This blog is part of our ongoing Women in Technology series.
Karin Page, Esq. is a Senior Director of Consilio’s Project Management team with over 7 years of eDiscovery experience. Karin is a former litigation attorney with over 10 years of experience litigating large complex commercial litigation, complex securities fraud litigation and class action lawsuits, and working on eDiscovery issues ranging from managing a team of project managers, workflow management and processes, data collection, early case assessment, data processing, technology assisted review, and productions. With her combined legal background and eDiscovery experience, Karin excels at managing teams and helping her teams with large projects involving complex issues that are mission critical for clients – most of which are high-stakes government investigations or civil litigation. Karin works to collaborate with the project managers and other departments ensuring great customer service, quality work product, and timely deliverables. Karin is a licensed attorney and received her B.A. in Finance from the University of Northern Iowa, her J.D. from Western New England University School of Law, and her L.L.M in Transnational Business Practice from the University of the Pacific – McGeorge School of Law. Karin also has various certifications from Relativity, Everlaw, and Brainspace.
How did you get into this industry?
I practiced law in NYC in the Securities Fraud Litigation field for over 10 years. Throughout those years, I used a few different platforms during our discovery process. At one point seven years ago, a friend that made the leap from practicing law into eDiscovery asked me if I would be interested in Project Management for a vendor. I was pretty burnt out from having recently been on two big cases – one that went to trial and one that settled on the doorsteps of trial. I was looking for a change and I decided to jump into the deep end. I have not looked back once. I can’t think of a better career change for myself!
What were some pivotal moments in your career that helped to get you to where you are today?
One of the biggest pivotal moments, I share below in the next question, however, the other big pivotal moment was as I described above, making that leap to a new career. When I first started in eDiscovery, I worked at a large vendor for about a year and a half when a smaller vendor approached me. I again made a leap of faith and was given a true gift of an abundance of opportunities to learn and grow while working at the smaller vendor which is now part of the Consilio family. I had great strong female leadership guiding me down an amazing career path.
In a little over 5 years, I made the progression from Project Manager to Senior Director of Client Services/Project Management. I attribute this to the mentorship provided and the faith the leadership team always had in me to set forth new initiatives and workflows and to just be myself.
Have you ever noticed a time in your career where your gender proved to differentiate you?
The road to being a woman, in a leadership role in an industry that is now, and always has been filled primarily with men has not been easy. While practicing law there were many times, I was the only female in a meeting which meant I was rarely recognized as an equal. That dynamic made it extremely hard to express my opinions or find my voice. There is one meeting, which, always stands out in my mind. I was the only female but definitely not the most junior person in the room. The senior partner looked me square in the eyes and asked me to take notes. I was about to sink my head and oblige when 2 male colleagues, one a higher-level associate and one a paralegal, spoke up stating I shouldn’t have to take notes. That is the job of a paralegal. I’ll never forget that support from my male colleagues. They both recognized I was selected to take notes because I was the only female in the room. They also knew I was at the table because I was a good lawyer.
It has been 15 years since that meeting. It was a pivotal moment that changed my mindset on being a successful woman and beyond that a successful leader. I was at that meeting because I was good at my job. I decided to exude that confidence in a strong and graceful manner.
What is your advice for someone working in a predominately male workplace?
Along the way, in my two careers, I have reported to both male and female bosses, but most have been female since entering the eDiscovery world. I have been blessed to be surrounded by strong, supportive women. I believe the mentorship and guidance of these women paved the pathway I am now on and lead me personally and professionally.
Along my career path and now as a Senior Director in Client Services I frequently encounter strong willed male (and many times female) personalities. My day-to-day approach is to apply the knowledge instilled in me by my women mentors. I approach these individuals with strength, kindness, and openness while at the same time expressing my understanding of their position backed by solid reasoning to support my position.
Finally, my advice to others, no matter your gender or position, you should always lead with grace and compassion. You don’t need to be the loudest person or stir the pot the most to be recognized. Just be yourself and fill the space with grace, caring, confidence, and compassion, and remain true to yourself. Always listen, learn, and watch, not just about work-related topics but also about the people around you.
There is a certain responsibility that comes with stepping into a leadership role as a woman. Remaining true to who you are is one of the biggest responsibilities of all.
What do you think companies could do to motivate more women to pursue careers in technology?
Our eDiscovery world is currently busting at the seams with Women in Leadership positions. I believe that continuing to showcase amazing and successful women and highlighting their real-life experiences is a step in the right direction. I recently interviewed and hired a new project manager that was extremely excited to join a team with an abundance of women in leadership. I believe this gives hope and allows for other women to grow and shine. The mentorship of strong female leaders was everything to me and I plan to continue that tradition. I believe it is pivotal for us to support each other in growth, and as I shared above it helps to have colleagues, whether they are male or female, that are willing to have your back and help you succeed every step of they way.