Meet Ann Gorr! I remember the first time I met Ann at my first AIIM conference. We were at Karaoke and I heard this BEAUTIFUL voice singing which put me in awe. If you have not met this Wonder Woman, please reach out here! Read more about Ann in this blog post.
Name Ann Gorr
Position Legal Technology Consultant/Information Governance Strategist
Company Ann Gorr, LLC (Advisory Consulting Practice)
Where do you live?
I live at the “Jersey Shore” as it’s referenced in the Garden State of New Jersey in the US. As an empty-nester, I recently downsized and moved from the big family home in the suburbs to a new townhome located 8 blocks from the relaxing beach at Bradley Beach. For those of you who follow the “What Exit Number?” reference so commonly discussed among those who live in or travel through NJ, I live off of Exit #98 of the Garden State Parkway [Belmar/Spring Lake/Shore Points]. 😊
How long have you worked in information management?
I’m approaching 30 years in the IM/IG/Tech world where I focus on serving the small-to-mid-sized law firms and corporate legal departments (mostly located in the Northeast/MidAtlantic regions) with the development and execution of their information governance strategies and objectives.
What does your work entail? Do you have company support? How are you helping drive the goals of your office through your work?
As an independent consultant, I don’t have to focus on garnering internal corporate support. But perhaps more importantly, I interact with different entities within organizations serving as a champion of change to help drive programs/project support goals for my clients on their technology journey. Change is difficult in almost any aspect of life whether it is in business or personal life ~ so accomplishing meaningful change requires having the ability to translate complex information and processes into simple to understand and concise concepts. That often encompasses having to bring about consensus when there are objections to and/or fears about pending changes. My role primarily revolves around the change management processes required for tech projects to meet with success. I focus on “sprinkling major quantities of empathy” when gathering the business requirements and implementing the change management aspects of “getting technology projects over the fence”!
What has been the biggest success in your career in information management?
Garnering the respect of colleagues, business partners, and clients as a recognized subject matter expert within the legal technology vertical is one way to define my success in the information management realm. But, more importantly, I think “paying it forward” and mentoring and assisting others who are “rising star” professionals within the IM field is infinitely more of a success story than my own personal success. I’m a big believer in leading and mentoring by example. One of my all-time favorite leadership quotes is provided by Nelson Mandela: “When you let your own light shine, you unconsciously give others permission to do the same.”
What’s your current biggest work challenge?
I would say that it’s the separation of work-life versus personal life. As a self-employed consultant, the “Work From Home” routine was already a standard part of my career for the past 20 years prior to COVID. And even then, I had difficulty shutting off my “work mind” because my office is located within my home. As a Type A person and admitted overachiever, I found myself putting in extremely long days. Recent life experiences have challenged me to pivot that thought process and make strides to ensure that there is more of a balance put into place. It’s still a work in process – but I hope to continue striving towards meeting with success and finding a dividing line where there is structured “ME” time.
What does Intelligent Information Management mean to you?
We are in the midst of the 4th Industrial Revolution and major Digital Transformation. In my view, the term “Intelligent Information Management” infers the ability to provide thoughtful and intelligent leadership as we (Information Management Professionals) lead the charge and manage the change necessary to achieve digital transformation for our organizations, clients, and business partners/colleagues.
What are the top 3 things you are looking to get from your AIIM membership?
Networking, Educational, and Business Opportunities
What’s one thing you’re looking forward to in 2021?
I think that I’m looking for the same thing that most people are looking forward to in 2021…. A return to some sense of normalcy in our personal and professional lives subsequent to the havoc that has been wreaked upon all of us with the uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
As an AIIM member, can you share how AIIM’s membership benefits helped you with your career?
The AIIM membership is comprised of a wide swath of professionals encompassing an array of vertical market representation, career pathways, technical backgrounds, and diverse experiences. As someone who thrives on networking opportunities, the AIIM forums, conferences, and programming have afforded me the opportunity to interact with and form new relationships with colleagues across many different spectrums.
More about Ann!
Among her favorite phrases that she encourages to be put into practice are "Do The Right Thing - Always!", "You Really Don't Know What You Really Don't Know" and "It Doesn't Cost Anything To Be Nice …So Just Be Nice!". When she isn’t busy in the technology realm, Ann is a part-time vocalist and serves on a variety of charitable boards.
Favorite Things To Do
- Singing as a vocalist/soloist or in a choral group
- Walking on the Beach/Boardwalk
- Sitting on the beach & watching the waves
- Reading just about any “fun” novel (often at the beach!)
- Spending time with my kids
- Entertaining friends
- Buying & Giving Gifts for friends/family members
- Finding special cards to send for all different kinds of occasions – just because!
- Getting back into a Golfing Routine!
- Participating in Charitable Events/Endeavors
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