Long-Distance Worklife - A Hybrid & Remote Work Podcast

Terry Isner, owner and CEO of  Jaffe , a remote marketing and PR agency for law firms, discusses the evolution of remote work and the challenges and benefits it brings. He shares how Jaffe transitioned to remote work 35 years ago and how technology has played a crucial role in their success. Isner emphasizes the importance of trust, empathy, and effective communication in a remote work environment...

Join Marisa Eikenberry and Wayne Turmel as they navigate the lively world of remote onboarding. In this episode they reveal some clever strategies for creating a welcoming remote culture and ensuring new team members feel connected from the start. They dive into practical tips like engaging webcam chats, clear task delegation, and the importance of a user-friendly employee handbook, all spiced up...

Heather Hansen, founder of the Global Speech Academy, discusses the issue of accent bias in the workplace and the importance of effective communication in a globalized world. She challenges the notion of "good" and "bad" English, emphasizing that successful communication is about getting the message across, regardless of accent. Heather highlights the need for leaders to understand and address acc...

Wayne Turmel and Richard Maltzman about the importance of meetings in building great teams. Richard emphasizes the role of project leaders in facilitating effective meetings and discusses the principles of project management and Agile methodology. He also introduces the concept of "meeting goblins," which are different personalities that can emerge during meetings. Richard highlights the need for...

Mark Herschberg discusses the essential skills needed to thrive in the modern workplace. He emphasizes the importance of creating a career plan and regularly checking in and refining it. Mark also highlights the need for effective communication, especially in the remote work environment where communication channels are more limited. He explains that writing skills and written communication have be...

Marisa and Wayne discuss the  new AI features that Zoom is introducing to its platform . They explore the potential benefits and challenges of using AI in web meeting platforms and highlight the importance of staying informed about new features and tools. They also discuss the potential impact of AI on presentation skills and communication styles, as well as the value of real-time feedback in impr...

Vivek Nigam, of ReTeam, discusses the challenges organizations face with team engagement and retention in the changing work landscape. He emphasizes the importance of building a culture of engagement, participation, and belonging to improve productivity, innovation, and retention. ReTeam offers a platform and service model that helps leaders and individual contributors enhance team dynamics and ma...

Marisa and Wayne discuss pet peeves related to remote meetings. They address the issue of team members not turning on their cameras during meetings and the value of having cameras on. Wayne explains that while there are advantages to being on camera, it's important to consider the context and purpose of the meeting. For larger groups, the value of seeing everyone may be limited, but for smaller te...

Taylor Harrington, Head of Community at  Groove , joins Wayne Turmel to discuss the concept of co-working and how it can be applied in both physical and online spaces. They explore the benefits of co-working, such as accountability, social connection, and the opportunity to meet new people. Taylor explains how Groove facilitates online co-working sessions, matching individuals with similar interes...

Marisa and Wayne discuss the Spider-Man Paradox, which is the idea that with great power comes great responsibility. They explore the responsibility that remote workers have in managing their own schedules and demonstrating their trustworthiness to their employers. They emphasize the importance of proactive communication, setting expectations, and taking ownership of one's work. They also discuss...

Wayne Turmel interviews Phil Simon about the trends that are reshaping the workplace, particularly in the context of remote and hybrid work. They discuss the dispersed workplace, employee empowerment, and the need for new metrics to measure productivity. Phil emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the shift towards remote work and the need for organizations to adapt to this new reality. He als...

Marisa Eikenberry and Wayne Turmel delve into the realm of remote work pet peeves, with a particular focus on virtual meetings. As they banter in their signature casual-yet-business-oriented style, Marisa and Wayne discuss the ups and downs of attention spans, attention-grabbing tactics, and the intricate dynamics of breakout sessions. Sharing insights from their own experiences, they highlight th...

Wayne Turmel interviews Projjal (PJ) Ghatak, the founder of OnLoop, a habit-forming AI-powered platform for high-functioning teams. They discuss the challenges faced by hybrid teams and the need for increased clarity and visibility in remote work. OnLoop helps managers and team members stay connected and informed through regular check-ins and feedback. The platform aims to address biases and creat...

