Ask HR! with Youseline Poteau-Young

Youseline Poteau-Young

A podcast where employees and leaders get their HR questions answered, exchange perspectives, and co-create impactful, people-centered, practical, and sustainable solutions. As an external HR department, we focus on courageous conversations- ones that embrace differing views and turn conflict into meaningful connection. This show balances employee advocacy with business accountability, proving that great workplaces can and should be humane and high-performing. Our mission is simple: to lead bold, honest dialogue that welcomes tension, respects every voice, and transforms the way we work.

  1. Stop Asking That: The Ban the Box Mistake Leaders Keep Making!

    FEB 12

    Stop Asking That: The Ban the Box Mistake Leaders Keep Making!

    Let’s stop casually asking this during interviews: Is there anything in your background we should know about?This role requires a clean background — would that be an issue?”Those questions can violate state and city Fair Chance (Ban the Box) laws. And yes — it happens more than you think. If you’re being asked about your background before a conditional offer (depending on your state), that’s not a “casual” question. It’s a compliance risk.And it’s a potential red flag. People deserve to be evaluated on their skills and qualifications first — not automatically screened out before they even get a fair shot. In this week’s episode of Ask HR, I’m breaking down: What Ban the Box is — and is not When background questions are legally allowed How candidates should respond if asked too early What recruiters and hiring managers must understand to stay compliant Tune in, share with a recruiter or hiring manager, and let’s raise the standard in hiring. While I work closely in compliance, I don’t claim to know every legal nuance here. Legal experts, your perspective is welcome. Related Resources EEOC — Fair Chance Hiring & Arrest/Conviction Guidancehttps://www.eeoc.gov/arrestandconvictionThe Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) provides detailed guidance on how employers should consider arrest and conviction records under federal anti-discrimination laws. This includes individualized assessments, job-relatedness, business necessity, and compliance best practices.U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) — Fair Chance Act Resourceshttps://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/reentry/resourcesThe Department of Labor provides implementation guidance on the federal Fair Chance Act, along with reentry employment resources and policy information.Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act — Full Legislative Texthttps://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/1076/textThe official text of the federal Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, enacted as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). What This Means in PracticeThe federal law applies to: Federal executive agencies The legislative branch Federal contractors Employers covered under the law: Cannot ask about arrests or convictions on job applications or early in the hiring process May only conduct criminal background checks after a conditional offer Must follow limited exceptions (e.g., law enforcement, national security, access to classified information) The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) oversees compliance and handles violations. Another important note: This federal law does not replace state or local Ban the Box laws. It works alongside them. Because requirements vary by jurisdiction, timing rules and procedures may differ depending on where the role is located. Why These Resources Matter Compliance protects the business. Fairness protects people. Know the law. Raise the standard. Build better workplaces. Listen now on Spotify and if you’re not yet a subscriber, join our #AskHR community. Send your HR questions to askhr@yppmc.com Subscribe to my Beyond HR newsletter: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/beyond-hr-newsletter-7345215802112974850/⁠Learn more about YP Personnel Management & Consulting at yppmc.com#YouselinePoteau #YPPMC #GoodHR #PeopleandCulture #BlendedSolutions #BeyondHR #SharedInsights

    10 min
  2. Avoiding the Quiet Trends! Empowering Employees and Leaders to Speak Up.

    10/07/2025

    Avoiding the Quiet Trends! Empowering Employees and Leaders to Speak Up.

