The Data Diva E217 - Flo Nicolas and Debbie Reynolds

Send us a text Debbie Reynolds “The Data Diva” talks to Flo Nicolas, J.D., Chief Impact and Community Engagement Officer, ARMI - ReGen Valley Tech Hub. We discuss shared insights about her career transition from law to technology. Flo discusses her challenges in navigating government contracts and emphasizes the importance of mentorship in her professional growth. The conversation touches on the mental health impacts of corporate life and the necessity of taking risks and learning from failures, highlighting the value of community engagement and personal branding in fostering professional development. The discussion also addresses pressing data privacy issues and the implications of emerging technologies, particularly for children. Flo expressed her concerns about the dangers of deepfake technology, sharing a cautionary tale that underscored the need for early education on online safety. We acknowledge the alarming trend of diminishing privacy rights in the face of advancing technology, with Flo noting that many individuals are desensitized to privacy notifications. We agreed on the importance of simplifying privacy information to empower users, especially diverse groups like students and small businesses, to better navigate complex privacy settings. Additionally, we examine the dual nature of artificial intelligence, recognizing its benefits while addressing significant risks such as algorithmic bias and the need for human oversight in AI decision-making. We raise concerns about the effectiveness of current regulations and the necessity for companies to comply with ethical guidelines. The conversation concluded with Flo advocating for increased investment in critical technologies, emphasizing the importance of oversight to mitigate risks like data breaches. She also mentioned her new role, which involves developing a data analytics dashboard, highlighting the need for a supportive team to assist in this endeavor and her hope for Data Privacy in the future. Support the show