Freedom of Work

Host Leah Cottham sits down with David Norman, global HR leader and employee coach at Bravely, to explore how organizations can maintain the human element in HR as they scale across borders. David brings insights from his extensive experience in global people operations and his current work coaching employees through workplace challenges.   The conversation tackles the tension between data-driven HR practices and authentic human connection in today's rapidly evolving workplace. David discusses why traditional engagement surveys often fall short, how cultural nuances impact everything from compensation discussions to diversity initiatives, and why the rise of AI makes human skills more valuable than ever. From management by walking around to building psychological safety across distributed teams, this episode offers practical strategies for leaders who want to create genuinely human-centered organizations without sacrificing business results.   Key topics covered:   [00:00] Intro [04:16] How scaling puts human elements at risk [08:01] Management by walking around concept [11:35] DEI policies losing sight of people [18:27] Why traditional HR struggles with empathy [22:14] Problems with engagement surveys [26:41] Building empathy into global programs [28:33] Compensation through Maslow's hierarchy of needs [33:16] Core common practices across regions [35:40] Manager relationships drive engagement [40:43] Biggest challenges for global leaders [47:46] Cultivating belonging across cultures [51:46] Creating authentic moments at work [53:56] Vision for human-centric strategy 2026   A must-listen for HR professionals, people leaders, and anyone building global teams who want to keep empathy and authenticity at the heart of their people strategy.

Leah Cottham sits down with Josh Hill, VP People at Tier 11 and co-founder of Super Hired, to explore his revolutionary approach to employment as a subscription service. Josh brings a unique perspective from his 10 years in the Australian Army to his 4 years transforming HR practices at a 50-person digital marketing agency. He shares how treating employees as internal customers fundamentally changes hiring and retention strategies.  Josh walks through his discovery-led hiring framework that prioritizes deep qualitative research over surface-level metrics. He explains why traditional one-page job descriptions and resumes create poor matches, and demonstrates how his comprehensive job maps and transparent work product descriptions act as powerful self-selection tools. The conversation covers his philosophy of first-principles thinking, the importance of continuous employee discovery, and why he believes hiring should be treated as matchmaking rather than a race to fill seats quickly.   Key topics covered: [00:00] Intro [02:38] Military to HR transition insights [05:25] Early hiring lessons from army background [10:34] First principles approach to reshaping culture [16:43] Employment as subscription model explained [21:56] Features and updates employees expect [31:35] Why Josh created Super Hired [38:44] Early warning signs of employee unsubscription [45:39] High framework hiring process walkthrough [57:22] Key takeaway for reducing employee churn [58:54] Discovery habits for better leadership   This episode offers practical insights for HR leaders and managers looking to build more intentional, human-centered approaches to talent acquisition and employee engagement.  

Leah Cottham speaks with Robin Schuchmann, co-founder of Employ Borderless, about his journey from Bali internships to building an unbiased EOR advisory platform. Robin shares how his experience hiring remote talent across Indonesia, the Philippines, and Eastern Europe led him to create a solution for companies struggling with global hiring complexities. He breaks down the biggest barriers companies face when hiring internationally, from compliance fears to cost misconceptions, and explains why many businesses are missing out on incredible talent by limiting themselves to local hiring within a 30-kilometer radius.   Robin reveals practical strategies for getting started with global hiring, including his recommendation to begin with just one employee using an EOR solution for around 200 dollars per month rather than setting up costly entities. The conversation explores emerging trends like digital nomad visas, the growing demand from younger workers for remote opportunities, and how countries like Indonesia and Portugal are adapting their visa systems to attract remote talent. Robin also discusses the untapped potential of early career international hiring and why he predicts companies that don't embrace global hiring will struggle to attract talent within the next five years.   Key topics covered: [00:00] Intro [02:13] From Vietnam internship to global hiring platform [05:08] Why companies miss out on global talent [08:25] How global experience shapes work perspectives [13:22] Time zone management as competitive advantage [18:54] 3 key benefits companies overlook locally [22:52] Common misconceptions blocking international hiring [28:36] Start small with one global employee [34:59] Early career international hiring opportunities [39:42] Future trends in global remote work [41:50] Digital nomad visas changing the game [46:07] Essential tools for global team management [48:56] Underrated countries for talent sourcing [50:42] Biggest myths about global hiring costs [51:11] Creating equal opportunities worldwide   Discover how global hiring is creating more equal opportunities worldwide and why the future of work extends far beyond traditional geographic boundaries.

