Cimplifi Conversations | Featuring Carol Bryan

We know the importance of building a company and culture that empowers people to thrive. We offer an environment where you can make an impact and grow and be recognized for the value you deliver.  

 Welcome to our series, Cimplifi Conversations, where we recognize a team member honoring our company values – courageous, reliable, inventive, and adaptable. At Cimplifi, we believe in empowering our people and providing opportunities for professional and personal growth.    

 Recently, Amy Hinzmann, president of Cimplifi, sat down to chat with Carol Bryan, process improvement manager. Starting in 2017 as an eDiscovery analyst, Carol has grown through many roles at Cimplifi, and recently landed in her new role as process improvement manager, facilitating our onboarding program. We hope you enjoy learning more about Carol and seeing what makes the employee experience at Cimplifi special to her.  

 A: Hi Carol! So nice to chat with you today. To kick us off, tell me where you grew up and where are you based now? 

C: I grew up in southern California. In fact, I live in the same childhood house that I grew up in. (I know, I’m so boring!)  But I do have to say there is something touching about seeing my son now growing up in the same home that holds so many of my own childhood memories.  

A: I don’t think that’s boring; I think that is special! What brought you to Cimplifi? 

C: Luck and determination!  I was trying to get into the eDiscovery industry for about a year and a half and just couldn’t seem to find my way in. I joined the Women in eDiscovery Los Angeles chapter to get to know more about the industry and the women involved. At the time I was working as a paralegal about 50 miles outside of downtown Los Angeles and I asked to join them as a volunteer board member to help with their philanthropic work. It was through that experience that a member of the WiE group shared my name with my hiring manager- and the rest is history! 

A: Wow, that’s amazing to hear! As you know, I’m passionate about women helping women in this business – and in life! So, tell me what your role entails at Cimplifi. Take us through a typical day.  

C: One of my favorite things about working at Cimplifi is that every day is different. Currently, I am focused on developing and delivering our onboarding program. When it is an onboarding week and we have a group of new hires joining us my days are filled with training sessions and presentations, which is one of my favorite parts of my role! I really enjoy welcoming new employees, sharing all the useful bits of knowledge I have collected over the years, and introducing them to the amazing colleagues we get to work with at Cimplifi.  For those weeks that I am not actively onboarding a new employee I am busy building new workflows, refining existing training content, and preparing for the next group. I always have something exciting to look forward to each day.  

A: You’re definitely a critical part of welcoming our new employees. I appreciate all you do! Who or what inspired you to pursue eDiscovery as a profession? 

C: I was enrolled in a paralegal program at Cal State LA about six years ago and I took an eDiscovery course as an elective because it sounded interesting. I had an extremely engaging professor that really sparked my interest in eDiscovery. I was instantly hooked and wanted to find a way to join the industry. I owe it all to my professor!  

A: Teachers have such a profound impact on their students – no matter the age! Speaking of impact, which of our company values do you connect with the most? 

C: I would have to say “adaptable” is the company value I connect with the most. Remaining agile in your environment is something that I believe is essential to remaining successful in any situation.  In my experience with the eDiscovery project management team, I learned how quickly things change, and remaining nimble in our process is what allows for successful workflows to be built around complex situations.  

A: Yes, so true! I think our agility and adaptability sets Cimplifi apart. So great to hear your connection with that company value. Now, what part(s) of our mission resonates with you most? 

C: The ability to empower our clients by delivering control while also providing consultative solutions really resonates with me because I have seen the effective outcomes time and time again. Cimplifi is always working to give clients our best support while actively helping them increase their ability to control their matters in a way that works best for them.  

A: I love that too – being transparent, honest, and living up to what we preach! Are there resources you have been able to take advantage of while at Cimplifi? 

C: Cimplifi has always been supportive of our professional education. I have had the opportunity to earn certifications, from studying and passing the ACEDS exam to various Relativity certifications. Thankfully, the company’s support of professional development for their employees has made a huge impact on my ability to attain and maintain these certifications.  

A: That’s great. I keep hearing this from our employees and I love being in an environment where our team members are able to grow! What do you think is the most unique part of working at Cimplifi? 

C: The opportunity for growth. Instead of a linear path, there has been a flexibility in my career track that has really encouraged the best form of professional advancement.  I have been able to shift and grow in my roles during my time here which has allowed me to develop myself professionally and learn more than I ever expected. 

A: Tell me more about that – how have you grown professionally while at Cimplifi? 

C: I started as an eDiscovery analyst, then became an eDiscovery specialist. After a couple years I transitioned to a coordinator role and finally find myself as a process improvement manager. I have learned important technical skills and have gained greater knowledge along the way.  I have also developed a strong work ethic with a desire to be my very best.. Overall, I have grown both in my career path and developed my character along the way.  

A: That’s great to hear. Now more than ever, employees should have the ability to curate their professional experience. I’m proud that Cimplifi has supported you on that journey. Who are some of your biggest inspirations within the company? 

C: Three names come to mind instantly: Megan LaFrance, Sonia Hilton, and Michelle Broxman. They are all incredibly intelligent, always willing to help, and exhibit a strength that is contagious. I look up to them as leaders, mentors, and just down-right good people to be around.   

A: I agree, they are amazing women – like you! On a related subject, how are employees empowered to help shape or participate in the company culture? 

C: We help shape the culture in a few ways, from forming and participating in employee committees, to being the inspiration for the latest technical innovation or process. Personally, I am a part of the employee satisfaction committee, which has allowed me to work with employees in other departments and build a collaborative team culture. Through my involvement with the committee, I have been able to help support some fun team-building activities that have further strengthen our connections with each other – there is nothing quite like sharing a laugh with a coworker.  

A: Carol, it’s been great speaking to you, and I really enjoyed learning more about where you came from, your career aspirations, and experience at Cimplifi. Thank you! 

We are always looking for knowledgeable and passionate people to join our team. Explore our job board to learn more.  Attorneys, data experts, project managers, sales pros, and IT whizzes: this is your opportunity to thrive!  

  Until then, we look forward to introducing you to more of our talented team members that shine and bring dedication and creativity to their role at Cimplifi.