Privacy Policy & Terms of Service

Last Updated: January 11, 2026

1. Introduction

Grounded (“we”, “us”, or “our”) operates as Fiona Vanderlinde’s professional platform for AI implementation consulting, training, and content publishing. We’re based in Brisbane, Australia, and operate under Australian law.

This document combines our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By using our website, you agree to both.

2. Privacy Policy

2.1 Information We Collect

We collect and process the following information:

  • Contact Information: Name, email address, company name, and job title when you submit forms, subscribe to our newsletter, or inquire about services
  • Website Analytics: Pages visited, time spent on site, referring sources, device type, and browser information via standard analytics tools
  • Cookies: Essential cookies for site functionality and analytics cookies (you can disable these in your browser)
  • Communication Records: Emails, messages, and other correspondence related to consulting engagements or inquiries
  • Payment Information: Processed securely through third-party payment providers (we don’t store credit card details)

2.2 How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Deliver consulting services, training, and content you’ve requested
  • Send newsletters, updates, and relevant content (with your consent)
  • Respond to inquiries and maintain business relationships
  • Improve website functionality and user experience
  • Comply with legal obligations

2.3 Australian Privacy Principles Compliance

We comply with the Australian Privacy Principles under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). This means:

  • We only collect information necessary for our business purposes
  • We’re transparent about how we use your data
  • You can access and correct your personal information
  • We keep your information secure
  • We don’t sell your personal information to third parties

2.4 Data Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information with:

  • Service Providers: Email marketing platforms, website hosting, payment processors, and analytics tools
  • Professional Advisors: Legal, accounting, or business consultants when necessary
  • Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our legal rights

We never sell your personal information. Any third-party providers we use are required to protect your data in accordance with applicable laws.

2.5 International Data Transfers

Some service providers (like email marketing platforms or analytics tools) may store data on servers outside Australia. When this occurs, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information.

2.6 Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as:

  • You remain subscribed to our communications
  • We have an active consulting relationship
  • Required for legal or business purposes

You can request deletion of your data at any time (subject to legal retention requirements).

2.7 Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access the personal information we hold about you
  • Request correction of inaccurate information
  • Request deletion of your information
  • Unsubscribe from marketing communications
  • Lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)

2.8 Security

We implement reasonable security measures to protect your information, including:

  • Secure website hosting with SSL encryption
  • Regular security updates and monitoring
  • Limited access to personal information
  • Secure password management

However, no internet transmission is 100% secure. You provide information at your own risk.

3. Terms of Service

3.1 Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the Grounded website, you agree to these Terms of Service. If you don’t agree, don’t use the site.

3.2 Services Provided

Grounded provides:

  • AI implementation consulting services
  • Sales enablement training and materials
  • Content, articles, and frameworks related to AI in regulated industries
  • Operational maturity assessment and guidance

3.3 Intellectual Property

All content on this website—including articles, frameworks, methodologies, training materials, and assessment tools—is owned by Fiona Treanor/Grounded and protected by copyright.

You may:

  • Read and reference content for your own learning
  • Share links to our content
  • Quote small excerpts with proper attribution

You may not:

  • Reproduce, republish, or redistribute our content without written permission
  • Use our frameworks or methodologies commercially without a license
  • Remove copyright notices or attribution
  • Claim our work as your own

3.4 Consulting Services and Agreements

Consulting services are provided under separate written agreements. These Terms of Service govern website use; consulting engagements are subject to their own contracts.

3.5 Disclaimers and Limitations

Content Disclaimer: The content on this website is for informational purposes. While we draw on 25+ years of industry experience, this content doesn’t constitute professional advice specific to your situation.

No Warranties: We provide the website and content “as is” without warranties of any kind, express or implied.

Limitation of Liability: To the extent permitted by Australian law, we’re not liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of the website.

3.6 Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We’re not responsible for their content or privacy practices.

3.7 User Conduct

You agree not to:

  • Use the website for unlawful purposes
  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of the website
  • Transmit viruses, malware, or harmful code
  • Scrape, copy, or download content using automated tools
  • Harass, abuse, or harm others through the website

3.8 Modifications

We reserve the right to modify these Terms and Privacy Policy at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated “Last Updated” date. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.

3.9 Termination

We may terminate or suspend your access to the website immediately, without notice, for any violation of these Terms.

3.10 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Queensland, Australia. Any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Queensland.

4. Cookie Policy

We use cookies to improve your experience. Cookies are small text files stored on your device.

Essential Cookies: Required for basic website functionality

Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use the site (e.g., Google Analytics)

Marketing Cookies: May be used for newsletter subscription management

You can disable cookies in your browser settings, though this may affect website functionality.

5. Contact Information

For privacy inquiries, data access requests, or questions about these Terms:

Email: [YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS]
Business Name: Grounded / Fiona Treanor Consulting
Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

If you have a privacy complaint and we can’t resolve it, you can contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner at www.oaic.gov.au

6. Special Notes

6.1 Newsletter and Marketing Communications

When you subscribe to our newsletter, we’ll send you:

  • Regular content updates and articles
  • Information about new services or offerings
  • Relevant industry insights and frameworks

You can unsubscribe anytime using the link in every email.

6.2 AI and Data Processing

As an AI implementation specialist, we’re transparent about our own AI use:

  • We may use AI tools to create and enhance content
  • We don’t use your personal information to train AI models
  • Any AI-assisted analysis for consulting work is covered under separate consulting agreements