Remotely One - A remote work podcast

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1862312/open_sms] Join us for a new episode featuring Suman Siva, the CEO of Marco Experiences, as he shares his inspiring journey from consultant to entrepreneur in the dynamic world of experience design with Kaleem Clarkson and guest co-host Jeff Frick! With a robust background that includes his tenure at Bain & Company and significant investment experience with SoftBank, Suman’s unique blend of consulting, investing, and passion for consumer experiences has shaped his approach to building meaningful connections in the workplace. We dive deep into Suman's transition to entrepreneurship, sparked by his early experiences with startups like Scoop Technologies. His enthusiasm for technology and direct-to-consumer ventures set the stage for the creation of Marco, a platform dedicated to organizing retreats and offsites that foster genuine employee connections. Initially launched as a consumer-focused experience marketplace, Marco had to pivot to virtual events as businesses sought ways to connect remote teams during the COVID-19 pandemic. As restrictions were lifted, Marco shifted back to in-person events, where Suman emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for employee connection. With 80% of companies now operating in a hybrid model, he believes that intentional in-person interactions are crucial for building trust and camaraderie among remote teams. The significance of intentionality in designing impactful offsite experiences does not go under the table! Drawing from research conducted by industry experts like Brian Elliott and insights from the Future Forum, Suman shares with us how brief quarterly in-person interactions can significantly enhance productivity and employee engagement. As remote work continues to shape workplace dynamics, the ongoing challenges of loneliness and collaboration faced by remote employees stay present: 60% of remote workers experience connection issues! Discover more about the vital role of experience design in enhancing employee connection, the concept of a "social connection strategy," and building community within organizations. Suman's insights challenge traditional notions of workplace relationships, advocating for a community-centered approach that promotes respect and collaboration while acknowledging the diverse tapestry of individuals within the workforce. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on how to foster genuine connections in today’s remote and hybrid work environment and learn how thoughtful experience design can transform your organization's culture and performance. Whether you're a leader seeking to enhance your team's dynamics or an employee striving for deeper connections at work, it’s time to put on your headphones and equip yourself with the insights and strategies needed to thrive in the modern workplace! Learn more about Suman: * Suman’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suman-siva-64b0712b/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/suman-siva-64b0712b/] * Marco Experiences’ Webpage: https://www.marcoexperiences.com/ [https://www.marcoexperiences.com/] More about us: * Remotely One’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/remotelyone [https://www.linkedin.com/company/remotelyone] * Remotely One’s Webpage: https://www.remotelyone.com/ [https://www.remotelyone.com/]

