The School of Business will launch its 2024-25 Equity Now Speaker Series this month with a presentation by Lauren Cleary, an ethics and compliance professional at Patagonia, the well-known outdoor equipment and apparel brand.
Cleary’s presentation, titled “Building Trust in Business: The Power of Privacy in Organizations,” will be livestreamed starting at 6 p.m. on October 21.
“Trust is the most valuable currency in business,” Cleary emphasized. “If a company isn’t doing what it says it is or is hiding things, that trust will erode, and that’s really the beginning of the end.”
Cleary is deeply invested in safeguarding the personal data of Patagonia’s customers. She plans to share insights on how privacy challenges are addressed in a large and respected organization like Patagonia, which has built its reputation on quality, sustainability, activism, and a firm commitment to its core values.
“Understanding the importance of privacy is critical throughout an organization and in every industry,” Cleary explained. “Whether your expertise is in marketing, legal, or another field, having a strong privacy policy to guide decisions is an invaluable and necessary asset.”
According to Cleary, that privacy policy should be intentionally transparent and easy to understand.
“What I hope to impart to those in attendance is that they become inspired to serve as privacy advocates throughout their careers,” she said. “Whether they are creating a new app or handling customer data, I hope they will always consider the impact of the decisions they make. I hope they see customer privacy not as a constraint or a burden, but as an opportunity to build stronger trust with their communities.”
Cleary’s talk marks the first of four presentations in the Equity Now Speaker Series, which aims to provide expert insights on how law and policy can foster diversity, equity, and fairness in both organizations and society. The series is organized by UConn business law professor Robert Bird and is conducted in collaboration with the Academy of Legal Studies in Business and various universities, including Virginia Tech, Indiana, Boston, and Temple.
Related Topic:
Tax Concerns Impact UK Business Confidence, Survey Reveals
DOJ Considers Requesting Breakup of Google Following Antitrust Ruling
Small Business Administration Approaches Funding Limit Amid Disaster Challenges
