Podcast Summary: B2B Agility™ with Greg Kihlström – Episode #20: Greater Compliance Equals Greater Trust with Jordan Sher, Drata

Release Date: August 6, 2024

In the twentieth episode of B2B Agility™ with Greg Kihlström, host Greg engages in a profound conversation with Jordan Sher, Vice President of Brand and Communications at Drata. The discussion centers around the pivotal role of data compliance and privacy in building customer trust and enhancing brand reputation within the B2B landscape. This summary encapsulates the key themes, insights, and conclusions drawn from their dialogue.

1. Guest Introduction and Background

Timestamp: [02:01]

Greg Kilstrom introduces Jordan Sher, highlighting her extensive experience in brand and communications, particularly within the startup ecosystem focusing on infrastructure and data. At Drata, Jordan oversees brand management, encompassing content, design, social media, and corporate communications. Her primary mission is to position Drata as a beacon of trust and integrity in both startup and enterprise markets.

2. Understanding Privacy by Design

Timestamp: [03:33]

Jordan delves into the concept of Privacy by Design (PbD), emphasizing its evolution from a mere compliance requirement to a significant brand asset. She explains PbD as the proactive integration of privacy principles into the very foundation of products and services. This approach ensures data integrity, transparency in data handling, and adherence to regulations like GDPR.

Notable Quote:

"Privacy has just accelerated exponentially in terms of its overall brand value... being proactive about identifying places where data integrity must be maintained."
— Jordan Sher [03:33]

Key Points:

• Proactive Integration: Incorporating privacy considerations from the outset of product development.
• Transparency: Clear communication about data protection measures and data usage policies.
• Regulatory Adherence: Aligning with frameworks such as GDPR to empower customers with data control.

3. Drata’s Implementation of Privacy by Design

Timestamp: [07:36]

Jordan outlines how Drata assists brands in embedding PbD into their operations. She introduces the concept of a Trust Center, a dedicated section on a company's website that showcases compliance with various frameworks, thereby enhancing transparency and trust.

Notable Quote:

"Drata really focuses on evangelizing, helping companies to evangelize how they adhere to some of the most important auditable evidence... we become the currency of trust between our customers and their customers."
— Jordan Sher [07:36]

Key Points:

• Trust Center: A platform where companies display their compliance status in real-time, fostering trust among customers.
• Compliance Frameworks: Drata supports over 20 frameworks, including SOC2, ensuring comprehensive compliance.
• Brand Advocacy: By adhering to PbD, brands not only comply but also market themselves as trustworthy entities.

4. The Intersection of AI and Compliance

Timestamp: [12:04]

The conversation shifts to the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in compliance and automation. Jordan distinguishes between the “fast way” of deploying AI for competitive advantage and the “right way,” which integrates ethical considerations and PbD principles.

Notable Quote:

"There are really two ways of developing with AI and having compliance in mind... the right way really proactively builds in an ethical perspective on building with AI."
— Jordan Sher [12:51]

Key Points:

• Ethical AI Development: Ensuring AI implementations respect data privacy and integrity.
• Controlled Data Usage: Segmenting customer data to prevent cross-contamination and maintain privacy.
• Purposeful Deployment: Utilizing AI to address specific compliance challenges rather than as a catch-all solution.

5. Future Trends in Data Compliance and Privacy

Timestamp: [25:24]

Looking ahead, Jordan emphasizes the increasing importance of data compliance and privacy in shaping brand narratives. She encourages B2B marketers to integrate trust and integrity into their long-term brand strategies and to be transparent about data practices.

Notable Quote:

"If you truly want to be a brand that stands for privacy and trust... embrace the regulatory environment and proactively engineer privacy by design."
— Jordan Sher [23:48]

Key Points:

• Proactive Storytelling: Incorporating trust and privacy into brand stories to resonate with customers.
• Early Compliance Integration: Making compliance a foundational aspect of product development rather than an afterthought.
• Transparency and Alignment: Clearly communicating data practices and aligning with like-minded technology partners to reinforce brand values.

6. Balancing Authenticity and Realism in Privacy Commitments

Timestamp: [21:18]

Jordan addresses the challenge of genuinely committing to data privacy without falling into the trap of “greenwashing.” She advocates for actionable privacy measures embedded within product features, allowing users to see and control how their data is managed.

Notable Quote:

"There is a difference between saying, here's what we are doing with your data and really putting yourself in the position of a user... it's showing, not telling."
— Jordan Sher [23:41]

Key Points:

• User-Centric Features: Developing product features that actively protect user data, such as access controls and data usage transparency.
• Proof Points: Demonstrating privacy commitments through tangible product functionalities rather than just policies.
• Avoiding Superficial Claims: Ensuring privacy statements are backed by real, user-accessible controls and safeguards.

7. Final Reflections and Future Preparedness

Timestamp: [25:24]

In concluding the discussion, Jordan underscores the necessity for brands to evolve alongside regulatory changes and to maintain a steadfast focus on privacy as a core brand attribute. She encourages continuous storytelling around trust and highlights the importance of aligning with regulatory advancements proactively.

Notable Quote:

"Bring it out and bring it out into the sunlight and tell that story as soon as you can."
— Jordan Sher [26:11]

Key Points:

• Ongoing Compliance: Staying ahead of regulatory shifts by incorporating compliance into every aspect of the business.
• Trust as a Narrative: Continuously communicating privacy and compliance efforts to reinforce customer trust.
• Long-Term Brand Building: Viewing privacy and compliance as integral to sustainable brand success rather than short-term obligations.

Conclusion

This episode of B2B Agility™ provides a comprehensive exploration of how data compliance and privacy are not only regulatory necessities but also powerful tools for building and maintaining customer trust. Through Jordan Sher's insights, listeners gain a deeper understanding of Privacy by Design, the practical applications of these principles via Drata's Trust Center, the ethical integration of AI in compliance, and future trends shaping the landscape of data privacy in B2B marketing. The conversation underscores the imperative for brands to authentically embody trust and integrity, ensuring these values are interwoven into their core strategies and product offerings.

For more insights and episodes, visit www.b2bagility.com.