When I went to work from home, I had to do everything to prove that this could work. I had to work harder to make sure everybody knew it worked. I had to always be present.
– Eileen reflecting on her journey as a pioneer in the remote work world and how she hustled to prove the concept works
Eileen Tanner’s Journey: Navigating Remote Work Across Decades
In our conversation with Eileen Tanner, a seasoned PR expert with 27 years of remote work experience, she reflects on her transformative journey, from the early days of fax machines to the current challenges in the ever-evolving landscape of journalism.
The Inception of Her Remote Work Life
Eileen’s narrative unfolds as she recalls the inception of her remote work odyssey in 1996 at Golin, managing the Nintendo America account. What started as a six-month trial blossomed into a long-term success, marked by challenges like fax machines with thermal paper and the absence of today’s ubiquitous video calls.
Impact of Technology on Work Expectations
The discussion probes the impact of technological advancements on work expectations. Eileen draws parallels between the rapid decision-making pace of today and the ’90s, navigating the shifts in the news cycle from mailed press releases to instant emails. The interview sheds light on the contemporary struggle for media coverage amidst a 24-hour news cycle, emphasizing the challenges faced by PR professionals.
Eileen concludes with insights into the modern emphasis on click-worthy content, unraveling the delicate balance between journalistic integrity and audience engagement. Her experiences underscore the profound influence of technology on communication and the unique challenges faced by PR professionals in the digital age.
The Need for Self-Advocacy and Finding Balance
Transitioning into Eileen’s personal journey, the conversation explores her early transition to remote work, balancing visibility, and the challenges of self-advocacy. The narrative weaves through her humorous anecdotes of folding laundry during meetings, providing a glimpse into the evolution of remote work dynamics.
Loneliness in a Remote World
In a poignant reflection on the impact of remote work on work-life balance, Eileen discusses the theme of loneliness and the importance of workplace culture. Her optimism shines through as she explores the potential for effective mentorship in the current remote work landscape.
The conversation delves into Eileen’s perspective on AI in creativity, emphasizing the irreplaceable role of human creativity. The interview concludes with valuable insights into workplace dynamics, mentorship, and the importance of aligning with employers who share one’s values.
Eileen Tanner’s engaging interview provides a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape of remote work, offering personal experiences and valuable advice for professionals navigating this dynamic space. Listeners are encouraged to connect with Eileen on LinkedIn for further discussions or potential collaborations in public relations.
Connect with Eileen
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Q & A with Eileen
Why did you want to Work From Home Forever?
- I wanted to work from home because my husband at the time moved to a small town 200 miles from where I worked and I wanted to keep my job.
How long have you been Working From Home, Forever?
- 27 years.
What trade offs, if any, did you make in order to Work From Home Forever?
- Slower climb up the corporate ladder.
How do you manage work/life balance Working From Home, Forever?
- At first I didn’t do it very well because it was such a new concept I wanted to prove I could do it so I was “always on.” Now, I don’t check emails outside of “working hours.”
What’s your best advice to others who want to Work From Home Forever?
- Be very present during working hours so your teammates “see” and hear you throughout the day.
What are your three must-haves to Work From Home, Forever?
- 1. Reliable high-speed internet and Wi-Fi, 2. a dedicated space to work and 3. A place to organize and store all the office “stuff” (paper, files, etc.)
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