Her Story
About Briana
Briana Griggs is an HR technology professional and HCM Systems Advisor with approximately 20 years of experience spanning human resources, technology, systems support, and business operations. Her current work focuses on configuring and optimizing HR information systems and aligning technology solutions with organizational strategies and business processes. She has extensive experience with platforms including UKG Pro, Workday, and ServiceNow, with expertise spanning benefits administration, open enrollment, absence management, performance, compensation, system integration, and employee experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Human Services from Clayton State University and completed coursework in Intercultural Communications and Multicultural Diversity through UCL.
Throughout her career, Briana has developed a strong combination of technical expertise, business analysis, problem-solving, and client consulting skills. In her current role with Unum, she partners with business leaders, functional teams, product owners, and other stakeholders to understand organizational requirements, configure HCM systems, manage complex technology initiatives, and identify opportunities for process improvement. Her earlier experience includes senior HRIS analysis at Insight Global, technical product support and customer success roles at UKG, financial analysis at The Coca-Cola Company, and technology and administrative positions within the DeKalb County School District. She is also certified as an AI-Empowered SAFe® Product Owner/Product Manager and earned the AI-Native Ready achievement in 2026.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Briana is committed to mentorship, community involvement, financial education, and creating opportunities for others. She has been involved with organizations and initiatives including Habitat for Humanity International, The Junior League of Atlanta, the Women's Leadership Council, and other employee and leadership programs. She also hosts personal finance workshops through her church and is developing the Newbie app, which is intended to help job seekers build community and connect with professional opportunities. Across her career and community work, Briana emphasizes continuous learning, relationship building, creativity, and empowering others to recognize and pursue their potential.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Briana
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being willing to say yes to opportunities and figuring out the rest along the way. Opportunities often come our way, but we can be too nervous or uncertain to pursue them. I have learned to have the confidence and courage to take those opportunities, even when I do not have everything figured out, and to view setbacks as opportunities to learn, grow, and fail forward.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is simple: “Just say yes.” I have learned that saying yes to opportunities can open doors that I may not have expected, even when I do not initially know exactly how I will accomplish what is being asked of me. Taking that first step, learning through experience, and being willing to figure things out along the way have been important parts of my career development.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
If your goal is to become an HR technology consultant, you are already one step ahead because this is not necessarily a career that people traditionally dream about from the beginning. In HR technology, knowing exactly how to do the work before you begin is not always possible; much of the learning happens through on-the-job experience. I encourage young women to pursue opportunities in the field, be willing to learn as they go, and not be afraid to step into roles where they may need to develop their expertise through hands-on experience.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in HR technology consulting is understanding each client’s unique needs while also meeting demanding deadlines. Clients often want solutions delivered very quickly, but effective technology work requires sufficient time for discovery, planning, analysis, and recommendations. I am very detail-oriented and believe in looking at challenges holistically, so balancing the need for thorough, thoughtful solutions with the urgency of client expectations is an important part of the work.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Confidence
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