2.13 Reflecting on One Year of Remote Work Stories: Insights from the Work From Home Forever Podcast

We launched (this podcast) with three guests…Maria, Roger and Phillip. Thank you to those three for being our first guests and taking a flyer on this podcast before anyone knew what it was about.

– Work From Home Forever podcast host, Don’s gratitude to early guests who shared their stories

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Reflections on a Year of Remote Work Stories

As the Work from Home Forever podcast celebrates its one-year anniversary, it’s time to reflect on the journey so far. Host Don takes a moment to share some of the most impactful insights and perspectives gathered from a diverse range of guests over the past year.

Diversity of Experiences

One of the remarkable aspects of the podcast is the diversity of experiences and perspectives shared by guests, each contributing to a rich tapestry of insights. From Chris Ming’s realization that success doesn’t guarantee happiness in the entertainment industry to Brian Basinger’s decision to break free from corporate stagnation, every story is unique yet resonates with universal themes.

Mental Health and Well-Being in a Remote Environment

The podcast has also shed light on the importance of remote work in fostering mental health and well-being. Guests like Brian highlighted the challenges of transitioning to solo entrepreneurship, while Erin Tibo shared the toll of a stressful commute on mental health. These stories remind us of the significance of workplace flexibility in promoting overall well-being.

Work From Home Impact to Diversity and Inclusion

Moreover, the podcast has underscored the role of remote work in promoting diversity and inclusion. Guests like Katie Bridge and Catherine Green emphasized how remote work can offer opportunities to individuals from diverse backgrounds, enriching organizational culture and fostering innovation.

Highlighting Remote Work Pioneers

The stories of remote work pioneers like Eileen Tanner serve as a testament to the transformative power of embracing new technologies and modes of work. Despite facing challenges and skepticism, pioneers like Eileen paved the way for the remote work revolution we see today.

Stories of Resilience and Positivity

Perhaps most inspiring are the stories of resilience and positivity, exemplified by guests like Chris Mitchell. Despite facing multiple obstacles, Chris maintains an unwaveringly positive outlook, embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and adaptation.

A Look Towards Year Two

As the podcast looks ahead to its second year, Don expresses gratitude to guests for their invaluable contributions and to listeners for their support. With a growing audience and a commitment to sharing more inspiring stories, the Work from Home Forever podcast aims to continue inspiring and empowering remote workers worldwide.

In Closing

The past year has been a journey of discovery, learning, and inspiration. Through the diverse voices and perspectives featured on the podcast, listeners have gained valuable insights into the transformative power of remote work. As we embark on the next chapter, let us continue to celebrate the diversity, resilience, and positivity of the remote work community.

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S3 E6 Founding Virtual Not Distant: Pilar Orti’s Journey to Support Remote Teams – Work From Home Forever

On this episode of Work From Home Forever, Pilar Orti, a writer, podcaster, and the founder of Virtual Not Distant joins us on the show. Pilar shared her journey into remote work, which began in 2011, driven by her need to travel frequently to visit family. Initially trained as an actress, Pilar transitioned to remote work, finding comfort in working from home and utilizing coworking spaces when necessary. Pilar discussed her experience with coworking spaces, noting the practical challenges such as commuting time, costs, and temperature discomfort. She ultimately found working from home more comfortable and convenient. Pilar has set up a cozy home office with a standing desk and plenty of natural light, sharing the space with her husband, who prefers coworking spaces. Pilar emphasized the importance of maintaining work-life balance, avoiding work apps on her mobile phone, and setting boundaries with clients regarding availability. She highlighted the need for understanding individual work preferences and creating a work environment that supports personal well-being. In founding Virtual Not Distant, Pilar aimed to support remote teams and small businesses in utilizing online spaces for effective collaboration. She underscored the growing acceptance of remote work and the importance of flexibility in today's work environment. Pilar’s approach to work-life balance and her commitment to creating a supportive remote work culture are central to her philosophy and the success of Virtual Not Distant. Connect with Pilar: Website: Virtual Not Distant LinkedIn: Pilar Orti Listen to this episode from Pilar's podcast, Adventures in Podcasting, where I was her guest and we talked about my start in podcasting. ________________________  Do you love the show? Check out our⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠official merch page⁠⁠⁠ ⁠on Etsy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and support the show! ________________________

1. S3 E6 Founding Virtual Not Distant: Pilar Orti’s Journey to Support Remote Teams 44:11
2. S3 E5 Corey Walker: From Marketing Specialist to Instagram for Dummies 32:24
3. S3 E4 Stay Fit While You Sit: Ergonomic Tips with Mike Jones 30:57
4. S3 E3 Creating a Kind Workplace: Michael G. Neece on Leading with Kindness 36:30
5. S3 E2 From Family Therapy to Bestselling Author: Jack Lawrence's Career Pivot 30:05