Remote Work Life Podcast

Is it possible to transition from a corporate lawyer in Australia to a tech entrepreneur in San Francisco? Darren Chate did just that, and on this episode, he unveils his journey from the courtroom to co-founding Hugo—a game-changing meeting notes software. Discover how Darren’s innovative Slack plug-in, which integrates seamlessly with Google Calendar and Trello, revolutionized team collaboration and efficiency. Learn why connecting meetings to work tasks can significantly boost team cohesion, and hear about the unexpected perks of remote work that Darren experienced firsthand. Plus, stick around for an amusing anecdote about the most unusual place Darren has ever worked remotely.We also explore the evolution of Hugo, from its humble beginnings as a Slack plug-in to a robust tool that centralizes meeting notes and agendas. Darren explains how Hugo's integration with popular tools like Slack, Trello, and Zoom ensures alignment and transparency within tech-savvy SMB and mid-market B2B companies. He shares

Ever wonder how remote work can revolutionize your lifestyle? Join me, Alex, on this insightful journey as I uncover the unexpected perks of working from anywhere. Drawing from a decade of remote work experience, I'll explore how remote work can lead to environmental benefits, save you significant commuting time, and even help you build a supportive network of fellow remote workers. Listen in to discover how these insights can help you make informed decisions about your career path.Struggling with the challenges of remote work? You're not alone. I'll share practical strategies for overcoming common hurdles like managing your time effectively and setting boundaries to avoid burnout. Learn how to build connections to combat isolation and understand the importance of having robust support systems to handle IT and other issues. Plus, I’ll recount my enlightening conversation with Mark Bosma, where we dive into balancing work and family life, offering you actionable tips to achieve a healthy, fulfil

What does it take to successfully transition from a technical role in high-performance computing to leading sales at a globally recognized freelancing platform? Join us for an insightful conversation with Mark Bosma, VP of Sales at TopTal, as he shares his unique career journey, revealing the secrets behind building a robust remote work culture. You'll gain practical tips for navigating TopTal's hiring process and understand the pivotal role of an established culture in remote teams.Discover how to achieve a healthy work-life balance in a remote work environment. Mark discusses the importance of starting the workday early, strict scheduling, and using structured events to seamlessly transition from work responsibilities to family time. Learn about TopTal's growth-oriented culture and its position as the largest remote high-skilled workforce platform, connecting top talent with clients worldwide. Mark's insights will equip you with the strategies needed to thrive in a remote setup.Explore t

Ever wondered why your hiring process feels like navigating a maze? Get ready to uncover the secrets to seamless remote hiring with Alex from Remote Work Life. This episode, packed with actionable insights, promises a game-changer for both hiring managers and job seekers. Learn why preparation is paramount before opening up your hiring channels, and how a well-crafted, clear invitation can eliminate confusion and frustration. We’ll also explore the necessity of being ready to tackle questions about your business, team, and future plans to put potential hires at ease. Plus, discover the immense value of maintaining a transparent and personal communication line to enhance your company’s reputation.But that's not all! We dive into the pivotal role of a positive candidate experience in attracting and retaining top talent. Understand how a thoughtful and organized approach not only boosts your company's image but also reaps long-term rewards like word-of-mouth recommendations and significant cost savings

Ever wondered how leading companies seamlessly collaborate in a remote-first world? Join me, Alex Wilson-Campbell, as we uncover the secrets of InVision, a pioneering force in visual collaboration. In this kickoff episode of the Remote Work Life Business Spotlight series, we explore how InVision facilitates efficient teamwork across product, design, HR, and marketing departments. We dive into the culture of this fully distributed company and reveal how you can leverage their success strategies to boost your own remote work experience. Plus, I'm thrilled to announce our new newsletter, packed with weekly insights and tips from remote work trailblazers to guide you through your remote career journey.To cap it off, we’re offering a treasure trove of resources designed to help you thrive in the remote work landscape. From a curated list of 100 remote-friendly companies that are always on the lookout for talent to exclusive on-demand videos with industry leaders—there’s something for everyone. Visit www.remot

