Shows
Return to PeopleFrom Managing by Sight to Managing by Outcomes - ep. #016How do you transform a regional nonprofit into a fully remote, high-performing organization without losing the human connection that makes the work meaningful?
In this episode of the Return to People Podcast, host Kaleem Clarkson talks with Tara Fitzpatrick-Navarro, Chief Operating Officer at USTA Mid-Atlantic, about how her team transitioned to fully remote work by prioritizing talent, trust, and community impact.
One of the biggest shifts came in helping managers transition from “managing by sight” to leading through outcomes, a change that required intentional coaching, new systems, and a deeper understanding of accountability in a dist...
2026-02-1128 min
Return to PeopleBuilding High-Output Teams Without an Office - ep. #015What does it take to build a high-performing company when your team is fully remote?
In this episode of the Return to People podcast, host Kaleem Clarkson sits down with Justin Ruoff, Senior Vice President of Operations at SoundStack, to explore what effective remote leadership really looks like. With over a decade of experience building distributed teams, Justin shares how SoundStack scaled as a remote-first company without sacrificing trust, performance, or culture.
Justin explains why focusing on outcomes over hours challenges outdated assumptions about productivity and why intentional systems are essential for keeping remote teams...
2026-01-2837 min
Return to PeopleThe Future of Leadership Starts with Trust - ep. #014In this episode, host Kaleem Clarkson sits down with Jim Kernan, a leader at the intersection of technology, humanity, and modern work. Currently helping drive innovation at Luxonis, Jim brings more than 20 years of experience building and scaling teams across remote and hybrid environments, along with a deep belief that great leadership starts with empathy and trust.
Jim shares what it really takes to lead remote-first teams with intention, moving beyond outdated, in-person management habits and taking responsibility for designing systems that support people wherever they work. He explains why flexibility is no longer a perk but...
2026-01-1433 min
Return to PeopleFrom Responsibility to Results in a Global Remote Team - ep. #013How do modern organizations navigate a digital world where technology evolves faster than teams can adapt?
In this week’s episode of the Return to People podcast, host Kaleem Clarkson sits down with Manish Hirapara, a digital transformation trailblazer and CEO of one of the fastest-growing digital strategy firms in the United States, PeakActivity.
Manish’s career journey from software engineer to overseeing $7B in global e-commerce sales at a Fortune 100 retailer, to building his own thriving company, gives him a rare, front-row perspective on how technology, people, and business strategy intersect.
In this...
2025-12-3129 min
Return to PeopleSuccessfully Implementing Remote Work in Supply Chain Teams - ep. #012How can remote work transform company culture in a traditional industry like logistics?
In this episode of the Return to People podcast, host Kaleem Clarkson talks with Simon Kaye, founder of Jaguar Freight, about leading high-performing teams in a remote world. With over 30 years in freight forwarding, Simon shares how prioritizing people has driven engagement, retention, and innovation.
From his start in the UK to expanding Jaguar Freight internationally, Simon reflects on building a company culture rooted in trust, flexibility, and connection. He discusses the challenges of onboarding and mentoring remote employees, the importance of...
2025-12-1734 min
Return to PeopleCustomer-Centric Strategies: Scale Your Business with Trust - ep. #011In this week’s Return to People episode, host Kaleem Clarkson sits down with Bruce Reading, President and CEO of Act!, for an inspiring conversation on leadership, engagement, and transformation in today’s hybrid workplace.
With decades of experience leading global tech companies, Bruce has built billion-dollar categories, returned over $1.4 billion to investors, and hired more than 500 people across multiple continents. Now, his focus is on empowering the next generation of leaders by helping teams unlock their potential by building trust, clarity, and purpose at every level of the organization.
At Act!, a pioneer in cust...
2025-12-0329 min
Return to PeopleProven Strategies for Stronger, Happier Teams: Transforming Workplace Culture - ep. #010How do you create a thriving culture when your team rarely meets in person?
In this episode of the Return to People podcast, Kaleem Clarkson sits down with HR leader Jessica Lorello to unpack the realities of building connection, engagement, and trust in a fully remote environment.
Jessica shares the hidden weight of “culture switching,” the constant adaptation employees face when navigating different communication styles and expectations across teams. This challenge often leaves people feeling drained and prevents them from building the deeper relationships that fuel collaboration and satisfaction, shining light on the delicate balance remo...
