Leadership in data protection and AI governance: influence through the words and phrases you use

You don't lead with rules. You lead with purpose.

I sense a quiet revolution is underway in some global companies. They are not just processing personal data or deploying AI tools with blind abandon, they see complying with Tech regulations as part of 'doing business,' and realise there are benefits and opportunities of going beyond ticking compliance boxes or buying into the fear-mongering of fines and penalties peddled by some law firms or big consultancies

For data protection and AI governance leaders, influence is the key to success. Their teams, stakeholders, and customers don't respond to legal jargon or abstract policies. They respond to stories, values, and clarity.

So what works for them? Here are a few tips based on conversations and stuff I've read along the way, and be aware it's an ever-changing area that has shifted much in recent years. The good leaders are very mindful of their audience and the society we live in, and adapt their communication accordingly. And I am not advocating you never utter technical terms associated with data protection or AI governance again especially to your own teams who work with these topics daily, that wouldn't make sense. I'm talking about the huge number of people in your company who clam up or drop off every time you start reciting articles from the GDPR or EU AI Act.

1. Speak human, not compliance

Compliance is the floor, not the ceiling.

The best leaders frame data protection and AI governance not as burdens but as opportunities. Their influence stems from their ability to reframe the conversation. Think 'trust-building' instead of 'risk mitigation.' Say 'empowering innovation' instead of 'restricting access.' This shift in language aligns with what people feel, significantly increasing their influence:

• Words and phrases yo use:

  • 'Guardrails for growth' (not 'restrictions')

  • 'Ethical innovation' (not 'AI governance')

  • 'Customer trust' (not 'data security')

A Linkedin connection working for a media streaming company shared an interesting nugget with me during our last catch-up call. Apparently their data protection team rebranded the concept of encryption as 'unbreakable storytelling,' which resonated with many in the business. Context is everything and perhaps that phrase wouldn't work in your company but they tapped into the company's core mission - entertainment - and made data protection part of the narrative. This influential approach connected technical needs with emotional resonance. This leads nicely in to my next tip.

2. Context Is king

Know the business, or fail the mission.

Leaders who exert the most influence understand their company's DNA. What drives revenue? What keeps customers loyal? How does AI underpin, or undermine, these goals? Your ability to influence others hinges on your grasp of the business context.

• Ask better questions to increase your influence:

  • 'How does this data policy help us innovate?'

  • 'Where does AI align with our brand promise?'

  • 'What would our customers feel if we compromised their data?

Another example I heard that I found memorable was linking data protection with 'personalised service, safely delivered.' I think it was an online retailer that had elevated the importance of customers being aware of their concise, and visual privacy notice. They had added a competitive edge to an accountability mechanism and aligned with trends that show customers care about their privacy. This influential approach aligned legal and technical needs with business goals.

3. Lead with 'why,' not 'how' - inspiring through language

When it comes to ensuring a more ethical approach to data protection and AI governance, the words leaders choose can significantly impact their ability to inspire and influence others. Here are some examples of words and phrases to use or avoid:

Words and phrases to use:

• 'Our vision is...' - this phrase helps connect data protection and AI practices to the larger organisational purpose.

• 'We're committed to...' - demonstrates dedication and aligns actions with values.

• 'This aligns with our core values of...' - links data ethics to established organisational principles.

• 'Let's explore how we can...' - encourages collaborative problem-solving and innovation.

• 'Our customers/stakeholders trust us to...' - emphasises the importance of maintaining trust.

• 'We have an opportunity to lead by...' - frames ethical practices as a chance for positive impact.

• 'This approach ensures...' - highlights the benefits and security of ethical data management.

• 'We're building a foundation for...' - connects current actions to future success.

Words and phrases to avoid:

• 'We have to comply with...' - focuses on bare minimum requirements rather than ethical leadership.

• 'It's not our problem if...' - demonstrates a lack of accountability and foresight.

• 'The regulations say we must...' - suggests action driven by external forces rather than internal values.

• 'We'll deal with that later...' - indicates a lack of proactive planning in ethical considerations.

• 'That's just how it's always been done...' - resists necessary changes for ethical improvements.

• 'It's too complicated to explain...' - avoids transparency and can erode trust.

• 'We don't have time for...' - suggests ethical considerations are not a priority.

• 'The tech team will handle it...' - silos responsibility instead of promoting company-wide ethical culture.

By carefully selecting words that inspire and avoiding those that demotivate, leaders can create a narrative that elevates ethical data protection and AI governance from a compliance exercise to a core company value. This approach not only builds a culture of integrity but also positions the company as a trusted leader in responsible AI and data protection practices.

4. Build bridges, not silos

The C-suite isn't your audience, it's your alliance.

From posts I read on Linkedin, I reckon AI governance leadership is lagging behind tech advancements. Why? Because AI governance is stuck in legal or tech silos. If this is happening in your company, break the cycle and expand your sphere of influence:

1. Create an 'AI Trust Council' with C-suite leaders, ethicists, and frontline employees.

2. Host 'AI storytelling' workshops where teams reimagine AI governance as a driver of delighting customers.

3. Measure what matters: track trust metrics alongside compliance KPIs.

5. Back to 'beyond compliance'

Patagonia didn't build a USD 3 billion empire by following ESG guidelines. They did it by making sustainability their soul. For data and AI leaders, the lesson is clear. Your ultimate goal shouldn't be 'to avoid fines,' it's to build a legacy of trust. This vision-driven approach will extend your influence far beyond your immediate team.

• Three questions to expand your influence at your next leadership meeting:

  1. 'How can we make our communication memorable and unmissable?'

  2. 'What AI decision would make our families proud?'

  3. 'Are we the company others aspire to follow?'

To conclude. as a leader your words, and your vision, don't just shape policies. They shape the future. Your ability to influence others is directly tied to the strength and clarity of your vision.

Does this post resonate? We support data protection and AI governance leaders' communication needs with our virtual communications support service. Feel free to get in touch to arrange a no obligation call to discuss your requirements.