I got my first tattoo at the ripe age of 35. (Yes, I’m going to talk about body art for a minute with you but stay with me! There is a punchline!) 

I was never for or against “tatts”, but I knew that I would never get one unless I was utterly positive it was the right one for me. When I finally made the decision, it came to me so easily that I didn’t hesitate whatsoever. The appointment was made, and nearly as quickly as I’d decided what to get and where to get it, it was done and dusted. A few years later, the one question I’m asked about it is, “why that particular tattoo”?

I said I wouldn’t get one unless I was positive it was right for me, and I meant that. I’m aware that it’s permanent. It cost me hard-earned money. I’ll have to explain it to anyone who sees it, for the rest of my life. At age 90 it may not look as nice.

None of that matters, because the tattoo means something to me on a deeply internal level. I know I can look at my left, inner ankle and be reminded of what caused me to feel so strongly about getting it. It isn't just art; it is a memory of something that positively impacted my life.

Let’s fast forward to 2021. I made the decision to leave my job at a top Canadian employer to grow my Workday career. It was the right change at the right time, even though my extrovert self would miss seeing real, live people every day by moving to a remote job. I wasn’t wrong and to prove it, I got a Kognitiv tattoo!

“Why would you get a tattoo of your company’s logo, Dana?”

First, I’ll remind you I said I had to feel positive that having related art permanently inked on my body was right for me - that the impact was so great, it was a no-brainer. This is why a Kognitiv lightbulb is now tattooed on my right, inner arm.

1. Kognitiv is a company run by consultants. I work for people like me, which means they’ve been in my shoes and want to hear me out. I feel like a team member, not a "cog" in a wheel (pardon the pun).

2. Kognitiv is 100% okay with being different, and in fact, I think they want to keep it that way. I could write an entire blog on “why I’m different”. The point is, I don’t want to fit in, but rather want to be accepted and appreciated for the different things I have to offer. Not standard or out of the box. Unique, interesting, and an individual.

3. Kognitiv hired me because they saw I had some skills to offer and would fit (at least mildly) into their culture. I decided to stay when I realized they mean it when they tell us to “Act like an Owner”. A type-A Aries Firstborn will never say no to taking charge of something. Add in a huge sprinkle of Workday and I’m sold. Some days I wonder why I care so much, but then I sit back and realize (time and time again) it’s because Kognitiv values my opinion.

I call myself #TheSocializer and the #KogKonnector for fun, but I’m just a hype-girl that has developed a genuine affinity for her employer because of what they offer. Getting inked was a reward! No matter where I end up in life, when I look down at my arm I’ll be reminded of the positive and collaborative culture, as well as the myriad of endless opportunities in the Workday ecosystem, and I’ll happily advertise my Kog tatt!