Remote Work Life Podcast

How can remote work revolutionize your business and personal life? Join us as we chat with Sharon Koivman, president of Distant Job and author of "Surviving Remote Work," about his inspiring journey from growing up in an entrepreneurial family to building three fully remote companies. Discover the transformative potential of remote work for creating inclusive work environments and learn why it's not just for introverts. Sharon's insights into building a thriving remote work culture will leave you rethinking your office setup and eager to embrace new strategies.Ever wondered if the office is truly the most productive environment? Sharon debunks this myth with evidence that remote workers can be happier and more efficient while emphasizing the need for proactive social interactions to maintain mental well-being. We also delve into the challenges companies face in adopting remote work and how deliberate efforts can foster strong social connections even from afar. Sharon's expert advice w

Imagine transforming your dreaded Monday mornings into a life of flexibility and productivity. Join us in this enlightening episode where we sit down with Sarah Park, the President of Meet Edgar. Sarah shares her journey from enduring a grueling commute to fully embracing the benefits of remote work. We dive into how Meet Edgar's innovative automated content distribution system assists small businesses in maintaining an active social media presence across multiple platforms and what exciting new integrations are on the horizon.Balancing work and social interaction while working remotely can be challenging, but Sarah and I discuss practical strategies to help you thrive. From setting clear boundaries and creating dedicated workspaces to taking regular breaks, we cover essential tips to enhance productivity and avoid burnout. We also highlight the importance of intentional communication and building virtual spaces for team interactions, ensuring a sense of community and effective collaboration within remot

What if you could revolutionize your leadership style and create a thriving remote work environment? This episode features Pilar Orti from Virtual, not Distant, whose journey through Amsterdam, Madrid, and London has made her a pioneer in remote work. Pilar's early passion for online management qualifications and webinars set her on a path to become an expert in virtual workspaces. Tune in to hear Pilar's invaluable insights on how UK businesses are reimagining leadership and technology to adapt to remote work, offering lessons that are essential for HR managers, team leaders, and remote work enthusiasts alike.Navigating the landscape of remote team management can be tricky. Pilar shares her theater and biology-inspired approach to creating comfortable and productive remote workspaces. Discover the nuances of transitioning from co-located to remote teams, and the importance of informal communication, visibility, and team advocacy. Learn the key strategies that remote managers must adopt, from acting

Unlock the secrets to remote work productivity with insights from Luke Shermer, Managing Director and Founder of Launch Tomorrow. Discover how nearly a decade of managing remote teams has equipped Luke with unique strategies to overcome the challenges of dispersed work environments. From navigating team dynamics to setting clear objectives and maintaining accountability, Luke's practical tips will empower any remote team to thrive.Explore the crucial role of building trust within remote teams as Luke recounts his journey from an accidental remote worker to leading a permanently remote setup. Learn how to shift from traditional hierarchical mindsets to a culture of facilitation and adaptability, and how to address initial client perceptions about the absence of a physical office. Luke emphasizes the importance of establishing clear goals and accountability to foster a dependable and high-performing remote team.Tired of endless meetings that drain your energy? Luke shares his strategies for optimizing meet

Unlock the secrets to mental health resilience in remote work with Martika Swaby, founder of Benevolent Health. Martika brings her deep expertise to the table, sharing invaluable insights on how the global shift to remote working has impacted our emotional well-being. Learn practical strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and depression, and discover the crucial distinction between mental health and mental illness. Tune in as Martika recounts her journey from tackling severe mental health cases to becoming a psychotherapist and corporate consultant, offering you a unique perspective on maintaining mental fitness in challenging times.Explore the evolution of mental health treatment and the importance of holistic approaches that integrate nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, and creative expression. We dissect the stigma surrounding mental health discussions in corporate environments and the low engagement with Employee Assistance Programs. Martika emphasizes the importance of mental fitness and preventative mea

Ever wondered how to truly master the art of remote team management? Discover invaluable insights from Laurel Farrer, a leading thought leader in remote work, as she shares her transformative journey from the events industry to becoming a top-tier distributed operations consultant. Learn how Laurel has collaborated with industry giants like Microsoft and Upwork, offering strategies that have reshaped virtual operations. Managers, especially, will find her tips on creating sustainable remote work solutions incredibly enlightening.We also provide a deeper look into the extraordinary growth of the Remote Work Association. What began as a modest gathering of 30 friends has evolved into a powerhouse community with hundreds of members, including global heavyweights. Listen in to understand how this association has provided essential support during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering free consultations to new leaders. We'll discuss the significance of relying on genuine experts amid a landscape crowded with opportu

Unlock the secrets of managing global teams effortlessly with our special guest, Dee Coakley, co-founder and CEO of Boundless. Ever wondered how someone transitions from the music industry to tech? Dee's fascinating journey will inspire you as she shares her experiences from working with record companies and artist management to leading innovative roles in B2B SaaS companies. You’ll glean insights into the creative parallels between these two vibrant industries and learn how Dee's unique skill set led to the creation of Boundless.Discover the solution to the often frustrating complexities of international payroll and employment. Dee unveils how Boundless streamlines multi-country payroll and HR compliance, a solution born out of her very own challenges as a COO. We delve into the importance of versatility and financial literacy in career advancement, and why understanding various organizational roles can be a game-changer. Dee’s transformation from a reluctant founder to a determined leader provides