Host Leah Cottham sits down with Gina Sapien, Founder of The Remote Marketer, to explore why employer branding desperately needs a complete overhaul for the remote work era. Gina brings 10 years of startup marketing experience and 7 years leading remote teams across Asia, the US, and Latin America to this essential conversation about attracting global talent. The discussion reveals how Covid fundamentally shifted what candidates value, moving from joining logos and office perks to seeking companies they can actually trust. Gina breaks down her innovative 3 layer framework covering employer branding, employee branding, and candidate branding, explaining why misalignment between these layers creates visible cracks that drive away top talent. They explore the critical difference between brand control versus empowerment, why silence from employees is a major red flag, and how personal branding is becoming the new currency in competitive remote hiring. Key topics covered: [00:00] Intro [03:11] People Don't Join Logos Anymore [06:00] Marketing Products vs Marketing Culture [09:26] Why Employer Brand Matters for Remote Teams [14:56] Three Layers of Branding Framework [23:28] Digital Touch Points That Matter Most [30:50] Building Culture Beyond Careers Pages [34:57] Who Should Own Employer Branding [41:16] Brand Control vs Brand Empowerment [48:52] Rise of Personal Mini Brands [52:29] Strong Brands Speed Up Hiring [53:42] The 3 P Framework Explained [55:33] Practical First Steps and Future Trends This conversation provides actionable insights for companies struggling to build authentic employer brands that attract and retain remote talent in an increasingly competitive global market.

Host Leah Cottham sits down with Filip Pesek, Founder and CEO of DonnaPro, to explore what European leadership teaches us about the future of global hiring. Filip shares his journey from door to door sales to building a virtual executive assistant agency that matches top European talent with CEOs and founders worldwide.   The conversation dives into the unique European approach to remote work, where planning and collaboration take precedence over instant availability. Filip explains how complex European labor laws actually drive adoption of flexible work models, and why European companies focus on sustainable productivity rather than constant connectivity. He also reveals the most common delegation mistakes founders make and shares a real example of how one CEO reclaimed 60 hours per month and took her first vacation in 4 years.   Key topics covered: [00:00] Intro [01:45] Door to door sales teaches resilience [03:49] Leading yourself before leading others [07:23] 3 biggest leadership shifts for remote teams [14:07] Realizing founders become company bottlenecks [16:23] Research phase for building DonnaPro [19:32] European approach to leadership and planning [22:01] Complex European labor laws drive remote adoption [25:54] US vs European productivity mindsets [31:46] Trust building in remote European teams [38:36] Common delegation mistakes founders make [43:06] The 10-80-10 delegation technique [45:28] Reclaiming 60 hours monthly case study [50:19] Sustainable productivity in remote work [57:27] Testing leadership with the 10 day vacation scenario   This episode offers valuable insights for leaders building remote teams across borders and those looking to scale without becoming the bottleneck in their own business.  

Leah Cottham sits down with Arvi Carkanji, Founder and CEO of Elite Talent, to explore how HR leaders are building technical sales teams globally with speed, precision, and strategic use of AI. Arvi brings firsthand expertise from helping SaaS companies achieve a remarkable 92% retention rate for pre sales and post sales talent placements. His recruiting firm specializes in roles from sales engineers to customer success managers, focusing on the people who directly impact revenue growth and customer retention.  The conversation covers the biggest hiring mistakes companies repeatedly make, from reactive hiring strategies to being too rigid about perfect candidate profiles. Arvi breaks down how to balance speed with quality in global hiring, where AI adds real value versus where human judgment remains essential, and what separates companies that successfully retain global hires from those that struggle. He shares insights on emerging talent hubs beyond traditional markets and practical strategies for maintaining strong culture across time zones.  Key topics covered: [00:00] Intro [03:00] From Business Consulting to Pre-Sales Recruiting [04:16] Top 3 Hiring Mistakes Companies Keep Making [06:50] Why Reactive Hiring Destroys Team Performance [12:11] How Global Hiring Changed Post-COVID [17:35] Biggest Hurdles HR Teams Face Scaling Globally [23:21] Hidden Talent Hubs Around the World [25:09] Balancing Speed with Quality in Hiring [33:44] How AI is Transforming Recruitment [41:29] Practical AI Strategies for HR Leaders [48:14] What Separates Companies That Retain Global Hires [51:20] Maintaining Culture Across Time Zones [54:09] Impact of Smarter Hiring on Sales Performance [57:50] Essential Advice for First-Time Global Hiring   Essential listening for HR leaders, founders, and anyone scaling technical sales teams in today's global remote work environment.

