About Me

I am a technology advisor, foresight expert, lawyer, entrepreneur, business mentor, international facilitator, and advocate for digital freedoms and human rights. I have a multi-disciplinary background which includes law, standardization, regulation, economics, innovation and science policy (FinTech), space studies, technology and design (IoT/Smart Homes)...but also literature, feminist theory, drama, music, languages and cultural studies. My PhD work was on smart homes and IoT for the elderly and disabled, during which I designed a living lab and simulation software for alerting caregivers and medical professionals. My MSc was on lead-user innovation in FinTech. I qualified as a lawyer, passing the bar in Canada, and specializing in technology law and competition law.

Work Stuff

  • I led early discussions at the international level on the impact of technology on society, in particular on mobile/smart phones and the evolution of human behaviour, on big data, digital identity and privacy, and on the socio-ethical considerations of smart connected devices and IoT (see Research Gate and Psychology Today).
  • I was lead author of the first international publication of its kind on the IoT in 2005 (see BBC: UN Predicts `Internet of Things`). I was also part of early international discussions on Digital Identity, and was lead author of the 2006 UN publication on Digital Life featuring the topic (see digital life).
  • I have lectured on media regulation and media law including issues such as free speech and IPRs. In a past life, I was a human rights researcher and dedicated my legal aid work to fight for the rights of those inflicted with HIV/AIDS.
  • I oversaw the design and strategic transformation of large programmes, from industry exchanges to global decision-making forums. I also have substantial experience in moderating/chairing high-level conferences (e.g. European Union) and facilitating decision-making in multicultural and multi-stakeholder environments.
  • I've designed programs to reduce gaps between developing and developed countries in their ability to influence international tech and policy standards, and facilitated international collaboration within and between regions (Americas, Africa, Asia, Europe, Arab States) among businesses, civil society and governments. (see The New Times: Experts Move to Bridge Digital Gaps in Africa).
  • I have a solid track record in writing and advising on matters related to law, regulation and governance in the tech industry (see for example Telecommunication Regulation Handbook (The World Bank/infoDev, 2011).
  • I provide assistance to tech startups, through mentorships and leadership coaching, with a particular interest in mentoring young women entrepreneurs.

Play

I love to travel, explore different cultures, and meet new people - having lived in 15 cities in 8 different countries. I tried my hand at skydiving, spelunking, and white water rafting and have challenged my comfort zone in other adventure sports, such as stand-up comedy. I volunteer as a mentor for young people coming out of the foster care system and believe in the power of meditation and in the ability of the body to heal itself naturally.

I used to host a live phone-in political affairs show and my favourite stage roles have been as the Wicked Witch in Snow White, Masha in Chekov's Three Sisters, and Nancy in the musical Oliver! and I once had a role in a feature-length film.

Inspiration

My grandfather has always been an inspiration to me. A freedom fighter who stood for justice and human rights in a nation oppressed, he was frequently imprisoned for it, alongside Gandhi. He was a criminal lawyer often seen riding his black stallion in the foothills of the Himalayas, helping guide a nation to independence.

I became a lawyer to follow in his footsteps and that is why today I advocate for liberty, freedom and the rule of law in this pervasively digital and hyperconnected world.

Hope

I appreciate the ways in which technology can help solve important social and planet-wide problems. However, I am also concerned about how technology for technology’s sake alone can have a devastating impact on social progress, civil liberties, and society as a whole. I believe that a renewed awareness of the interdependence of society (and of people) is vital to solving our current human crises, from authoritarianism and corporate greed to pandemics, climate change and the surveillance society.

My hope is that in the 21st century, we can work together towards creating a world in which there is more empathy, serenity, equity and humanity.