The most effective first step to operationalize Privacy by Design principles in new product development and projects is to obtain leadership buy-in for a mandatory privacy review and approval process. Leadership support is crucial for integrating privacy considerations into the core processes and ensuring that privacy becomes a priority throughout the organization. According to IAPP, gaining the commitment of top management sets the tone for the entire organization, fostering a culture that values and prioritizes privacy, thereby facilitating the successful implementation of Privacy by Design principles.