As we wrap up 2025 on the Freedom of Work podcast, we reflect on the conversations that shaped how we think about building companies in a remote-first world. This season features founders, people leaders, neuroscientists, and operators exploring the real challenges behind remote work, AI at work, people operations, psychological safety, learning and development, and building culture across time zones. A consistent insight emerged: while AI can automate for speed, human connection is still essential for alignment. The companies doing this well are balancing automation with empathy, global scale with intentional culture, and speed with quality. Stay tuned for 2026!

In this episode, we delve into the findings from our 2025 Global Hiring Report, which is packed with insights from over 300 HR and People leaders across the U.S., U.K., Australia, and Brazil. We explore the real challenges and exciting opportunities companies face when building and managing distributed teams worldwide. Tune in to discover why talent shortages hit larger companies hardest, how Latin America is emerging as a top talent destination (even if leadership teams are still warming up to it), and the steep learning curves small tech companies are navigating in global hiring. We'll also unpack which technical roles remain toughest to fill, and what that means for business performance. You'll learn practical strategies for overcoming compliance headaches, accelerating onboarding for international hires, and how Employer of Record (EOR) solutions can bridge resource gaps. Whether you're scaling your remote workforce or looking to break into new talent markets, this episode offers actionable insights to help you build smarter, faster, and fully compliant global teams in 2025 and beyond.

Host Leah Cottham sits down with Hudson Brock, CEO and Founder of AlloHire, to explore what truly sets top talent apart in today's rapidly changing work environment. Hudson shares his framework for identifying A players through three key traits that go far beyond traditional resume screening. The conversation dives into how AI is reshaping recruiting processes while emphasizing why human connection remains essential for emotional career decisions.  Hudson introduces the concept of vocational capital and building career equity, explaining how the best talent views work as adding value to others rather than just collecting paychecks. They discuss practical strategies for supporting employee development, from creating learning margins throughout the week to implementing alliance-based employment relationships. The discussion also covers global hiring opportunities and challenges, including cultural intelligence and combating remote work loneliness through intentional team building.  Key topics covered: [00:00] Intro [02:30] Defining A-Players with Humble, Hungry, Smart Framework [05:18] Building Trust in Interview Processes [07:23] Algorithm Bias in Applicant Tracking Systems [10:21] Resume Writing Skills Gap for Gen Z [13:02] Attract Don't Chase Career Strategy [14:05] Performance Image Exposure Career Framework [17:16] Employer Brand vs Job Description Gaps [22:01] Quick Apply Application Response Rates [24:42] Practical AI Applications in Recruiting [27:24] Audio Messages Breaking Through AI Noise [30:30] Over-Relying on AI Technology Risks [33:15] Deep Fakes and Fake Candidates [36:51] Vocational Capital and Career Equity [42:00] Mobility and Meaning for Next Generation [44:34] Creating Learning Margins for Remote Teams [52:15] Global Hiring Cultural Intelligence Challenges [59:31] Hiring Red Flag Common Denominators [1:03:53] Shadowing as Interview Process Innovation   Tune in for actionable insights on attracting top talent and building meaningful career partnerships in the modern workplace.

