Remotely One - A remote work podcast

Send us a textWelcome to our first Not Safe For Remote Work (NSFRW) segment! Here, employees at all levels share their most outrageous moments while working remotely. Today's episode features Ashley Herd, an attorney with an impressive career history. Having worked for McKinsey and Kentucky Fried Chicken, she is currently the founder and CEO of Manager Method, a company specializing in manager training and coaching.Ashley’s story exemplifies the challenges and surprises of remote work! In 2016, she moved from Louisville, Kentucky, to Sydney, Australia, for her husband’s job. This move required her to continue working for a U.S.-based company, adapting to a schedule that began at 4:30 AM from Tuesday through Saturday to align with U.S. business hours. Exhausting, right?Ashley faced unique challenges in her remote work experience, including adapting to local wildlife in unexpected ways. Her adventures from this period highlight the unpredictable aspects of working from home.Despite the challenges, the benefits of remote work are clear, particularly in terms of work-life balance for Ashley. Her experiences in Australia influenced her current work with Manager Method, where she helps managers have difficult conversations and improve their performance management skills.To hear more about Ashley’s remote work adventures, check out her TikTok and Instagram: @ManagerMethod. There, she provides practical advice for managers in short, engaging videos, and also offers a LinkedIn Learning course titled "Daily Habits for Effective People Management." You can also check her out on the HR Besties Podcast. Ashley’s experiences showcase the amusing and unexpected moments that come with working remotely. Tune in to hear a true testament to the human side of remote work and the unique stories that come from it!Learn more about Ashley:Ashley’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyherd/ManagerMethod’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@managermethodManagerMethod’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/managermethod/Daily Habits for Effective People Management: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/daily-habits-for-effective-people-managementHR Besties Podcast: https://www.hrbesties.com/More about us: Remotely One’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/remotelyone Remotely One’s Webpage: https://www.remotelyone.com/

Send us a textIn the latest episode of the Remotely One podcast, co-hosts Rick Haney and Kaleem Clarkson welcome the incredible Lauren Goodell, founder and CEO of Zinnia, an AI-powered sales preparation tool. Lauren's journey is fascinating, from her Nebraska roots, with a marketing degree from the University of Nebraska, to her current residence in Charlotte, and all the achievements in between.Lauren has had an ever-changing professional journey with significant roles in major tech companies: After over five years as a Strategic Engagement Manager at Microsoft, she transitioned to Salesforce, where she developed a deep understanding of remote work and sales, recognizing the importance of human connections in sales processes. While Microsoft is a stable environment where employees often stay for many years, focusing on long-term growth, Salesforce, in contrast, has a younger, more dynamic culture where innovation and rapid changes are the norm.Since her early days at both Microsoft and Salesforce, she has appreciated the flexibility and the opportunity to work with talented people from across the country. This prepared her well for the shift to remote work during the pandemic! Now, her new venture, Zinnia, leverages AI to synthesize vast amounts of personal and professional data, creating holistic profiles to help salespeople connect with clients on a personal level.So, how does Zinnia work? The tool gathers and summarizes information from various online sources, such as LinkedIn, company websites, and social media. This provides sales professionals with conversation starters and relevant insights, facilitating quick rapport building, which is crucial in sales where personal connections can significantly influence buying decisions. Zinnia aims to make these connections more seamless and efficient, saving time for salespeople by automating the information-gathering process.Yet, the elephant in the room is still there: the common fears surrounding AI, particularly the concern that it might replace human jobs, remain strong! The role of education in alleviating these fears cannot be underestimated. Drawing a parallel to the early skepticism her parents had about online shopping, Lauren argues that AI, when used correctly, can enhance human capabilities rather than replace them. Diving into our classic question: Where is remote work going? It’s clear that Lauren's experience at Microsoft, where impromptu social gatherings were the norm, reinforced her belief in the importance of human connection for workplace satisfaction. Many companies now invest in in-person gatherings instead of corporate real estate, providing training and strengthening team bonds. This shift supports Lauren's view that remote and hybrid work is here to stay, but maintaining connections in a remote environment is essential!You can find Lauren and her amazing Zinnia online; connect through the links below! Treat yourself to a wonderful episode and gain her valuable perspectives on the evolution of remote work, the importance of social connections in the workplace, and the role of co-working spaces in urban revitalization. Thank you, Lauren, you are a great guide for companies navigating the challenges and opportunities of a remote-first world!Learn more about Lauren:Lauren’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-marturano/Zinnia: More about us: Remotely One’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/remotelyone Remotely One’s Webpage: https://www.remotelyone.com/