2025-11-1930 min
Return to PeopleThe Power of Mentorship: Enhancing Remote Collaboration - ep. #009What does it take to build trust, engagement, and creativity in a hybrid workplace?
In this week’s Return to People Podcast, host Kaleem Clarkson sits down with Andy LeDuc, Vice President of Digital Strategy & Operations at Mueller Communications, to explore how organizations can thrive in the new world of hybrid work. With nearly two decades of experience in marketing, digital transformation, and business strategy, Andy shares actionable insights on onboarding, mentorship, and creating balance between flexibility and connection.
Early in the conversation, Andy tackles one of the biggest challenges companies face today: onboarding new em...
2025-11-1227 min
Return to PeopleRedefining Your Meeting Culture: Insights from Fellow’s CEO - ep. #008What does it take to build a thriving remote culture and transform how teams meet?
In this episode of the Return to People Podcast, host Kaleem Clarkson talks with Aydin Mirzaee, co-founder and CEO of Fellow, the AI-powered meeting assistant helping organizations improve collaboration before, during, and after every meeting. Drawing from his experience founding Fluidware (acquired by SurveyMonkey) and Fresh Founders, Aydin shares his journey of leadership, adaptability, and continuous learning in a rapidly changing world of work.
Once skeptical of remote work, Aydin admits he thought it would lead to less productivity. But...
2025-10-2933 min
Return to PeopleInnovating Climate Solutions: Tech for Good - ep. #007How do you build strong remote teams while tackling global challenges? In the latest episode of the Return to People Podcast, host Kaleem Clarkson talks with Guy Bayes, co-founder of Vibrant Planet and veteran engineering leader with over 20 years of experience at Lyft, Facebook, and Lawrence Livermore National Labs. Today, Guy is applying his expertise to climate tech, building remote-first teams dedicated to wildfire remediation.
Guy shares two major hurdles in leading remote teams. Onboarding and mentoring junior employees can be difficult since remote work removes the natural learning opportunities that happen in person. Leaders must be...
2025-10-1533 min
Return to PeopleCreating Career Paths for Remote and Hybrid Teams - ep. #006In the latest episode of the Return to People Podcast, host Kaleem Clarkson speaks with Christine Pope, CEO of Tax Valet, a fully remote, B-Corp certified company transforming sales tax services. Christine has grown the company from six employees to over 80, all while maintaining a culture of connection, trust, and growth. Her experiences offer actionable insights for leaders navigating the complexities of remote work.
One of the biggest challenges Christine discusses is navigating rapid growth. Expanding so quickly required careful development plans, succession planning, and clear role scorecards. “It was important that we make sure we even ha...
2025-10-0125 min
Return to PeopleHow to Strengthen Trust and Connection in a Remote-First Organization - ep. #003What does it take to rebuild a thriving remote-first workplace culture after a crisis while staying true to a mission that spans the globe?
In this new episode of Return to People Podcast, host Kaleem Clarkson speaks with Scott Marshall, President & CEO of the Institute for Shipboard Education, home to the iconic Semester at Sea program. Scott shares how his purpose-driven nonprofit rebuilt its global workplace culture around flexibility, trust, and remote collaboration, all while keeping a distributed team connected and engaged.
Recovering from COVID-related revenue loss and the shutdown of voyages wasn’t easy. Re...
2025-08-2039 min
Return to PeopleBlended by Design: Building Better Remote Employee Experiences with Jennifer Cameron - ep. #001In the premiere episode of Return to People, host Kaleem Clarkson sits down with Jennifer Cameron, CEO of Blend Me, Inc., to unpack what it truly takes to build high-performing, people-first remote workplaces. With a background in HR and communications—and a master’s degree from the University of Connecticut—Jennifer shares decades of insight into shaping inclusive, resilient, and remote-ready cultures.
The conversation begins with a throwback to Jennifer’s 2010 thesis on the Employee Value Proposition (EVP), which continues to guide Blend Me’s mission today. She defines the EVP as the authentic promise an organization makes to i...
2025-07-2326 min
Return to PeopleReturn To People Launches on July 23 - Subscribe Today!Mark your calendar for July 23rd! In this quick teaser, co-hosts Kaleem Clarkson shares what’s coming next on Return To People—from honest chats with visionary HR leaders to on-the-ground interviews at top industry conferences.
