Why do many growing companies struggle with data compliance?

Growth outpaces ownership and process. Tools multiply, consent gets messy, retention is unclear, and no one keeps evidence as they work. Fix this with named owners, a living data map, channel specific consent, short retention, and automatic logs.

Why it matters
Without ownership and proof, sales slow and risk grows.

Deep dive

• No single owner: decisions stall without accountability.

• Tool sprawl: data maps and suppressions fall out of sync.

• Policy theater: policies are written and then ignored in the flow.

• Manual evidence: last minute scrambles before audits.

• Fix: assign owners, set service targets, and capture proofs by default.

Checklist

1. Name a data and privacy owner.

2. Publish a live data map.

3. Set consent and suppression rules.

4. Shorten retention and automate deletion.

5. Centralize logs and approvals.

Definitions

• Policy theater: having documents that teams do not follow.

• Live data map: a map that is reviewed and kept current.