Send us a textIn the latest episode of the "Remotely One" podcast, Jeff Walpole, CEO of Phase2, joins hosts Rick and Kaleem for an engaging chat about the evolution and future of remote and hybrid work environments. The entertaining exchange delves into Jeff's extensive experience managing hybrid teams and offers valuable lessons for organizations navigating these new work paradigms.Jeff's career spans from working on IT projects for the U.S. Navy, EPA, and Department of Defense, to leading Phase2, a digital agency he co-founded in 2001. His background as a musician in a heavy metal hair band named "Without Warning" adds an intriguing twist to his professional journey, sparking nostalgic banter about 80s rock fashion and music icons like Dio and Ratt.Starting Phase2 shortly after September 11, 2001, Jeff and his co-founders initially worked on-site at the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), developing a system for calculating the NFL salary cap. Their early adoption of remote and flexible work practices, including holding meetings in a Starbucks conference room, laid the groundwork for their future operations.Phase2 has since grown into a leading digital agency, delivering large-scale, custom software solutions for clients like Fannie Mae, Johnson & Johnson, and the Smithsonian!For remote enthusiasts, the trio deeply explore Phase2's transition to remote-first operations. Originally having a significant office presence, the company gradually reduced office space in response to the rise of remote work, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, their Arlington headquarters is mostly empty, reflecting a strategic shift to accommodate diverse work preferences.By fostering a culture that values flexibility, purposeful meetings, and strong client relationships, Phase2 has successfully navigated the challenges of remote work while continuing to innovate in the digital space. Through action, Phase2 underscores the importance of intentionality in remote work!The pandemic was a turning point, forcing everyone to experience remote work and fostering greater empathy for remote team members. This universal shift helped overcome the final barriers to a more inclusive hybrid work culture. Phase2 even created the "Phase2 Remote Work Playbook," a resource made freely available during the pandemic. This playbook, drawing from their long history with remote work, offered technical tips and cultural advice for effective remote meetings, helping other companies navigate the sudden shift to remote work.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the practicalities and philosophies of managing hybrid and remote work environments. Jeff's emphasis on flexibility, empathy, and productivity provides a valuable framework for organizations adapting to these models. Join the conversation and discover why adapting to the unique needs of remote and hybrid teams is crucial for ensuring all employees feel included and empowered to do their best work!Learn more about Jeff:Jeff’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffwalpole/Phase2 Remote Work Playbook: https://phase2.gitbook.io/phase2-remote-work-playbook/ More about us: Remotely One’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/remotelyone Remotely One’s Webpage: https://www.remotelyone.com/

