At CDS, real results matter—but it’s our people who make the real difference. Real People, Real Results, is a monthly blog series spotlighting the incredible individuals behind the work we do.
Each month, you’ll get to know one of our team members—their journey into eDiscovery, expertise, and a little bit of what makes them, well, them. Because at the end of the day, real results start with real people.
This month, meet Jonathan Solomon, our Director, Operational Support leading the charge on enhancing business performance through strategic planning, process improvement, and operational excellence initiatives.
How did you land in eDiscovery?
Believe it or not, I landed by way of office supplies which funny enough, is parallel to the CDS story. I was selling office supplies and ironically GOT SOLD on the opportunity to work in what I was told was “the most exciting industry that most people have never heard of.” That still holds true to this day. At the time, list of potential benefits was long, and in hindsight, that should have been a major red flag since there were no downsides mentioned. What remains true, just as it did on day one is there is never a dull day in eDiscovery. Everyday is an adventure. Long story short, the person that sold me into this journey has become a good friend, and still with me here at CDS, 13 years and counting now… that’s a major green flag, right?
How do you explain what you do to family and friends?
When it comes to family, I actually enjoy the fact that most of them still don’t fully understand what I do. I explain it a little differently every time I’m asked, so my role evolves based on my mood that day. Might as well have fun with it and keep them on their toes!
The best interactions are when I say, “eDiscovery,” and they nod knowingly with an “Oh, okay.” Naturally, I pause and ask, “Do you know what that is?” and they respond, “No, not at all.” I used to give examples, but that led to too many peculiar questions about “deleting data” and “what can and can’t be found,” so I had to shut that down quickly.
These days, I simply say I work in the legal technology field. If there are no follow-up questions, I keep the conversation moving right along. That’s right after clarifying, of course, that I’m not an attorney and do not offer legal advice.
What makes Complete Discovery Source a special place?
It’s undeniably the bond between the people here at CDS. You can’t fake it and you can’t replicate it. At other organizations, connections are often tied to a specific role, department, or years of service. At CDS, the relationships run deeper. People here have grown alongside the company and each other. While growth comes with its challenges, it also strengthens the ties between those involved.
Just look at the number of management positions now held by people who started on the frontlines as project managers or in supporting roles. There’s a shared trust and vision that has been built over time. While the bond at CDS is strong, it’s not exclusionary. As new employees join, they are welcomed and recognize these connections quickly and trust the dynamic.
How has eDiscovery changed since you started, and where do you see it going?
I’ll preface this by saying my experience in eDiscovery has always been from the service provider side. The biggest change I’ve seen is how much more open and transparent the technology and tools have become. I remember a time when these tools were locked away in a “black box.” There were only a handful of “experts,” and getting access to support was challenging. Mostly because they often didn’t know what was wrong either.
Over the years, the blinds have been pulled back. Users now have better access to training, certifications, and, in some cases, development. This transparency will continue to shape the future. Today and tomorrow’s success depends on who can sift through the noise and deliver the best consultative approach and support for their clients. In the last few years we’ve seen so much change, the data will only continue to grow as will the different data types we work with. The strategic partners who truly understand their clients’ needs, and the workflows to implement solutions, will be the ones who continue to thrive.
What’s the most unexpected skill that helps you in your current role?
I can’t think of any skills that were truly unexpected, but I can point to the ones that have had the biggest impact. From my first position in the industry in a support role and as I transitioned to project management, it was prioritization and time management. As a project manager, the ability to prioritize effectively was a major key to success. There will always be more questions, updates, and requests from both internal and external teams than there is time in the day.
As I transitioned into leadership roles, the most impactful skill has been empathy. While being a good communicator is important, understanding where someone is coming from allows you to adjust your message and approach. That empathy transforms routine conversations into meaningful touchpoints.
If you weren’t in eDiscovery, what career would you have pursued?
I’m 100% sure I would have ended up in the health and fitness field. Probably as a youth sports coach. There’s something incredibly rewarding about helping someone develop, and in youth sports, mental and physical growth often go hand in hand.
Working through tough wins and losses builds character. The preparation and hard work create discipline. Competition teaches you to stay composed under pressure. And through it all, you learn the value of teamwork. Helping to shape young people in these ways seems like it would be incredibly fulfilling. Luckily, I’m also a dad and get to experience this with my children.
Lookout next month as we highlight more of the real people driving real results at CDS. To learn more about CDS, reach out to us at .
