S3 E1 Building a Remote-First Culture: Insights from Danielle Cuomo of Virtual Assist USA

danielle cuomo

Balancing Success, Motherhood, and Remote Work

Danielle Cuomo, the founder of Virtual Assist USA, embodies the evolution and success of remote work.

Since establishing her company in 2008, Danielle has cultivated a fully remote business model that not only provided her with the flexibility she craved but also served as a beacon for others seeking work-life balance.

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S3 E1 Building a Remote-First Culture: Insights from Danielle Cuomo of Virtual Assist USA – Work From Home Forever

Danielle Cuomo, the founder of Virtual Assist USA, shared her journey and insights on remote work on the Work From Home Forever podcast. Since 2008, she has been running her virtual assistant company with a fully remote team, embracing a remote-first culture. Initially motivated by flexibility and a desire to eliminate commuting, Danielle found that working from home allowed her to balance her professional responsibilities with personal interests like charity work and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Over time, as she started a family, the flexibility of remote work became even more valuable, enabling her to be present for her children while maintaining professional boundaries by setting up a dedicated home office. Danielle’s experience and success with Virtual Assist USA underscore the significant benefits and potential of remote work, not only for business growth but also for personal and family life balance. To connect with Danielle: Website: ⁠Virtual Assist USA ________________________  Do you love the show? Check out our⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠official merch page⁠⁠⁠ ⁠on Etsy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and support the show! ________________________

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Meet Danielle Cuomo

Danielle’s journey began before she had children, driven by the desire for flexibility and the freedom to dedicate time to charity work and maintain a healthy lifestyle. The remote work model allowed her to escape the burdens of a daily commute and enjoy a more balanced, fulfilling life. Little did she know that her business would thrive for nearly two decades, growing from a one-woman operation to a fully staffed company.

One of the pivotal moments in her journey was when she started a family. The flexibility that remote work provided became even more crucial. However, she emphasizes that working from home is not a substitute for childcare. Danielle made it clear that while she was working, she was fully engaged, treating her home office as she would any professional workplace. She set boundaries, established a dedicated workspace, and communicated clearly with her family about her work commitments. This structure allowed her to balance her professional responsibilities with her role as a mother.

Danielle also discussed the challenges and rewards of managing a remote team. Initially, offering remote work was a significant recruiting tool, attracting top talent who valued the flexibility. However, as remote work became more common, the emphasis shifted from being a unique perk to being a standard expectation. Danielle has found that the key to building a successful remote team lies in hiring individuals who are independent, proactive, and able to thrive in a remote environment. Skills can be taught, but the right personality traits are crucial for remote work success.

The benefits of remote work, particularly for working parents and caregivers, are undeniable. Danielle has seen firsthand how the ability to work from home has positively impacted the lives of her employees. Whether it’s being there to get their kids off the bus or caring for an aging parent, remote work offers the flexibility that traditional office jobs simply cannot.

As the conversation around remote work continues to evolve, Danielle remains committed to the model that has allowed her and her team to flourish. She acknowledges the recent push by some companies to bring employees back to the office but remains confident that remote work is here to stay. For those who value flexibility, work-life balance, and the ability to design their own day, remote work is not just a trend but a sustainable way of life. Danielle Cuomo’s story is a testament to the power of remote work and its potential to transform lives, businesses, and the future of work itself.

Connect with Danielle

• Website: Virtual Assist USA
• LinkedIn: Danielle Cuomo

Q&A with Danielle

Why did you want to Work From Home Forever?

Several reasons! First, I eliminated the daily commute, I was able to live a healthier lifestyle, have more flexibility for causes that were important to me and I felt I was more productive!

How long have you been Working From Home, Forever?

2008!

What tradeoffs, if any, did you make in order to Work From Home Forever?

None

How do you manage work/life balance Working From Home, Forever?

I keep the doors to my office closed when I’m not working!

What’s your best advice to others who want to Work From Home Forever?

Clearly communicate to family members (spouse, kids) when you are working to minimize interruptions. It’s important to establish boundaries to maintain productivity.

What are your three must-haves to Work From Home, Forever?

An office with a door!

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