Michael Ogbu

In the evolving world of digital governance, the title “Data Privacy Specialist” carries weight, but it’s often misunderstood.

At first glance, a specialist role suggests deep expertise: someone who zooms in, not spreads wide. And that’s true.

A privacy specialist is expected to:

• Stay up to date with global and sector-specific privacy laws
• Apply leading practices to complex scenarios
• Navigate and resolve issues that others escalate

But that’s only half the story.

Privacy Work Isn’t a Solo Act
What truly sets a privacy role apart isn’t just what you know, it’s how you work with others.
Unlike standalone technical or legal functions, privacy demands constant collaboration. It’s woven into nearly every function of modern organizations. The privacy professional doesn’t work in a vacuum; their value increases exponentially when they partner with others.

Here are the collaborative pillars that make this role so dynamic:

1. Legal and Compliance Alignment
Privacy professionals must work hand-in-hand with legal teams to ensure policies, contracts, and data handling practices meet current regulations, and hold up under scrutiny.

2. Technology and Security Integration
Whether it’s advising on third-party tools or during incident response planning, privacy pros bridge the gap between innovation and protection, embedding privacy-by-design into systems and applications.

3. Culture-Building and Employee Training
Privacy isn’t just a policy, it’s a mindset. Specialists help build that mindset across departments through education, awareness, and training.

4. Data Governance and Risk Management
Working alongside records managers, risk officers, and data analysts, privacy specialists ensure that data is handled responsibly and sustainably.

5. Public Engagement and Transparency
From writing privacy notices to responding to DSARs, the privacy function plays a crucial role in maintaining public trust.

6. Product and Marketing Collaboration
Building or launching a new product? Privacy specialists ensure consent, clarity, and compliance are baked in from the start.

7. Executive Advisory
Privacy isn’t just operational, it’s strategic. Specialists advise leadership on reputational, ethical, and regulatory risks that affect the entire business.

Beyond Laws: Anchoring Privacy in Mission
In the end, privacy professionals don’t just interpret rules. They help bring an organization’s vision and values to life – embedding trust and responsibility into everyday decisions.

Being a specialist, then, is not about narrowing focus. It’s about deepening impact, with the tools of knowledge, and the power of collaboration.