RWL235 Breaking Free from Convention w/ Kara Şahbaz, Founder, Untethered Minimalist

Discover how Sam Rosen, co-founder and CEO of DeskPass, turned a pivotal moment in New York into a global movement redefining where and how we work. Sam's journey from designing in Chicago to building a flexible workspace marketplace will inspire you to rethink traditional office environments. Learn how his unique blend of creativity and technology insight has driven DeskPass to become a leader in connecting companies with diverse workspace solutions worldwide. You'll also learn DeskPass's strategy for standing out in an increasingly crowded market. From offering a variety of workspace options in both bustling cities and quiet rural areas to adopting a user-focused design and flexible pricing model, DeskPass is revolutionizing the way businesses approach workspaces. Sam shares his business's hiring practices that ensure cultural fit and reveals the keys to building a great team. Refer a Remote Work Expert As a Guest On The ShowClick here remoteworklife.io to subscribe to my free newsletter Connect on LinkedIn

In today's episode Ashley Widener, the Director of Marketing at GoCo, talks through her journey from the conventional office life in Houston to a fully remote work setup. She's built and led a globally distributed marketing team and her  plans to live and work from a van are intriguing. Ashley's story is not just about adapting to change but embracing it, all while maintaining a vibrant company culture.Ashley shares how to navigate the unpredictable waters of remote work. Drawing from personal experiences, she reflects on how an unexpected leap into marketing led her to a career brimming with innovation and creativity at GoCo. Her anecdotes about solo travel adventures—beginning in the landscapes of Iceland—illustrate the profound personal growth that comes with taking risks. For anyone contemplating a location-independent career, Ashley emphasizes the importance of understanding what "remote" means and aligning it with personal goals.In an age where remote work is the new norm, Ashley offers advice on maintaining productivity and developing new hobbies, even in the confines of a van. From orchestrating hybrid events to balancing team dynamics, she shares strategies to enhance communication and teamwork in a remote setting. With tips on building balanced teams and insights on the qualities that make remote workers successful, Ashley's experience offers a roadmap to thriving in today's evolving work environment. Join us for an episode filled with inspiration, adventure, and the pursuit of a flexible, fulfilling work life.Refer a Remote Work Expert As a Guest On The ShowClick here remoteworklife.io to subscribe to my free newsletter Connect on LinkedIn

Kara Şahbaz is founder of the Untethered Minimalist, and transitioned from a holistic health coach to work in tech and automation. Kara's time in Saudi Arabia was a turning point, sparking her entrepreneurial spirit and leading her to become a digital nomad. You'll learn how her observations as a teenager influenced her commitment to finding joy in her work and how she overcame personal challenges like anxiety and agoraphobia to embrace a remote work lifestyle.She discusses maximizing the benefits of remote work, especially when it comes to balancing professional responsibilities with family care. Kara also shares her holistic approach to productivity, emphasizing the power of consistent habits, protein intake, and gratitude. She explains how minimalism at Untethered Minimalist is about more than just decluttering—it's about mindful consumption of media and energy. Her unique perspective not only resonates with those intimidated by tech but also offers practical strategies for achieving a balanced work-life dynamic.As we wrap up, Kara's story serves as a powerful reminder of the value of untethering from societal expectations and embracing a lifestyle that aligns with one's passions and values.Refer a Remote Work Expert As a Guest On The ShowClick here remoteworklife.io to subscribe to my free newsletter Connect on LinkedIn

