Katherine Halfmann

I attribute my success to a blend of resilience, curiosity, and the values that were instilled in me long before my career began. Growing up in a family of 13, I learned early what it meant to work hard, contribute, and find my place within something bigger than myself. At seven years old, I started my first job delivering newspapers—a role that taught me discipline, responsibility, and the pride of earning my way.

My parents modeled determination, humility, and integrity, and those lessons became the foundation of who I am as a leader today. As I moved through my career, I was fortunate to have managers and mentors who reinforced the same principles my parents raised me with—to show up fully, lead with empathy, and step confidently into opportunities that stretch my capabilities.

Another defining part of my success comes from my experience competing in pageants as a young adult. Pageantry taught me how to present myself with confidence, communicate clearly, and speak to audiences with authenticity and poise. Those early experiences strengthened skills I rely on every day—public speaking, presence, composure, and the ability to connect with people in meaningful ways.

I also credit my success to my genuine curiosity and commitment to continuous learning. I’ve always been driven to evolve and explore how strategy, technology, and human behavior intersect to improve the way organizations work. That mindset has empowered me to lead teams, guide clients through transformation, and approach every challenge with creativity and a people‑first perspective.

But at the heart of it, my success is rooted in caring deeply—about the work I do, the people I serve, and the long-term, meaningful impact I strive to create. Everything I’ve achieved is a reflection of the values of my upbringing, strengthened by mentors, shaped by pageantry, and carried forward by a lifelong commitment to growth, purpose, and possibility.

“Never forget that people are human. The moment you lose sight of the human behind the work, you lose sight of your purpose.”

That guidance has shaped every stage of my career. It reminded me early on—and continues to remind me today—that leadership isn’t about titles, metrics, or deliverables. It’s about impact. It’s about understanding that every decision touches someone’s livelihood, confidence, or wellbeing.

In HR, consulting, and leadership, it’s easy to get absorbed in deadlines, systems, or strategy. But the advice to always lead with humanity keeps me grounded. It challenges me to pause, listen deeply, and consider the bigger picture:

the employee navigating change,

the client placing trust in us,

the consultant building their confidence,

the colleague balancing life outside of work.

It has taught me that purpose-driven leadership comes from empathy, intention, and remembering that our work is about people first, processes second.

That mindset has influenced how I build teams, how I support clients, and how I show up every day—with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering belief that when you honor the human experience, the business success naturally follows.

My advice to young women entering the HR and consulting world is simple, but deeply important:

1. Lead with humanity.

In this industry—where we work at the intersection of people, systems, and change—your greatest strength will always be your ability to see the human behind the process. Technology evolves, strategies shift, and organizations transform, but empathy, authenticity, and integrity will always set you apart.

2. Don’t underestimate your voice.

You belong in every room where decisions are made. Speak up early and often. Your perspective is valuable, even when you're still learning. Confidence isn’t something you wait to earn—it’s something you build by stepping forward before you feel ready.

3. Stay endlessly curious.

HR and technology move fast. The women who thrive in this industry are lifelong learners—those who ask questions, seek clarity, challenge norms, and invest in developing expertise. Embrace change instead of fearing it; it will be your competitive advantage.

4. Build relationships intentionally.

Your network will shape your career more than you realize. Seek out mentors, allies, and leaders who challenge you, champion you, and reinforce the values you want to embody. Surround yourself with people who push you to rise.

5. Know that resilience is your superpower.

You will have days filled with complexity, high expectations, and transformation that feels overwhelming. Remember: you are capable. You are adaptable. And you are stronger than you think. Growth rarely feels comfortable—and that’s exactly why it’s worth it.

6. Protect your purpose.

This industry can be fast-paced and demanding. Don’t lose sight of why you started. Anchor yourself in the belief that your work makes a meaningful difference in the lives of employees, leaders, and organizations. When you stay grounded in your “why,” everything else becomes clearer.

One of the biggest challenges—and greatest opportunities—in the HR and HR‑technology space right now is navigating rapid transformation while staying grounded in the human experience.

1. The Rise of AI and Automation

AI is reshaping HR operations at an unprecedented pace. The challenge is that many organizations don’t yet know how to adopt it responsibly, ethically, or effectively. But the opportunity is enormous: AI can streamline administrative burdens, improve accuracy, enhance analytics, and create space for HR teams to focus on strategy rather than tasks.

The leaders who succeed will be those who know how to balance innovation with empathy, ensuring technology elevates—not replaces—the human side of work.

2. Increasing Complexity in Workforce Management

Organizations are facing more complexity than ever—hybrid work, global workforces, compliance shifts, and evolving employee expectations. This is especially true in the UKG ecosystem, where clients need deeper, more strategic support to optimize their systems.

The opportunity lies in helping organizations move from basic configuration to true transformation, leveraging HCM and WFM systems to create consistency, insights, and a smoother employee experience end‑to‑end.

3. The Demand for Strategic HR

HR is no longer a support function; it’s a business driver. But many HR teams are still stuck in tactical work, unable to rise to the strategic level they’re being asked to operate at.

This creates a massive opportunity for consultants and leaders who can bridge people, processes, and technology—turning HR into a powerhouse for business growth, culture shaping, and operational efficiency.

4. Talent Expectations and the Human Element

Employees today expect personalization, transparency, and meaningful connection. The challenge is meeting these expectations at scale.

The opportunity comes from building HR experiences that are purpose‑driven and human‑centered, even as systems and automation expand. The organizations that succeed will be those that prioritize trust, communication, and employee wellbeing while modernizing their operations.

5. Change Fatigue Across Organizations

Nearly every company is undergoing some form of digital or structural transformation, and employees are feeling the strain.

But this also presents an opportunity for strong leaders who can guide organizations through change with clarity, empathy, and alignment—standing in the space between operations and people to help teams navigate uncertainty with confidence.

The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are deeply rooted in my upbringing and shaped by the experiences that have defined who I am. Growing up in a family of 13 and starting my first job at age seven instilled in me a profound sense of hard work, grit, and responsibility—values that have stayed with me throughout my career. Integrity is central to how I lead; I believe in doing the right thing even when no one is watching, and in treating people with honesty, fairness, and respect. Humanity and empathy are equally important to me, because no matter how much technology evolves or systems transform, I never want to lose sight of the real people behind the work. My curiosity and commitment to growth drive me to keep learning and adapting, especially in a field that changes as quickly as ours. And the confidence and presence I developed through competing in pageants as a young adult continue to influence how I communicate, advocate for myself, and show up for others. Above all, I value purpose—using my skills to create meaningful impact, support others, and help build environments where people can thrive.