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An unexpected conversation with a world's leading authority on privacy, who received her law degree when she was 21.

This episode features Bud and Donata Stroink-Skillrud as they discuss Donata's remarkable journey of achieving a law degree at the age of 21. Donata shares her accelerated educational path, beginning with early learning encouraged by her grandfather, then skipping grades and taking Advanced Placement classes, and finally completing college and law school faster than usual. Her story highlights a blend of curiosity, determination, and strategic planning.
Bud and Donata delve into her career trajectory, where after law school, she initially had a hard time finding a job at large law firms but eventually found her niche in business law and privacy law. This interest blossomed during her time at a software development firm, and later led to her founding Termageddon, a service that generates and updates privacy policies and other legal documents for websites.
The conversation extends to Donata's personal background, including her early life in Lithuania under her grandparents' care before moving to the United States. She reflects on her active childhood full of outdoor activities and her family's eventual reunion in New Jersey and Illinois. These formative experiences played a role in shaping her dynamic and driven personality.
Bud and Donata also touch on her work with the American Bar Association, representing them at the United Nations where she addresses various legal issues including privacy. They discuss the complexities and chaotic nature of privacy laws in the US, highlighting the patchwork of state-specific regulations that businesses must navigate.
Finally, the episode explores Donata's life outside of work, including her marriage to Hans and their shared business and personal experiences. Donata emphasizes maintaining a balance between work and personal life and shares their mutual interest in travel and adventure, reflecting a rich, well-rounded life story that underscores the importance of setting personal and professional goals and diligently working toward them.