Imagine merging your professional skills with your deepest passions—Weston Davis has done just that. As a digital marketing freelancer with a love for martial arts, Weston shares his journey from the hospitality industry to a life of location independence. Inspired by Tim Ferriss' "Four Hour Workweek," he reveals how he carved out a niche in SEO and content creation while building a martial arts website that offers enthusiasts trusted guidance and generates income through affiliate marketing. This episode promises to teach you the art of blending personal interests with professional expertise for success.Crafting a website from scratch is no small feat, yet Weston managed to overcome numerous challenges. We explore his strategic approach to developing content that not only captivates readers but also drives affiliate revenue. THis episode underscores the delicate balance between creative vision and the business rules set by platforms like Amazon Associates. Weston also talks about his unique strategy of incorporating martial arts performances into his marketing plan, demonstrating his competitive edge in the digital space.Weston's story is a testament to the power of adaptability in a rapidly changing world. As AI disrupts traditional digital landscapes, Weston emphasizes the necessity of quality content and continuous learning to stay relevant. He opens up about the personal challenges of balancing career ambitions with family responsibilities while offering valuable insights for freelancers and entrepreneurs on achieving self-reliance and work-life balance. Join us for a conversation that not only explores the fusion of digital marketing and martial arts but also provides a roadmap for aspiring professionals seeking fulfillment and freedom.Refer a Remote Work Expert As a Guest On The ShowClick here remoteworklife.io to subscribe to my free newsletter Connect on LinkedIn

In today's episode Jim Frawley, the founder of Bellwether, describes how he went from the high-pressure world of Wall Street to becoming a sought-after change management expert. Jim's story is a testament to the power of personal milestones—like the birth of his daughter—that catalyze profound life changes, including quitting drinking and starting his own business. With core values of recognition, altruism, and trust guiding his path, Jim is reshaping executive development through a fresh lens.Jim shares his take on productivity and the compelling origin story of Bellwether, emphasizing the desire to offer more than the conventional, corporate world could provide. His dissatisfaction with standard practices inspired a company dedicated to impactful leadership and genuine personal growth.The future of business sounds exciting, especially with AI integration on the horizon. Plus, Jim shares real-life examples of organizational transformation through simple but effective practices. I reckon Jim's experiences offer a template for merging personal and professional ambitions and as Jim says, "There are no rules!"__________________________________________________________________________________________________Jim is an expert in change management and organizational development. The founder of The Bellwether Method, Jim left a career as a Wall Street Executive to rewrite the rules to corporate and personal development, teaching individuals and executives across the globe how to adapt to change in the new economy and beyond. Jim is a renowned keynote speaker, best selling author of Adapting in Motion: Finding Your Place in The New Economy, and regular Fast Company Work Life contributor. He's also the host of Jim's Take the podcast, a big-time reader, small-time triathlete, and full-time father and husband. Refer a Remote Work Expert As a Guest On The ShowClick here remoteworklife.io to subscribe to my free newsletter Connect on LinkedIn

FROM ARCHIVE With WordPress powering a third of the internet, Alex Denning offers a look at his journey and the innovative strategies his agency employs to support WordPress businesses. From his early days at Miniclip to founding WP Shout and ultimately Ellipsis, Alex's story is a testament to the power of passion and persistence.Curious about the steps of building a successful remote team? Alex opens up about the challenges he faced transitioning from a solo freelancer to managing a diverse team. Drawing from the principles in "High Output Management," he emphasizes the importance of delegation and trust. You'll find out how Alex leverages his network within the WordPress community and the strategic roles within his team to propel Ellipsis Marketing forward. Learn why autonomy and progress are crucial for a thriving team dynamic.Struggling with remote work productivity? This episode covers mastering the art of "deep work." Alex shares practical tips on using tools like Basecamp for asynchronous communication and timers for focused work periods. Whether you're trying to balance homeschooling or seeking ways to maintain your energy levels, this conversation offers tips to optimize your remote work environment.Refer a Remote Work Expert As a Guest On The ShowClick here remoteworklife.io to subscribe to my free newsletter Connect on LinkedIn

FROM THE ARCHIVE: Rowena Henigan shares her personal story of transitioning to remote work amidst family health challenges and how it allowed her to maintain her career while moving to Spain for her child's asthma. Discover how remote work has empowered Rowena, both personally and professionally, from her early days with a telecommunications company to her roles with large insurance companies and her aspirations as a digital nomad.Managing clients across different time zones can be daunting, but Rowena offered advice on overcoming these challenges while maintaining a work-life balance. We talked about the steep learning curve associated with mastering various video conferencing tools and adapting to remote work. Our discussion also touches on the need for self-discipline and routine to prevent overwork and burnout, emphasizing the importance of intentional self-care practices to stay productive and well.Incorporating wellness into remote work life is essential, and Rowena provided tips on maintaining self-care through manageable chunks of time and creative activities. Learn how taking breaks can enhance productivity and why human connection is vital in the virtual world. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, we highlighted the necessity of supportive conversations, empathy, and trust among remote teams.Refer a Remote Work Expert As a Guest On The ShowClick here remoteworklife.io to subscribe to my free newsletter Connect on LinkedIn

