AI, Privacy & Innovation: How to Win with Trust – Feat. Debbie Reynolds
In this episode of AI ON US x CTO News Thursday, we tackle a critical question: Can businesses truly innovate without compromising privacy? To break it down, we’re joined by Debbie Reynolds, a globally recognized expert in data privacy, AI governance, and compliance.
In this episode of AI ON US x CTO News Thursday, we tackle a critical question: Can businesses truly innovate without compromising privacy? To break it down, we’re joined by Debbie Reynolds, a globally recognized expert in data privacy, AI governance, and compliance.
EPISODE 4 — AI & Data Privacy: Can We Innovate Without Sacrificing Trust?
🎙 Featuring: Debbie Reynolds, “The Data Diva”
Yes—we absolutely can. In this powerful 10-minute episode, internationally recognized data privacy expert Debbie Reynolds lays out a clear and compelling case for why AI innovation and user trust are not mutually exclusive. The key lies in smart governance, lifecycle thinking, and embracing data privacy not as a blocker—but as a strategic asset.
Known globally as “The Data Diva,” Debbie is a Chicago-based Chief Data Officer and trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies. She has helped global organizations navigate the most complex AI and data governance challenges, contributing to landmark frameworks like the GDPR, EU AI Act, and the NIST Privacy Framework.
Meet Debbie at the Morning Key Strategic Keynotes:
🔍 What You’ll Learn
In under 10 minutes, you’ll get sharp and essential insights that every C-level executive should hear:
🔐 Privacy Isn’t a Legal Burden—It’s a Business AdvantageConsumers are more informed than ever. According to PwC’s 2024 Voice of the Consumer Survey, 83% of global respondents rank data protection as essential to trust. Businesses that prioritize privacy build stronger, longer-lasting relationships.
📈 Why “Forever Data” Is Bad for BusinessRetaining data indefinitely increases risk—both for privacy violations and for model performance. Debbie explains how outdated or excessive data can degrade AI outputs, create audit nightmares, and damage reputations.
📊 Data Flow Is Non-Linear—and That MattersAI systems process and transform data in ways traditional pipelines don’t. Without a clear view of how your data flows through your models, you’re already behind on compliance and control.
🛠️ Practical Strategies to Preserve TrustDebbie shares privacy-preserving approaches such as:
AI data lifecycle management
Minimization and pseudonymization
Embedding compliance into innovation cycles
These aren’t theoretical ideas—they’re battle-tested approaches used in large enterprises and scalable to smaller organizations.
🧭 Regulation Is Not a Roadblock—It’s a Roadmap
In a moment when the EU AI Act is reshaping how companies build and deploy AI systems, Debbie’s message is clear: Start now. Start small. But start with governance.Early alignment with global regulations doesn’t just prevent risk—it improves transparency, data quality, and strategic agility.
“You can’t lead in AI without earning trust. And you can’t earn trust without protecting data.”— Debbie Reynolds
🎯 Final Takeaway
Innovation and privacy can absolutely coexist—but only for companies that are willing to treat data governance as a first-class citizen in their AI strategy. If you're asking how to lead responsibly in 2025 and beyond, this is your answer.
🟣 Tune in now to discover how the world’s top Chief Data Officers are turning privacy into performance. Join the conversation on LinkedIn for weekly insights from the frontlines of Responsible AI.
🎧 Available on Spotify · Apple · Amazon
🗓️ Episode Date: March 6, 2025
🎙️ Guests: Debbie Reynolds
🎬 Hosts: Marianne & John