This blog is part of our on-going Women in Technology series.
Laura Chukanov is a Regional Director of Sales, located in New York City, and has been with Consilio for over a year now. Laura holds an Association of Certified eDiscovery Specialists (ACEDS) certification and has been a board member of the New York chapter of Women in eDiscovery for the past two years. She graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Art History. To Laura, the most exciting part about working at Consilio is the access to incredibly knowledgeable colleagues who are leaders in the industry.
How did you get into the eDiscovery industry?
I initially was interested in going to law school, when a friend who was working at another eDiscovery company suggested I look into it. I applied for a job based on her recommendation and ended up loving the industry and challenge. I was also intrigued about being in a position that’s tangential to a law career. You are privy to fascinating cases and learn about the most important aspect of litigation, which is managing information and data.
What is your advice for other women looking to enter the eDiscovery field?
My advice for women would be to just go for it – start by asking questions and meeting people in the industry. Figure out what opportunities there are and really trust yourself and your ability to learn what you need to in order to succeed. There are great educational resources available online and many companies offer webinars and white papers highlighting some of the most relevant topics in eDiscovery.
What do you think companies should do to motivate more women to pursue careers in tech?
Companies can do a better job of attracting women into tech jobs by promoting more women to leadership positions. I see a lack of women in C-level positions in a lot of tech companies but am encouraged because that is changing. Supporting organizations like Women in eDiscovery or other tech-focused women’s groups is also a great way to send a message that women bring value and have a place in this industry.
Have there been any particularly influential people or role models in your career?
I have several people I look up to in the industry, some of them being peers. For example, my colleague Cara Lemire started in eDiscovery around the same time I did, and now we’re both here at Consilio. I really admire her work ethic and ability to make a name for herself in this industry. Seeing what my peers are doing and how they do it well has been both motivating and encouraging.
What are your go-to techniques for managing stress, priorities, and a work-life balance?
This industry can definitely be demanding because when dealing with fast deadlines, attorneys and lots of complicated data, things can change quickly and need to be addressed at many different times of the day or night. I try to take time to check in with myself by going outside for a few minutes, working out and staying on top of the latest information by subscribing to relevant publications. It’s also nice having a great group of colleagues to check in with and laugh away some of the stressful moments.
When you’re not working, how do you spend your free time?
When I am not working, I spend my time with friends, being active and having fun with my husband and our adorable new baby, Lili. One of our most favorite things to do is a sunrise dance party called Daybreaker – costumes, music and a great workout!