Trusted Leaders.
Passionate Collaborators.
We thrive on delivering practical results.
Who we are.
We are consultants who specialize in privacy, security, data strategy and a range of cutting-edge technology ethics work. We have seen how privacy, security and ethical frameworks have enabled innovation and developed a competitive advantage for our clients.
What's in a name?
We chose the name "Bamboo" for our company because of the qualities inherent to the bamboo plant.
Bamboo plants are incredibly strong and versatile in their use. At the same time, they hold the world record as the planet’s fastest-growing plant. They are sturdy, but they also remain flexible and agile. They grow tall vertically while also spreading their roots to impact the space around them.
We strongly believe in these qualities of strength, flexibility, and sustainable growth. We want to help our clients enhance those traits within their companies.
Who we work with.
From startups to multinational corporations, all businesses are responsible for personal data they collect, use and disclose. We’ve worked with companies in various industries such as technology, retail, healthcare, telecommunication, finance, insurance, marketing, education and more. We’ve helped companies design cutting-edge privacy and security practices to help them grow in market with integrity and trust.
Our values.
Pivot mistakes into learnings
Mistakes happen. We are human after all. We turn hiccups into meaningful experiences for growth. We pivot failures into opportunities by understanding what went wrong so we can start again even better.
Stay curious
Our insatiable hunger for knowledge empowers us to be perpetual learners and seek knowledge. By staying endlessly curious, we unlock innovative solutions, question the status quo to enrich our expertise and deliver excellence for our clients.
Have fun
Having fun at work is our secret sauce for staying creative and interesting. We infuse our work with laughter and a playful spirit so we can collaborate, innovate, and propel toward triumphs.
Always be humble
True humility begins with acknowledging that no one knows everything. There is always more to learn, discover, and improve on. We are open to the infinite quest for endless improvement.
Be boldly you
We are unapologetically authentic. Creating a vibrant tapestry of diverse perspectives, ideas, and talents drives our success.
Integrity goes without saying…
Our philosophy.
We are not your typical consultants – but you’re not a typical client.
In other words, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all method, especially not in this business.
We do more than just
solve problems.
We teach you sustainable solutions. That way you won’t have to depend on us at every turn. We’ll help you understand the root of your privacy problems and how to better solve them. We will work together to operationalize Privacy by Design by embedding privacy, security, and trustworthiness into each of your processes, products, and services.
We build long-lasting relationships with our clients.
We collaborate with our clients to build privacy, security and trust into their goals, values, and strategies. We’ll teach you practices that can seamlessly become a part of your company culture. That way, your data (and that of your customers) will be protected far into the future.
We listen to you.
We find out what your company’s goals, values, strengths and weaknesses are. Then, we draw on our experience and skills to design unique, creative and strategic solutions. The end goal? A clear future direction and transformative growth for your company.
Sharon Bauer, Founder
Sharon Bauer, named one of the top 20 women in cybersecurity in Canada, is the founder of Bamboo Data Consulting, where she combines legal expertise with a deep passion for privacy and cybersecurity. After thriving as a partner at a Toronto law firm, Sharon took a bold leap into the world of data protection, now helping businesses of all sizes transform privacy risks into strategic advantages while building trust with consumers.
Sharon’s career includes leading KPMG Canada's Privacy by Design Certification program, where she collaborated with top companies across industries like telecom, fintech, retail and tech. With a knack for developing privacy solutions that align with the latest digital trends, Sharon ensures businesses achieve their goals while staying secure and compliant.
Always ahead of the curve, Sharon is a sought-after speaker and writer on emerging privacy issues. Whether you're looking to book her for an upcoming speaking engagement or event, or seeking expert privacy guidance, Sharon’s insights are the perfect addition to any conversation. And when she’s not shaping the future of privacy, she’s hosting unforgettable events and creating unique experiences. Simply put? Sharon is the privacy trailblazer you want in your corner for clear, actionable solutions.
Ross Saunders,
PrivSec Director
Ross Saunders is a global privacy, defensive security, and infrastructure specialist working with numerous industries to implement privacy programs and technical infrastructure controls.
With a background in IT administration, software development, and Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC), he is able to assist in a wide range of disciplines surrounding compliance, security, and privacy, regularly assisting companies with advisory, awareness campaigns, and practical implementation of recommendations.
Ross holds a master’s degree in the Management of Technology and Innovation, and holds designations and certifications in privacy legislation (CIPP/E), ethical hacking (CEH v10), and paralegal practice. Ross currently serves as the co-chair of the Johannesburg chapter of the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) and is a Professional member of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers (CAPS).
In 2019, Ross published a book called “This Is Not What I Signed Up For: A survival guide for first-time managers” to help technical subject matter experts move into management roles. It is available for purchase in eBook and softcover at Amazon.ca.
