Prior to joining Boyne Capital as Vice President, Human Capital, Young-Jean Ransdell served as Vice President, Recruiting at TalentServed where she executed executive to c-suite level placements for clients across the hospitality, private equity, and venture capital industries. She has fourteen years of human resources experience, with the last seven years dedicated to executive search. Prior to her recruiting career, YJ worked at Pacific Hospitality Group and Merrill Lynch as a human resources professional. She holds a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification which demonstrates mastery of the technical and operational aspects of HR management, including U.S. laws and regulations.
Favorite Quote: “For what it’s worth: it’s never too late or, in my case, too early to be whoever you want to be. There’s no time limit, stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you’re proud of. If you find that you’re not, I hope you have the courage to start all over again.” — F. Scott Fitzgerald
Fun Fact: I am said to be good at many things, but singing is not one. (My husband)
How do you unwind after a long day of work? Spending quality time with my fur babies (rescues) and my other BFF (husband)
What challenges have you faced in your career, and how did you overcome them? I was a young, Asian female when I entered the professional workplace, post-undergraduate degree. I looked and sounded like a “young, Asian female” and had to earn the respect of 77 employees that I was responsible for at Chrysler. There were days that I came home in tears because it was brutal in more ways than I can express. I put the time, energy, and effort into getting known and trusted… and yes, I earned it. What I learned from that has transformed the way I think about any challenge that I have encountered since then. My role comes with the responsibility of impacting people and their careers in either a positive way; so long as I do not lose sight of that I can overcome anything.
What has been the most monumental moment of your career thus far? I have been afforded the opportunity to transfer my HR knowledge, skills, and experience across the manufacturing, wealth management, hospitality, and private equity industries without prior industry specific experience.
What qualities make for an outstanding HR professional? I am work in progress and will have to default to others that work with me on this question.
How have you adapted your HR skills to COVID? Adaptation is inherent to me. Put me in a role or situation where it’s Groundhog Day every day… no thank you. Skills can be applied to any environment and to situations that are devastating.
What are some misconceptions about HR and how do you combat them? HR is the “police.” HR is here to fire us. HR is here to punish us. These are all things that I have actually heard from employees, colleagues, and from members of the Board of Director (yes). Again, it’s about getting known and trusted.
What do you like most about working in HR? I have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people and their lives.