Hear why putting people first remains the ultimate competitive advantage. Subscribe now so you’re ready when the season kicks off!
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2025-07-1101 min
Remotely One - A remote work podcastHow to Cultivate Community in a Remote Work Environment: Insights from Suman Siva - ep. 107Send us a textJoin us for a new episode featuring Suman Siva, the CEO of Marco Experiences, as he shares his inspiring journey from consultant to entrepreneur in the dynamic world of experience design with Kaleem Clarkson and guest co-host Jeff Frick! With a robust background that includes his tenure at Bain & Company and significant investment experience with SoftBank, Suman’s unique blend of consulting, investing, and passion for consumer experiences has shaped his approach to building meaningful connections in the workplace.We dive deep into Su...
2025-04-0244 min
Remotely One - A remote work podcastLeveraging Global Talent: The Story Behind Post Planner’s Success with Joshua Parkinson - ep. 106Send us a textIn our latest episode, guided by Kaleem Clarkson and guest co-host Josh Morse, we dive deep into the fascinating path of Joshua Parkinson, founder of Post Planner, a SaaS platform revolutionizing social media management. From street performer to philosopher to tech entrepreneur, Joshua’s journey embodies adaptability, creativity, and resilience. This conversation explores his unconventional path, philosophies on work and leadership, and strategies for building a thriving remote-first business in the digital age.Joshua’s story begins with a degree in philosophy, which continues to shape his worl...
2025-03-1939 min
Remotely One - A remote work podcastHow Bo Abrams Turned a Pandemic Insight into Kommu, the Future of Home-Sharing - ep. 105Send us a textIn this episode, our host Kaleem Clarkson, joined by guest co-host Laurel Farrer, dives into the compelling journey of entrepreneur Bo Abrams, co-founder of Kommu, a revolutionary home-sharing platform. Bo's evolution—from a spirited youth navigating diverse environments to an innovative leader tackling inefficiencies in the home-sharing industry—is both impressive and full of insightful turns.Bo’s unique upbringing as part of a nationally ranked basketball team alongside hip-hop legend Master P exposed him to diverse experiences from a young age. These experiences helped build his confid...
2025-03-0547 min
Remotely One - A remote work podcastRethinking Office Space: The Rise of Remote Work and the Need for Flexible, Decentralized Hubs with Francis Saele - ep. 104Send us a textNew week, new episode! This time, Rick and Kaleem sit down with Francis Saele, a thought leader in workplace real estate and technology and Managing Principal at Mortevita, for an in-depth conversation about the evolving role of office spaces, especially in the context of remote and hybrid work, and the broader shifts occurring in the commercial real estate sector.Francis takes us through his professional journey, including building a startup in the commercial real estate industry that was later acquired by CBRE. His expertise in real estate...
2025-02-1939 min
Remotely One - A remote work podcastThe World is Your Oyster: Inside Tony Jamous’s Journey to Building a Billion-Dollar Platform - ep. 102Send us a textWe are excited to present a fascinating new episode to kick off the year strong with some remote wisdom. This time, we sat down with Tony Jamous, CEO and co-founder of Oyster—a pioneering global employment platform. Joining our host Kaleem Clarkson for this insightful conversation is guest co-host, Jeff Frick. Together, they explore Tony's purpose-driven journey and how it shapes his approach to entrepreneurship, sustainable leadership, and remote work culture.Tony’s entrepreneurial story began with the founding of Nexmo, a communications plat...
2025-02-0543 min
Remotely One - A remote work podcastLessons from 100 Episodes of Remotely One: The Future of Remote Work - ep. 100Send us a textWe’ve Reached 100 Episodes! Isn’t That Amazing?In the 100th episode of Remotely One, co-hosts Kaleem Clarkson and Rick Haney celebrate this significant milestone—a journey that began three years ago—by reflecting on their incredible growth and the valuable lessons they've learned along the way! This landmark episode perfectly captures the podcast’s core mission: to bring remote work closer to listeners by sharing authentic stories from industry leaders, researchers, and everyday professionals who humanize this evolving work model. Filled wit...