    This week’s episode takes you back to one of my favorite sessions — where I covered the “quiet trends” reshaping today’s workplaces. From quiet quitting and quiet firing to quiet hiring, quiet promoting, and quiet leading — these patterns aren’t so quiet anymore. During my roundtable at the Workforce Health USA Conference, we explored: ·       What these quiet trends really mean and how they show up in daily work life. ·       Why they signal deeper cultural, communication, and leadership challenges within organizations. ·       How both leaders and employees can address them head-on through open dialogue, empathy, and accountability. You’ll also hear insights from my fellow panelists on thesame topic at the Future Work USA Conference, where we discussed how these trends reflect a changing workforce — and what you can do to prevent silence from taking over your team’s engagement, morale, and productivity. Because the healthiest workplaces aren’t built on quiet assumptions — they’re built on honest and straight conversations. Have a question for the show, email us at AskHR@yppmc.com⁠. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, engage with us, and leave us a review! #AskHR #YouselinePoteau #YPPMC #GoodHR #PeopleandCulture #LeadershipDevelopment#Coaching #ToxicWorkplace #BiasAtWork #RespectAtWork #HRInsights #WorkforceHealth #EmployeeEngagement #QuietQuitting #WorkplaceWellbeing #HRLeadership#CultureShift #SpeakUpCulture #InclusiveLeadership #WorkplaceTrends #PsychologicalSafety #FutureOfWork #Quieteading #QuietPromoting #QuietFiring   Episode Collaborators, Resources, and Sponsor - Ask HR! is proudly sponsored by YP Personnel Management & Consulting (YPPMC) - delivering strategic, tactical, and practical HR solutions. - We’re also excited to collaborate with INSPO. Learn more at www.inspo.expert or download the INSPO Experts App today in the App Store. - Inside the 'Quiet Quitting' Trend—What's Really Turning Workers Off: https://www.newsweek.com/work-quiet-quitting-trend-psychology-cause-control-2119278 - Unpacking Quiet Quitting – SHRM Career Compass Podcast featuring India Forster - Quiet Leading, Quiet Firing, Workforce Disengagement – Read more on SHRM.org - Investing in Organizational Health – Rafael-Cristian Rios, Workforce Health Solutions Conference speakers' page from the conference: https://events.reutersevents.com/healthcare/workforce-health-usa/speakers  FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL! ·       YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@yp-pmc ·       LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/yppmc ·       Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yppmc_ ·       TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yppmc_ ·       Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yppmc ·       Twitter/X: https://x.com/yppmc   Learn More About YPPMC and BOOK your FREE consultationtoday: ·       https://calendly.com/yppmc⁠ ·       Website: ⁠https://yppmc.com

    8 min
  3. Building and Managing High-Performance Teams: A Strategic and Tactical Approach from the Hacking HR Speaker Series!

    09/23/2025

    Building and Managing High-Performance Teams: A Strategic and Tactical Approach from the Hacking HR Speaker Series!

    In this episode of Ask HR!, we revisit key insights from Youseline’s panel discussion at the Hacking HRSpeaker Series on what it truly takes to build and sustain high-performing teams. From setting clear expectations to fostering inclusion, the conversation highlights how a blend of tacticaland strategic initiatives reinforces alignment, adaptability, and long-term engagement. You’ll also hear the three essential HR actions that separate good teams from great ones: Cultivate a supportive culturePromote continuous learningUse data-driven decisionsAnd for business owners or HR departments of one, discover how the Buy, Borrow, Build Framework can help you maximize resources without going it alone. Episode Collaborators, Resources, and Sponsor Ask HR! is proudly sponsored by YP Personnel Management & Consulting (YPPMC) - deliveringstrategic, tactical, and practical HR solutions.We’re also excited to collaborate with INSPO. Learn more at ⁠www.inspo.expert⁠ or download the INSPO Experts App today in the App Store.Hacking HR Speaker Series | April 29, 2024! https://hackinghrlab.io  FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL! YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@yp-pmc⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/yppmc⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/yppmc_⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@yppmc_⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/yppmc⁠Twitter/X: https://x.com/yppmc Learn More About YPPMC and BOOK your FREE consultationtoday: https://calendly.com/yppmc⁠Website: ⁠https://yppmc.com

    7 min
  4. Tackling Toxic Behavior: 5-Steps Framework to Lead like a H.U.M.A.N!

    09/17/2025

    Tackling Toxic Behavior: 5-Steps Framework to Lead like a H.U.M.A.N!

    Toxic behavior in the workplace isn’t always easy to define. Is it simple rudeness, or something deeper, like racism or bias? As leaders, we’re often the first line of defense. That’s why the PRO approach and our H.U.M.A.N. Framework matter. Together, they provide a practical roadmap for hearing concerns, understanding context, mobilizing interventions, modeling respect, and normalizing accountability. - point of view, reactions, outcome (PRO) - hear, understand, mobilize, act-action, and to normalize (H.U.M.A.N) This episode/blog shares how leaders can step back, assess situations clearly, and respond with fairness, protecting both mental health and workplace culture. Because strong leaders don’t just react- they set the standard. Have a question for the show, email us at askhr@yppmc.com⁠. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, engage with us, and leave us a review! #AskHR #YouselinePoteau #YPPMC #GoodHR #PeopleandCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #Coaching #ToxicWorkplace #BiasAtWork #RespectAtWork #HRInsights #WorkplaceWellness   Episode Collaborators, Resources, and Sponsor · Ask HR! is proudly sponsored by YP Personnel Management & Consulting (YPPMC) - delivering strategic, tactical, and practical HR solutions. · We’re also excited to collaborate with INSPO. Learn more at www.inspo.expert or download the INSPO Experts App today in the App Store.   FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL! · YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@yp-pmc · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/yppmc · Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yppmc_ · TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yppmc_ · Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yppmc · Twitter/X: https://x.com/yppmc   Learn More About YPPMC and BOOK your FREE consultation today: · https://calendly.com/yppmc⁠ · Website: ⁠https://yppmc.com

