In this episode, host Ryan O’Hara sits down with Scott Smith, CEO of CloudApp, to talk about the ups and downs of remote work. With years of experience leading distributed teams, Scott shares insights on how to manage productivity, build trust, and keep teams engaged—even when everyone is working from their kitchen tables.

From hiring the right people to daily stand-ups and even remote game nights, this episode is packed with practical tips for leaders navigating the world of remote work. Plus, Ryan and Scott keep things real, discussing kids crashing meetings, dogs barking, and even changing diapers on Zoom calls.

If you're adjusting to remote work or managing a remote team, this episode is a must-listen!

🔹 Key Takeaways:

Why hiring the right people matters more than ever in remote work
The importance of daily stand-ups and how to structure them
Tech tips to improve video calls (lighting, mics, and background setup)
Fun ways to build remote team culture (think online happy hours and games)
The power of empathy and flexibility in managing a remote workforce

🎧 Tune in now and learn how to thrive in the remote work era!

Episode Chapters & Timestamps:

⏳ 0:00 – Introduction & Ryan’s “skeleton in the closet” (aka: remote work struggles)
⏳ 1:03 – Meet Scott Smith: CEO of CloudApp & remote work veteran
⏳ 1:50 – How CloudApp manages a distributed workforce
⏳ 3:10 – Trusting employees vs. micromanaging productivity
⏳ 4:35 – The new reality: balancing work with kids, pets, and home life
⏳ 6:01 – Essential tech for remote work (mics, lighting, and background setup)
⏳ 7:26 – Fun ways to engage remote teams (games, happy hours, and team-building)
⏳ 8:41 – The importance of empathy & staying connected during uncertain times
⏳ 9:57 – Final thoughts: Be yourself, be patient, and help each other out

Season 1 - #32 Ryan O'Hara VP of Growth LeadIQ