Christina Tueje, one of our esteemed Judges asked NaderHenein a few questions about his dedication to the PICCASO community and his accomplishments since receiving his PICCASO award in 2022.
Championing Data Protection, AI Governance and the Power of Mentorship
Meet Nader, Privacy Author of the Year 2022 and proud PICCASO Awards alumus.
As a technology and privacy leader and mentor, he championsthe next wave of privacy leaders, sharing hard-won insights gleaned from advising Fortune 1000 clients and shaping European data protection laws.
A Fellow of Information Privacy and FT Top 100 Technology Leader, Nader serves as Research & Advisory VP at Gartner, guiding global tech giants through data protection and AI governance. He serves on the European Data Protection Board and has a passion for mentorship.
Winning Privacy Author of the Year marked a turning point. As part of my research, he coined the term "Privacy UX" and developed the concept of privacy as a "conviction-based motivator”, showing how
consumers are drawn to brands that champion information rights.
His research stands out for its practicality in operationalising privacy in the real business world.
This recognition has shaped his professional identity, enhancedhis confidence and opened new opportunities within Gartner.
The process of applying for the award also fostered self-reflection and goal setting, enhancing my self-awareness, strategic thinking, and ability to present accomplishments persuasively.
He is passionate about mentoring the next generation ofprivacy professionals. Every year, he mentors three to six new analysts at Gartner and supports future award applicants.
Tell us abit about yourself and your current role?
Nader: I am a Fellow of Information Privacy and an FT Top 100 Technology Leader, with over two decades of experience in data governance and privacy. Currently, I am a Research & Advisory VP at Gartner, specializing in data protection and AI governance. In this role, I provide strategic advisory and operational guidance to Fortune 1000 technology leaders on data governance and AI, everything board briefings to in depth tactical guidance. I also serve as a leading expert on data protection for the European Data Protection Board.
What first drew you to the world of Privacy?
Nader: My shift to privacy was deeply personal, stemming from a first-hand experience at BlackBerry nearly two decades ago. I led data protection advisory, navigating government demands for customer communication access, which revealed privacy would be the "next battleground" due to increasing volume of data and the inevitable outcome that all enterprises would become overwhelmingly data driven.
You won Privacy Author of the Year. What do you think set your work apart?
Nader: My research stands out for its practicality, helping organizations operationalize complex regulations and address common challenges through actionable, achievable advice that considers the nature of running a business. I also coined "Privacy UX" and developed the concept of privacy as a "conviction-based motivator," showing consumers invest in brands prioritize better handling of personal data.
What new skills or knowledgedid you gain through the process of applying for the Award?
Nader:The application process forced me to look inwards and engage in both self-reflection and goal-setting. I learned to articulate my own achievements, which has never been a strong point. Ultimately the process enhanced my self-awareness, my strategic thinking, and the ability to present accomplishments persuasively to others.
In what wayshas this recognition shaped your professional identity or confidence?
Nader: No matter how confident a person is, winning a professional award validates skills and achievements. The recognition from PICCASSO enhanced my confidence and provided motivation to push through subsequent challenges. The award increased recognition amongst my peers and it opened new opportunities for me within Gartner.
Would you be open to mentoringfuture award applicants or nominees?
Nader: Every year I mentor three to six new analysts within Gartner, and I would be happy to support future applicants.