This blog is part of our ongoing Women in Technology series.
Emmeline Pidgeon joined Consilio’s UK Sales Team in July 2021 as a Regional Manager, managing new business and existing client relationships. She has over nine years of technology experience, with the last three years being within the eDiscovery and legal technology space. She assists clients with deploying technology, which helps to increase efficiency and reduce legal costs associated with the management of electronic evidence during a dispute. Building long-lasting relationships and clients trust is what she strives to achieve.
How did you get into this industry?
I have always been in technology sales throughout my professional career, although my path to legal technology was very much the right opportunity at the right time. I had a friend who knew of a company that needed to grow their eDiscovery sales team and, knowing nothing about the industry, I jumped in head first! It took me a while to learn eDiscovery and the needs of clients, but applying my knowledge of technology and problem solving to this area, allowed me to adapt my skills into helping those organizations understand our niche offerings.
What were some pivotal moments in your career that helped to get you to where you are today?
My field sales experience has taught me that things are always better said in person, and relationships evolve from building a face-to-face connection. I have also drawn on my past experiences of managing people to know that you can lead from the front and be the challenger for change. I think leaning on those experiences allows you to evolve constantly. I have also been lucky enough to be surrounded by great colleagues and mentors who have helped carve my eDiscovery path along the way.
Have you ever noticed a time in your career where your gender proved to differentiate you?
Generally, as a woman, you have to work twice as hard to prove that you are just as good as a male who works in the same role as you. For example, I was promoted to a Sales Manager role quite early in my career. I believe the promotion somewhat solidified my talent to my male co-workers, and I remember feeling like I had to work twice as hard to show I deserved the title. I also don’t often get invited to partake in client football events!
What is your advice for someone working in a predominately male workplace?
First, look at the women you are surrounded by within your workplace and ask what got them to where they are. Ask questions, be passionate, and always strive to know more. Also, don’t be afraid to have your own opinions that are not the same as the males you work with. A diverse workforce allows for more diverse ideas to be formed and executed.
What do you think companies could do to motivate more women to pursue careers in technology?
First, show and tell the different areas of technology that are exciting and that have proven career success for women. Highlight that women are just as good at understanding and learning about technology.