    6 min
  5. Is My Co-Worker Racist, or Is It Just the Culture?

    09/09/2025

    Is My Co-Worker Racist, or Is It Just the Culture?

    In this episode of #AskHR, we break down how to assessbehavior, reactions, and outcomes, so you can protect yourself and decide if your workplace is truly worth your energy. Here’s what we cover: The takeaway is that toxic behavior should never benormalized. Step back, focus on your direct experiences, and remember you deserve to work in a place that values respect and equity.  Listen now on Spotify or your favorite podcast platform.Have a question for the show, email us at ⁠AskHR@yppmc.com⁠. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, engage with us, and leave us a review! #AskHR #YouselinePoteau #YPPMC #GoodHR #PeopleandCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #Coaching #ToxicWorkplace #BiasAtWork #RespectAtWork #HRInsights #WorkplaceWellness Episode Collaborators, Resources, and Sponsor Ask HR! is proudly sponsored by YP Personnel Management & Consulting (YPPMC) - deliveringstrategic, tactical, and practical HR solutions.We’re also excited to collaborate with INSPO. Learn more at www.inspo.expert or download the INSPO Experts App today in the App Store.  FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@yp-pmcLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/yppmcInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/yppmc_TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yppmc_Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yppmcTwitter/X: https://x.com/yppmc   Learn More About YPPMC and BOOK your FREE consultation today: https://calendly.com/yppmc⁠Website: ⁠https://yppmc.com

    6 min
  6. The Framing Effect: Asking Questions for Impact!

    09/02/2025

    The Framing Effect: Asking Questions for Impact!

    Did you know the way we phrase our questions can significantly influence the outcome of our conversations? This week, we're diving into a powerful coaching skill I've recently learned: asking questions for impact, also known as the framing effect. In this episode, we'll explore why shifting from a "telling" to a"coaching" mindset is a crucial skill for leaders. We'll learn how asking more questions empowers your team to think critically, uncover solutions, and take ownership, making them feel more valued and engaged in their work. I'll walk you through three simple yet powerful techniques to reframe your questions: 1.     Reverse the Focus: Uncover blind spots and what might be missing by flipping your question from what you are doing to what you are not. 2.     Introduce a Constraint: Spark innovation and cut through the noise by adding a seemingly outrageous limit that forces your team to prioritize high-impact actions. 3.     Connect Emotionally to Your Future Self: Tap into wisdom and gain perspective by asking your team to imagine what advice their more experienced self would givethem. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a new perspective on how to lead with questions, not answers, and you'll be equipped with practical tools to transform your conversations and build a more resourceful and confident team. Thank you for tuning in. Have a question for the show, email us at AskHR@yppmc.com. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, engage with us, and leave us a review! #AskHR #YouselinePoteau #YPPMC #GoodHR #PeopleandCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #Coaching #TeamBuilding #ProfessionalGrowth #TheFramingEffect #HRLeadership #INSPO FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL!- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@yp-pmc- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/yppmc- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yppmc_- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yppmc_- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yppmc- Twitter/X: https://x.com/yppmc Learn More About YPPMC and BOOK your FREE consultation today:- https://calendly.com/yppmc⁠- Website: ⁠https://yppmc.com A special shout-out to our episode collaborator, INSPO. I'm so excited to partner with them on this episode. To learn more, visit www.inspo.expert⁠ or download the INSPO Experts app on the app store today.

    8 min

Trailers

About

A podcast where employees and leaders get their HR questions answered, exchange perspectives, and co-create impactful, people-centered, practical, and sustainable solutions. As an external HR department, we focus on courageous conversations- ones that embrace differing views and turn conflict into meaningful connection. This show balances employee advocacy with business accountability, proving that great workplaces can and should be humane and high-performing. Our mission is simple: to lead bold, honest dialogue that welcomes tension, respects every voice, and transforms the way we work.