Kathryn Menn
Katie (Sherwood) Menn is an accomplished Independent Workday HCM Consultant based in the Omaha Metropolitan Area, specializing in implementing HR software systems, configuring workflows, and training client teams to use new systems efficiently. With a Master’s in Management from Doane College focused on leadership, Katie blends technical expertise with a deep understanding of organizational processes, helping clients streamline HR workflows and improve day-to-day efficiency. Her career spans over a decade in HR and HRIS roles, including key positions at Valmont Industries, where she led onboarding redesigns and learning improvements that earned her team the Trailblazer Award.
Katie began her career in HR and HRIS with a focus on practical problem-solving, helping organizations optimize their employee data systems and processes. Over the years, she has become a trusted consultant for clients, guiding them through complex Workday implementations, customizing solutions to meet organizational needs, and ensuring knowledge transfer so client teams can confidently manage the systems themselves. Her approach emphasizes integrity, hands-on training, and creating workflows that make processes intuitive and efficient.
Beyond her consulting work, Katie is an active professional volunteer, mentoring participants in programs like RISE Nebraska and supporting workforce development initiatives. Her expertise in HR systems, combined with her commitment to building strong client relationships, positions her as a versatile consultant and a thought partner for organizations navigating the evolving landscape of human capital management. Her passion for translating complex technology into practical, user-friendly solutions has defined her career and continues to drive her success as an independent consultant.
• SHRM-CP
• Doane University- Master's
• Midland University- B.S.B.A.
• Trailblazer Award - Silver
• SHRM (Society for Human Resources Management)
• RISE
• Nebraska VR - Vocational Rehabilitation
• Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska, Inc.
What do you attribute your success to?
I think definitely my family values, probably, just the way I grew up. I grew up with very hard-working parents, so I saw what it looked like firsthand to do what you love, but to also work for the things that you want as well. Things seem to be a little bit more enjoyable and rewarding if you can feel like you worked for them and just not had things necessarily handed down to you. Watching my parents' work ethic and how they balanced their personal lives with their careers really shaped who I am today.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I really think it probably is, when the bad days start outnumbering the good days, that's when you probably need to think about, is this the right path for me? Is it something I should be doing? Because it shouldn't necessarily be going to a job, right? We should love what we do, we should enjoy what we're doing, and while there are going to be bad days, we definitely want the good days to outweigh the bad days, for sure, and to make it not always feel like work. We want to be in a good place, doing something that we enjoy doing.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would just say, hold on to try it. Do not be afraid to jump in and try something if it is new or feels a little bit uncomfortable, especially if it's something that is what society has typically deemed maybe more for men. Women can do anything that men can do, and just don't be afraid. Don't be afraid to try it. It's okay if you don't like it, or if you aren't the best at it. It's okay to try something different then, or to keep doing it until you are the best at it. Yeah, I think it's just, don't be afraid to try.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I think AI is both a challenge and an opportunity right now. While it can definitely be something that is very, very helpful, it can also be just hard to navigate the legalities with it. Working in technology, and specifically the software that I work with, there are a lot of AI capabilities, but clients are hesitant. You hear in the news that big firms are getting sued over what AI did, or what AI said, and it makes them a little resistant to wanting to try it. So I think it really is trying to find the healthy balance of it for what the client needs, and then being able to recommend the best use cases for them, and how it fits into their business model.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I definitely value honesty and integrity, leading by those values in everything I do. If you're not sure about something, it's okay to tell the client that you don't know, right? But then following up with it and making sure you will get them the information that they need to be able to make solid business decisions. So I think it's about the follow-up, and just making sure that we're being very honest in how we do our business and the information we share with our clients.