Katie Bryan

My journey in human resources and talent management has never been a straight line but it has always been fueled by a deep belief in people, purpose, and possibility. Today, I serve in a talent-focused role at SAIC, supporting a federal cloud program that challenges me to think differently every day. Working at the intersection of people, technology, and mission-driven innovation has strengthened my commitment to building workplaces where individuals are empowered to thrive. My academic foundation and years of experience across HR disciplines, including recruiting, leadership development, and organizational strategy, have given me a front-row seat to both the evolving challenges and the extraordinary potential within this industry. At SAIC, I played a pivotal role supporting a $1.6 billion federal cloud program, driving strategic talent initiatives that enhance workforce performance and operational efficiency. I successfully implemented and streamlined processes that are still in use today.

Throughout my career, I’ve navigated the same complexities facing many women in leadership: balancing opportunity with responsibility, advocating for inclusion, and learning to trust my own voice. These challenges have shaped me into a more intentional leader, one who understands that talent management isn’t just about systems or processes, it’s about elevating people.

I remember my first role in HR felt like being thrown into the deep end. I was eager but inexperienced, managing employee questions I didn’t always have answers for and learning how to navigate office politics on the fly. One of my earliest lessons came from a mentor who told me, ‘Listen first, then lead.’ That advice stuck with me. I took on every challenge as a chance to learn, whether it was coordinating a tricky recruitment campaign or resolving a delicate conflict. Those early experiences didn’t just teach me HR skills they taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of building genuine relationships, lessons that still guide me in my work today.

If you are the smartest person in the room then you need to find a new room. I heard someone say this and it's always stuck with me because I feel you should always want to be around others who can help you grow whether it's professionally or more knowledge based within your field but you should not be complacent or feel as though you know everything there's always room for growth and improvement.

Two of the more challenging parts of my role are the clearance timelines for the federal government and the ability to find highly skilled individuals that are open to working on site. The clearance on my current program takes roughly six to twelve weeks to fully be processed. Understandably, that is a long process that often leaves people to wonder if they are still in consideration for the program. The post-Covid job market has been an interesting one to navigate. A high number of incredibly talented people have relocated to areas with lower cost of living, which can make meeting client expectations tricky.

I deeply believe in empowering people to reach their potential. Integrity, inclusion, and collaboration are at the heart of how I lead. It’s not just about processes or metrics it’s about creating environments where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported. I strive to make choices that reflect respect for others, commitment to growth, and a focus on long-term impact rather than short-term gain.

This does carry into my life outside of the office. I have a 4 year old who is interested in just about everything. The most rewarding part of motherhood is seeing my little girl grow into someone who makes sure those around her have the support they need. I believe the best thing I can do is raise a kind girl who is not intimidated by a challenge. In the words of Aesop, "No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted."