Over the course of my HR career, I have embraced taking the path less traveled and recognize that “anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm”. My professional life – both as a team leader and individual contributor – has been defined by tacking complex business challenges with HR solutions. I love diving into unfamiliar situations, especially those that others avoid, and charting new courses. I’ve done this consistently over the course of my career, such as when I built a new HR function from scratch, helped organizations navigate mergers/acquisitions, and implemented first-in-kind HR programs.While I faced a plethora of thorny challenges, I have always injected an element of fun into every situation. Some people scoff at the notion that work can be fun – I think it is a priority. In fact, I feel that fun is a critical ingredient in establishing a healthy culture that enables an organization to deliver on their mission and goals. It is important for HR to set the tone, which is why I showed up to work as “Robin” on national superhero day.Having fun alone can’t create the culture an organization needs for success. Organizations also need openness, inclusivity, and cohesiveness to achieve their goals. Again, HR takes a leadership role in driving these elements through an organization. As a balanced advocate for business and employees, I have created cultures where employees at all organizational levels practice transparency, build trust with one another, and feel comfortable being themselves. It’s been said that “culture eats strategy for breakfast, lunch, and dinner”, and I feel a personal responsibility for creating a climate where productivity and results can flourish.