LinkedIn Spotlight: Kristina Podnar

Kristina Podnar , Global Digital Policy Advisor

Our world is becoming increasingly Digital, but what exactly does that mean? For some it’s about technology. Engaging with customers in new ways is how others interpret it. And for others still, it represents an entirely new way of how work gets done. 

While none of these definitions is incorrect, per se, this diversity of perspectives dilutes comprehension and can be an invisible barrier for leadership teams. Digital Policy is a powerful resource to help organizations and their leaders establish common vision and alignment around what Digital means. This is a great way for teams to avoid missed opportunities, sluggish performance, or false starts as they head toward the future. 

Kristina Podnar is a recognized thought leader in the digital policy space. Kristina and I held a recent jam-session where we talked about the cross-connects between digital policy, smart cities, and digital transformation, which are significantly affecting every organization across the globe. 

Kristina's influence and impact among some of the most well-known brands, is not only helping to shape our understanding of Digital, but helping us develop healthy expectations and manage the inherent risks associated with it. 

As organizations push forward with their digital agendas, it’s worth pausing to gain clarity and alignment. It's imperative to meet the future with a clear and common understanding of exactly what Digital means and how it will impact our organizations, including our people, processes, and cultures. 

Get to know more about Kristina in the Q&A below. 

Welcome to the Spotlight  Kristina Podnar !

MG: Where do you work, and what do you do?

KP: I work for NativeTrust Consulting as a Digital Policy Consultant. I am also a Digital Policy Advisor at The Cantellus Group, where we do cool things with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and frontier technologies. I am the Global Digital Policy Advisor at XR Safety Initiative (XRSI).

MG: How long have you been doing that kind of work?

KP: I've been at this for a long time—a little over two decades. Many organizations still haven't mastered the balance of risk and opportunity when it comes to digital.

MG: What drew you to that line of work?

KP: I believe that organizations, whether in the private or public sector, have a responsibility to do better when it comes to using digital to meet their business goals. A big part of that requires consideration for the user, society, and the environment. Most of the time, we see people working in their own silos without paying attention to the whole array. Blind spots translate into risks for the brand, the fiscal bottom line, and company culture. 

MG: What has been your most significant professional achievement?

KP: I advise top global corporations and a handful of governments on digital policies, including those that can ensure safety, privacy, and accessibility in emerging digital technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR).

MG: What do you see as the biggest change in your organization/industry in the next 1-3 years?

KP: Greater education and awareness around our growing digital world. Organizations and the people working within them will have more choices around how and when to use various digital channels. Yet, they will not have thought through the implications, thereby taking unnecessary risks and bypassing business opportunities.

MG: What is the biggest initiative you’re working on right now?

KP: I am deploying a global digital policy repository that governs all digital products, services, marketing, and communications to an organization with 98,000 people. The use cases are rich and nuanced according to the locale and digital outcomes. Creating something that meets the needs of such a broad set of stakeholders has been a challenge and the most significant initiative I have ever worked on since we have integrated predictive analysis and innovative delivery to anticipate and guide staff in what they must do to deliver digital with integrity.

MG: What are ways that you give back to your community, organization, industry, etc.?

KP: I volunteer as the Global Digital Policy Advisor at XR Safety Initiative (XRSI) and chair the Metaverse Reality Check (MRC), a global oversight board for and by citizens. This year, I am co-chairing the Policy, Trust, and Governance track of XRSI’s Metaverse Safety Week. In my local community, I sponsor a peer-to-peer women's network to support women re-entering the workforce. 

MG: What advice do you have for building your network and staying connected?

KP: Always focus and ask (vocalize) what you can do for others, whether they are in your network or friends of acquittances. Every week, reach out to at least two colleagues or friends to see how they are doing in their career (and personal life) and if there is anything you can do to support them. I've found this tremendously rewarding, especially when keeping up with former clients or people I haven't been in touch with for a while. People are always surprised when you reach out with no other agenda than to say hi and ask how they are doing. As a result, people organically think of you when an opportunity or exciting effort is underway.

MG: Are you reading any good books right now (or following a blog, podcast, or Twitter feed)?

KP: I am reading Nudge (the final edition), by Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein. I am very interested in how "nudging" can be used in public and corporate policy to improve behavior and get the outcomes we need and want.

MG: If someone wanted to get started in your field, what should they focus on?

KP: Learn as much about Digital as possible and from as many different perspectives as you can. I've been working to enable several digital policy stewards in client organizations. I am always surprised at how great of a job individuals do when they combine their knowledge (of data, technology, privacy, etc.) and their interest in seeing their organization succeed. Asking, "What can go wrong?" or "What have we not done before that could help us achieve a better outcome?" goes a long way in balancing risks and opportunities. Also, read tech news…a lot.

MG: If you could wave a magic wand, what’s one thing you would change and why?

KP: I would make everyone understand how interconnected we are at work or in our day-to-day lives. Inside your organization, nothing gets done without working in a coordinated way. And if you are already coordinated, then think about how much better the outcomes would be if you were ever more coordinated with other business units or departments. Now think about the strides we could make towards climate change, equity, and any different outcomes we strive towards—personally or as a society.

MG: Outside of family and work, what are you really passionate about?

KP: I am a runner. I run at least four days a week. I run with friends or by myself. I run marathons, 5Ks, and anything in between. I run with a watch to track my time, without any device, and just because I can. It's how I see new cities, especially when on business trips and I don't have time to tour or get to know a place, and how I notice little things about my neighborhood that I would otherwise overlook if I were in a car. 

MG: If you could take a dream trip anywhere, where would you go?

KP: I’ve been fortunate to have traveled to many places in my life, for work as well as personal objectives. I've not been to the African continent yet and could see myself spending time exploring Tanzania, Serengeti, or Seychelles. 

MG: Do you have a favorite quote or pearls of wisdom that have inspired you?

KP: As I get older, I look up to Meb Keflezighi and realize that his words of wisdom serve me well in work and my personal life. My favorite quote from Meb is, "Once you've committed yourself to something, pace yourself to the finish line."

MG: What’s the best way for people to get in contact with you?

KP: I am active on Twitter and LinkedIn. Also, my website kpodnar.com is an excellent place to leave a message.

About LinkedIn Spotlights

Over the years, I have worked alongside and connected with incredible people doing incredible things all over the world. Entrepreneurs, government and corporate leaders, as well as innovators from the non-profit and academia worlds. With a large and growing network on LinkedIn, I realized that I already know all of the people with whom I'm connected, but they may not know each other. So I created Spotlights as a vehicle to help me shine a light on amazing people and the work they do and introduce them to the rest of my network. MWGrigs.com