Swati Sharma Brings a Privacy-First Mindset to Pluralsight

As associate general counsel at Pluralsight, Swati Sharma’s passion for intellectual property (IP), privacy, cybersecurity, and technology runs deep. It’s a passion that was born out of “personal intrigue and professional necessity,” she says.

“As I embarked on my educational and career journey, I encountered Neil Postman’s Technopoly, which vividly depicts a society deeply influenced by technology, reshaping everything from politics to truth itself. This revelation, while captivating, also instilled a sense of concern,” she remembers.

She continues: “My subsequent exploration of the intricate legal and ethical frameworks surrounding IP, data protection, and cybersecurity was further fueled by my background in product development. Witnessing firsthand the imperative of safeguarding innovation and user privacy in a rapidly evolving digital landscape solidified my commitment to these disciplines,” Sharma says.

After completing a political science undergraduate degree and a law degree from Brigham Young University, Sharma delved into human rights and antitrust work at the Washington DC office of Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll. Following that role, she transitioned into positions as a privacy compliance attorney at Clearlink and an associate legal counsel at Adobe. In each position, she played a pivotal role in providing legal support at all stages of product development, including negotiating protections in IP, privacy, cybersecurity, and technology.

In 2022, she brought her expertise to Pluralsight, a global cloud-based technology skills platform aimed at enhancing proficiency in various tech domains. It offers skill assessments, a curated library of expert-authored courses, directed learning paths, interactive content, and business analytics.

The company provides technology leaders with insights into workflow patterns for objective measurement of software developer productivity, online development, and IT training services worldwide that cater to professional developers, IT administrators, and creative artists across diverse sectors. In her role, she leads the privacy, cybersecurity, and IP legal team, fostering a privacy-first mindset and implementing robust protocols. Sharma continues to secure valuable IP protection for cutting-edge products and technologies.

“Technology grows at such a fast pace and keeping up with the changes is exciting, especially when you’re positioned as a vanguard in ensuring privacy rights aren’t compromised,” says Sharma, a Nepal native. “In my role, I wear numerous hats and am able to influence change by forming relationships in different departments and helping the whole company think privacy first.”

In addition to bringing that privacy-first approach to Pluralsight, Sharma is focused on advising the organization on artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) compliance, conducting cybersecurity risk assessments, and championing privacy by design principles within product development cycles.

As a leader in the IP, privacy, technology, and cybersecurity space, several issues occupy her thoughts, from the ongoing discourse on data privacy and AI/ML regulations to the escalating threats of cyberattacks and IP theft. “Those challenges have made vigilance and innovation more important than ever,” she says.

“Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and quantum computing present unprecedented opportunities alongside profound ethical dilemmas,” Sharma explains. “Drawing inspiration from Isaac Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics, I approach AI and machine learning-related legal guidance with a focus on ethical considerations and human well-being. This intersection between technology and humanity fascinates me deeply as these advancements shape our language, culture, and even thought processes.”

Sharma strongly believes in the role women can play in making an impact in that space. That’s why she often engages in mentorship initiatives to empower and elevate their voices.

“Many women struggle with self-doubt and imposter syndrome. Many give credit to everyone but themselves and always want to go the extra mile to prove their worth or to prove themselves,” she says. “As a leader, I like to highlight the fact that I’m nothing without my colleagues and I offer encouragement constantly so they can believe in themselves and their abilities.”

Sharma is looking forward to “contributing to a more secure and equitable world for all.”

“My dedication to IP, privacy, cybersecurity, and technology extends beyond professional realms—it’s integral to my identity,” she says. “I firmly believe that fostering innovation necessitates a steadfast commitment to protecting IP rights, preserving privacy, and mitigating cyberthreats. As I navigate these complex landscapes, I’m reminded of the profound influence technology holds on humanity’s future.”

Sharma credits much of her success to her drive to learn continuously, and she advises young professionals to develop a similar passion for learning.

“My late grandmother often said, ‘Always be hungry,’” Sharma says. “Ask for more, not just in terms of a higher salary, but seek a position where you can be positioned to gain deep knowledge. Be hungry, stay curious, question the status quo, and challenge the norm. That will make you grow automatically. People will grow to see that you are what you preach and then they’ll trust you, respect you, and invite you to be a credible voice at the table.”