Send us a textJoin us for an exciting new episode of the Remotely One podcast, broadcasting from the Tandem booth at the Transform HR conference in Las Vegas! Our host, Kaleem Clarkson, was thrilled to welcome guest Brie-Ann Forhecz, Founder and CEO of Redhook Coaching. Hailing from the Jersey Shore and now based in Manhattan, Brie-Ann brings over a decade of experience in HR management and a passion for coaching to the table.As the CEO and founder of Redhook, a coaching company specializing in executive leadership, Brie-Ann is no stranger to the challenges and advantages of remote work feedback. In this lively discussion, she explores the intricacies of giving feedback in remote settings and emphasizes the importance of building trust with clients, especially in a virtual environment.Brie-Ann also shares valuable insights into the coaching process, highlighting the importance of creating an open and warm atmosphere to foster trust and collaboration. With a focus on partnership and individualized support, Brie-Ann helps leaders gain clarity and drive meaningful outcomes in their professional journeys.From the flexibility to work with clients worldwide to the opportunity to support leaders in diverse cultural and organizational contexts, remote coaching offers unique advantages. Despite the challenges, Brie-Ann highlights the immense potential for growth and innovation in this global work world.And of course, no conversation with Brie-Ann would be complete without a glimpse into her Jersey Shore days. Hear the hilarious story of her encounter with none other than Bruce Springsteen himself on a beach in Seabright, New Jersey!Join us as we explore the dynamic landscape of remote work coaching and gain valuable insights from Brie-Ann's wealth of experience and expertise. Don't miss this conversation filled with laughter, wisdom, and practical tips for navigating the challenges and seizing the opportunities of remote work in today's world.Learn more about Brie-Ann:Brie-Ann’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brienyc/Redhook Coaching: https://www.redhookcoaching.com/ More about us: Remotely One’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/remotelyone Remotely One’s Webpage: https://www.remotelyone.com/

Send us a textJoin us this week for an engaging conversation with Amanda Richardson, CEO of CoderPad as she sits down with hosts Rick and Kaleem to discuss her career journey and the nuances of remote work.Amanda's path into product management was sparked by a challenge from her company's CTO, igniting her passion for problem-solving. With experience at companies like Snagajob and Hotel Tonight, she honed her skills in understanding user needs and crafting innovative solutions.At the helm of CoderPad, Amanda leads a platform that serves as a technical assessment tool primarily used for interviewing and evaluating developer talent. Beyond coding assessments, it accommodates various technical roles like hardware development and data science, offering both asynchronous and live coding interview capabilities.Amanda questions the rush to return to the office, advocating for data-driven decision-making and challenging assumptions about office productivity. Drawing on studies showing increased productivity and company growth with remote teams, she highlights the benefits of remote work.The trio delves into the challenges faced by mid-level managers tasked with enforcing directives they may not align with, stressing the importance of equipping them with the necessary tools and training to advocate for their teams' needs effectively. There’s some skepticism about the hybrid work model in this conversation, Amanda points out logistical hurdles and the impracticality in certain job roles. She critiques it as a half-hearted attempt to balance remote and office work without addressing fundamental issues like teamwork and culture.Our guest also debunks the misconception that remote work always translates to cost savings, highlighting expenses related to travel and tools while acknowledging potential savings in hiring talent from diverse locations.So, click play and dive into this enlightening interview filled with valuable insights on remote work. Amanda's perspective offers a refreshing take on navigating modern work environments. We look forward to our next chat, Amanda!Learn more about Amanda:Amanda’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandahartrichardson/CoderPad’s Webpage: https://coderpad.io/ More about us: Remotely One’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/remotelyone Remotely One’s Webpage: https://www.remotelyone.com/

Send us a textJoin us for an engaging episode of the Remotely One podcast as Kaleem Clarkson sits down with Kristin Smith, Director of Business Development at The Leadership Consortium, live from the Transform HR conference in Las Vegas, where they share valuable insights around feedback in a remote work setting. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Kristin's journey from retail executive to leadership development expert has been nothing short of remarkable! With extensive experience at Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue, Kristin's transition to a fully remote work environment posed unique challenges, particularly in providing and receiving feedback. She shares insightful strategies for navigating remote feedback, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and leveraging various platforms beyond Zoom.Discover how Kristin's Leadership Consortium is revolutionizing leadership development with its interactive remote programs, featuring top-notch professors from renowned institutions. From live interactions to peer coaching sessions, the consortium offers a comprehensive approach to leadership education.Learn how Kristin fosters connection and collaboration within her remote team through innovative initiatives like co-working spaces and daily stand-up meetings, underscoring the significance of intentional connection in combating isolation and enhancing productivity.Don't miss out on the fun as Kristin shares a surprising chapter—her stint as an undercover police operative during her high school days! Join us for an insightful conversation filled with valuable tips, inspiring stories, and a touch of humor as we explore the evolving landscape of remote work and leadership development.Learn more about Kristin:Kristin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-smith-tisdale-8b615389/The Leadership Consortium: https://www.theleadershipconsortium.org/ More about us: Remotely One’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/remotelyone Remotely One’s Webpage: https://www.remotelyone.com/

