This blog is part of our on-going Women in Technology series. 
Lisa Albert is a manager in the Law Department Management group here at Consilio. Lisa has been a consultant for Consilio for 3.5 years but has spent about 20 years in various roles for in-house law departments. Lisa earned her Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science from Hofstra University, paralegal certificate from Adelphi University, Master of Arts in Liberal Studies from SUNY Stony Brook, and Master of Science in Instructional Technology from the New York Institute of Technology. Lisa also teaches Instructional Design and Technology as an adjunct professor.
How did you get into this industry?
I always thought that I would be an attorney, but when I graduated from college, I knew that I was not ready to go to law school. While I thought that law school would eventually be in my path, it did not turn out that way, but I don’t see this as a loss. Instead, I went on to get my paralegal certificate and two masters degrees and have had several career pivots to get to where I am today.
Have you ever noticed a time in your career where your gender was an apparent obstacle?
I don’t think my gender has ever truly been an obstacle for me. I don’t tend to look at my profession and success in relation to the fact that I am a woman. However, I have definitely made decisions in my career path based upon my priorities of being a woman and the importance of my family and kids. I only came to consulting 3.5 years ago, and that was in large part because I was not willing to be in a job that required crazy hours and travel until my kids were grown.
What would be your advice for other working women?
I know of the “work-life balance” catchphrase, but I don’t think it’s balance. It is a “fit.” Sometimes you just have to get the job done. There are some weeks when the job gets more of me, while other weeks, my family gets more of me. You have to understand that the fit isn’t going to be exactly the same from day to day.
What do you think companies could do to motivate more women to pursue careers in technology?
The ability to telecommute and flexible work schedules is great, but companies should offer these amenities in general to attract and retain talent. However, I think that it does benefit women, especially those juggling family and work.
One of the things I like about Consilio is that there is an apparent women leadership presence within the company. And then within my department, I have women peers that I work with too.
When you’re not working, how do you spend your free time?
On the weekends, I try to get outside as much as possible – my family has a trailer on a campground in Connecticut, so we often go camping and while there hiking, fishing and to vineyards. At the moment, we are doing a lot more local sightseeing around where we live!