Episode 54: Empowering the Workforce through Skills-Based Hiring and Community Building with Michelle Sims

Guest Bio

Our worldview isn’t something we are born with. It takes years of life experience, education, and above all listening to make us what we become. Michelle’s journey, her passion and life’s work has led her here: A champion of skills-first hiring committed to confronting equity gaps in the workplace.

Michelle’s volunteer and philanthropic work has allowed her to witness the impact that both an individual and a socially responsible organization have in supporting the journey toward economic stability for children, families, and communities. She has seen firsthand what comes when we uplift and support women in the workplace, and activate the full potential of our workforce. And above all, as CEO of YUPRO Placement, her team of diverse, broad-minded individuals has inspired her to be a stronger advocate for equality and inclusion.

At YUPRO Placement, their calling is to support skills-first hiring by sourcing, recruiting, retaining, and advancing traditionally overlooked talent. As an industry-leading skills-first placement firm, we recognize that our workforce is at a critical juncture: that disrupting outdated hiring practices and building career pathways for talented individuals Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs) is essential to the future of corporate acquisition. They serve as the connector between forward-thinking employers, a national upskilling partner network, and career-ready talent.

Recap & Takeaways

Key Takeaways

• [00:12 – 02:26] Meet Michelle Sims, CEO of YUPRO Placement
• [02:27 – 03:46] Starting a job just 12 days before the pandemic
• [03:53 – 05:13] What latchkey means
• [05:16 – 07:20] The importance of collaborating with workforce development
• [07:24 – 10:45] Gaps Michelle is seeing and focusing on as she prepares people to join teams in the workplace
• [10:47 – 16:43] Tear the Paper Ceiling
• [16:46 – 20:12] The benefits of being a PBC, Public Benefit Corporation
• [20:14 – 24:37] How to think about skill-based hiring
• [24:37 – 26:17] A new iteration of call center staffing
• [26:19 – 29:42] Innovative ways orgs are bringing people together
• [29:43 – 32:58] Best practices for supporting those taking on an entry-level role
• [33:02 – 34:27] Psychological safety is crucial
• [34:26 – 37:54] How long YUPRO Placement has been doing this work
• [37:55 – 40:32] The power of support and community
• [40:32 – 42:28] The value of community and alumni
• [42:31 – 46:47] Looking forward: How can the workforce landscape change?
• [46:43 – 51:13] A grassroots movement
• [50:52 – 51:46] How to learn more about YUPRO Placement