Host Leah Cottham sits down with Marissa Goldberg, founder of Remote Work Prep, to explore how AI is reshaping remote team management without replacing human workers. Marissa brings years of experience building AI powered operational solutions for distributed teams and shares practical insights from her journey since 2015. The conversation tackles common misconceptions about remote work productivity and reveals how overwork is actually more prevalent than underwork in remote environments. Marissa breaks down her human centered approach to AI adoption, emphasizing the importance of starting with problems rather than tools. She shares specific examples like automated Slack thread summarization and performance review tracking that help teams work more efficiently. The discussion covers transparent AI interfaces, human in the loop safeguards, and practical tips for leaders looking to implement AI without creating fear among team members. Key topics covered: [00:00] Intro [01:37] Remote work misconceptions and overwork reality [03:06] Biggest misconception about remote workers [06:23] AI tools transforming remote team management [08:09] Starting with problems not tools [09:24] People first approach to AI adoption [12:07] Human centered AI in practice [14:24] Documentation automation for remote teams [18:02] Slack emoji automation for decisions [21:51] Performance review tracking made easy [25:12] Human in the loop safeguards explained [29:13] Leadership mistakes in AI adoption [31:43] Personal AI productivity tools [34:38] Advice for AI hesitant workers [36:25] AI reducing context switching strategies [41:34] Future of async first remote work [45:00] Risks without human centered approach [47:11] Balancing technology with team culture This episode offers actionable strategies for remote leaders ready to leverage AI while protecting team culture and human strengths.

Leah Cottham sits down with Renita Käsper, a global talent acquisition leader with 20 years of experience building multicultural teams across Asia Pacific, Europe, and beyond. Renita shares why cultural intelligence has become essential for remote leaders managing distributed teams and explains the critical difference between hiring globally and actually setting teams up for success. The conversation explores how unintentional systems and processes can silence diverse voices, even when companies have good intentions about building inclusive teams. Renita walks through real examples of cultural miscommunication in remote settings, from misunderstood urgency levels to the dangers of acronym-heavy onboarding processes. She emphasizes that cultural intelligence goes beyond one-off training sessions and must be embedded into daily communication systems, feedback processes, and leadership approaches. Key topics covered: [00:00] Intro [04:53] Cultural intelligence as core leadership skill [09:22] Defining cultural intelligence and curiosity [14:17] Treating others as they want to be treated [20:03] Remote first companies need intentional cultural systems [26:05] Unintentionally silencing cultural voices in global teams [31:23] When remote teams become afraid to speak up [34:08] Embedding cultural intelligence from the start [38:32] Building culturally intelligent onboarding processes [50:00] Buddy systems and connection tools like Donut [54:54] Moving beyond culture fit to culture enrichment [1:02:43] Building relationships before focusing on tasks [1:04:57] Ask more questions and assume less This episode offers practical strategies for remote leaders looking to move beyond culture fit toward what Renita calls culture enrichment, where teams intentionally leverage diverse perspectives rather than defaulting to homogeneous hiring practices.

Explore how AI is transforming hiring, team building, and leadership—and where human expertise still matters. Katie, a fractional COO and startup founder, shares practical lessons for leaders navigating the AI era. In this episode, you'll learn: How to use AI as a tool, not a replacement, for tasks like candidate screening and data analysis Why building your processes manually first is essential before automating The rise of fractional leadership and its impact on startups The critical role of emotional intelligence in orchestrating humans and AI How to operate with intention, clear communication, and strong core values When automation can actually create more work than it saves Learn how to harness AI as an enabler while keeping the human touch your ultimate advantage.

Host Leah Cottham chats with Gina Schinkel, founder of Driftawave, about how the future of work demands mission-driven leadership and strategic team retreats. From her journey at LinkedIn to launching a company that builds transformational offsites, Gina shares how remote teams can create genuine connection and measurable business results.  They break down ROI metrics, debunk common CEO misconceptions about offsites, and explore why trust beats control in building thriving distributed teams. Key topics covered: [00:00] Intro [03:21] Mission Driven Leadership for Remote Teams [06:16] Common CEO Misconceptions About Workstations [09:54] How Top Companies Use Offsites Strategically [17:28] Essential Planning Advice for HR Leaders [22:41] Creating Transformational Offsite Experiences [26:20] Designing Offsites by Energy and Atmosphere [28:01] Measuring ROI from Team Retreats [31:21] Biggest Remote Culture Building Mistakes [36:17] Human Connection in an AI World [39:23] Knowledge Work Burnout Solutions [44:41] Future of Work Leadership Message Discover why leading remote companies design retreats around energy and atmosphere—and why, in the age of AI, human connection is more valuable than ever.

