The Data Diva | Global Data Privacy & Protection Expert Strategist | Technologist | Speaker | Author | Educator | Data Privacy Podcast Host
Debbie Reynolds, “The Data Diva,” is the Founder, CEO, and Chief Data Privacy Officer of Debbie Reynolds Consulting LLC. Ms. Reynolds is a world-renowned technologist, thought-leader, and advisor to multinational corporations for handling global data privacy, cyber data breach response, and complex cross-functional data-driven projects. Ms. Reynolds is an internationally published author, highly sought speaker, and top media presence about global data privacy, data protection, and emerging technology issues. Ms. Reynolds has been named to the Global Top 20 CyberRisk Communicators by The European Risk Policy Institute in 2020 and recognized as one of the stellar women who know Cyber by Cybersecurity Ventures in 2021.
What attracted you to data management or IT, and why did you choose to pursue this career?
I fell in love with data in the early 1990s and have never looked back. I am still very much a “data geek,” and I am always fascinated about how data can flow and how it can be used.
What has been your greatest career accomplishment so far, and why has it been important to your career?
I was named one of the Top 20 Cyber-Risk communicators in the world in 2020. This award was such an honor to its global scale and that my messages are being received loud and clear across the globe. Also, very few data privacy folks have achieved this honor. I am thrilled to have the recognition and to be able to share my voice.
What are the two or three biggest challenges you face as a data management professional / CDO, and how can we address them?
The three biggest challenges that I face as a data management professional are using data to tell a complete story, communicating with people at all levels of any organization, and realizing that the same data challenges we face are being faced by others worldwide. The best way to handle all these challenges is to share our learning experiences and always find new ways to communicate information.
How do you see data management / the role of the CDO / IT changing in the next 2 – 3 years?
The role of a data management professional will become even more vital as data becomes the lifeblood of organizations. Data will be the center of most things that businesses can achieve.
Do you have any planned next steps for your career?
I plan to connect with more people in data-related fields to see how we can positively impact data professions.
What is the single best piece of advice you have received in your data management / IT career so far? Why has it been so important to you?
The single best advice I have received in my data management career is no box. Instead of trying to fit into a box, realize there is no box and find new ways to express your talents and skills.
Can you share something about yourself as a person that people wouldn’t know about you?
In addition to being a general “Data Geek,” I am also a webmaster and map maker. I am fascinated by how the internet works and how data flows.
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