Effective Date: 01/01/2023

Quick Summary: What You Need to Know

We respect your time, your inbox, and your boundaries. Here’s the short version:

  • We collect your name and email only when you choose to give it—like when downloading a freebie, signing up for the newsletter, or messaging us.
  • When you grab a freebie, your email also goes on our marketing list for SterlingPhoenix.net and FueledBySuccess.com, our sister brand.
  • We never sell your data. Ever. Not to marketers. Not to affiliates. Not to AI overlords.
  • We use cookies (Google Analytics, Substack analytics, and social media pixels) to make the site better and track what helps you most. You can disable them anytime.
  • We use trusted U.S.–based tools like MailPoet, Brevo, Substack, Gravity Forms, and Google to run this site and email list.
  • You can unsubscribe, update, or delete your info at any time—just email [email protected].
  • This site is run under the professional pen name “Sterling Phoenix.” All communications come from that identity, with integrity.

If you want the full legal version, keep reading below.

1. Who We Are

SterlingPhoenix.net (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is an educational and thought leadership website operated under the professional pseudonym “Sterling Phoenix.” The site is owned and managed by Karie Barrett. Communications and content are delivered under this brand identity. Legal business and financial operations are managed by Fueled by Success, LLC.

2. What Personal Data We Collect

We may collect and process the following types of information:

  • Contact information (your name and email) when you sign up for newsletters, downloads, or submit forms.
  • Freebie signups – when you download a freebie, you also agree to receive ongoing emails from SterlingPhoenix.net and FueledBySuccess.com.
  • Demographic data you choose to provide (e.g., industry, role).
  • Browser and device data (via cookies and analytics tools).
  • Form data submitted via Gravity Forms.
  • Comment data (if enabled), including name, email, IP address, and browser info.
  • Media metadata if you upload images (EXIF/GPS location data).

We do not knowingly collect data from children under 13.

3. How and Why We Use Your Data

We process your data for specific purposes, based on the following legal grounds:

  • Consent: To deliver newsletters, freebies, and marketing from SterlingPhoenix.net and FueledBySuccess.com.
  • Legitimate Interest: To respond to your inquiries and improve site performance.
  • Contractual Necessity: If you purchase paid resources, to deliver your order and provide support.

We use your data to:

  • Send newsletters, freebies, and product updates.
  • Share related tools and offers from FueledBySuccess.com.
  • Respond to contact form inquiries.
  • Improve website experience and performance through analytics.
  • Prevent spam or unauthorized access.

You can opt out of marketing emails anytime via the unsubscribe link.

4. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and tracking technologies to make this site function and improve performance. These include:

  • Google Analytics for site traffic and behavior data.
  • Substack analytics for newsletter and engagement tracking.
  • Medium analytics for newsletter and engagement tracking.
  • Social media pixels (Meta, LinkedIn, Pinterest) for marketing and retargeting.
  • Session and login cookies (if you comment or contribute).

You can disable cookies in your browser settings at any time, or decline them via our cookie banner.

5. Embedded Content from Third Parties

Posts may include embedded content (videos, podcasts, articles). These behave as if you visited the third-party site directly, which may collect data and use cookies. We are not responsible for third-party privacy practices.

6. Third-Party Services

We rely on secure U.S.–based third-party providers, including:

  • MailPoet, Brevo, and Substack (email marketing + newsletters).
  • Google Analytics (website analytics).
  • Gravity Forms (form submissions).
  • Social platforms (for analytics/ads).

These providers may process limited data such as IP addresses, browser info, and engagement metrics.

7. How Long We Keep Your Data

  • Newsletter and subscriber data: until you unsubscribe, request deletion, or we discontinue the service.
  • Freebie downloads: treated the same as newsletter signups.
  • Comments and metadata: indefinitely unless you delete them.
  • Contact messages: typically retained for one year.
  • Cookies: vary by tool (session-only to 1 year).

8. Your Rights

You can at any time:

  • Request a copy of your personal data.
  • Ask us to update, correct, or delete your info.
  • Withdraw consent (unsubscribe or contact us).
  • Decline cookies.

To exercise your rights, email [email protected].

9. Where Your Data Is Processed

Your information may be transferred to and processed in the United States by our service providers (Google, Substack, MailPoet, Brevo, Gravity Forms, and social platforms).

10. How We Protect Your Data

We implement reasonable safeguards, including:

  • SSL encryption.
  • Secure form submission.
  • Limited internal access.
  • Use of reputable platforms with data protection protocols.

We never sell or rent your data.

11. Policy Updates

We may update this policy as tools, laws, or business needs change. Updates will be posted here with a new effective date. Continued use of the site after updates means you accept the changes.

Questions or Concerns?

Contact us at: [email protected]
or write to us via our Contact Page