. In this episode I am discussing with Ralf O'Brien (a seasoned Global Protection Data Protection Officer and Security Advisor)  its effectiveness and whether online training is the right solution for learning. We explore the ins and outs of e-learning versus traditional training what advantages it still ho...

Here is an eye opener: is Data Protection a Hinder or an Enabler? This time we discuss again with Ralf O'Brien, a seasoned Global Protection Data Protection Officer and Security Advisor, whether data protection laws are truly a hindrance to business growth or a powerful enabler. In this conversation, we examine the key ways data protection can impact businesses of all sizes, uncovering how strateg...

Data Protection’s Journey: From Origins to Today Exploring the fascinating evolution of data protection, in this episode we are joined by Ralf O'Brien, a seasoned Global Privacy Data Protection Officer and Security Adviser. We explore how data protection has transformed from its early beginnings to the critical cornerstone of modern-day compliance. In detail, we discussed: ✅ The early days of dat...

Think you know GDPR and ISO compliance? Think again! In the 68th episode, I team up again with Annie McNeely,(Quality Management System Professional and Certified ISO 90001 Auditor) to tackle the 10 most common myths we hear about GDPR and ISO services. In this episode, we'll clear up common misconceptions and provide you with the facts you need to make informed decisions about your business's com...

What makes hiring a GDPR/ISO consultant for your business so valuable? Learn more in this episode as I team up with Annie McNeely (Quality Management System Professional and Certified ISO 90001 Auditor) to reveal the benefits that come with hiring consultants in GDPR and ISO. You will learn: How businesses gain access to a wealth of external expertise Why our impartial perspective helps them see t...

Consulting It’s not all smooth sailing! That is why in the 66th episode of our podcast, I team up again with Annie McNeely (Quality Management System Professional and Certified ISO 90001 Auditor), to uncover the key challenges we face as consultants working with small businesses and charities. In this episode, we discussed: The need for myth-busting misconceptions Navigating the stop-and-start nat...

Are audits a game-changer for your business, or just another daunting task on your to-do list?   Tune in to Episode 65 of our podcast, where we explore the topic of audits and why they’re crucial for your business's success! We’re thrilled to have Annie McNeely, a Quality Management System pro and Certified ISO 9001 Auditor, share her insights on: 🎙️ How to get ready for an audit, step by step. ✅...

Ready to take your business to the next level? In this episode, consultants Cristina and Annie MacNeely dive into businesses' most common mistakes when tackling GDPR and Quality Management – and how you can dodge them! Whether you're just starting out or in the middle of your journey, we have tips to help you stay on track and get the best value out of your consultants. We’re breaking down everyth...

In this episode, we explore the most frequently asked questions that we get asked from our clients as part of our consulting work. Join me and Annie McNeely, a seasoned Quality Management System Professional and Certified ISO 9001 Auditor, to get answers to your burning questions. We discussed: ✅ The cost involved in our services. ✅ How long it takes to implement GDPR and a Quality Management sy...

In this 62nd episode of our podcast, we have again Stef Elliott, a seasoned Digital Engineer, GDPR, and E-Privacy Professional, to discuss in detail "The Hidden Impact of Cookies and Pixels on Your Website Visit. We explored: How cookies and pixels are used by websites to track visitors and gather data. How using data from web analytics tools can sometimes lead to unintended consequences. Stef sha...

Say hello to Episode 61! In this exciting episode, we continue our exploration of website cookies and pixels with Stef Elliott, a Digital Engineering expert. This time, we're focussing on the benefits these digital tools offer to both businesses and end users. Discover how cookies and pixels can ✅ Enhance the functionality of websites. ✅ Provide valuable insights for businesses. ✅ Offer persona...

Here's to Episode 60 with Us! In this episode of our podcast, we're joined by Stef Elliott, a Digital Engineer with deep expertise in GDPR and e-privacy. Together, we discuss the website cookies and pixels, unravelling the topic and exploring their impact on both businesses and users. We discuss: ✅ What exactly are cookies and pixels, and how do they work? ✅ The difference between essential and...

In this episode, we yet again sit down with Data Protection expert Rowenna Fielding to unravel the importance of having a clear purpose for data processing. We explore: ✅ Why it is important to have a clear purpose for data processing. ✅  Why businesses should continuously evaluate their purpose for data processing. ✅  The difference between data processing activity & data processing purpos...

Navigating the complexities of GDPR can be daunting for business owners, but understanding Legitimate Interest Assessments(LIA) is essential for compliance. That is why in the 58th episode of our podcast, I sit down with Data Protection expert Rowenna to break down the concept of an LIA and explore what makes a successful assessment. In this episode of our podcast, you will learn: ✅ What makes a...

Navigating GDPR can feel like a minefield for businesses. That is why we chose to use the 57th episode of our podcast, with data protection expert Rowenna Fielding, to dissect the different approaches businesses can take to tackle compliance. We discuss: ✅ Common misconceptions about GDPR ✅ Data protection failures ✅ The importance of accountability in preventing data breaches. Join us again as...