S3 E6 Founding Virtual Not Distant: Pilar Orti’s Journey to Support Remote Teams

pilar orti

Embracing Remote Work and Balance

Pilar Orti, a writer, podcaster, and the founder of Virtual Not Distant, a company dedicated to supporting remote teams, shares her remote work story on the Work From Home Forever podcast.

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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! ________________________

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Meet Pilar Orti

Pilar shared her journey into remote work, which began in 2011, driven by her need to travel frequently to visit her family in Madrid and her husband in Amsterdam. With a background in acting, she transitioned to remote work, finding it more flexible and convenient, especially compared to commuting to coworking spaces.

Pilar discussed the pros and cons of coworking spaces. While they provide a change of scenery and networking opportunities, she found the commuting time, costs, and environmental discomforts—like temperature issues—to be drawbacks. Eventually, Pilar chose to work primarily from home, where she has created a cozy, productive environment. Her home office includes a standing desk, plenty of natural light, and a shared space with her husband, who prefers coworking spaces.

Work-life balance is a key priority for Pilar. She avoids work apps on her phone and clearly communicates her availability to clients. These practices help her maintain personal boundaries, which she believes are essential for mental health and productivity. Pilar emphasized the importance of understanding individual work preferences and creating environments that promote personal well-being.

As the founder of Virtual Not Distant, Pilar focuses on helping remote teams and small businesses collaborate effectively online. She highlighted the growing acceptance of remote work and the need for flexible strategies to meet diverse needs. Pilar also expressed mixed feelings about the role of AI in remote work. While tools like ChatGPT can streamline tasks and act as virtual team members, she cautioned against overreliance on AI, which can diminish human interaction and creativity.

Beyond her work in remote collaboration, Pilar is pursuing creative projects, including writing a cozy mystery and a unique book blending memoir, business insights, and Shakespearean themes. Her dedication to creativity, learning, and leveraging technology reflects her optimistic outlook on the future of work and personal growth. Through her efforts, Pilar continues to inspire others to embrace the possibilities of remote work while fostering balance and innovation.

Connect with Pilar

• Website: Virtual Not Distant
• LinkedIn: Pilar Orti
• Link to my guest appearance with Pilar on her podcast, Adventures in Podcasting

Q&A with Pilar

Why did you want to Work From Home Forever?

To be honest, it was never the plan! But as a business owner and freelancer I haven’t been able to find an office or coworking space that’s more comfortable than the home.

How long have you been Working From Home, Forever?

Since around 2011, mixed with coworking.

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

Giving up a good chunk of the lounge!

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

Creating boundaries with communication, being strict about when to switch off the computer for the day, prioritising exercise and coffee breaks!

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

Avoid having work apps on your mobile, and set up a schedule for yourself, communicate limited availability to others.

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

1 – Adjustable desk

2 – Second screen

3 – the podcast setup!

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