In this episode, we're joined by Eduardo Briceño, renowned author of "The Performance Paradox: Turning the Power of Mindset into Action". Eduardo sheds light on the power of feedback as the cornerstone of learning and high performance in a remote work world. Eduardo's insights reveal the importance of cultivating a growth mindset and encouraging team members to solicit feedback for continuous impr...

In this pet peeves episode, Marisa Eikenberry and Wayne Turmel tackle two common frustrations faced by remote workers: last-minute meeting cancellations and the challenges of coordinating meetings across different time zones. They empathize with the annoyance of blocked-out time being wasted and provide insights on how to handle such situations professionally. The hosts also discuss the importance...

In this episode, we welcome Alvaro Daza, a visionary entrepreneur with a passion for remote work and its impact on the Global South. Alv shares his unique insights from living and working in diverse countries like Colombia, Kenya, and Dubai, where remote work has been a natural way of life long before it became a global trend. He explores the evolution of remote work in lesser developed countries...

Marisa Eikenberry and Wayne Turmel dive into the world of scare tactics surrounding remote work and the push to return to the office. They discuss the underlying motives behind exaggerated claims and unflattering portrayals, emphasizing the importance of reevaluating productivity metrics and setting realistic expectations. They highlight the need for leaders to define metrics focused on outputs ra...

Wayne Turmel speaks with Janice Chaka, CEO of the Career Introvert. They debunk common myths about introverts thriving in remote work, discuss the challenges and opportunities introverts face, and emphasize the importance of individual needs, open communication, and setting boundaries. Janice shares strategies for introverts to showcase their achievements, maintain visibility, and navigate hybrid...

In this week's episode, Marisa and Wayne revisit a topic mentioned in a previous episode about the Johari Window. They explore how this powerful model, developed by psychologists in 1955, can enhance communication and understanding within remote and hybrid teams. Discover the four quadrants of the Johari Window and how they reveal what is known and unknown to oneself and others. Learn why transpar...

Wayne Turmel engages in an insightful conversation with Dan Keldsen, co-founder of PlexiCam and the host of Next Future Today, who calls himself a pragmatic futurist. They explore the shifting landscape of remote and hybrid work, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dan shares his expertise on future trends and offers practical insights on onboarding new hires, incorporating Gen Z...

Marisa and Wayne are back sharing your pet peeves. They explore the importance of maintaining professional environments during video calls and emphasize the significance of AV hygiene and user experience. They also delve into the intriguing topic of status colors on platforms like Slack, uncovering the obsession some individuals have with constantly monitoring their teammates' online presence. Mar...

In this episode, Wayne interviews Liz Scully, a digital nomad and founder of Rethink Central, to discuss the challenges and strategies for building connections while living a nomadic lifestyle. As a digital nomad, Liz has firsthand experience in navigating the challenges of building connections while living and working remotely around the world. Her insights and expertise provide valuable guidance...

Marisa Eikenberry and Wayne Turmel delve into the vital role of managers as the heart of an organization. Wayne introduces the analogy of a heart, explaining how managers serve as the crucial link between senior leadership and their teams. They discuss the flow of information, the importance of effective communication, and the challenges faced by middle managers in maintaining trust and authentici...

Wayne Turmel and Catherine Morgan, a career transition expert, delve into the dynamic and ever-changing world of work, offering valuable insights on how to navigate the evolving landscape and stay employed. Drawing on her extensive industry experience, Catherine shares expert advice on career planning and remote work. They explore the transformations in recruitment and hiring practices over recent...

Marisa Eikenberry and Wayne Turmel tackle  more pet peeves sent in by listeners , including  one from @NikSoro  about the annoyance of receiving messages without checking someone's Slack status. The hosts discuss strategies for managing notifications, setting boundaries, and communicating effectively in virtual teams. They also delve into a  topic from Nola Simon  on webcam usage in virtual meetin...