FROM THE ARCHIVE: Ever wondered how a fully remote company not only survives but thrives in the digital age? Darcy Mayfield new Bowles  peeled and what’s it like to work remotely..Wanderlust meets workspace in our enlightening conversation about the joys and pitfalls of remote work. Wrapping up, the spotlight shifts to you, the aspiring remote worker, as Darcy bestows nuggets of wisdom on navigating the hiring process . Heed her advice on aligning with the company's mission and values, and stand out in a sea of applicants. As we reflect on the shifting work landscape, we encourage you to embrace this remote revolution. So, grab your notepad and tune in—it's an episode brimming with insights that could usher you into the ranks of a future-forward company like Taxjar.Refer a Remote Work Expert As a Guest On The ShowClick here remoteworklife.io to subscribe to my free newsletter Connect on LinkedIn

Ever wondered how a global, distributed digital agency thrives in today’s remote work landscape? Join us as we welcome John Ekman, the visionary CEO of 10Up, who leads a trailblazing team known for crafting exceptional web experiences on platforms like WordPress. John shares candid insights into the complexities of maintaining an engaging online presence without physical offices, balancing authentic employee imagery, and designing user-centric websites. Tune in to learn the strategies 10Up uses to showcase its unique company culture to both clients and prospective employees while highlighting the significance of their technical headquarters in Sacramento.From academia to the dot-com boom, John Ekman's journey into web development is nothing short of fascinating. During a time when formal education in web technologies was non-existent, John transitioned from teaching innovative "wired classrooms" at the University of Washington to becoming a self-taught web developer amidst the dot-com frenzy. I

Ready to transform your career and your lifestyle? In this episode, we explore the remarkable story of John Murphy, a former financial analyst at General Electric (GE) who successfully transitioned from the corporate world to a thriving, location-independent entrepreneur. Learn how John's constant relocations due to his wife's career led him to remote work and how discovering Tim Ferriss's "The 4-Hour Workweek" became a pivotal moment in his journey. If you've ever felt stuck in a job you don't love, John's story will inspire you to seek out your true passion and take bold steps towards a more fulfilling career.John opens up about the challenges and triumphs of transitioning to remote work, especially how his introverted nature made working from home an ideal fit. Hear about his unsettling experience when his colleagues were laid off and how he managed multiple roles before negotiating a remote work arrangement that allowed him to move to Italy. John also shares the str

How can your business transform customer experiences into measurable success? Join us as we uncover the key strategies with Jessica Noble, a seasoned fractional Chief Customer Officer with nearly 15 years of expertise in enterprise business strategy and consulting. Jessica shares her inspiring journey from her early days in sales to becoming an advocate for enhancing customer experiences in small and mid-sized businesses. Her passion for making an impact, having fun, and working hard is evident throughout this episode, making it a captivating listen for anyone looking to elevate their customer experience strategy.Discover the essential steps to improve customer experience and drive profit in your company. Jessica emphasizes the importance of cross-functional collaboration and internal relationships, starting with a clear vision and goals. She explains how to conduct a thorough assessment through stakeholder interviews and feedback analysis, and the significance of achieving quick wins to build momentum for lo

What if you could lead a groundbreaking remote-first company without sacrificing your passion for hobbies? Join us as we sit down with Job van der Voort, CEO and co-founder of Remote, a former neuroscientist with a unique approach to interviews and a compelling journey from GitLab's VP of Product to pioneering the future of work. Job's passion for remote work, coupled with his impressive ability to manage a remote-first startup while balancing countless hobbies, creates a fascinating discussion about scaling businesses and the evolving landscape of work.In our conversation, Job shares the invaluable lessons he learned while building and scaling a fully distributed company. We explore the transformative experiences at GitLab that cemented his belief in remote work, the rapid growth and high demand for Remote, and the significant challenges of managing a successful startup. Job dives deep into how the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the need for remote work solutions and the critical role of leadership

Ready to revolutionize your remote team experience? Join us as we sit down with Jen Dennard, co-founder of Range, to uncover the secrets behind effective remote team collaboration. Jen brings her extensive background in teaching, management consulting, and people operations to the table, sharing invaluable insights from her journey, including her transformative time at Medium. Together, we explore how Range successfully transitioned to a fully office-less environment during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how they've managed to keep teams synchronized and motivated despite the challenges.Discover how to redefine remote work by prioritizing inclusion and fostering a community-centric culture. Jen introduces the concept of "windowed work," a flexible work structure designed to accommodate personal responsibilities like childcare. Through this novel approach, she demonstrates how flexibility can reduce stress and enhance productivity, ensuring that team members feel valued and supported. Learn how tool

