The 2021 Women Leaders in Technology: Kathryn McCarthy

"Working in technology consulting can be extremely demanding, and women often feel the need to work even harder to earn recognition and maintain a steady work-life balance. These are difficult but important issues, particularly for women because we have a lot to juggle. So, personally, I'm proud of the fact that I've been able to find a way to have a very satisfying personal life and work life, even if they aren't always in balance. And I've made it a priority to mentor women on my team in finding a work-life dynamic that works for them."

She asserts that awards like Consulting Leading Women in Technology are meaningful because women's achievements often go unrecognized or underrecognized. "This is especially true in technology because it remains a male-dominated industry. While I appreciate this award as an acknowledgment of my leadership, I view it as a win in uplifting all of the talented and innovative women in this field. It's also a reflection of my team's commitment to excellence in client service, collaboration, and our practice overall."

In her previous role at a law firm, McCarthy's experience as an e-discovery expert was valued but outside of the normal law firm core practice at that time. "While I felt appreciated, I sometimes felt that my upward trajectory at the firm was limited. When I was considering moving on from the firm, my mentor advised me to take a role where my experience would be most impactful. Even though this mentor didn't want to lose me as part of his team at the firm, he was encouraging of me making the move from law to consulting and supported me through that transition to the role I'm in today. His advice to believe in my expertise and pursue opportunities where that expertise is most valued was instrumental in challenging me to go outside my comfort zone and make a career-changing move where I was able to find immediate success."

Q&A: What unique challenges have you experienced being a female consultant in the technology field?

"As a senior woman in technology, it's important to establish legitimacy and qualifications. Sometimes, when a woman comes to a project, people are surprised to see a woman—or they may be happy to have a diverse team, but still be skeptical of whether or not she has truly earned her seat at the table. This means women are under added pressure to prove that they belong. Having spent almost two decades in Big Law gave me a step up on this. I can arrive at client matters with my background and demonstrate that I know what I'm doing and can relate to what it's like to be in their shoes.

The key to overcoming this challenge is for women to trust their own expertise and authority. It's important to stay confident that you do belong, and remember to advocate for yourself and other women."