In a compelling presentation titled “Encrypt Data, Not Empathy,” at Rising 2024, Aditi Sharma from Eventbrite navigated through the intertwined realms of data privacy and emotional intelligence within the technology sector. Aditi, originating from Bharatpur, Rajasthan—a city with historical significance and rich cultural heritage—embarked on a journey that led her to become a beacon of data privacy in India’s tech industry. Her story is not just about professional triumphs but also underscores the significant impact of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) principles on her career trajectory.
Early Beginnings and DEIA Principles
Aditi’s narrative commenced with her formative years in Bharatpur, highlighting how her hometown’s cultural diversity and historical prominence shaped her identity. She discussed the challenges of relocating from a Tier-2 city to India’s bustling tech hubs, where identity crises and cultural barriers are prevalent among many young women seeking better opportunities. However, thanks to the evolving discussions around DEIA, Aditi stood proudly, representing her roots and breaking the stereotypes associated with cultural backgrounds in the tech industry.
Her college years offered her the first-hand experience of DEIA in action, as she engaged in team sports, dance, and event management—activities that honed her understanding of collaboration, mutual respect, and the celebration of individual strengths. Travel, too, played a pivotal role in broadening her perspective, teaching her lessons on empathy, diversity, and inclusion that textbooks could not offer.
The Journey Through Tech
Aditi’s foray into the corporate world began with a stint at Accenture as a junior developer. Despite initial apprehensions about coding and the corporate sector, she embraced the challenges head-on, demonstrating that technical skills could be acquired and mastered over time. Her career saw her specializing in various technologies and domains, with roles at Education First, USD, Groupon, and eventually leading her to Eventbrite as an Engineering Manager in Data Privacy.
Eventbrite’s mission—to bring the world together through live experiences—resonated with Aditi’s belief in the power of social connections. She delved into how Eventbrite empowers event creators and goers worldwide, facilitating over 300 million ticket sales for 5 million events last year alone. The platform’s user-friendly design, she noted, is crucial for its scalability and growth, enabling event creators to independently manage their events with ease.
Data Privacy at the Core
However, the glamor of facilitating live experiences comes with the paramount responsibility of safeguarding user data. Aditi emphasized the importance of data privacy regulations such as GDPR, CCPA, and other global standards that protect users’ personal information. She shared insights into the challenges of setting up a robust data privacy team and system from scratch—a task complicated by the intricate nature of privacy laws and the need for interdisciplinary expertise among team members.
Eventbrite’s achievements in data privacy, as highlighted by Aditi, underscore the company’s commitment to regulatory compliance and user trust. Through agile methodologies and collaboration across legal, product, and engineering teams, Eventbrite has successfully honored over 165,000 data subject requests, emphasizing users’ rights to data deletion, access, and rectification.
Empathy in Leadership
Beyond the technicalities of data privacy, Aditi brought to light the critical role of empathy in people management within engineering teams. Citing Brené Brown’s research, she advocated for a leadership style that embraces vulnerability and fosters trust, open communication, and innovation. Empathy, according to Aditi, is not innate but a conscious choice that leaders must make to genuinely connect with their team members and encourage a culture where individuals feel valued and understood.
Aditi shared a personal anecdote of overcoming language barriers within her team, illustrating how empathetic leadership can lead to improved performance and team cohesion. Initiatives like Eventbrite’s Sisterhood Program further exemplify the company’s efforts to create an inclusive environment that combats isolation and promotes connection among women employees.
Conclusion: The Interplay of Data Privacy and Empathy
Aditi Sharma’s presentation at Rising 2024 served as a compelling reminder of the intricate balance between securing data and nurturing empathy within the tech industry. As technology continues to evolve, the need for professionals who can navigate the technical and emotional aspects of their roles becomes increasingly critical. Aditi’s journey from Bharatpur to the forefront of data privacy in India is a testament to the power of embracing one’s cultural identity, the transformative impact of DEIA principles, and the indispensable value of empathetic leadership in fostering innovation and trust in the technology sector.
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