Ever wondered how to combine your love for sports, travel, and helping others into a thriving business? Marlon Schadeck, the Founder/ fitness coach behind Nomad Strong, joins us to share his journey from Germany to Mexico. He talks about the pivotal moment during an internship in Guadalajara that shifted his career path from aspiring teacher to fitness entrepreneur. Together with his partner Joe Miller, Marlon has created an online gym tailored specifically for remote workers, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and enjoyment in lifelong fitness.In the latter half of our conversation, Marlon talks about the intricacies of building sustainable fitness habits for remote workers. So you'll learn about the outdoor activities that can transform your fitness routine. Marlon also opens up about creating an aligned team that shares a unified vision, and his exciting future projects like charity events, outdoor workouts, and offline retreats. Plus, get a glimpse into Marlon's balanced lifestyle between Germany and Mexico, where he cherishes both adventurous outings and relaxed moments with friends and family. Tune in for an episode filled with motivation and practical tips to elevate your journey.NomadStrong gets remote workers fit and healthy. They create personalized fitness programs tailored to your interests, needs, and goals. Overweight, back issues, low energy? With a personal trainer in your pocket, you're just a few weeks away from the best shape of your life start here for free https://nomadstrong.com/kickstart/Refer a Remote Work Expert As a Guest On The ShowClick here remoteworklife.io to subscribe to my free newsletter Connect on LinkedIn

FROME THE ARCHIVE:What does it take to build a successful remote company during uncertain times? I had a conversation with Sondre Rausch, CEO of Safety Wing back 2019 and he shared his journey from a teenage entrepreneur in Norway to a pioneer in global travel and medical insurance for remote teams and nomads. Sondre shared how his early fascination with technology and entrepreneurship evolved, his educational background in economics, and how these elements coalesced to inspire his groundbreaking work in the global labor market infrastructure. He also discussed the benefits of remote work, emphasizing the flexibility it provides, and argued that remote work is the optimal way to build a modern company.From a freelancer to a startup founder, Sondre takes us through the rollercoaster journey of creating Safety Wing. Learn about the crucial pre-launch phase, the necessity of rapid experimentation, and the invaluable lessons gleaned from failures. Discover key strategies for building a strong team and a desirable product, and gain insights into the stress of fundraising. Sondre also sheds light on the explosion of remote work and nomadism post-COVID-19, with fascinating examples of how countries are vying to attract remote workers. Tune in to hear Sondra’s visionary ideas, including the concept of a global social safety net that could pave the way for the first "country on the internet".Refer a Remote Work Expert As a Guest On The ShowClick here remoteworklife.io to subscribe to my free newsletter Connect on LinkedIn

FROM THE ARCHIVE: This replay focuses on my conversation with Dipesh Patni, Founder of GravitasQ. Dipesh shares his journey from a high-flying sales career to mastering SEO, revealing the challenges and skills required to stand out in a competitive industry. This episode gives practical advice for anyone looking for personal and business growth within digital marketing while maintaining productivity and mental well-being.Learn from Dipesh's personal experiences, including his pivotal career change, which was motivated by a desire to spend more time with his daughter. We talk about the realities of starting a business, facing uncertainties, and leveraging networks to succeed. Dipesh's candid discussion on balancing professional aspirations with family life offers lessons for budding entrepreneurs and experienced professionals alike.We also address the often-overlooked challenges of working from home, including isolation and its impact on mental health. Dipesh provides strategies for creating a productive home work environment and staying connected with your team.Refer a Remote Work Expert As a Guest On The ShowClick here remoteworklife.io to subscribe to my free newsletter Connect on LinkedIn