Send us a textIn this captivating podcast episode, we're treated to an engaging interview with Jack Nilles, the esteemed CEO of JALA International, Inc., affectionately known as the "father of telework and telecommuting." With a global reputation as an applied futurist and consultant, Nilles has spearheaded award-winning telework programs that have truly transformed the landscape of modern work practices.As a former rocket scientist turned researcher, Nilles takes us on a fascinating journey through his exploration of remote work practices. Beginning with his early fascination with leveraging technology to alleviate traffic congestion, his groundbreaking research at the University of Southern California led to the coining of terms like "telecommuting" and "telework" to encapsulate the revolutionary concept of working remotely through telecommunications.Throughout the interview, Nilles provides insightful reflections on the evolution of terminology surrounding remote work. He eloquently emphasizes the core principle of utilizing technology to facilitate remote work, irrespective of the specific labels attached. His observations shine a light on the transformative potential of remote work, offering profound insights into its ability to enhance work-life balance, alleviate traffic congestion, and amplify productivity.Delving into Nilles' pioneering experiments with telecommuting in the '70s and '80s, we gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by corporations and public sectors in embracing remote work. The discussion also touches upon the sudden surge in remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic, which, while accelerating adoption, posed unforeseen challenges, particularly for downtown areas unprepared for the mass transition of workers.Despite these hurdles, Nilles remains steadfast in his belief that telework is not just a passing trend but a transformative force with far-reaching benefits, including reducing fossil fuel consumption and traffic congestion. Envisioning a future where remote and office work coexist harmoniously, he underscores the importance of gradual adaptation, especially for downtown areas seeking to thrive in this new paradigm.Hosts Kaleem and Rick express their deep admiration for Nilles' groundbreaking work and its profound influence on their lives. Their heartfelt appreciation sets the tone for a poignant conclusion to the interview, filled with gratitude and eager anticipation for future discussions with Nilles. In essence. A rich and comprehensive exploration of telecommuting's past, present, and future, infused with personal anecdotes and a fervent advocacy for the transformative power of remote work.Learn more about Jack:Jack’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-john-m-nilles-632a78/JALA International, Inc.: https://www.jala.com/index.php More about us: Remotely One’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/remotelyone Remotely One’s Webpage: https://www.remotelyone.com/

Send us a textJoin us in this episode recorded live at the Transform HR conference in Last Vegas! This time host Kaleem Clarkson and guest Susanne Kleveros share valuable insights around feedback in a remote work setting. Straight from Malmo, Sweden, and with over 12 years of experience in HR management, Susanne has an impressive background, including stints at renowned companies like KPMG, Walmart, Volvo, and Kohler. Currently, she serves as the founder of Don't Tell HR and the Director of HR at Mojave Energy Systems, a green tech HVAC manufacturer, where she spearheads initiatives to revolutionize the industry.In this engaging conversation, the hyped pair explores the challenges and advantages of providing continuous feedback in remote and hybrid work environments. Susanne highlights the importance of equipping managers with the tools and support needed to foster natural, ongoing feedback conversations with their teams. She emphasizes the significance of tracking feedback and performance to ensure no one is caught off guard during performance reviews.Susanne shares insights into Mojave Energy Systems' innovative work model, which encompasses onsite, remote, and hybrid arrangements. As a company dedicated to green technology, they're making strides in reducing carbon emissions and energy consumption with their revolutionary HVAC units.Delving into the future of workplace flexibility, Susanne predicts a continued push for remote work options while recognizing the need for in-person collaboration in certain roles. She emphasizes the importance of supporting employees' well-being and providing flexibility to accommodate their needs.And of course, we can't forget the fun bit—Susanne's unique experience as an identical twin! From sharing her experiences navigating twin dating scenarios to discussing the intriguing phenomenon of twin couples, Susanne shares some lighthearted anecdotes from her life.Join us for this insightful and entertaining episode as we explore the evolving landscape of remote work and the human experiences that shape it. Don't miss out on Susanne's valuable perspectives and memorable stories.Learn more about Susanne:Susanne’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanne-kleveros-914b7a71/Mojave Energy Systems: https://mojavehvac.com/ More about us: Remotely One’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/remotelyone Remotely One’s Webpage: https://www.remotelyone.com/

