In this episode of my podcast, I had the pleasure of hosting Michelle Sims, the CEO of YUPRO Placement, a leader championing skills-first hiring and addressing equity gaps in the workplace. Michelle’s journey and her commitment to meaningful change in the workforce are deeply inspiring. Throughout our discussion, she shared practical strategies for navigating volatile times, fostering diversity, and achieving work-life integration. Here are the highlights and expanded key takeaways from our conversation.
Driving Growth Through Volatility
Michelle offered a candid view of the challenges faced by businesses during uncertain times. Like many organizations, YUPRO Placement had to navigate economic fluctuations, including periods of slowed growth. Michelle emphasized the importance of focusing on what can be controlled: maintaining strong, empathetic client relationships and continuous communication.
“When clients think of opportunities, we want them to think of us first,” Michelle explained. This approach involves a commitment to thoughtful engagement, ensuring YUPRO remains top-of-mind for clients even during periods of reduced hiring activity. She stressed that relationships are built on trust and consistent value, and organizations must prioritize these aspects even when immediate business opportunities are scarce.
Michelle’s strategy also involved leaning into adaptability. Recognizing that different market conditions require different approaches, her team embraced a mindset of proactive preparation. This meant refining their processes, honing their skills, and ensuring that when opportunities arose, YUPRO was ready to deliver with precision and excellence.
The Power of Reskilling and Feedback
A key theme in Michelle’s approach to leadership is creating a culture of feedback. “Focus on strengths rather than deficiencies,” she advised. By identifying and building on individual team members’ capabilities, YUPRO fosters a supportive environment where employees can thrive.
Michelle shared that during the organization’s rapid growth phase, some areas of skill development were unintentionally overlooked. Slower economic periods provided an opportunity to recalibrate. Her team used this time to evaluate skill gaps, conduct targeted training, and align roles more closely with individual strengths.
This approach not only enhanced team performance but also boosted morale. “When you position feedback around strengths and provide the tools to succeed, employees feel valued and motivated,” she explained. Michelle’s focus on constructive feedback ensures that employees are empowered to improve without feeling undermined.
Cultivating Culture and Inclusion
Culture is at the heart of YUPRO Placement. Michelle’s all-women leadership team reflects the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. “We need more women leaders, and I’m unapologetic about it,” she said. This commitment extends to the organization’s mission of supporting non-traditional and marginalized talent communities.
As a company owned by a nonprofit, YUPRO Placement is deeply committed to its mission of placing diverse talent in meaningful roles. This involves advocating for candidates without traditional four-year degrees, focusing instead on skills and abilities. Michelle’s team actively partners with clients to address biases and barriers in hiring practices.
“We don’t approach this with shame or blame,” Michelle emphasized. Instead, her team fosters curiosity and builds trust through open conversations. By understanding each client’s unique challenges and aligning solutions with their goals, YUPRO has successfully influenced more inclusive hiring practices.
One standout strategy is the focus on skills-first hiring. Michelle’s team works closely with clients to deconstruct job descriptions and identify the core competencies needed for roles. This not only broadens the candidate pool but also ensures equitable opportunities for non-traditional talent.
Balancing Work and Well-Being
When it comes to work-life integration, Michelle’s advice is refreshingly practical. A proponent of routine, she starts her day with a walk—either outside or on her walking treadmill—and prioritizes habits that reduce decision fatigue. “Routine takes away the need to make more decisions, leaving mental energy for the important ones,” she explained.
She also described how maintaining a flexible work environment has been crucial for her team. As a fully remote organization for over a decade, YUPRO was well-positioned to navigate the challenges of COVID-19. However, Michelle recognized the importance of regular check-ins to foster connection and ensure employees felt supported.
“We’ve carried forward the practice of frequent check-ins,” she shared. These moments of connection allow the team to address challenges proactively and maintain a sense of unity, even while working remotely. Michelle also emphasized the importance of transparency in leadership, particularly when managing decision-making responsibilities.
“I tell my team when I’m experiencing decision fatigue,” she said. By setting clear boundaries and communicating openly, Michelle creates a culture where self-awareness and balance are valued.
Advocating for Equity in the Workplace
Michelle’s passion for equity is reflected in her approach to client relationships. She highlighted the importance of creating safe spaces for dialogue about diversity and inclusion. “It’s about being curious and collaborative,” she said.
One of the challenges Michelle’s team often encounters is advocating for fair pay for non-traditional talent. This involves educating clients on the value of skills over credentials and encouraging them to rethink traditional pay structures. Michelle’s approach is grounded in patience and persistence.
“Not every client is ready to make these changes,” she acknowledged. “But many are. By building trust and demonstrating the value of inclusive practices, we’ve been able to secure exclusive roles for our talent.” These wins not only benefit the candidates but also reinforce the business case for diversity.
Rapid-Fire Fun
To end the episode, we had some fun with a rapid-fire Q&A. Tune in to hear the fun we had and how Keith Urban plays a role.
Conclusion
Michelle Sims’ leadership exemplifies the power of empathy, inclusion, and resilience. Her focus on skills-first hiring, fostering a supportive culture, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance offers invaluable lessons for leaders and organizations alike.
From navigating market volatility to advocating for equity, Michelle’s journey underscores the importance of staying true to one’s mission while adapting to the changing needs of clients and employees. Her story is a testament to the impact of thoughtful leadership and the potential for meaningful change in the workplace.
What resonated most with you about Michelle’s journey? Let me know in the comments and don’t forget to tune in to the full episode for more insights!
