
21st Century Work Life
Brought to you by Virtual not Distant, the 21st Century Work Life podcast looks at leading and managing remote teams, online collaboration and working in distributed organisations.
Join Pilar Orti, guests & co-hosts as they shine the spotlight on the most relevant themes and news relevant to the modern knowledge worker.
Latest episodes

Jan 2, 2025 • 6min
It's Time for a Pause after 10 Years...
The host reflects on a decade of podcasting, marking a moment of pause for exciting new writing projects. Plans include a memoir on remote work and an e-book from blog posts. The journey to becoming a Pilates instructor is highlighted, emphasizing its personal growth benefits. There's a celebration of listener contributions and thoughts on evolving the podcast into a more intimate platform, with hints at future collaborations and content. It's a heartfelt goodbye for now, but stay tuned for what’s next!

Dec 17, 2024 • 48min
WLP372 What's Going On: Let's Not Blame Remote
It’s the end of the year, but we’re not making any predictions - things are moving way too fast! Instead, Pilar and Maya review some of the issues that have been blamed on “remote”. For an extensive summary of the episode, check out www.virtualnotdistant.com/podcasts/dont-blame-remote-work You can message Pilar through the Virtual not Distant website: https://www.virtualnotdistant.com/contact-us and get hold of Maya over at Remote Work Europe: https://www.remoteworkeurope.eu/ .

Dec 12, 2024 • 1h 1min
WLP371 Using Frameworks for Connection and Back to Basics
Listener Richard de Villiers reached out to host Pilar Orti after hearing the episode on the 3 A’s of Connection. He has plenty to say on the subject of connection in remote teams, and many different frameworks to share to help other listeners think through change programmes and their own leadership. Connect with Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richarddevilliers/ For detailed show notes, head over to https://www.virtualnotdistant.com/podcasts /connection-frameworks

Nov 28, 2024 • 19min
WLP370 A Curated Experience in Romania for Digital Nomads and Remote Professionals
In this episode, host Pilar Orti interviews Andreea Gătin an event and community manager who is organising a unique experience for digital nomad and remote workers in Romania. Andreea discusses her goals for the experience, which include showcasing Romania as a destination for digital nomads and fostering a sense of community among participants. It’s happening in March 2025, so check it out! Find an episode summary over at www.virtualnotdistant.com/podcasts/experience-romania Find out more about Andreea and the experience she’s creating: Information and Registration Form Connect with Andreea Ioana Gătin on LinkedIn

Nov 14, 2024 • 49min
WLP369 Strategy Leader with a Heart
In this episode, host Pilar Orti talks to Sagar Chandni, who describes himself as a distributed work practitioner and a strategy leader with a heart. We talk about the nuances of these terms and the evolving nature of work, particularly in India where Sagar is based. Sagar discusses his work with startups and the challenges and opportunities they face, and shares his approach to informed leadership, ethical business strategies, and workplace inclusiveness, as well as the importance of embracing a mindset shift and approaching work in a way that fosters meaningful connections and positive impact both personally and professionally. He also gives us a view of the startup landscape in India. Yes, we cover a lot in this episode! Find out more about Sagar and his work: Connect with Sagar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagarchandni/ Check out his LinkedIn show Virtual Global Leadership Podcast Subscribe to his newsletter: https://strivewithsagarchandni.substack.com/ For a written summary check out https://www.virtualnotdistant.com/podcasts/leader-with-heart

Oct 17, 2024 • 33min
WLP368 How do You Build a Hub of Talent?
Host Pilar Orti is joined by Doug Haines, the founder of Kalium and Marketing Pros. Doug's entrepreneurial journey began with Kalium, where he successfully recruited talent from South Africa. This positive experience inspired him to launch Marketing Pros, an agency connecting South African marketing professionals with global opportunities. In this episode, Doug discusses the development of both ventures and his strategies for maintaining a robust talent pool. For the full show notes check out www.virtualnotdistant.com Find out more about Doug Haines and his companies: Marketing Pros: https://www.marketingpros.co Kalium: https://www.kalium.co.uk/ If you’re looking to expand your team and want to talk to Doug about your best options, find him on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/doughaines/ or email him as per the end of the interview.

Oct 3, 2024 • 25min
WLP367 The 3 A's of Connection and other things I've been up to
In this episode, host Pilar Orti shares her new framework showing how we connect at work, and talks about some of her other projects. If you'd like to be alerted when the Remotely Shakespeare wall calendar comes out, head over to remotelyshakespeare.com For more information check out www.virtualnotdistant.com

5 snips
Sep 19, 2024 • 31min
WLP366 The Multiple Challenges of "Hybrid"
Kevin Eikenberry, a leadership author, and Wayne Turmel, an expert on hybrid workplaces, dive into the complexities of modern work. They explore whether the hybrid model is a compromise or a transition into an uncertain era of knowledge work. Trust and culture in hybrid environments take center stage, addressing the challenges of balancing in-office and remote dynamics. The duo emphasizes the importance of aligning expectations with performance and fostering an inclusive culture to enhance collaboration in this new working landscape.

Aug 29, 2024 • 45min
WLP365 Career Transformation, Cultural Adaptation and Running a Pilates Studio!
In today’s episode, host Pilar Orti catches up with Frédérique Lloyd Bougreau, about how she transformed her career and lifestyle by setting up a Pilates studio in rural France. They talk about cultural adaptation, building a business in a new environment and the Importance of movement and exercise as we progress through life. Frédérique’s contact details are over at her website: https://www.pilatesbienetre.com/contact.html As always, you can find Pilar over at www.virtualnotdistant.com

Aug 15, 2024 • 53min
WLP364 Researching Gen Z plus Reading and Listening Recommendations
For today’s Recommendations episode, Pilar is joined by Catherine Nicholson, co-founder and creative director of The Virtual Training Team. Before they move onto this month’s reading and listening recommendations, Catherine talks about her recent interest: the blend of generations in the workplace, and how to make the most out of them. Recorded on 7 August 2024 For the full set of show notes, head over to https://www.virtualnotdistant.com/podcasts/generations-workplace