Christie Engler is a seasoned Human Resources professional with over 20 years of experience, specializing in supporting small and family-owned businesses. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by these organizations, Christie has built her career on helping entrepreneurs create people-first workplaces that drive growth and foster strong company cultures. A passionate advocate for the HR profession, Christie is dedicated to empowering HR practitioners—especially those new to the field or working in small departments. She is a sought-after speaker who has presented at numerous local and state HR events, including the SHRM Annual Conference & Exposition. Her presentations focus on delivering practical tools, resources, and encouragement to HR professionals navigating the complexities of small business environments. Christie authors the blog Living in the Gray, where she offers insights and inspiration for HR professionals balancing both the human and strategic sides of their work. Through her writing, she emphasizes the importance of empathy, adaptability, and courage in the HR space. Throughout her career, Christie has worked closely with business owners across a wide range of industries. She believes that managers are the frontline drivers of culture and regularly delivers training to help leaders more effectively support and engage their teams. Christie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from The Ohio State University and a Master’s in Human Resource Management from the Keller Graduate School of Management. She also holds the SPHR and SHRM-CP certifications. Christie is an active member of the Human Resources Association of Central Ohio (HRACO), SHRM, and the HR Unite! community. She has also been featured on the HR SocialHour podcast. Based in Columbus, Ohio, Christie lives with her husband and two daughters. She is an enthusiastic supporter of Ohio State football and a dedicated member of Orangetheory Fitness.