Meet the GDPRLocal Team: Katerina Mimidinovska
Meet Katerina Mimidinovska, one of our dedicated consultants and an invaluable team member of the GDPRLocal’s DPO team. With her experience, she has consistently demonstrated exceptional integrity, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to excellence. With her approachable personality and deep expertise in data protection, she has become a reliable and trusted advisor to our team and the clients she works with.
Q: What initially drew you to the field of data protection, and how has your role as a Data Protection Consultant and now as a DPO evolved over the years?
A: I could say that I was accidently drawn into the world of information security and data protection over the years, as I began my journey as part of the project team for implementation of ISO 27001 in the software development company where I was working at the time and I had the chance to get to know a bit closer all the requirements for data security and risk management. I was also involved in the internal and external ISO audits of the company over the years and step by step as the GDPR and the Macedonian national law for personal data protection were coming into force and beginning to gain more and more importance I was gaining more knowledge and started to follow trainings on personal data protection as a nominated DPO in the company.
As of 2021 I was working in a team of consultants on several projects for implementation of personal data protection systems in companies of various sizes and industries. When I came to GDPRLocal I took part of the amazing DPO team, which is truly supportive and helpful and up until today I am still learning and upgrading in the field of data protection, which is an immense material that is evolving and changing its landscape every day, with the fast-growing technology and the overall exposure of our privacy on the Internet. One of the topics that is of most interest to me is the safeguard and protection of children privacy in the digital world where the threats and the dangers are multiplying rapidly.
Q: What are the biggest challenges businesses face today when it comes to GDPR compliance, and how do you help them navigate these challenges?
A: Most of the businesses have a lack of experience or dedicated resources that can help them navigate through the challenges of compliance and data protection issues. Also, some of them are facing with a lack of budget or management involvement in order to overcome the requirements for the data security. Our dedicated team of data protection consultants at GDPRLocal is always there for our clients when they seek advice and consultancy on data protection topics, and we are always trying to answer their requests in a timely manner. We are dealing with all sorts of data subject requests on a daily basis, but we are also guiding our clients to overcome any possible issues and working hand by hand with them as a long-term commitment to maintain their data protection systems and prepare the necessary guidelines and procedures they need to follow in their everyday business operations.
Q: What key advice would you offer to businesses just beginning their journey toward GDPR compliance?
A: I would say that the challenges are about to come, moreover with the expansion of the artificial intelligence and I would advise them to invest more in information and cyber security as prevention, not as a cure. They also need to include more company trainings on personal data protection and have clear guidelines and procedures on personal data processing they will follow in every aspect of the company. In that case they will invest in their future with the ever-growing need for protection of the privacy and the challenges for compliance as today we are witnesses of all sorts of scams, cyber threats and identity thefts that have the intention to expand over the years.
“Privacy – like eating and breathing – is one of life’s basic requirements.”
– Katherine Neville
Q: Outside of work, what activities help you unwind and recharge? Any favourite pastimes or recent discoveries?
A: I really enjoy diving into a good book, some of the world’s most famous authors, but I also enjoy the contemporary famous crime novels from Jo Nesbo, and all the exciting thriller series. I love exploring new places and new countries and since the Covid 19 pandemic I have given the word to myself that I will visit as much as new places as I can throughout the year, and I am already planning my next destination over to Amsterdam this month. I found relaxing and stress relieving to practice yoga or Pilates, and I will try to be more disciplined in this. One of the most precious moments is spending time with my family, usually outside of the town, on fresh air, enjoying the sun or riding our bikes by the river in our city.
We are proud to have team members who are not only dedicated to our company but also deeply committed to helping our clients. Their hard work, passion, and unwavering focus are the driving force behind our success, ensuring that we continue to deliver excellence in everything we do.
You can read more about our team at GDPRLocal here.