Can a self-taught coder turn a passion into a thriving remote business? Join us as we chat with James Haig, the director of We Sweet, who shares his fascinating journey from coding in his bedroom to co-founding a successful UK-based multimedia design consultancy. James and his creative partner Lou have leveraged their complementary skills in coding and design to land significant projects, such as the IMG Sport Video Archive, and prove the viability of remote work in a professional setting.Get an insider's view on the intricate dynamics of remote work at We Sweet. Discover how James and Lou balance work and life, each in their unique ways, and foster a company culture that values collaboration and flexibility. Hear about their diverse client base, ranging from schools to sports organizations, and learn how their flat company structure supports team input and innovation. This episode offers rich insights into the benefits of remote work, including its support for diverse lifestyles and extracurricular pass

Curious about how to master Digital Asset Management (DAM) and thrive in a remote consulting career? Join us as we host Henrik de Gure from Another Damn Consultancy, who unveils his transformation from a digital photojournalist to a sought-after DAM expert. You'll gain insights into the complex world of managing a multitude of digital assets—videos, audio files, PDFs, and more—and learn how effective systems can streamline your operations and skyrocket your productivity.Ever wondered how to make the transition to remote work not just possible but truly sustainable? We explore strategies that go beyond just "working from home." Discover the importance of clear communication, the power of time-blocking, and the necessity of adaptability to ensure you maintain productivity. Drawing from personal experiences and practical tips, we set the stage for understanding why organized digital asset management is crucial, especially for marketing professionals dealing with a flood of digital content.Finally,

What if you could unlock your latent potential energy and transform stress into resilience? In our enlightening conversation with Dr. Karthik Ramanen, better known as Dr. K, listeners will uncover the transformative journey of a high-achieving Wall Street professional who shifted gears to become a mentor in emotional health. From his impressive academic background at Cornell University to thriving yet struggling at Goldman Sachs, Dr. K's pivotal moment came when he witnessed his sister's health transformation. This episode promises to guide you through his inspiring evolution and the wisdom he gained along the way.Dr. K's story is not just about personal achievement—it's a powerful testament to the importance of emotional well-being. By envisioning his future self, Dr. K embraced radical changes, including attending medical school and dedicating his career to emotional health education. He introduces the concept of latent potential energy and emphasizes a holistic approach that integrates

Ever felt trapped in the mundane grind of a 9-to-5 job and dreamt of exploring the world while still building a successful career? Greg's riveting story may just be the spark you need. In our latest episode, hear how he transitioned from a life of routine in Chicago to becoming a global traveler and entrepreneur. Greg’s journey led him to create Remote Year, a groundbreaking program that helps people achieve the freedom to work and live in different countries. Learn how he transformed his personal dream into a thriving community, and discover the steps he took to make it all happen.But that's not all—we also dive deep into the nitty-gritty of managing a distributed team spread across the globe. Greg sheds light on the complexities of global recruiting, the significance of aligning new hires with company values, and the essential role of thorough reference checks. Get insights on how Remote Year overcomes the hurdles of remote management, employs the best digital tools for seamless communication, and

Unlock the secrets to creating a thriving entrepreneurial community with Derek Anderson, founder and CEO of Startup Grind. Have you ever wondered what truly drives successful networking and growth within the startup ecosystem? Derek shares his incredible journey of transforming a simple idea into a global phenomenon, emphasizing the importance of core values like helping first, giving before taking, and making friends over mere contacts. By the end of this episode, you’ll understand how these principles can foster a supportive network and propel you toward continuous self-improvement.Balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with family life is no small feat. Derek opens up about the trials and triumphs of organizing impactful events, from initial experimentation to the winning formula of fireside chats with influential leaders. He also divulges practical strategies for maintaining equilibrium between a bustling professional life and personal commitments, offering relatable tips for prioritizing significant l

Unlock the secrets of a fulfilling remote work lifestyle with David, the visionary co-founder of Outpost, as he walks us through the appeal of co-living and co-working in paradise. Imagine escaping the monotony of a nine-to-five cubicle for the vibrant co-working villages of Bali and Cambodia. David reveals how Outpost creates a unique environment where millennials and digital nomads can thrive through casual meet-ups over donuts and structured activities like yoga classes and SEO lessons. Gain insight into how these shared experiences foster genuine relationships and professional growth in some of the world's most beautiful settings.Explore the transformative power of immersive travel with us. Learn why younger generations are shifting away from whirlwind tours and embracing extended stays that allow for deep cultural immersion and meaningful connections. David shares how platforms like Outpost help travelers engage more deeply with their surroundings, leading to significant personal growth. From challe

Ever wondered how a corporate lawyer from Sydney transforms into a tech entrepreneur in San Francisco? Join us as we chat with Darren Chait, co-founder of Hugo, who shares his incredible journey and the inspiration behind creating a tool that revolutionizes meeting management. From the bustling legal world to the innovative tech scene, Darren's story highlights the inefficiencies in traditional meeting setups and how Hugo was born to address them. Discover the strategic move to San Francisco that opened doors to unparalleled talent and investment opportunities, and the eventual shift to a fully remote model that maximized flexibility and work-life balance.Darren gives us an inside look at Hugo's evolution from a simple Slack plugin to a game-changing software that centralizes meeting notes and agendas. By integrating with popular applications like Slack, Trello, and Zoom, Hugo ensures seamless remote team collaboration, keeping everyone aligned and informed. Darren also discusses Hugo's signifi