What happens when a seasoned professional shifts from the well-oiled machine of a global corporation to the vibrant chaos of a startup? Meet Tasia Dusky, CEO of MuseumHack, who traded the structured life at Marriott for the whirlwind world of a startup. In this episode, Tasia recounts her remarkable journey, comparing the established systems and rigid hierarchies of a corporate giant with the flexible, innovative culture she now leads. You'll gain a front-row seat to her insights on the unique perks of startup life, including the ability to influence policies and the freedom of remote work. Discover why the intimate, fast-paced nature of a smaller company might just be the change you need.Ready for a career change but unsure where to start? This episode emphasizes the crucial first step: self-assessment. We'll guide you through a deep dive into your current job to help you pinpoint what truly matters to you in a career. Understand the importance of aligning your skills and aspirations with the right

Discover the secrets to transforming your remote work life and finding genuine passion with our special guest, Susanna Hallinan, a renowned positive psychologist and expert in happiness. In this episode, Susanna shares her compelling journey from a disenchanted corporate worker to a vibrant Happyologist. Learn how a pivotal moment involving Shawn Achor's "The Happiness Advantage" led her to a fulfilling career in positive psychology and how you can take similar steps toward a more joyous professional life.Are you feeling stuck in your career? Susanna and I explore the fear of change and offer practical advice on overcoming it through small, incremental steps. From blogging to taking introductory courses, discover how simple activities can boost your confidence and set you on the path to a more meaningful career. We also discuss how to recognize signs of unhappiness in your current role and the importance of aligning your career with your personal values and strengths.Authenticity and gratitude

Can online education truly empower creators to do work they love? Discover how Design Lab, an innovative platform for online UX and UI education, is making this a reality. In this episode of the Remote Work Life Business Spotlight, I, Alex Wilson-Campbell, take you through Design Lab's mission, and introduce you to the masterminds behind it, Harish Venkatesan and Daniel Shapiro. Learn about the dynamic team driving the platform and understand why their mentor-led approach is reshaping design education.We also explore the various remote job opportunities available at Design Lab, highlighting roles in product development, writing, and graphic design. Plus, get insights into the company's culture and values, and the importance of aligning with them when seeking a remote position. Whether you're a remote manager, a professional looking to transition into design, or a freelancer in search of new opportunities, this episode is packed with valuable guidance to help you on your remote work journey. Tun

Unlock the secret to a happier, more fulfilling life with insights from Richard Barrett, founder of the Barrett Values Centre. Discover how aligning your personal and professional core values can significantly reduce frustration and enhance satisfaction in both your career and personal life. Richard shares his expertise on identifying and embracing core values, offering practical strategies to realign with your true self during moments of emotional pain. Together, we explore the impact of values alignment and the powerful benefits of working with organizations that resonate with your principles.Explore the dynamic challenges and unique rewards of remote work in this episode. From fostering a sense of community among remote workers to overcoming the distractions of a non-traditional workspace, we touch on it all. Richard and I highlight the importance of emotional intelligence in both business leadership and personal growth, delving into how values-driven societies can lead to greater societal transformation.

Negotiating remote work in a partially remote company can feel like navigating a minefield. In this episode of Remote Work Live, I share my personal journey through these challenges and stress the importance of setting clear remote work arrangements from the start. I'll also introduce you to a golden opportunity with Closecom, a 100% remote CRM company on the lookout for a Director of Marketing. This role is tailor-made for professionals with a strong background in SaaS and experience with small to medium-sized businesses who are eager to fully embrace the remote work lifestyle.But there's more to Closecom than just a job—imagine being part of a mission-driven company that's been revolutionizing the sales community globally since 2013. Discover the unique perks of their remote work culture, such as unparalleled flexibility and an empathetic work-life balance, especially for parents. Plus, get valuable tips on maintaining connections and sidestepping common remote work pitfalls. Finally, don&apo

Ready to transform your remote work life with the power of positive psychology? Join us as happiness expert Andy Cope, founder of the Art of Brilliance, shares his wisdom from a PhD in positive psychology. Andy's journey from traditional psychology to studying happiness and wellness provides profound insights into how we can all flourish, especially in remote work settings. You'll learn practical strategies for retraining your brain for positivity, and discover why job satisfaction alone won't make you happy.Ever wonder why negativity seems so pervasive, particularly in cultures like Britain? Listen in as Andy Cope unravels the cultural tendencies towards negativity and its impact on our well-being. He'll take you through the evolution of human behavior, explaining why our brains are wired to focus on dangers and threats. You'll also hear about Andy's work with major companies, and get a humorous yet enlightening perspective on breaking free from mediocrity to lead a more vibrant

