Turning Privacy Into a Business Success Factor with Matthew Ellis (Ep. 16)

In this episode of Compliance Chronicles, Liisa Thomas talks with Matthew Ellis, an “opportunity creator and problem solver” who has spent nearly 25 years building and leading privacy programs across startups, Big Four firms, global technology companies, and consumer brands. Matthew shares how he fell into privacy at an email marketing startup, went on to start EY’s first Bay Area privacy practice, led privacy at Microsoft and Peloton, and now advises small–to–mid‑tier companies on turning privacy into a true success factor.He explains why privacy is most powerful when it’s operationalized—embedded in product and R&D from the beginning—and why privacy professionals often end up owning AI, M&A diligence, and complex data questions. Throughout the conversation, Matthew highlights the importance of bridging legal and product, saying yes to stretch opportunities, and treating privacy as a long‑game career path.This episode covers:Why early collaboration with product and R&D turns privacy from a late-stage obstacle into a strategic success factorHow privacy professionals can bridge the gap between legal requirements and product ambitions by “speaking both languages”Lessons from large acquisitions and M&A work, including why “signing authority to assume risk” is a critical governance questionWhy privacy teams are often asked to take on AI, and what it means to “do something with nothing” when it comes to data and emerging techHow building teams of passionate learners and saying yes to stretch roles can accelerate a privacy careerWhy privacy is likely to remain a strong, growing career path over the next 20+ years—and how to prepare for that futurePractical advice on leadership, vulnerability, and knowing when to raise your hand for more responsibilityIf you enjoy this conversation, make sure to subscribe to Compliance Chronicles in your favorite podcast app and follow the show so you don’t miss future episodes on privacy, AI, internal audit, and real‑world compliance leadership.