Discuss Employee Spotlight – Eduardo

The “Discuss Employee Spotlight” is a Q&A series dedicated to showcasing all of the amazing talent at Discuss.

For this month’s profile, we talked with Eduardo Ramirez, our Data Protection Officer and In-House Legal Council, who joined the Discuss team in July of 2019 and is based out of Barranquilla, Colombia.

1. Tell our readers a little bit about your role at Discuss.
   As the In-House Legal Counsel and Data Protection Officer (DPO) for Discuss, I balance between contract negotiations, multi-jurisdictional compliance, and internal operations. My role involves working closely with a diverse array of vendors and customers, ranging from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies, ensuring that all legal and regulatory aspects align smoothly with our business objectives.
   
2. Which of Discuss’ core values are most inspired by? (Empathize, Collaborate, Obsess, Out Innovate, Excel)
   Empathize, by far. Empathy is essential in understanding the perspectives and concerns of the other parties involved, whether that happens in a contract negotiation or addressing an internal request. By putting myself in the shoes of other people, I’m able to better anticipate their needs and address potential issues by being reasonable and fair.
   
3. Tell us about your mindset and approach in your role.
   My mindset is firmly rooted in being business-minded. Unlike traditional legal environments where the primary focus is on providing legal advice, in-house counsel must align legal strategies with the broader business objectives of the organization. This means that whenever I’m approached with a request, I always need a step back to understand the business implications and if they fit within the goals and practices of the organization.
   
   Additionally, I’m always considering the “what if” scenarios, ensuring that my outputs not only tackle the immediate challenges but also position the business to navigate future situations with confidence.
   
4. What project or initiative are you most proud of at Discuss?
   I love Discuss’ initiative to enhance human centricity within organizations, putting people first in the customer life cycle. Understanding and empathizing with customers/consumers isn’t just a function, but a strategic mindset that should permeate every level of the organization.
   
5. What is something unique about you (a fun fact) that few people know about?
   Two main things:
   
   I’m really passionate about uncovering my family’s history, and I’ve built a family tree with almost 200 people (and growing). I even managed to trace it back to my great-great-great-great-grandparents, born around 1825.
   
   Also… I’m a huge tennis fan! I’ve been playing consistently for the last two years, this started as a childhood hobby which now helps me to stay active and energized. This passion is not only for playing it, but also for watching it at a professional level. This year, I got to attend a Grand Slam, which was one of the highlights of my vacation!