Find out how a values-driven talent philosophy can transform your hiring process, strengthen culture, and improve retention. You'll learn why behaviors often matter more than skills, how to align employer branding with candidate experience, and the risks of rushing to fill roles. Plus, practical tips on building inclusive hiring systems, fostering curiosity and trust, and supporting internal mobility - especially in remote and distributed teams. What you'll learn: How to define and apply a value-led talent philosophy Why behaviors can outweigh skills in long-term success Ways to align candidate experience with company culture and values Common hiring strategy pitfalls and how to avoid them How to build inclusive and authentic hiring systems The role of trust, curiosity, and internal mobility in distributed teams

In this episode of Freedom of Work, host Leah Cottham sits down with Selina Purdie, Head of People at Monolith AI, to explore how people teams can borrow principles from product management to design intentional employee experiences. Selina shares her unique journey from scientist to people leader, explaining how she applies data-driven thinking to map employee touchpoints, build public roadmaps, and identify friction points throughout the employee lifecycle - from attraction to exit. Together, Leah and Selina dive into real-world examples, from redesigning performance management for remote teams to boosting learning budget adoption and embedding company values through rituals. They highlight practical frameworks like employee journey mapping, feedback loops, and stay interviews, all designed to create trust, transparency, and sparks of joy across distributed teams. Whether you're in HR, people ops, or simply curious about crafting better workplaces, this episode offers practical strategies and inspiring stories for rethinking the employee experience as if it were a product. Tune in now to Freedom of Work!

80% of transformation programs fail - often because they overlook the human element. In this episode of Freedom of Work, Leah chats with independent program director Rita about how remote and distributed teams can lead transformation projects that actually stick. From radical transparency and agile pods to psychological safety and change agents, they explore what it really takes to build meaningful, lasting change across borders and time zones. Topics Covered: Why most digital transformations fail Embedding psychological safety in remote teams Change agents, fireside chats, and decentralized ops How to balance tech investment with people development Reverse mentoring to drive authentic connection Brought to you by RemoFirst – simplifying global hiring and compliance.

Structured games aren't just fun, they're powerful tools for uncovering how teams think, communicate, and collaborate. Alexandra Suchman, Co-Founder of Barometer XP, joins Leah our Host to explore how intentionally designed play can surface hidden patterns, build psychological safety, and drive meaningful team development. Drawing on real-life examples and insights from her work with global teams, Alex explains how leaders can use games to foster trust, give better feedback, and improve performance, especially in remote and distributed environments. Whether you're an HR leader, team manager, or culture builder, this episode offers practical ideas for bringing more connection and clarity into your workplace. Topics covered: What "structured games" really are (and why they matter) The iceberg model: Bonding, building, and development Why play reveals blind spots in team dynamics How to use games to boost trust and psychological safety Tips for applying these methods with remote teams

How can travel do more than move people - it can move culture, too? Leah, our Host, chats with Stephen from Roamr about shifting the mindset from travel as a perk to travel as a culture-building tool. They explore how distributed teams can build deeper connections, improve collaboration, and reduce travel costs - all while making remote work more human. What you'll learn: The difference between work from anywhere and work from everywhere Why big offsites aren't the only way to build culture How informal moments (like shared taxi rides) spark real connection Data-backed travel trends shaping distributed teams How to make travel more inclusive, intentional, and budget-friendly

What if we could design our workdays to actually work for our brains? Leah sits down with Natalie Lineton, HR leader and neuroscience enthusiast, to unpack how brain science can help us build healthier, more productive workplaces. From fighting decision fatigue to fostering trust and psychological safety, this episode is packed with practical, brain-friendly tips for leaders, people teams, and curious minds. This podcast will include: How leaders can use brain science to reduce stress and boost productivity Simple ways to build psychological safety and trust in your team Why understanding brain chemicals like dopamine and cortisol matters at work Tune in and subscribe for more episodes on the future of work and brain-friendly leadership.

Join host Leah Cottham as we ditch the dull and dive into the art of remote connection. We'll explore: What does belonging look like in a global team? Why do some teams struggle, and how can you turn stumbles into success? Discover fun strategies, from Slack coffee bots to emoji check-ins, that bridge distances and foster genuine inclusion. Learn to create those crucial "water cooler moments" that boost morale and retention. Get tips on optimizing async communication without overwhelming your team. 6666 Building a strong remote community isn't accidental; it's intentional. Tune in and let's revolutionize the way we work, together!