Episode 128

full
Published on:

15th Apr 2025

From Human Rights Lawyer To Privacy Pro: My Top Lessons For Success

What happens when a passionate human rights lawyer pivots into the world of privacy?

You get a leader like Jen Luther - global team leader, AI governance expert, and one of the most inspiring voices in privacy today.

In this episode, Jen shares her bold journey from the International Criminal Court to building impactful privacy programs at scale. She opens up about the mindset shifts that accelerated her career, the underrated legal skills that gave her an edge, and the one mistake most early privacy professionals make when trying to impress.

We also dive into:

  • Why human-centric thinking is privacy's secret weapon
  • How to demonstrate real leadership—no title required
  • Jen’s approach to measuring impact (and what metrics actually matter)
  • The power of personal branding and how to get visible without feeling cringe
  • Practical tips to overcome imposter syndrome and speak with confidence

Whether you're just starting your career or eyeing the next big move, this episode will help you lead with purpose, speak with impact, and think beyond checklists.

Jen Luther is a global legal team leader and board advisor passionate about growing and scaling technology companies.

Jen began her career as a human rights attorney dedicated to creating positive change before transitioning to privacy, where she now specialises in AI governance, corporate governance, privacy organization, and product architecture.

Connect with Jamal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmjahmed/

Connect with Jen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jjluther/ & https://www.jenluther.com/

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About the Podcast

Privacy Pros Podcast
Discover the Secrets from the World's Leading Privacy Professionals for a Successful Career in Data Protection
Data privacy is a hot sector in the world of business. But it can be hard to break in and have a career that thrives.

That’s where our podcast comes in! We interview leading Privacy Pros and share the secrets to success each fortnight.

We'll help guide you through the complex world of Data Privacy so that you can focus on achieving your career goals instead of worrying about compliance issues.
It's never been easier or more helpful than this! You don't have to go at it alone anymore!

It’s easy to waste a lot of time and energy learning about Data Privacy on your own, especially if you find it complex and confusing.

Founder and Co-host Jamal Ahmed, dubbed “The King of GDPR” by the BBC, interviews leading Privacy Pros and discusses topics businesses are struggling with each week and pulls back the curtain on the world of Data Privacy.

Deep dive with the world's brightest and most thought-provoking data privacy thought leaders to inspire and empower you to unleash your best to thrive as a Data Privacy Professional.

If you're ambitious, driven & highly motivated, and thinking about a career in Data Privacy, a rising Privacy Pro or an Experienced Privacy Leader this is the podcast for you.

Subscribe today so you never miss an episode or important update from your favourite Privacy Pro.

And if you ever want to learn more about how to secure a career in data privacy and then thrive, just tune into our show and we'll teach you everything there is to know!

Listen now and subscribe for free on iTunes, Spotify or Google Play Music!

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About your host

Profile picture for Jamal Ahmed FIP CIPP/E CIPM

Jamal Ahmed FIP CIPP/E CIPM

Jamal Ahmed is CEO at Kazient Privacy Experts, whose mission is safeguard the personal data of every woman, man and child on earth.

He is an established and comprehensively qualified Global Privacy professional, World-class Privacy trainer and published author. Jamal is a Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM), Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/E) and Certified EU GDPR Practitioner.

He is revered as a Privacy thought leader and is the first British Muslim to be awarded the designation "Fellow of Information Privacy’ by the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP).