Remotely One - A remote work podcast

Send us a textWelcome to another episode of Remotely One, the podcast delving into the ever-evolving realm of remote work! In this episode, hosts Rick and Kaleem engage in a fascinating conversation with Tracy Avin, a remarkable professional singer, breast cancer survivor, and the visionary founder of Troop HR—a thriving community for people leaders. Tracy takes us on a journey from her New Jersey roots to her remote work experiences, culminating in the establishment of Troop HR during the COVID-19 pandemic.Beginning with her foray into remote work in 2016-17, Tracy highlighted her successful transition to remote while residing in California. Blending personal anecdotes with professional insights, the trio explores Tracy's New Jersey background and her reflections on the state's portrayal in shows like "Jersey Shore." Her pivotal shift from a large enterprise organization to a 10-person health tech startup in 2013 takes center stage as she recounts the culture shock and community-building efforts that eventually led to the creation of Troop HR. Tracy's initiatives underscore the importance of articulating achievements when proposing remote work arrangements.Our guest sheds light on Troop HR's focus on supporting HR leaders and professionals, fostering collaboration, and sharing resources. Tracy's efforts in navigating the challenges of the remote work era, especially during the pandemic, are truly admirable. The impact of COVID-19 on remote work and the swift organizational transition were crucial for the current state of remote work, hinging on open communication.The conversation swiftly touches on the most prevalent topics in remote work within HR circles. Tracy identifies engagement, managing leave, and compensation as the top three, delving into the complexities of compensation, particularly regarding pay equity for employees in different locations. Kaleem shares his personal dilemma on remote work compensation, sparking a discussion on strategies HR professionals employ to keep remote employees engaged. Tracy highlights the effectiveness of offsite events, team socializing, and employee resource groups (ERGs), emphasizing the importance of fostering personal connections among team members. She also shares creative ideas for monthly social events at Troop HR.Tracy's insights into the evolving landscape of remote work and HR practices are not to be missed. Her dedication to building communities and providing valuable resources for HR professionals navigating the challenges of the remote work era is truly inspiring. This episode encapsulates a harmonious blend of personal anecdotes, professional expertise, and pertinent insights into the current remote work landscape.To capture the essence of remote work experiences, the challenges posed by the pandemic, and the initiatives taken by Troop HR to create a supportive and impactful community for HR professionals: Tune in! Be inspired, and don't forget to check out Troop HR for a firsthand experience of the vibrant virtual community Tracy has cultivated!  This episode is kindly presented by TroopHR! Join the TroopHR at www.troophr.com Learn more about Tracy:Personal Email: tracy@troophr.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyavin/TroopHR Webpage: https://www.troophr.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 this episode, Rick and Kaleem have a conversation to explore the landscape of hybrid work with Rob Sadow, CEO of Scoop, a company empowering hybrid employees to make great decisions on how and where to spend their time.The trio explores Rob’s impressive background, his current position as the CEO of Scoop, his remarkable career with Bain and Company, and his graduation from the Wharton School of Business. Rob details the influence of his past ventures on his problem-solving approach and Scoop's evolution propelled by the pitfalls faced by most companies during the pandemic, shifting its trajectory to address the need for adaptability and comprehensive planning addressing new commuting challenges in the face of evolving work dynamics.The topic broadens to the need for more planning for hybrid work and the hesitancy among companies about the permanence of remote work. Rob stresses the need to redefine the office experience for hybrid workers by shifting from synchronous to asynchronous work practices, illustrating how Scoop's software incorporates tools like Slack and Google Calendar to streamline workspace planning for effective hybrid work. The conversation delves into the impact of flexibility on older and newer companies and the challenges faced by established executives in embracing novel remote work paradigms.Insights gleaned from the Flex Index data are revealed, showcasing the decline in companies adhering to a full-time in-office work structure and the increasing embrace of work location flexibility. Rob highlights the trends toward flexibility and the inevitable shift toward more adaptable work environments, projecting that over 80% of U.S. companies will offer location flexibility for corporate workers in the future! Moreover, the discussion encompasses the challenges posed by leadership nostalgia, with established executives finding it challenging to pivot from traditional in-office approaches. Rob emphasizes the necessity for empathy towards these leaders and the slower adoption of new work paradigms.Amidst the professional discourse, Rob shares a humorous yet thought-provoking personal anecdote involving his wife's calm text about contractions during a remote meeting, illustrating the blurred lines between personal and professional life in remote work settings.A capsule focused on a comprehensive exploration of the trends, challenges, and the future of hybrid work. Rob's experience and Scoop's trajectory in the face of the changing landscape highlight the significance of adaptability, intentionality, and comprehensive planning to navigate the evolving realm of remote and flexible work environments. Tune in to gain some valuable insights into the evolving definitions of hybrid work, flexibility's role, and the challenges faced by companies in embracing this transition straight from a master on adaptability. Thank you for joining us, Rob!Learn more about Rob:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-sadow/Webpage - https://www.scoopforwork.com/Flex Perspectives Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/flex-perspectives/id1679987888 More about us: Remotely One’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/remotelyone Remotely One’s Webpage: https://www.remotelyone.com/

Send us a textThis engaging conversation between Lynn Greenberg, one of Forbes 30 Under 30, and the Founder and CEO of Pivt, and co-hosts Kaleem and Josh, delves into the complexities of the relocation, inception, and transformation of the Pivt platform, and the evolution of remote work's impact on the industry. In this refreshing capsule, Lynn shares her journey of relocating to London after college, narrating the challenges she faced in adapting to a new city and the impetus behind creating Pivt. Initially conceptualized as a consumer app aiding individuals in adjusting to new locales, Pivt evolved into a platform catering to corporate employees and their families, focusing on mitigating turnover and enhancing social well-being during relocations.The dialogue navigates the substantial influence of the pandemic on remote work, relocation trends, and employee welfare. Lynn emphasizes a wave of independent relocations following the shift to remote work, prompting companies to recognize the significance of supporting relocated workers. Moving forward, the conversation touches on collaborations with economic development organizations and cities offering incentives to attract remote workers, underscoring Pivt's crucial role in facilitating community integration in these areas.Lynn also candidly shares her relocation challenges, underscoring the vital role of community, social connections, and the feeling of being at home in a new environment. This personal experience fuels her dedication to establishing Pivt and bridging the gap for relocated individuals. This exchange portrays Lynn's entrepreneurial journey, tracing Pivt's transformation from a consumer-focused app to a business-oriented platform catering to the challenges of corporate relocations in the evolving landscape of remote work. Throughout the dialogue, Lynn elucidates Pivt's evolution and adaptability to meet the evolving needs of individuals and companies in the dynamic relocation space. An entertaining discussion shedding light on the intricacies of modern-day relocations and how Pivt navigates these challenges within an ever-evolving work environment.Discover the metamorphosis of Pivt, and its role in facilitating relocations and community integration amidst the changing dynamics of remote work. Lynn's insights on the pivotal role of connections, mental well-being, and community integration in enhancing the relocation experience for individuals and families in a shifting work environment are groundbreaking. Thank you for joining us, Lynn!Learn more about Lynn:LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/lynn-greenberg-3515865aWebpage - https://www.pivtapp.com/Twitter - https://twitter.com/Pivt_App More about us: Remotely One’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/remotelyone Remotely One’s Webpage: https://www.remotelyone.com/

Send us a textFrom Billy Joel to Remote Work! In this lively interview, co-hosts Rick Haney and Kaleem Clarkson welcome Alex Hilleary, co-founder of Gather, later acquired by ChartHop. The conversation begins on a light and fun note as Alex reveals his passion for Billy Joel, and how he has attended Billy's concerts in every city he's lived in.Our hosts explore Alex's background, delving into his education at Georgetown and participation in the Venture for America program, which eventually led him to Cleveland. They touch on the challenges faced by cities like Cleveland in retaining talent, with a focus on the potential of remote work to address these issues.In this positive tone, they discuss the impact of COVID-19 on remote work. Alex shares insights into the sudden responsibilities faced by People Operations professionals during the pandemic, navigating the challenges of a swift shift to remote work, internal communications, and the growth of tech companies.Alex also talks about the creation of the People Ops Community. He explains how it originated as a growth play for Gather, a company born to empower remote work and organically transformed into a space for people operations professionals to connect, share experiences, and seek advice.Alex delves into the difficulties people ops professionals encountered during the pandemic and their navigation through them, reflecting on the rapid adaptation required, the widespread burnout, and the accelerated growth of tech companies during that period. He emphasizes the newfound responsibilities of people operations in managing internal communications, particularly in smaller and midsize organizations!Shifting gears, the conversation moves to the main topic for every thought leader in the distributed work realm: remote and hybrid work models. Alex shares his perspective on the ongoing evolution of work structures, emphasizing that many companies, especially smaller ones, are still navigating immediate challenges rather than designing the future of work. He acknowledges the varied pros and cons of different models and stresses the importance of thoughtful design.A comical anecdote about Alex's experience with long hair during the pandemic, including an awkward moment when he was mistaken for his mother wraps up this engaging installment! You don’t want to miss it.Thank you for joining us, Alex! From personal interests and experiences to the challenges and transformations within the realm of people operations, remote work, and community building, this one is an insightful and entertaining listen.Learn more about Alex:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-hilleary/Webpage - https://www.charthop.com/The People Ops Weekly Newsletter -  https://www.charthop.com/the-people-ops-weekly/ More about us: Remotely One’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/remotelyone Remotely One’s Webpage: https://www.remotelyone.com/

Send us a textStep into the world of financial wellness, remote work, and social entrepreneurship in this captivating podcast interview! Join co-hosts Rick Haney and Kaleem Clarkson as they welcome Rachel Schneider, the visionary founder and CEO of Canary, a company revolutionizing emergency payments for employees in crisis through a cutting-edge grant management solution.As Rachel's remarkable journey unfolds, from her tenure at Merrill Lynch to her heartfelt dedication to financial well-being, you'll sense a genuine blend of admiration and apprehension from the hosts, making it an experience you can relate to. Rachel's life story, shaped by open family discussions about money and her transformative work with migrant farmworkers, serves as a backdrop for her pivotal career transition from investment banking to nonprofit advocacy. Explore Rachel's unwavering passion for assisting individuals facing financial hardships and the driving force behind her acclaimed book, "The Financial Diaries."Dive deeper into the interview as Rachel unveils the birth of Canary and its innovative remote-first organizational structure. Gain profound insights into the challenges that people encounter during financial crises, with real-life examples that hit close to home. Discover how Canary empowers companies to establish emergency funds for employees grappling with unexpected financial hurdles. Throughout the conversation, personal anecdotes, expert insights, and discussions on Canary's mission effortlessly intertwine.Enter the realm of social entrepreneurship as Rachel elucidates its essence—the application of entrepreneurial principles to tackle societal issues. Learn how Canary operates as a for-profit entity with a noble goal: formalizing and equalizing the informal support people offer in times of need.Kaleem steers the conversation towards the intersection of remote work and social entrepreneurship, probing the impact of remote work on solving societal challenges. Rachel's perspective is illuminating; she sees remote work as a powerful force, especially in domains like home healthcare. It provides the freedom and flexibility for individuals to work where and how they're most productive.The dialogue delves into the motivations behind companies establishing emergency funds. Rachel posits that it extends beyond financial assistance, fostering a culture of support and care within the organization. This aspect is particularly vital in remote work settings, where building and nurturing connections can prove challenging.Concluding on a lighter note, Rachel shares a humorous anecdote about a colleague's virtual meeting mishap that leaves everyone in stitches. The hosts join in on the laughter, adding a delightful touch to this insightful interview. From the nuances of financial wellness to the dynamics of remote work culture, from community support to social entrepreneurship, this podcast covers it all. Don't miss this engaging blend of humor, personal stories, and invaluable insights!Learn more about Rachel:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-schneider-canary/Webpage - https://www.workwithcanary.com/Twitter - https://twitter.com/RachelSchneider 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 enlightening episode, Kaleem and Rick engage in a captivating conversation with the remarkable Mike Adams, the co-founder of Grain. Together, they embark on a voyage through Mike's diverse experiences encompassing remote work, entrepreneurship, and the ever-changing realm of work structures. With utmost transparency, Mike divulges his personal journey and the continuous evolution of his viewpoint regarding remote work.Mike begins with an interesting paradox: despite leading a fully remote company, he initially disliked remote work. He expressed missing the energy, camaraderie, and seamless collaboration that in-person work provides. However, he also acknowledged the objective performance improvements his team experienced in a remote setup. This contrast between his personal preferences and his team's needs became a pivotal factor in his mindset. However, he highlights the shifting dynamics within his team as their personal preferences were evolving, serving as a driving force behind the changing work arrangements at Grain.Responding to a question about advice for CEOs resistant to remote work, Mike underscores the significance of clear communication and expectation setting. He references companies like Notion and hedge funds, which were upfront about their return-to-office plans, eliminating ambiguity. Mike believes that many challenges faced by companies during remote work transitions stem from a lack of open dialogue and miscommunication.Mike stresses the need for CEOs to engage in honest conversations with their teams, comprehend their preferences, and work towards a compromise. In his view, transparency and compromise are essential for a successful transition to new work arrangements, whether hybrid or fully remote. Our guest emphasizes the significance of trust, open communication, and a recognition of the changing work environment. Mike Adams' journey as an entrepreneur and evolving perspective on remote work serves as a valuable guide for organizations navigating the ever-changing landscape of work arrangements.Tune in to this interesting interview and get invaluable insights into the challenges and dynamics of remote work, the importance of trust and clear communication, and the evolving landscape of work arrangements in the modern world. Definitely a must-listen for those navigating the remote work landscape!Learn More About Mike:LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/mgadams3Webpage - https://grain.