"Ask for help, find a community, learn from everything that comes your way" with Gemma Galdon-Clavell, PhD

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Gemma Galdon-Clavell, PhD

Gemma Galdon-Clavell, PhD has honed her business acumen over the past seven years working with the Inter-American Development Bank, Tactical Tech, and Telefonica. She is the go-to consultant for the EU Horizon program on ethics and security and regularly speaks at summits in the EU, LATAM, and beyond. Her research and consultancy firm, Eticas, is based in Barcelona and New York.

Can you tell our readers about your background?

I have a Ph.D. in surveillance, security and urban policy and also a master’s in policy management. Previously, I’ve worked at the Transnational Institute, the United Nations’ Institute for Training and Research, and the Catalan Institute for Public Security.

What inspired you to start your business?

Seeing injustice fuels me to take action. I enjoy solving privacy and technology problems and establishing best practices to accompany valued principles.

Where is your business based?

Our headquarters is based in Barcelona and a satellite office in Manhattan. I also have a global team.

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?

I had a unique background and when I finished my Ph.D., contracts started pouring in. Eventually, I realized I had a successful, impactful business. 

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?

I travel a lot to speak at conferences. 

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

There are many challenges when running a business, but over time I’ve learned to operate under the mindset that every challenge is an expansive opportunity to learn more about myself and to evolve. 

How do you stay focused?

My work is based on current events and so it’s easy to focus when I’m solving relevant problems at all times. I feel like I’m making a contribution and so that really helps keep the momentum going. 

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

Eticas is different from the competition because we focus on actual practices to improve the technology.

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?

Speaking engagements! 

What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?

I have many: ask for help, find a community, learn from everything that comes your way. 

What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

I follow several blogs to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the tech world. I particularly like Oversharing, from Alison Griswold. 

App: Twitter (Great way to keep up, professionally) and Slack (Wonderful way to collaborate)

Book: Weapons of Math Destruction by Cathy O’Neil. I love the author and she was the first to tell the world what needs to be fixed in the algorithmic society.

What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

Getting to know Avaza and it’s been a pretty useful tool so far.

Who is your business role model? Why?

There are many I admire, especially women entrepreneurs that are outspoken, brave, and smart. 

How do you balance work and life? 

Living in the countryside and taking time off helps. It wasn’t always like this. For many years, I had no balance and life was work. Looking back, I don’t regret it because the work was so enjoyable. Now, I have a team and am at a point in my life where work is still very important - it’s still very fulfilling and exciting, but not the only source of joy in my life. 

What’s your favorite way to decompress?

Looking at trees and going on road trips, which I luckily do often. 

 What do you have planned for the next six months?

A lot of our personal plans are now on hold due to COVID-19, but I was planning a wedding and home renovation. We just relaunched our website and responses have been very well received. 

How can our readers connect with you?

Websites:

  • Eticas Consulting, Auditing the Algorithmic Society

    • https://www.eticasconsulting.com

  • Eticas Foundation, non-profit dedicated to addressing the challenges around data, society and responsible innovation

    • https://eticasfoundation.org

Twitter

Eticas Foundation: https://twitter.com/EticasFdn