Privacy Policy
Effective Date: 7/1/2025
Last Updated: 7/1/2025
1. Introduction
Welcome to the official website for "The Heart in Leadership Answer: The Foundation and The Mastery" by Guy R. Melton. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect your personal information when you visit our website http://theheartinleadershipanswer.com (the "Website"), purchase our products, or interact with our services.
We are committed to protecting your privacy and being transparent about our data practices.
2. Who We Are
Data Controller: Guy R. Melton
Business Address: 4801 E. Milton Drive, Cave Creek, AZ 85331
Email: guy@theheartinleadershipseries.com
Phone: 480.433.5393
3. Information We Collect
3.1 Personal Information You Provide
- Purchase Information: Name, email, billing/shipping address, phone number
- Account Registration: Username, password, profile preferences
- Communications: Messages, reviews, feedback, customer service inquiries
- Newsletter Subscriptions: Email address and communication preferences
- Survey Responses: Feedback about our book, leadership insights, preferences
3.2 Payment Information
Important: We do not store credit card information. Payment processing is handled securely by [Payment Processor Name] in compliance with PCI DSS standards. Please review their privacy policy at [Payment Processor Privacy Policy Link].
3.3 Automatically Collected Information
- Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers
- Website Usage: Pages viewed, time spent, navigation patterns, referral sources
- Location Data: General geographic location based on IP address (not precise location)
- Performance Data: Page load times, error reports, website functionality metrics
3.4 Cookies and Similar Technologies
We use the following types of cookies:
- Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality (cannot be disabled)
- Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our site
- Marketing Cookies: Used to show relevant content and advertisements
- Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and choices
You can manage cookie preferences through our [Cookie Settings] or your browser settings.
4. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR Compliance)
We process your personal information based on:
- Contractual Necessity: To fulfill book orders and provide services
- Legitimate Interests: To improve our website, prevent fraud, and communicate about relevant products
- Consent: For marketing communications and non-essential cookies
- Legal Compliance: To meet tax, accounting, and other legal obligations
5. How We Use Your Information
5.1 Primary Uses
- Process and fulfill orders for "The Heart in Leadership Answer" and related materials
- Provide customer support and respond to inquiries
- Send order confirmations, shipping notifications, and important account updates
- Improve website functionality and user experience
- Prevent fraud and ensure security
5.2 Marketing Communications (With Your Consent)
- Leadership insights and tips newsletter
- New book releases and related publications
- Speaking engagement announcements
- Relevant training and coaching opportunities
- Exclusive content for subscribers
You can opt-out anytime using the unsubscribe link in emails or by contacting us.
5.3 Analytics and Improvement
- Understand which content is most valuable to readers
- Optimize website performance and navigation
- Develop new products and services based on reader interests
- Conduct market research (anonymized data only)
6. Information Sharing - We Are Selective
6.1 Trusted Service Providers
We only share information with carefully vetted partners who help us serve you better:
E-commerce & Fulfillment:
- [Payment Processor] - Secure payment processing
- [Shipping Company] - Book delivery and logistics
- [E-commerce Platform] - Website functionality
Communications:
- [Email Service Provider] - Newsletter delivery and customer communications
- [Customer Service Platform] - Support ticket management
Analytics & Marketing:
- Google Analytics - Website usage analysis (anonymized)
- [Social Media Platforms] - If you engage with our social content
- [Advertising Platforms] - To show relevant ads (if applicable)
6.2 Legal Disclosures
We may disclose information when required by law, court order, or to:
- Protect against fraud or security threats
- Enforce our terms of service
- Protect our legal rights or those of others
- Comply with regulatory requirements
6.3 Business Transfers
If our business is sold or merged, your information may be transferred to the new owners under the same privacy protections.
We will never sell your personal information to marketers or advertisers.