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 textIf you're a leader or manager struggling to grasp the concept of the employee experience, you're not alone! In this illuminating interview, Darcy Marie Mayfield, a seasoned expert in remote work and experience design, sheds light on the value and challenges of crafting a remote work experience that engages employees and cultivates a thriving company culture.Darcy's rich background as a true digital nomad provides a unique backdrop to her expertise. She draws attention to the significance of embracing remote work as a lifestyle choice and delves into the evolution of remote work into a credible long-term option, challenging traditional notions of work and office culture.As the founder and lead consultant at Shift with Darcy Marie, she is on a mission to elevate remote work experiences. Drawing from her experiences at prominent companies like Airbnb and TaxJar, where she recognized the need for intentional design in shaping a remote work culture, Darcy's roles as the director of remote employee experience and remote work designer further emphasized the necessity of addressing the fears and uncertainties that employees often encounter in remote environments. Her approach involves curating experiences across the entire employee life cycle, encompassing attraction, onboarding, retention, and recognition. This holistic approach ensures that the company's values and culture are not just communicated but deeply felt by remote employees.The conversation also dives into the challenges faced by managers who resist the remote work shift. Darcy identifies this resistance as stemming from a fear of change, attachment to the office identity, and a reluctance to confront operational inefficiencies that remote work unveils. She emphasizes that a successful transition to remote work requires a fundamental willingness to embrace change and redesign the way work is approached.Expanding the discussion, Darcy predicts the emergence of remote-first startups, particularly among small to medium-sized companies. These forward-thinking entities will embrace remote work from inception, fostering a remote-first mindset that reshapes the landscape of work culture in the business world.Darcy's insights offer a comprehensive perspective on remote work and its profound impact on the employee experience. By highlighting the significance of intentionality, cultivating culture, and the rise of remote-first startups, Darcy provides invaluable guidance to leaders and managers navigating the evolving terrain of work in an increasingly remote world.Don't miss this educational and relatable debate! Connect with Darcy through LinkedIn and her website, and join her upcoming newsletter, "Work Doesn't Have To Suck So."Learn More About Darcy:Website - https://www.shiftwithdarcymarie.comNewsletter - https://www.shiftwithdarcymarie.com/communityLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/darcyboles/Youtube - The Mayfields Move to Madeira More about us: Remotely One’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/remotelyone Remotely One’s Webpage: https://www.remotelyone.com/

Send us a textGuest co-host Hampton Clarkson joins us in this insightful podcast interview with Josh Koenig, the co-founder and chief strategy officer at Pantheon, as he shares his journey through the tech industry and the transformative impact of remote work. With a career rooted in freelancing and a passion for computers kindled during childhood, Josh's trajectory in technology led him to engage with open-source communities like Drupal and early remote collaboration tools.As a pioneer in the realm of remote work, Josh's experiences offer a unique perspective on its evolution. He navigated remote work before its widespread adoption, utilizing remote collaboration tools during his freelancing days. Josh's insights underscore the consistent principles of remote work, despite the ever-evolving landscape of communication platforms.The discussion also delves into the profound influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on businesses, including Pantheon. Josh delves into Pantheon's transition from remote-friendly to fully remote practically overnight. He reveals the challenges that arose, particularly as the company had cultivated a culture rooted in in-person interactions. Moreover, the pandemic-induced disruptions impacted Pantheon's customer base, as businesses redirected their focus internally.He highlights the significance of a robust culture of documentation and communication to sustain remote operations. Notably, he discusses the pitfalls of an over-reliance on meetings, showcasing the need for a balanced approach that fosters effective remote collaboration.As Pantheon encountered growth in 2021, Josh sheds light on the complexities of onboarding new remote employees. The varied experiences of different teams underscored the significance of capable leadership in facilitating seamless remote collaboration. Josh also delves into the challenge of preserving company culture and values within a remote setting. He elucidates how the absence of face-to-face interactions impacted team cohesion and employee engagement, emphasizing the need for intentional efforts to foster connection.A pivotal topic explored is the dilemma faced by businesses that invested heavily in physical office spaces, a scenario underscored by the example of Salesforce's empty tower. Josh delves into the vital question of where to redirect resources that would traditionally be allocated for office spaces. He anticipates a paradigm shift in workplace investments, with an emphasis on optimizing remote work setups and strategically utilizing physical spaces for effective team collaboration.This episode is packed with invaluable insights into remote work's evolution, and the principles of building authentic remote work cultures, navigating organizational growth, and reimagining workplace investments for the future.Tune in today!  