Cimplifi Conversations | Featuring Kristen Taylor

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 Kristen Taylor, director, strategic engagements. Kristen is new to the team, joining in January of this year and in her role, her goal is to  ensure a successful client experience from the initial engagement through completion of the project by consulting, advising, and advocating for the client. She offers a fresh perspective on being a Cimplifi employee. We hope you enjoy learning more about Kristen and seeing what makes the employee experience at Cimplifi special to her.

Amy: Hi Kristen, so nice to speak to you today! Let’s start with a little about your background. Where did you grow up and where are you based now?

Kristen: I am from Tampa Bay, Florida, and moved to Houston, TX about four years ago.

A: A fellow Houstonian! I hope you’re enjoying the city. So, what brought you to Cimplifi?

K: I was looking to join an organization that values innovation and transformative change. Two of my strongest assets are my ability to communicate and my ability to problem-solve. As a former litigation attorney, I am excited to use those skills and my experience as an end-user client to advocate for the implementation of our innovations within the current legal market.

A: Transformative change. I love that! I’m glad you recognized those values at Cimplifi as well. Who or what inspired you to pursue the career you have today?

K: I’m most inspired by my family, peers, and mentors who encourage me to always strive for excellence. One of my favorite proverbs is, “Never stop learning because life never stops teaching.”

A: That’s one of my mottos as well. I’m very passionate about staying a life-long learner. Going back to our values, which one of our company values do you connect with the most?

K: They’re all so important! I think it all comes down to being courageous. Courageousness breeds confidence.

A: And what part(s) of our mission resonates with you most?

K: I connect with the aspect of our mission devoted to offering consultative solutions. Anyone can offer a service. Having a diverse team of experts available to handle complex challenges within a flexible engagement model sets Cimplifi apart.

A: Let’s get this girl a microphone! As you know, we are dedicated to distilling the complex for our clients. Tell me, what is your team like at Cimplifi?

K: The strategic engagements team is special because we all have a particular set of skills from areas like sales, law practice, eDiscovery, and managed review.  In addition to the diversity of experience and perspectives, we all share a common goal of making sure our clients experience superior outcomes that positions the relationship for growth.

A: I totally agree. I’d love to know what you think the most unique part of working at Cimplifi is?

K: I really appreciate the responsiveness and collaboration. Everyone is accessible and willing to assist with accomplishing our mutual goals.

A: I love hearing you say the word “accessible”. I know at every level of management in our organization, we strive hard to ensure we are open, approachable, and available to anyone that works here. Have you been able to grow professionally in the short time you have been here?

K: It’s still early in my journey with Cimplifi, but I am excited to learn more about the legal technology space as a service provider and how I can leverage my prior experience as an end-user to highlight our ecosystem of curated technology.

A: Who are some of your biggest inspirations within the company?

K: Actually, it’s you! Like you, I left the practice of law for a career in business. Your passion for growth in the legal technology space is inspiring. You are a bridge-builder and change-agent.  I am also inspired by CEO, Marc Zamsky’s unrelenting fearlessness and tenacity. As the leader of the sales team, he is truly “hands-on” and cares about the work that we are doing.

A: Wow, I’m incredibly honored! Thank you. Can you tell me more about how Cimplifi employees are empowered to help shape or participate in the company culture?

K: I really appreciate how Cimplifi endeavors to make its team members feel connected, even though most of us work remotely. Our virtual water cooler channel on Slack has been a fantastic resource for relationship building. Also, the employee satisfaction team has done a great job of hosting interactive events that encourage us to get to know each other’s talents and interests outside of legal technology. I’m also really excited about joining the diversity, equity & inclusion committee as it endeavors to model best practices in recruiting, retention, and company culture.

A: I’m glad you’re taking advantage of all these initiatives and look forward to hearing more about your experience. Let’s switch it up a little…what would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?

K: If I could go back in time, I would be a dermatologist. Many people don’t know that I was a pre-med major in college and earned a minor in chemistry.  Ultimately, I decided to abandon my MD dreams for a Juris Doctor degree and a life intertwined with the law. I now live out my dermatological fantasies watching dermatology shows on TV and YouTube.

A: Wow, you’re right, I didn’t know that! At least you still have an outlet to indulge your passion. Give me three words to best describe you.

K: Honest, joyful, and compassionate.

A: And what’s your secret talent no one knows about?

K: I’m pretty good at trivia. Especially as it relates to pop culture.  Growing up, my entire family competed against each other every night while watching “Jeopardy”, so I know a lot of seemingly random information.

A: Ah yes, I remember this from some of our recent trivia contests on Zoom! How do you balance your career and personal life?

K: I have learned the value of time management! My mom used to tell me, “Do the things you HAVE to do first, so you can do the things you WANT to do.”  I make time for the things that are important to me, and everything else gets delegated to someone else or outsourced. Somehow, it all gets done!

A: Your mom is a smart lady! That is excellent advice to pass on to your children at any age. What motivates you to wake up and go to work?

K: I want to live a well-curated life. That requires sacrifice!

A: I hope you find that works for you! And where do you see yourself in five years?

K: In five years, I hope to become a subject-matter expert in the legal technology space. On a personal note, I’d love to get back to my favorite pastime, which is international travel, by visiting Egypt and Colombia.

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.