Ross Saunders

In the boardroom or from the stage, book Ross to bring in a new way of thinking about PrivSec.

BOOK ROSS

THE NERD WITH TRUST ISSUES

Ross Saunders smiling man with long hair and glasses, wearing a black long-sleeve shirt, with his hands behind his head in a warmly lit room.

Ross is a technology and privacy Specialist with over 20 years of experience navigating the complex intersection of innovation, governance, and cybersecurity.

With a background in Software-as-a-Service and more than a decade dedicated to governance consulting in privacy and security, Ross has helped organizations translate regulatory requirements into actionable strategies.

He is a passionate advocate for consumer cybersecurity and privacy rights, known for making even the most complex topics accessible and engaging.

NOTABLE CREDENTIALS AND MEMBERSHIPS

  • Ross hold a Master’s degree in the Management of Technology and Innovation from the Davinci Institute of Technology Management. His dissertation on the Productization of Knowledge Intensive Business Services earned him a Cum Laude honor and the university’s President’s Award.

  • Ross holds a CIPP/E designation from the International Association of Privacy Professionals. CIPP is a global credential for privacy and data protection professionals. It covers jurisdictional laws, regulations and enforcement models, essential privacy concepts and principles, and legal requirements for handling and transferring data.

  • Ross has demonstrated knowledge of assessing the security of computer systems by looking for vulnerabilities in target systems, using the same knowledge and tools as a malicious hacker, but in a lawful and legitimate manner to assess the security posture of a target system.

  • Ross holds a certificate in paralegal practice from the University of Cape Town in South Africa.

  • Ross is a former KnowledgeNet Co-Chair for the IAPP. The IAPP is a policy neutral, not-for-profit, professional home for privacy, AI governance and digital responsibility globally.

  • Ross is a Professional Member of CAPS, and serves on the national board of directors. CAPS provides vital community, skill-development, and business-insight for Canadian speakers of all levels to grow their careers, and aspirations, and has been doing so for over 25 years.

Featured Keynotes

Ross Saunders with long hair tied in a ponytail, glasses, and light skin, wearing a black suit jacket over a T-shirt with colorful mushrooms and a frog design, standing in front of a beige brick wall.

YOUR DATA, YOUR RULES

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR DATA IN A WORLD THAT WON’T

Imagine waking up and being able to watch your bank account draining in real time because your identity has been stolen. In 2013, this happened to Ross, and it’s a nightmare no one should experience.

Best for individuals and consumers

Ross Saunders with long hair, glasses, and a friendly smile, sitting on a wooden bench with a red cushion in front of a brick wall, wearing a blue blazer and a gray T-shirt.

RACING REGULATION

MASTERING GRC IN THE AGE OF UNSTOPPABLE INNOVATION

How do you manage compliance when the goalposts never stop moving? This keynote explores practical strategies for building governance frameworks that can flex with disruption while maintaining compliance.

Best for tech, corporates, and executives

Ross Saunders performing a pole dance move upside down on a pole in a studio.

Key Risque Indicators

GOVERNANCE GYMNASTICS AND COMPLIANCE CALISTHENICS

Literally turning risk on its head, this one-of-a-kind keynote brings a physical show of how risk and opportunity co-exist in Privacy and Cyber Security. Peak performance requires diligence and consistency!

This talk is (wildly) flexible! #iykyk