Ever felt the frustration of dealing with a company that claims to support remote work but fails to follow through? In this episode of the Remote Work Life Podcast, I share a personal story about a trying experience with a local agency that wasn't truly remote. Learn from my missteps and understand why it's crucial to establish clear communication and expectations when negotiating remote work terms. I’ll also explain why choosing companies that are fully remote can save you from unnecessary friction and confusion, ensuring a more seamless remote work experience.On a brighter note, I'm thrilled to spotlight an exciting opportunity from a good friend and esteemed colleague, Steli Efti, the CEO of Closecom. Steli is on the hunt for a Director of Marketing, and I’m dedicating part of this episode to shout out this remarkable role. Discover what makes this position at Closecom unique and why it might be the perfect fit for you if you're passionate about remote work. Don't miss out on the c

Ever found yourself questioning the legitimacy of a remote job post on social media? Join us as we talk about a personal experience with a suspicious Facebook job listing that lacked critical details and transparency. We’ll walk you through the red flags that signal scams or poorly presented opportunities and provide actionable tips to identify trustworthy remote job listings. Learn how clear communication and proper hiring practices can make all the difference in your job search journey.Moving forward, we uncover the essential steps to evaluate remote work opportunities thoroughly. Discover the importance of researching a company’s history, niche, and financial health, and how PR and news sources can offer insights into a business and its key people. We also stress the value of direct communication with hiring managers to understand the company culture and recruitment practices. Lastly, protect your personal information online with expert advice from Sarah Sutton of FlexJobs.com on recognizing and avoiding r

FROM THE ARCHIVE: Ever wondered how you can scale a solo business to a million-dollar success while maintaining a balanced lifestyle? In this episode of the Remote Work Life podcast, we promise actionable insights from Elaine Pofeldt, the acclaimed author of "The Million Dollar One Person Business." Elaine shares her journey from freelancing to achieving remarkable financial milestones, all while raising a family. Learn the key traits that contribute to the success of solo entrepreneurs and how you, too, can transform your remote career into a lucrative venture.Freelancing is far more diverse than tech and AI roles, and we explore this expansive landscape in depth. From writers and web designers to attorneys and accountants, discover the various ways professionals are carving out successful freelance careers. Whether you're a seasoned professional seeking flexibility or a small business owner looking to hire reliable talent, we provide practical advice on leveraging word of mouth and testing fr

Ever wondered what it takes to leave a secure job and mortgage behind and buy a one-way ticket to Egypt? Join us as we explore the captivating journey of Michelle Dale, the visionary CEO and founder of Virtual Miss Friday. Michelle's daring move led her not only to personal clarity but also to the creation of a thriving virtual assistant business that perfectly aligns with her lifestyle and passions. Her incredible story not only inspired my own leap from recruitment to marketing but also serves as a beacon for anyone seeking fulfillment and alignment in their careers.Tune in to hear Michelle's candid reflections on the pressures and doubts that accompanied her drastic career shift. Despite climbing the corporate ladder, she found that true happiness was missing and decided to pursue a path that genuinely resonated with her values. We delve into broader issues of workplace satisfaction, sharing startling research that only a small fraction of people find real joy in their work. Michelle's exper

Commuting is more than just a daily grind; it's a routine that can dominate your life. This morning, my partner's exasperation at her commute reminded me of my own journey and the options we often overlook. I've been navigating the waters of remote work since 2008, and I want to share how this dynamic landscape can drastically improve work-life balance, cut down on childcare costs, and eliminate the exhausting daily commute. Imagine having the freedom to choose how and where you work, allowing for more family time and continuous career growth without the constraints of a traditional 9-to-5 job.In this premiere episode of the Remote Work Life podcast, I dive into the wealth of opportunities remote work presents. Through my own research and enlightening conversations with CEOs and senior staff from pioneering remote companies, I've discovered that many of these businesses are mission-driven and align closely with personal values. These interviews offer invaluable insights into how these comp