Balancing Data Compliance, Strategy, and Innovation with Sam Smith, VP Global Data Privacy & Governance at Merlin Entertainments
- S1E18
- 33:27
- June 25th 2025
Want to unlock the full potential of data & AI across your organisation? Visit cambridgespark.com to explore how we help enterprises upskill their workforce with cutting-edge, industry-relevant training programmes that drive real business impact.
In this episode of Data & AI Mastery, host Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma sits down with Sam Smith, VP of Global Data Privacy and Governance at Merlin Entertainments, to explore how privacy and governance are the unsung heroes powering innovation in data-driven businesses.
Sam shares her fascinating career shift from solicitor to data leader and unpacks what it really means to build effective global data governance strategies. They discuss how to demonstrate ROI from data governance, the carrot vs. stick of compliance, and the practical challenges of AI regulation in a hyper-connected world.
Whether you’re a privacy professional, business leader, or data practitioner, this episode offers real-world insights on embedding privacy by design, aligning legal and commercial goals, and why AI literacy is now a business-wide mandate—not just a legal issue.
If you found this episode valuable, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review.
Chapter Markers:
(02:00) Samantha’s journey: From law to data privacy
(04:30) Why data governance is a hard sell—and how to frame ROI
(08:30) Data governance as both insurance and innovation
(10:30) Key terms explained: Ownership, stewardship, and privacy
(14:00) The ethics and strategy behind collecting personal data
(18:00) What happens when AI tools go too far?
(25:00) Where AI and data governance teams should sit in your org
(27:45) Quick-fire questions: Industry views, lifelong learning, and favorite tunes
(29:30) Raoul’s reflections: Why AI literacy matters now more than ever
Useful Links:
Connect with Sam Smith on LinkedIn
Visit the Merlin Entertainments Website
Follow Raoul for more AI insights on LinkedIn
Explore Cambridge Spark’s AI upskilling programs at cambridgespark.com
Data & AI Mastery
In the age of rapid technological change, how can you harness the power of data and AI to transform your business?
Welcome to Data & AI Mastery, the podcast where cutting-edge insights meet practical strategies for success.
Hosted by Dr Raoul-Gabriel Urma, founder of Cambridge Spark, this show dives deep into how leading organisations across the globe are using data & AI to revolutionise operations, streamline efficiency, and drive innovation.
Each episode features conversations with senior leaders, revealing their career stories and real-world case studies and actionable takeaways that you can apply, whether you're climbing the career ladder or already in the C-suite.
From AI-driven solutions to practical tips for navigating your data transformation journey, Data & AI Mastery will equip you with the tools to thrive in the AI era.
Stay ahead, stay inspired, and unlock your potential with Data & AI Mastery: your ultimate guide to mastering data and AI for business.
This feed is also home to Inside the Algorithm, our sister show hosted by Chief AI Officer Dr Jeremy Bradley, featuring in-depth conversations with the researchers and technical experts working at the frontier of artificial intelligence. New episodes from both shows drop fortnightly, on alternate weeks.
Follow now so you never miss an episode from either show. 🎙️