Remote Work Life Podcast

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

Unlock the secrets to building a successful remote-first business with Dan Yoder, the Chief Panda of PandaStrike, as he shares his two-decade journey in remote work. Discover how PandaStrike has thrived as a remote development team catering to developers and DevOps professionals, and hear the unique story behind the memorable name. Learn about their client base, the high scalability projects they handle, and the significant shift from micromanagement to empowering employees through trust and effective communication.Managing a distributed team across North America, Mexico, Australia, and Finland comes with its own set of challenges. Dan provides valuable insights on how to coordinate across time zones, emphasizing the impact on team well-being and the importance of maintaining open lines of communication. Through a poignant story of a developer affected by significant time shifts, Dan underscores the need to ensure no team member feels neglected. Get an inside look at PandaStrike’s team structure, including th

Ever wondered how embracing your flaws can elevate your remote work game? Join us as we chat with Brian Lemmerman, the innovative mind behind Inner Sensei. Brian, a seasoned digital marketer since 2009, generously shares his journey from architecture graduate to digital marketing sage. His unique take on authenticity and the creative process, including the value of sharing mistakes and sketches, will inspire you to view your professional vulnerabilities as strengths.This episode takes a deep dive into the world of remote work, especially during the tumultuous times of the coronavirus pandemic. Brian recounts his pivot from traditional word-of-mouth marketing to mastering digital tools for lead generation and customer retention. We explore how adaptability and innovation were key to his success, and discuss strategies to keep businesses thriving online. Whether you're an entrepreneur or a digital marketer, Brian's insights on navigating these challenges are invaluable.Lastly, we delve into the heart

Ever wondered how a company can maintain genuine human interaction in the age of AI? Join us as we explore this question with Ben Congleton, the founder and CEO of Olark. Discover the origins of Olark's groundbreaking live chat software, and learn why Ben believes that real human touch in customer service is irreplaceable despite the rise of automation. From the unexpected journey of transitioning to a fully remote company to the tangible benefits of remote work, this episode promises valuable insights for business owners and job seekers alike.Meet the man who turned a college project into a thriving business that champions human-centric technology. Ben shares his thoughts on the pitfalls of over-relying on automated bots and emphasizes the importance of empathy in customer interactions. Hear firsthand how Olark's meticulous hiring process ensures they bring on board individuals who align with their core values. Whether you're running a small business or looking to join one, Ben’s advice on tai

Ready to unlock the secrets to a fulfilling remote work lifestyle? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Andrew Jernigan, the visionary founder of Insured Nomads. Andrew shares his incredible journey from a traditional desk job to embracing the digital nomad lifestyle. Discover how love, flexibility, and a desire to support his family motivated Andrew to sell his Mercedes in 2000 and embark on a global adventure. Learn why remote work flexibility is crucial for employee satisfaction and how loving your work can boost productivity.In this episode, Andrew delves into the often-overlooked aspect of remote work: comprehensive risk management and insurance. Listen as he explains his motivation for establishing a global broker network and affiliate marketing platform to safeguard remote workers. Amid the pandemic, traditional travel insurance fell short, making global health policies essential for long-term travelers. Andrew also shares his commitment to social impact through supporting the nonprofit Not For S

What if you could work from anywhere and still feel a part of a vibrant, futuristic community? Join us as we explore the innovative world of X-Team, a 100% remote company that has been energizing developers for top global brands like Fox, Dell, and Discovery since 2006. I'm your host, Alex Wilson-Campbell, and in this episode of the Remote Work Live Business Spotlight, we uncover how X-Team's unique culture and Agile methodologies keep their team members motivated and inspired, whether they are perched on a cliff or working from their home office.In addition to developer roles, X-Team offers exciting opportunities in sales, marketing, and content strategy, making them a great option even if coding isn't your forte. Learn about their engaging blog and social media presence, which provide valuable insights on combating loneliness and cultivating passion in a remote work environment. If you're a seasoned remote worker or just starting out, X-Team's approach to remote work and their robus

Ever wondered how to grow a successful remote design agency? Our guest, James Haig, director of the UK-based consultancy We Are Sweet, shares his unique journey from being a self-taught teenage coder to leading a thriving agency alongside his partner Lou, a gifted designer. Hear how a pivotal project with IMG catalyzed their commitment to the business, and discover the advantages and hurdles of managing a remote team.James opens up about the flexibility remote work offers, creating an inclusive culture, and the importance of balancing professional and personal commitments. Learn from their experience working across various industries like home care, education, and charity, which enriches their client interactions and business strategies. James highlights the essential role of effective in-person meetings with Lou and how their collaboration fuels their ongoing success.As We Are Sweet continues to expand, James discusses their strategic growth, from doubling their team to embracing new marketing avenues like L

Is it possible to create stunning, professional websites without writing a single line of code? Join me, Alex Wilson-Campbell, on the Remote Work Life Business Spotlight as we explore the groundbreaking platform, Webflow. This episode promises to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of how Webflow is transforming website design, making it as intuitive as drafting a document. Learn about their impressive clientele, including Zendesk, Rakuten, Upwork, and Dell, and discover why top designers are flocking to this visually-driven tool.Get an insider's look into Webflow's unique company culture, which emphasizes core behaviors over traditional values, and their unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion. I also provide a snapshot of their team composition, remote work structure, and current hiring opportunities. Whether you're a remote work manager, professional, or freelancer, this episode offers valuable insights into Webflow's vision and how it could help you achieve your caree

Are you ready to unlock the secrets of thriving in the remote work landscape? Join me, Alex from Remote Work Life, as I promise to guide you through the essentials of securing flexible remote job opportunities. This episode sheds light on the rising trend of remote work, offering practical advice to help you stand out to potential employers. We’ll uncover the common mistakes that could sabotage your chances, like emphasizing personal perks over your contributions to the company. Plus, discover why understanding a company's needs and showcasing the value you bring is crucial, all while maintaining perseverance during your job search journey.Networking isn't just a buzzword—it's a game-changer. Leveraging even a small network can uncover hidden job opportunities, and I’ll share why active engagement and consistent effort are key. Forget about relying solely on recruitment consultants; it's time to take charge of your own job hunt. Hear about the importance of following up on applications to