Lauren Preston,
Privacy Solutions Architect
Lauren is your go-to privacy strategist with a knack for turning complex privacy challenges into practical, business-friendly solutions. With a globe-trotting career that started in South Africa as a lawyer and led to in-house legal counsel at a high-tech financial leader, Lauren has seen it all. From negotiating tech contracts to rolling out GDPR with a "privacy by design" mindset, she’s worked across industries like finance, tech, health, retail, and even the public sector.
Now at Bamboo, Lauren focuses on helping businesses master data compliance and tackle tricky cross-border privacy issues. She knows that building a privacy program isn’t a one-size-fits-all task - it’s about understanding the unique quirks of every organization and finding solutions that actually work. Her favourite challenge? Creating practical strategies that cut down on privacy risks while keeping businesses on track to hit their goals.
For Lauren, it’s not just about compliance; it’s about building a strong privacy culture that earns consumer trust and drives long-term success for organizations. She’s a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/C) and brings a fun, down-to-earth approach to even the most technical privacy conversations.
When she’s not crafting privacy programs, Lauren’s likely outdoors with her family, exploring new places, or working on another DIY project. It’s this same curiosity and passion for discovery that she brings to her work - because why shouldn’t privacy be practical and enjoyable?
Albina Magomedova,
Privacy Analyst
Albina brings a powerhouse blend of governance savvy and a passion for data protection to her role as a Privacy Analyst at Bamboo. With a Master’s in Public Policy from the University of Toronto’s prestigious Munk School, she’s no stranger to tackling complex global affairs. At Bamboo, she’s your go-to expert for navigating the twists and turns of privacy and security, transforming bureaucratic hurdles into smooth, practical solutions.
Albina specializes in identifying privacy risks and crafting sustainable, adaptable privacy programs tailored to businesses of all sizes. Her analytical mindset ensures she dives deep into understanding each client’s unique business culture and objectives. She’s a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/E) with legislative expertise that spans the EU’s GDPR, Ontario’s FIPPA, and PHIPA, and more.
But Albina doesn’t stop at policy. She’s got a competitive streak too! She clinched first place at the 2023 Cyber Security Hackathon, co-hosted by the City of Toronto, SiberX, and Ontario’s Cyber Security Centre of Excellence. Whether she’s writing on cutting-edge privacy and security topics or strategizing for clients, Albina is always one step ahead of emerging tech and trends.
In short? Albina is the perfect ally for your privacy challenges - an expert navigator of the rules and a builder of solutions that work in the real world.
Board of Advisors
Being experts in privacy and security also means that we clearly see that there are many opinions, perspectives and experiences in this ever-evolving landscape. We do not want to miss any blindspots, which is why we have a prestigious Board of Advisors.
“The Data Governance Expert”
Jeff Jockisch is a data governance expert, data privacy researcher and the CEO of PrivacyPlan. He does original research, consults on privacy strategy and data governance, advises privtech startups, and hosts a live weekly show called Your Bytes Your Rights. Jeff is unique in his work creating and managing data sets about data privacy. His independent research focuses on privacy-enhancing tech, privacy regulations, AI, and more, all in an effort to gain insight into the privacy landscape. His understanding of data, data science, and data governance is academic and operational, deriving from experience designing knowledge graphs, working with big data, creating taxonomies and classifiers, managing data quality, and building content management systems.
“The Health Expert”
Jean L. Eaton, BA Admin (Healthcare), CHIM, CC is the Practical Privacy Coach and Practice Management Mentor of Information Managers Ltd. She is an experienced leader in health information. She has worked with multi-disciplinary healthcare service professionals in primary, acute, and tertiary care facilities across Canada. Jean has successfully assisted primary care physicians, chiropractic, dentists, pharmacists, primary care networks, and other health care providers to develop privacy impact assessments (PIA), office policies and procedures, and training regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of health information.
“The U.S. Privacy Expert”
Debbie Reynolds, “The Data Diva,” is a world-renowned technologist, thought leader, and advisor working at the intersection of Data Privacy, Technology, and Law. Ms. Reynolds is an internationally published author, highly sought speaker, and top media presence about global Data Privacy, Data Protection, and Emerging Technology issues. Ms. Reynolds hosts the number one award-winning “The Data Diva” Talks Privacy Podcast. She has been named one of the Global Top Ten Privacy Experts by Martechvibe and, she has been named one of the Global Top 30 CyberRisk Communicators by The European Risk Policy Institute in 2021.
“The GDPR Expert”
Tash Whitaker started her career managing master data, implementing governance and protecting data privacy in the days when Mark Zuckerberg was still writing BASIC on his Atari and GDPR was not yet a four letter word. With over 20 years of experience with Dun & Bradstreet, Cisco and Moorcrofts LLP, Tash now uses her knowledge and experience to guide organizations through their data privacy journey, offering consultancy, advice, and training, as well as data privacy as a service.
With a sound educational background (BA (Hons) CIPP/E, CIPM and a DPO certification from Maastricht University, Faculty of Law), Tash shares her thought leadership by speaking at conferences, industry forums and learns from her extensive LinkedIn network of like-minded professionals.