My egress into the Workday ecosystem came as a manager in a newly implemented system. I found that I loved it. A LOT! I was one of those end users who asked for more access and more flexibility (grant me Org Partner, I want to create my own Matrix Orgs. hahaha can you imagine). An opportunity came for me to snag a job as an HRIS analyst and by some miracle I clinched it. Arriving first day on the job, I was given a large audit highlighting all of the issues that the newly implemented Workday system was not delivering to the company. I had to address the entire audit and learn the system from stem to stern in a very short time. I managed to accomplish this and became a master report writer. After all, if you can't report on your own data, what good is an HRIS system? I went on to implement recruiting from the Admin Manual and started implementing Talent and Performance when a call to move to a corporate role became available. I took on the job and learned all about the red tape of SOX controls and how GDPR affects a company. From there I continued to foster a growth mentality and learned as many modules as I could get my grubby little hands on. I redeployed recruiting (several times), optimized the talent module, deployed boomerang integrations, got PRO certified in several modules, and capped it all off by setting up OE for my current employer. Then KOG showed up. I have admittedly had a hard time jiving with the consultant life. However, I have found it rewarding to help others avoid the pitfalls I experienced during my tenure in the Workday Ecosystem.

Here at KOG, the ladder has more breadth and depth than you would ever find as a regular HRIS person. The growth potential is staggering. I have had a rough time growing into the fast-paced life that is consulting work, but over the last year, I have really begun to find my stride. I have plans to move up the ladder, maybe even take on a team of my own one day. The most rewarding part of my job is helping my clients get over the hump. I love seeing the lights turn on when they grasp onto the Workday concepts and are able to fly on their own. Consulting is hard work but it pays off in huge dividends when your clients succeed.

My time at Kognitiv has been filled with meaningful opportunities to assist, coach, and stand shoulder to shoulder with others in the trenches—whether it’s a colleague or a client, it makes no difference to me. What truly drives me is the satisfaction of seeing a project through to completion, knowing that everyone involved walks away stronger, more informed, and more connected. But above all, it’s the people that keep me coming back each day. There’s nothing more fulfilling than collaborating with my team to tackle the unique challenges our clients bring us. Some solutions come easily, others push us to be innovative—but every experience deepens my passion for the work we do. Working alongside my teammates and across departments at Kognitiv has given me a profound sense of purpose. I’ve been fortunate to both mentor and be mentored here, and those moments of growth and learning are truly priceless. They’re what fuel my commitment and excitement to keep growing, contributing, and showing up every day.

Baby steps, give yourself grace, and own your strengths. You likely won't be able to step into this role and a new way of life and hit the ground running. My suggestion is to pace yourself. Learn the business and the flow of how things work. You will make mistakes. OWN THEM! You will have difficult conversations. OWN THEM! You will have triumphs that overshadow all. RELISH THEM! Once you have hit your stride. FLY! Take the rest of your team at KOG with you. Learn together. Grow together. Get a mentor early. Reach out and be social as much as you can. Consulting is difficult enough as it is, being 100% remote can add some unexpected rough air to the mix. Know that you are surrounded by like-minded resources that have traversed the same path as you. I would hope that you feel comfortable enough to reach out to me if you find yourself on the other side of the hire date!

If you are already aware the end of the year on the client side is chaotic with performance reviews, bonuses, merit increases, open enrollment, and preparing for tax season; just think what it is like having several clients feeling that pain. It can create some inadvertent long weeks. I am a regular CrossFit athlete. I need it to survive. Despite the heavy work load I still found time to get to the gym and nail the AMRAP or EMOM. I start my day early so I can be available for my kids when they get home from school. It might mean I need to spend a little time cleaning things up after they go to bed, but that is a balance I am willing to keep. Kognitiv has made it easy to find a balance that works for you but they also expect you to deliver on time and with excellent results. You can not deliver and produce excellent results unless you take the time to sharpen the saw (take care of yourself). Finding this balance has been a crucial part of my ability to make this job work. And that is saying something!