Why DPO's Make Good Beer

How being a DPO makes me a better brewer (and vice versa)

?? #theaccidentaldpo ??

Do you know what I love to do in my spare time? I love to brew delicious beers.??

You may be surprised by this. After all, I’m a DPO (Data Protection Officer) by profession. You might think that I spend all my time reading boring regulations and saying no to fun ideas.

But that’s not true at all. Being a DPO is actually a very creative and rewarding job. And it turns out that it has a lot in common with brewing beer.

In this article, I will share with you some of the skills and traits that make me a good DPO and a good brewer. You might even be inspired to try brewing yourself!

Attention to detail

One of the most important skills for a DPO is attention to detail. Data protection is all about the details. You have to know the laws and regulations inside out, and apply them to different situations and contexts.

You also have to pay attention to the process of data protection, not just the outcome. You have to monitor the data flows, conduct risk assessments, implement safeguards, and report any incidents.

The same goes for brewing beer. You can’t just throw some ingredients together and hope for the best. You have to follow a precise recipe, measure the quantities, control the temperature, and sanitize the equipment.

You also have to keep an eye on the fermentation process, check the gravity, taste the beer, and adjust as needed. A small mistake or oversight can ruin the whole batch.

I enjoy both data protection and brewing because they challenge me to be meticulous and thorough. I don’t mind spending hours on a task if it means getting it right.

Context matters

Another key skill for a DPO is context awareness. Data protection is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It depends on the type of data, the purpose of processing, the legal basis, the risks involved, and the expectations of the data subjects.

A good DPO has to understand the context of each data processing activity and find the best way to comply with the law while enabling the business objectives.

The same goes for brewing beer. You can’t just make any beer you want. You have to consider the style, the occasion, the season, and the preferences of the drinkers.

A good brewer has to understand how different ingredients and techniques affect the flavor, color, aroma, mouthfeel, and clarity of the beer. They also have to experiment with new combinations and innovations.

I enjoy both data protection and brewing because they challenge me to be flexible and adaptable. I don’t like to follow rigid rules or formulas. I like to find creative solutions that suit each situation.

Love for rules (and testing them)

One of the most obvious traits of a DPO is love for rules. Data protection is based on rules and regulations that have to be followed and enforced. A DPO has to know them by heart and apply them consistently.

But that doesn’t mean that a DPO is boring or rigid. On the contrary, a DPO also has a passion for testing and challenging the rules. A DPO has to keep up with the latest developments and trends in data protection and see how they affect their organization.

A DPO also has to balance compliance with innovation and find ways to enable new ideas and projects without compromising data protection principles.

The same goes for brewing beer. Brewing is based on rules and guidelines that have to be followed and respected. A brewer has to know them by heart and apply them faithfully.

But that doesn’t mean that a brewer is dull or predictable. On the contrary, a brewer also has a passion for testing and challenging the rules. A brewer has to keep up with the latest developments and trends in brewing and see how they affect their craft.

A brewer also has to balance tradition with innovation and find ways to create new beers without compromising quality standards.

I enjoy both data protection and brewing because they challenge me to be curious and adventurous. I don’t like to settle for what’s already done or known. I like to explore new possibilities and push the boundaries.

Dedication to quality

One of the most essential traits of a DPO is dedication to quality. Data protection is not just a legal obligation or a technical requirement. It’s also a moral duty and a business value.

A DPO has to care about protecting the rights and interests of data subjects as well as enhancing the reputation and performance of their organization.

A DPO has to strive for excellence in everything they do, from designing policies and procedures to conducting audits and trainings.

The same goes for brewing beer. Brewing is not just a hobby or a pastime. It’s also an art and a science.

A brewer has to care about producing the best beer possible, from selecting the ingredients and equipment to controlling the process and packaging.

A brewer has to strive for excellence in everything they do, from researching recipes and styles to testing and tasting the beer.

I enjoy both data protection and brewing because they challenge me to be passionate and proud. I don’t like to do things halfway or poorly. I like to do things well and with love.

Creative problem-solving

One of the most valuable skills for a DPO is creative problem-solving. Data protection is not a static or simple field. It’s dynamic and complex.

A DPO has to deal with changing laws and regulations, evolving technologies and business models, diverse stakeholders and expectations, and unpredictable risks and opportunities.

A DPO has to be able to think outside the box and find smart and practical solutions to any data protection challenge or issue.

The same goes for brewing beer. Brewing is not a straightforward or easy activity. It’s intricate and nuanced.

A brewer has to deal with varying ingredients and equipment, fluctuating temperatures and pressures, different styles and tastes, and unexpected problems and surprises.

A brewer has to be able to think outside the box and find clever and fun solutions to any brewing challenge or issue.

I enjoy both data protection and brewing because they challenge me to be inventive and resourceful. I don’t like to give up or get stuck. I like to overcome obstacles and have fun.

Cheers to DPOs (and brewers)

As you can see, being a DPO and a brewer are not so different after all. They both require a similar set of skills and traits that make me good at what I do.

And they both bring me joy and satisfaction in different ways. Data protection gives me a sense of purpose and achievement, while brewing gives me a sense of relaxation and pleasure.

So, the next time you see your DPO, don’t think of them as just a data protection expert. Think of them as a potential brew master. And maybe ask them to share a bottle of their latest creation. It’ll be the best beer you’ve ever had.

Cheers!??

Dan

?? #theaccidentaldpo ??