Episode 125

full
Published on:

25th Feb 2025

The Secrets To A Successful Privacy Career

What does it take to build a thriving career in privacy?

In this episode of the Privacy Pros Podcast, Jamal Ahmed sits down with Wolfgang Lehna, a seasoned Group Data Protection Officer with over 20 years of experience in the field. Wolfgang shares his journey from law school to leading privacy programs for global organisations, revealing the mindset shifts, adaptability, and continuous learning that have kept him at the top of his game.

Tune in as they discuss:

  • The biggest career lessons from two decades in privacy
  • Why trust (not just compliance) is the real currency of privacy today
  • How continuous learning (including AI governance) keeps you ahead
  • Practical strategies to break down complex privacy challenges
  • The power of community and mentorship in accelerating career growth

đź”— Ready to invest in your future? Discover how the Privacy Pros Accelerator Program can help you launch your dream career here.

Wolfgang Lehna is a seasoned Group Data Protection Officer with an incredible 20-year track record in privacy and data protection. He brings deep expertise in designing and implementing data protection frameworks within complex corporate environments. Wolfgang is known for his strategic approach to building comprehensive privacy programs and has a particular talent for analysing business processes while effectively managing risk.

Follow Jamal on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmjahmed/

Follow Wolfgang on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wolfgang-lehna/

Show artwork for Privacy Pros Podcast

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).