Learn More About JoshLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshkoenig/Company - https://pantheon.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 textIn this insightful podcast interview, Kaleem and Rick chat with Liz Gulliver, co-founder of Kunik, a tech-enabled service agency that fosters meaningful conversations and connections within organizations to address challenges and promote growth and learning. Liz's journey from her early days of scraping barnacles to becoming a vice president at Citi and co-founding Kunik is truly inspiring.Kunik collaborates with renowned brands like YouTube, SiriusXM, Wayfair, and IBM, creating structured opportunities for dialogue among employees to fill the void of meaningful interactions within organizations. Their platform collects valuable data insights to support learning and development initiatives.The idea behind Kunik originated from Liz's experience of feeling disconnected while working in different locations for her previous employers. She and her co-founder, Josh, embarked on building a platform that could foster authentic connections and facilitate learning among employees. Initially focused on caregivers, Kunik's expertise became highly sought after by organizations navigating the transition to remote work during the pandemic.One striking aspect of Kunik is its fully remote global team, which was established from the company's inception. Liz shares how they defied investor skepticism and decided to remain remote, emphasizing the numerous benefits and opportunities it provides. The team's remote success allows them to employ people with unique talents and support clients globally, transcending geographical boundaries.Beyond their services, Kunik also hosts unconference events, where attendees collaboratively create the agenda and engage in meaningful conversations. They employ unique activities like "HR Fight Club" and "Give-Get" sessions to foster authentic connections and networking opportunities.Liz's personal story is equally compelling, as she discusses managing both her remote company and her family while becoming a mother. Her experiences highlight the significance of work-life balance and the potential of remote work to accommodate diverse life situations.Throughout the interview, Liz underscores the importance of employee experience and engagement in building successful organizations. Kunik's approach in addressing people-related challenges through structured conversations showcases how organizations can foster a culture of growth and learning, whether in remote or in-person settings.Tune in to this enriching podcast to gain valuable insights into building authentic connections, promoting remote success, and redefining employee experiences in today's dynamic work environment.Learn More About LizLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-gulliver/Kunik - https://www.getkunik.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 this interview, Rick and Kaleem dive into the remarkable journey of Rajeeb Dey, a successful entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Learnerbly, a cutting-edge learning platform for employee professional development. Rajeeb's entrepreneurial ventures began with "Entrepreneurial Internships," connecting students with startups and small businesses for valuable internships. His next venture, "Startup Britain," aimed to promote entrepreneurship and support startups, catapulting him to becoming one of the Young Global Leaders recognized by the World Economic Forum.Learnerbly made a seamless transition to a remote-first model during the pandemic, recognizing the numerous benefits of remote work, such as increased employee productivity and engagement. The platform offers a diverse array of learning resources, including books, coaching, courses, podcasts, and more, curated from over 200 different providers, empowering employees to tailor their learning journey to their preferences.Remote work has transformed the landscape of employee development, and organizations are investing in upskilling and reskilling to retain talent and drive engagement. Learnerbly's platform plays a pivotal role in empowering employees to take charge of their growth while fostering a social aspect through Slack integration and activity feeds, enabling a thriving remote learning environment.Rajeeb’s journey from founding entrepreneurial internships to leading Learnerbly and becoming a Young Global Leader as part of the World Economic Forum exemplifies his visionary approach and commitment to effecting positive change in the world of work and employee development.Gain valuable insights on the future of remote work, the importance of a growth mindset, and the fascinating journey of an entrepreneur making waves in the global stage. Don't miss this inspiring podcast packed with invaluable perspectives and intriguing anecdotes from a visionary leader, Rajeeb Dey.Connect with Rajeeb DeyLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajeebdey/ Learnably - https://www.learnerbly.com/Hubble Pass - https://hubblehq.com/ More about us: Remotely One’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/remotelyone Remotely One’s Webpage: https://www.remotelyone.com/