Send us a textAre you ready to unlock the secrets of remote work success and revolutionize your decision-making processes? Join hosts Rick Haney and Kaleem Clarkson as they welcome the acclaimed "Office Whisperer" and "Hybrid Expert" Dr. Gleb Tsipursky to the latest episode of Remotely One. As a behavioral scientist and the CEO of Disaster Avoidance Experts, Dr. Tsipursky brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table.In this captivating episode, Gleb introduces the fascinating world of cognitive biases, shedding light on how these psychological phenomena impact decision-making. Through engaging examples like overindulging in cookies, he reveals how biases such as the status quo bias and functional fixedness can shape leadership and adaptation in remote work settings.Drawing from his consulting work with the University of Southern California's Information Sciences Institute, Gleb tackles the challenges of retention and recruitment in academia head-on. He underscores the pivotal role of flexibility in work arrangements, showcasing its power in attracting and retaining top talent, surpassing even financial incentives. Gleb also delves into effective onboarding strategies tailored for remote employees, from insightful surveys to personalized mentoring programs.Looking towards the future, Gleb predicts a continued ascent of remote work, driven by groundbreaking technological advancements such as generative AI and augmented reality. He urges listeners to discern between headline trends and the real-world dynamics of remote work, advocating for a deeper understanding of the forces shaping the modern workplace.Gleb’s passion for navigating the complexities of remote work and cognitive biases shines through in this enlightening discussion. Gain invaluable insights into enhancing decision-making processes and cultivating thriving remote and hybrid work cultures.Don't miss out on this dynamic exchange of ideas, humor, and practical advice—it's a masterclass in understanding human behavior in today's workplace. Tune in now and embark on a journey toward remote work excellence with Dr. Tsipursky as your guide!Learn more about Gleb:Gleb’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-gleb-tsipursky/Wise Decision Maker Guide’s Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/wise-decision-maker-guide-6618296709996961792/ More about us: Remotely One’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/remotelyone Remotely One’s Webpage: https://www.remotelyone.com/

Send us a textStephanie Lemek, the Founder and CEO of The Wounded Workforce, brought her extensive HR expertise and unexpected background as a boxing referee and judge delving into her profound People Relations acumem in this episode that was recorded live at the Transform HR conference in Last Vegas! Join host Kaleem Clarkson and our guests as they share valuable insights around feedback in a remote work setting. Originating from Omaha, Nebraska, and now based in Phoenix, Arizona, Stephanie discussed her corporate and startup roles, including notable research on remote work at Gallup.Leading Wounded Workforce, Stephanie focuses on creating trauma-informed teams, emphasizing how remote work supports individuals dealing with trauma or disabilities while expanding the talent pool and fostering inclusivity.The pair delved into the challenges of remote feedback, with Stephanie advocating for deliberate communication and readiness checks. Drawing from her HR experience, she highlighted HR's role as truth-tellers and effective upward management.Stephanie's passion for boxing, inspired by her family's dedication to fitness and community, provided a unique perspective to this chat: Her involvement in boxing contributed to youth engagement and violence prevention!Stephanie's diverse insights offer valuable guidance on remote work, feedback culture, and building inclusive workplaces. Thank you for an inspiring conversation, Stephanie, keep sharing your invaluable insights, and enriching our understanding of remote work dynamics!Learn more about Stephanie:Stephanie’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brienyc/The Wounded Workforce: https://www.thewoundedworkforce.com/ More about us: Remotely One’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/remotelyone Remotely One’s Webpage: https://www.remotelyone.com/