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1862312/open_sms] In our latest episode, guided by Kaleem Clarkson and guest co-host Josh Morse, we dive deep into the fascinating path of Joshua Parkinson, founder of Post Planner, a SaaS platform revolutionizing social media management. From street performer to philosopher to tech entrepreneur, Joshua’s journey embodies adaptability, creativity, and resilience. This conversation explores his unconventional path, philosophies on work and leadership, and strategies for building a thriving remote-first business in the digital age. Joshua’s story begins with a degree in philosophy, which continues to shape his worldview. These academic interests fueled his creativity during a transformative period living in Europe, where he supported himself by rapping on the streets. This phase, filled with spontaneity and cultural immersion, also brought personal growth and love—it was during this time that he met his French wife. Flash-forward to 2009, when Joshua embarked on his entrepreneurial journey with the inception of Post Planner. Inspired by the rise of social media platforms like Facebook, he identified a gap in the market for scheduling tools tailored to marketers. What began as a suite of Facebook apps quickly evolved into a flagship product, now serving businesses across eight social platforms, with Facebook remaining a core focus. A significant part of Post Planner’s success lies in Joshua’s ability to forge meaningful partnerships. Early on, he collaborated with Slav, a Bulgarian developer who built the platform’s first version. This partnership not only provided technical expertise but also demonstrated the value of leveraging global talent. Today, Post Planner’s development team remains based in Bulgaria, a testament to the enduring impact of this early collaboration. Post Planner’s innovative approach to work centers on asynchronous communication, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional, meeting-heavy environments. By minimizing interruptions and embracing tools like Slack, the fully remote team maintains a strong focus on output while preserving work-life balance. This model eliminates time zone conflicts—like late-night calls for overseas colleagues—and replaces micromanagement with trust and autonomy. Joshua, as the company’s founder, champions this method, driven by his distaste for inefficient synchronous workflows. While acknowledging initial concerns about team cohesion, he highlights how written communication fosters thoughtful contributions and builds a culture of autonomy. Employees are free to balance personal and professional priorities without rigid oversight, fostering loyalty and engagement. For startups, he argues, this flexible model reduces costs, unlocks global talent, and drives efficiency—key advantages in today’s remote-first world. Discover how Joshua’s philosophical roots and global experiences shaped his approach to entrepreneurship. Hear insights into Post Planner’s innovative asynchronous work model and learn how he leverages global talent to build a culture of trust and autonomy. Tune in to hear how Joshua’s journey can inspire your own path and transform your approach to work and leadership! 🔥 Get a Post Planner Promo Code! CODE: REMOTELY25 🚨  This coupon will get you 25% off the signup fee on any of their plans! 🔥 Learn more about Joshua: * Joshua’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuaparkinson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuaparkinson/] More about us: * Remotely One’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/remotelyone [https://www.linkedin.com/company/remotelyone] * Remotely One’s Webpage: https://www.remotelyone.com/ [https://www.remotelyone.com/]

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1862312/open_sms] In this episode, our host Kaleem Clarkson, joined by guest co-host Laurel Farrer, dives into the compelling journey of entrepreneur Bo Abrams, co-founder of Kommu, a revolutionary home-sharing platform. Bo's evolution—from a spirited youth navigating diverse environments to an innovative leader tackling inefficiencies in the home-sharing industry—is both impressive and full of insightful turns. Bo’s unique upbringing as part of a nationally ranked basketball team alongside hip-hop legend Master P exposed him to diverse experiences from a young age. These experiences helped build his confidence, adaptability, and knack for navigating challenges—a foundation that has served him well in his entrepreneurial pursuits. This drive undoubtedly motivated him to earn an MBA from UCLA’s Anderson School of Business, all while continuing to pursue his musical endeavors! Bo’s professional journey began in finance, where he took an entry-level position at a hedge fund, likening the experience to starting in the mailroom. Although the job involved humbling tasks like fetching coffee, it introduced him to ambitious colleagues who inspired his career aspirations. Realizing that the hedge fund path wasn’t his true calling, Bo pivoted to operations roles in startups, including a stint at Steelhouse (now Mountain). The inspiration for Kommu struck during a trip to Whitefish, Montana, when Bo encountered the inefficiencies and high costs of home-sharing platforms like Airbnb. He wondered why homeowners couldn’t monetize their properties as easily as car owners using platforms like Turo. This lightbulb moment led to the creation of Kommu—a social marketplace designed to offer young people trusted, affordable home-sharing options while fostering a sense of community. Bo envisioned Kommu as a disruptor in the space, providing a more equitable and user-friendly alternative to traditional rental platforms. Bo’s partnership with co-founder Gus marked another milestone in Kommu’s journey. The two met at UCLA, and their shared vision for transforming the home-sharing market solidified their collaboration. However, the road to success wasn’t without sacrifices. Bo candidly shared how his laser focus on career and academic goals led to personal challenges, including the end of a significant relationship. Despite these setbacks, he found strength in his achievements and the unwavering support of family and friends. Take a moment to delve deeper into Kommu’s ethos and mission with Laurel and Kaleem’s sharp and delightful guidance! Bo’s experiences and journey are a testament to the transformative power of resilience, adaptability, and innovation. From a trumpet-playing teenager in Beverly Hills to the co-founder of a disruptive startup, his story underscores the importance of perseverance in overcoming obstacles. Learn more about navigating the startup world, cultivating a growth mindset, and balancing ambition with personal sacrifices! Bo’s story—filled with relatable anecdotes and actionable takeaways—serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and remote professionals alike. Learn more about Bo: * Bo’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bo-abrams/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bo-abrams/] * Kommu’s Webpage: https://www.gokommu.com/ [https://www.gokommu.com/] More about us: * Remotely One’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/remotelyone [https://www.linkedin.com/company/remotelyone] * Remotely One’s Webpage: https://www.remotelyone.com/ [https://www.remotelyone.com/]

