Welcome to Risky Business, a limited series in partnership with Trenchcoat Advisors, a risk advisory firm. In an unpredictable, complex, and chaotic world, the business risks are ever-present. To help navigate the challenges ahead, this series delves into the intersection of business and national security — from influence operations and sabotage to hostage diplomacy and investment security, we’re bringing exclusive conversations with leading experts to better understand and anticipate risk!

In episode one, the Burn Bag's A'ndre Gonawela and Trenchcoat's Bill Priestap speak with Jessie Liu about her career in national security and the business risks surrounding data. Jesse takes us through a conversation focusing on how the U.S. Government thinks about data regulations, in addition to data protections for U.S. persons and businesses, including the role CFIUS (The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States) has to play. We also discuss public-private partnerships,  how the private sector works with government on data protection, and whether the Department of Justice and FBI are more reactive than proactive on this issue. The conversation concludes with Jesse's perspective on how her private practice role is contributing to the national security mission. 

Jessie is a partner in the Washington, D.C. office of Skadden, Arps, Slate Meagher & Flom LLP. From 2017-20, Jessie served as the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia. Prior to joining the U.S. attorney’s office, Jessie was deputy general counsel for the U.S. Department of the Treasury.