Lesley Holland
Data Protection Manager
Auto Trader
After working in IT for 11 years, had a career change into Risk and Compliance. I now collaborate with all areas of the business to understand how we use people's data and help us to comply with the GDPR and Data Protection 2018.
- Collaboration - work with all areas of the business
- Problem Solving - looking for new and safer ways to protect data
- Negotiating - GDPR isn't always at the top of everyone's list :)
- Time Management - have to keep on track as there's lots of work to do
- Leadership - help others to see a different point of view around people's data
Has to be working on a data breach in my first month of my new role. Hard work, but was absolutely a great learning experience and loved to get thrown straight into it.
A-Levels. The rest is based on experience and working for a company who help to develop talent rather than just look at what's on paper.
When I left college I didn't know what I wanted to do. I started an admin job at Auto Trader, where I saw people working in technical roles and was inspired by the work they did. Solving problems every day didn't seem like a 'job' to me.
Dive in! Ask questions! Don't be afraid to speak up and approach people who can help you with your career even when things may seem daunting. Nothing is out of reach.