There was definitely a “you have to be present to be seen”. (Management has) to be able to walk over to your cubicle and see that you’re working. (Leadership thinks) we don’t know what these people are doing. It means that you haven’t done the work to build the metrics to understand the value of that position.
– Tobey Wyatt, founder of Motherlode Consulting
Unlocking the Potential of Remote Work: A Journey with Tobey Wyatt
In a world reshaped by the pandemic, remote work has emerged as a transformative force. But what does it take to truly harness its potential? Tobey Wyatt, the visionary founder of Motherlode Consulting, offers invaluable insights into this evolving landscape in a recent podcast episode.
Tobey’s journey from navigating unemployment to establishing a thriving business focused on people-centered operational solutions is both inspiring and enlightening. Drawing from her extensive experience in operations and chief of staff roles, Tobey has become a leading advocate for remote work, spearheading operational transformations for businesses nationwide.
Disconnects Between Office Norms and Remote Work
Her experiences at Boeing and USAA laid the groundwork for her remote work advocacy, highlighting the disconnect between traditional office norms and modern work paradigms. Transitioning to remote work amid the pandemic, Tobey faced resistance but championed adaptable strategies that prioritize communication, performance, and inclusivity.
Designing the Optimal Remote Organization
Central to Tobey’s approach is the recognition of common challenges faced by remote-first companies, such as communication and performance metrics. By addressing these challenges head-on and fostering inclusive work environments, Tobey aims to bridge the gap between innovative ideas and operational excellence.
Profound Benefits of Remote Work
Tobey’s firsthand experience as a working parent underscores the profound benefits of remote work, from flexibility to managing personal obligations without sacrificing productivity. Through her journey, she emphasizes the importance of clear communication, empathy, and continuous improvement in navigating the remote work landscape.
Tobey’s Workplace Persona
Reflecting on her workplace persona as “learning, honest, and collaborative,” Tobey invites individuals and organizations to embrace resilience and teamwork in the pursuit of operational excellence.
For those inspired to connect with Tobey or learn more about her work at Motherlode Consulting, inquiries are welcome via LinkedIn or through the Motherlode website. Tobey’s narrative serves as a beacon for anyone navigating the complexities of remote work, offering invaluable insights into harnessing its potential for growth and flexibility in the modern workplace.
Connect with Tobey Wyatt
Thanks for listening to our show!
If our episodes have resonated with you, be sure to follow the show for bi-weekly updates. Your continued engagement means the world to us. Don’t hesitate to leave us a 5-star rating and a positive review on your preferred podcast platform – your feedback fuels our motivation to keep bringing you compelling content.
Q & A with Tobey
Why did you want to Work From Home Forever?
- Nothing solidified it more than going in to the Boeing HQ in downtown Chicago after a 50 minute commute to sit in a completely internal private office for 8+ hours a day with the door closed. I was doing my work through a computer screen anyway, why waste 2 hours of my personal time to do it from a less healthy location than I had at home?
How long have you been Working From Home, Forever?
- I began working from home when Boeing had to have people working remotely for the pandemic (so, March 2020), but I had been doing remote work from an office since 2018.
What trade offs, if any, did you make in order to Work From Home Forever?
- I love in person whiteboarding sessions, and while there are great tools that allow close to the same experience, its not quite there. However, I think I could build a company that can use those tools much of the time, but occasionally offer an in person time where we try to do our biggest thinking at those opportunities. My day to day tradeoffs are only positive, I get 2 hours of my life back, less wear and tear on my car, and less money on food and clothing I don’;t need!
How do you manage work/life balance Working From Home, Forever?
- I have small kids, and for me, they provide a brake pedal to my time, whether I like that or not. While others complain they work too often, sometimes I get frustrated I can’t work more. But, in the end, I know this is actually really good for me, and allows a force boundary that hopefully learn how to carry happily with me as my business scales.
What’s your best advice to others who want to Work From Home Forever?
- Cameras on!! But here’s the thing. I don’t struggle with body issues or so seeing myself on camera is not psychologically damaging. But, I am aware that it is to others. So its finding a way to be in tune with each other and find the right tools that work for everyone. And, I have to remind myself to take a moment at the beginning of calls to just be casual, social, having open conversation before “getting to business.” I use slack for those cubical visit type conversations which allows others to engage when it works for them, not that I am able to barge in to their life, so allowing conversation to flow at a completely different rhythm than it might in the office, but it still can happen.
What are your three must-haves to Work From Home, Forever?
- 1 – Slack
- 2 – Camera
- 3 – Task management software (even though this last one would be just as valuable in person)
From Cocktails to Content: Navigating Career Shifts in the Remote World (Best Of) – Work From Home Forever
- From Cocktails to Content: Navigating Career Shifts in the Remote World (Best Of)
- 2.19 From Landscaping to Coding: Thriving with Autism in a Remote Environment
- 2.18 From Corporate Disillusionment to Entrepreneurial Empowerment
- 2.17 Building Belonging: The SAIR Collective Story with Corey Williams
- 2.16 Yvette Estime, Co-Founder of Dirty Celebrity: From Toxic Corporate Culture to Fashion Entrepreneur
