Women in Technology - Sinda Francis

This blog is part of our ongoing Women in Technology series.

Sinda leads the Legal Services 1 & 2 Verticals in India. In the last 12 years, Sinda has been a founding member or initiative builder for some of the largest eDiscovery providers in India (and the world) – where her roles have seen her build teams, pilot technologies, and develop workflows. Her experience stretches across the entirety of the eDiscovery lifecycle; from processing to client management to review to production. Sinda was an early adopter and innovator in the use of technology-assisted review, something that remains close to her heart. During her eDiscovery journey, she earned a Post Graduate Diploma in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

How did you get into this industry?

I am grateful for the opportunity to work in the eDiscovery industry. I entered the field of eDiscovery due to a referral from my sister. She is a Law Graduate and was working with an eDiscovery document review vendor. Her experiences and insights into the legal field piqued my interest. When she referred me to join the team, I recognized it as a valuable opportunity to be part of this dynamic industry.

What were some pivotal moments in your career that helped to get you to where you are today?

Moving into Legal Technology and Client Services marked a significant and transformative step in my career. Shifting into these roles allowed me to leverage my skills and expertise in a way that has added value to clients and the industry as a whole. I’ve been fortunate to have the right mentors throughout my career who supported, guided and helped me develop both professionally and personally. Building a strong professional network played a crucial role in opening doors to new opportunities. Embracing change and adaptability has been pivotal, as the industry constantly evolves, and being flexible is essential for growth.

Have you ever noticed a time in your career where your gender proved to differentiate you?

Most of the teams that I have worked with had strong leaders who valued skills, talents, and contributions rather than gender or any other personal characteristics. I can proudly say that I am from a generation where the women leaders before us fought for and successfully advanced gender equality, creating more opportunities and fairness for me and the future generations. Their efforts and accomplishments have paved the way for positive change and greater inclusivity in the workspace.

What is your advice for someone working in a predominately male workplace?

Believing in your capabilities, building a strong support system, identifying the right mentors, and not allowing anyone to limit your potential are powerful principles for success in any workplace. Mentors can provide guidance and support, while self-belief and determination can help you overcome obstacles and achieve goals. It’s about recognizing your worth and standing up for yourself.

What do you think companies could do to motivate more women to pursue careers in technology?

Celebrating and advertising the achievements of women leaders in eDiscovery and technology can be a powerful way to inspire and attract more women to pursue careers in this field. Recognizing and promoting the success of women leaders sends a strong message that opportunities are available and attainable for all, regardless of gender. Hiring based on talent, offering flexible work arrangements, treating all employees equally, encouraging women employees to serve as mentors, leaders, and advocates within organization can have a powerful impact on motivating other women to pursue technology careers. When women in tech feel supported and empowered, they can become catalyst for positive change, helping to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.