7. Your Privacy Rights
7.1 Universal Rights
- Access: Request a copy of your personal information
- Correction: Update inaccurate or incomplete information
- Deletion: Request removal of your personal information
- Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications
- Data Portability: Receive your data in a standard format
7.2 Additional Rights (GDPR/CCPA)
- Object to Processing: For marketing or legitimate interest purposes
- Restrict Processing: Limit how we use your information
- Withdraw Consent: For consent-based processing
- Non-Discrimination: We won't penalize you for exercising privacy rights
To exercise your rights, email us at guy@theheartinleadership.com
8. Data Security - Our Commitment
8.1 Technical Safeguards
- SSL/TLS Encryption: All data transmission is encrypted
- Secure Hosting: Website hosted on secure, monitored servers
- Access Controls: Limited employee access on need-to-know basis
- Regular Updates: Security patches and software updates
- Backup Systems: Secure data backup and recovery procedures
8.2 Organizational Safeguards
- Employee Training: Regular privacy and security training
- Incident Response: Procedures for handling potential data breaches
- Vendor Assessment: Security requirements for all service providers
- Regular Audits: Periodic security assessments
If a data breach occurs, we will notify affected users within 72 hours as required by law.
9. Data Retention - We Keep What We Need
- Order Information: 7 years for tax and legal compliance
- Marketing Communications: Until you unsubscribe or request deletion
- Website Analytics: 26 months (Google Analytics default)
- Customer Service Records: 3 years after last interaction
- Account Information: Until account deletion requested
10. International Data Transfers
For EU Residents: If we transfer your data outside the EU, we ensure adequate protection through:
- Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the European Commission
- Adequacy Decisions for countries with approved privacy frameworks
- Your explicit consent when required
11. Age Restrictions
Our website and services are intended for adults (18+) interested in leadership development. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13, or under 16 in the EU. If we discover such collection, we will delete the information immediately.
12. State-Specific Rights
12.1 California Residents (CCPA/CPRA)
You have additional rights including:
- Right to Know: Categories and sources of personal information collected
- Right to Delete: Request deletion of personal information
- Right to Opt-Out: Of sale of personal information (we don't sell personal info)
- Non-Discrimination: Equal service regardless of privacy choices
12.2 Other U.S. States
We comply with applicable state privacy laws including Virginia VCDPA, Colorado CPA, and Connecticut CTDPA.
13. Cookies and Do Not Track
13.1 Cookie Management
- Essential Cookies: Always active (required for website function)
- Analytics Cookies: Can be disabled in [Cookie Settings]
- Marketing Cookies: Require consent, easily managed
- Third-Party Cookies: From integrated services (Google, social media)
13.2 Do Not Track Signals
We currently do not respond to Do Not Track browser signals, but you can control tracking through cookie settings and browser preferences.
14. Third-Party Services and Links
Our website may include:
- Social Media Widgets: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter integration
- Analytics Services: Google Analytics, other measurement tools
- External Links: To related resources, partner sites, references
These third parties have their own privacy policies. We recommend reviewing them before sharing information.
15. Updates to This Policy
We review this Privacy Policy annually and update it when:
- We add new features or services
- Legal requirements change
- We change data practices
- User feedback suggests improvements
How we notify you of changes:
- Email notification for material changes (if subscribed)
- Website banner for 30 days after updates
- Updated date at the top of this policy
16. Contact Us - We're Here to Help
General Inquiries: guy@theheartinleadershipseries.com
Phone: 480.433.5393
Mail: 4801 E. Milton Drive, Cave Creek, AZ 85331
Response Time: We aim to respond to privacy requests within 30 days.
17. Dispute Resolution
If you have concerns about our privacy practices:
- Contact us directly - We want to resolve issues quickly
- Supervisory Authority - EU residents can contact their local data protection authority
- State Attorney General - U.S. residents can file complaints with state authorities
18. Consent and Acknowledgment
By using our website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Privacy Policy. For processing requiring consent, we will obtain clear, affirmative consent before collecting your information.
Effective Date: This policy is effective as of 7/1/2025 and governs all information collected from that date forward.
Privacy Promise: We believe your personal information belongs to you. We're committed to using it responsibly, protecting it carefully, and giving you control over how it's used.
This Privacy Policy was last updated on 7/1/2025 and reflects current best practices for data protection and privacy compliance