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1862312/open_sms] New week, new episode! This time, Rick and Kaleem sit down with Francis Saele, a thought leader in workplace real estate and technology and Managing Principal at Mortevita, for an in-depth conversation about the evolving role of office spaces, especially in the context of remote and hybrid work, and the broader shifts occurring in the commercial real estate sector. Francis takes us through his professional journey, including building a startup in the commercial real estate industry that was later acquired by CBRE. His expertise in real estate has shaped his views on workplace transformation, particularly with the rise of remote and hybrid work. According to Francis, the role of the office has fundamentally shifted in recent years—and it certainly has! The shift toward distributed work is undeniable. Many organizations have adopted hybrid models, enabling employees to work remotely part-time. As a result, businesses no longer need as much office space, and many workers can perform tasks remotely, eliminating the need for daily office commutes. Landlords, however, are facing significant challenges as the demand for traditional office space declines. At the same time, companies are struggling to optimize their office use. The future of office spaces may not lie in legacy downtown buildings but in decentralized hubs located closer to where employees live. This concept, known as "central living districts," integrates office spaces into communities, making them more accessible and convenient for workers. With reduced demand for traditional office spaces, repurposing older buildings for alternative uses is becoming an intriguing possibility. Potential options range from residential spaces to niche industries like vertical farming, though conversion processes can be complex. Cities are increasingly focusing on transforming downtown areas with walkability, green spaces, and mixed-use developments—ideas that could reshape the future of office real estate. As the landscape of office spaces continues to evolve with the rise of remote work and a growing emphasis on employee-centric environments, we dive into the potential for repurposing office buildings and the role of technology in reshaping the future of work. Grab your coffee and notebook, and join us as Francis Saele takes us through these exciting changes and shares the mission behind Mortevita—an integrator specializing in consulting for the new knowledge workplace, corporate real estate, and emerging workplace technologies. Thank you for joining us, Francis! Learn more about Francis: * Francis’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fran-saele/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/fran-saele/] More about us: * Remotely One’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/remotelyone [https://www.linkedin.com/company/remotelyone] * Remotely One’s Webpage: https://www.remotelyone.com/ [https://www.remotelyone.com/]

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1862312/open_sms] Get ready for a delightful blend of laughter and insights in this Not Safe for Remote Work (NSFRW) episode! We’re joined by Anna Burgess Yang, a freelance fintech writer, content marketing expert, and remote work pioneer (ABY Creative) who’s been thriving in the remote world since 2006. Anna takes us on an incredible journey, from being one of the only remote employees at her company to becoming a seasoned veteran long before working from home became the norm. Along the way, she shares some unforgettable stories—like her grueling eight-hour road trips to maintain her marriage as a newlywed and when a coworker got locked out of the house by a mischievous child. And who could forget the epic company meeting interrupted by potty training chaos? But it’s not all laughs. Anna also reflects on the evolving culture of remote work, the challenges of proving herself in a pre-remote era, and the strategies she used to build a successful career entirely from home. Whether you're a remote work pro or just curious about how the landscape has changed, this episode delivers the perfect mix of humor, wisdom, and inspiration. Don’t miss it! Learn more about Anna: * Anna’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annabyang/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/annabyang/] * ABY Creative’s webpage: https://annabyang.com/ [https://annabyang.com/] More about us: * Remotely One’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/remotelyone [https://www.linkedin.com/company/remotelyone] * Remotely One’s Webpage: https://www.remotelyone.com/ [https://www.remotelyone.com/]