2025-01-1534 min
Cut The Tie | Own Your SuccessKaleem Clarkson on Building Thriving TeamsSend us a textNever Been Promoted Podcast with Kaleem ClarksonKaleem Clarkson shares his journey from being a front-end developer to co-founding Blend Me Inc., an HR consultancy specializing in remote and hybrid work. Kaleem opens up about his struggles, the pivotal moments that shaped his career, and the importance of aligning one's superpowers with professional pursuits.In this episode, Thomas and Kaleem discuss:Finding Your SuperpowerKaleem reflects on a conversation with his brother, who reminded him of his natural talent for leadership...
2024-12-1640 min
Remotely One - A remote work podcastHow Sam Rosen Revolutionized Coworking: From DeskTime to Deskpass - ep. 098Send us a textIn this episode of the Remotely One podcast, co-hosts Rick Haney and Kaleem Clarkson sit down with Chicago-based entrepreneur Sam Rosen, co-founder of Deskpass, to explore his unconventional path to success and the future of coworking and flexible workspaces. Sam’s journey, full of twists and surprises, exemplifies resilience, innovation, and a sharp instinct for recognizing the shifting needs of the modern workforce.Sam’s career didn’t follow a traditional route. His unique backstory as a "three-time college dropout" is a label he proudly embrac...
2024-10-0246 min
Remotely One - A remote work podcastKendall Wallace’s Guide to Strengthening Distributed Teams with Remote Offsites - ep. 097Send us a textIn this engaging episode of Remotely One, co-hosts Rick Haney and Kaleem Clarkson sit down with the multi-talented Kendall Wallace, Founder and Lead Facilitator at Executive Offsites, to discuss her transformative career, her approach to building strong team connections, and her insights into customer and user experience. With a career spanning leadership roles in customer experience, user experience (UX), and remote team facilitation, Kendall brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation.Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, and a proud University of Virginia graduate, Kendall began her professional journey in...
2024-09-1841 min
Remotely One - A remote work podcastHow Remote How Was Born: Iwo Szapar on AI Integration, and Global Nomadism - ep. 096Send us a textJoin hosts Rick Haney and Kaleem Clarkson for a lively and insightful chat with Iwo Szapar, the CEO and co-founder of Remote How. Together, they dive into a conversation brimming with humor, camaraderie, and deep insights into the ever-evolving future of work. Iwo, a trailblazer in remote work advocacy and an expert in AI integration takes us on a journey from his hometown of Gdynia, Poland, to becoming a global thought leader. With a resume boasting over 3,000 companies—including heavyweights like Walmart, Microsoft, and ING Bank—Szapar has been at t...
2024-09-0438 min
Remotely One - A remote work podcastFrom Clorox to Virtual Work Insider: Sacha Connor’s Path to Advising Companies on Effective Remote Strategies - ep. 095Send us a textIn this lively episode of the Remotely One podcast, hosts Rick Haney and Kaleem Clarkson chat with Sacha Connor, founder of Virtual Work Insider and a seasoned expert in remote work. Get ready for some valuable insights as Sacha takes us through her professional journey, marked by her pioneering role in remote work long before it became mainstream. Her story, deeply influenced by her Philadelphia roots, is one of resilience, innovation, and a commitment to redefining work in a distributed environment.Sacha's career took off in brand marketing after...
2024-08-2139 min
Remotely One - A remote work podcastWhy Transparency Matters: Adam Horne on Building Trust and Authentic Work Environments - ep. 094Send us a textIn our latest episode, Rick and Kaleem chat with the brilliant Adam Horne, co-founder of Open Org, for a captivating discussion you won’t want to miss. Dive into Adam's remarkable journey, the complexities of today's workplace culture, and the inspiring mission behind Open Org.Adam, who also was co-founder and Chief People Officer at Scout, has helped over 60 companies hire around 1,500 people. Named a LinkedIn Top Voice in HR communications, his insights are invaluable, especially given his introverted nature and preference for a quiet life outside of...
2024-08-0738 min
Remotely One - A remote work podcastBen Kvalo's Remote Work Revolution: Decentralizing the Gaming Industry - ep. 092Send us a textJoin us for an engaging new episode of Remotely One, where hosts Rick Haney and Kaleem Clarkson welcome Ben Kvalo, a seasoned professional in the gaming and entertainment industries, and the Founder of Midwest Games! His impressive journey from Portage, Wisconsin, to his current residence split between Los Angeles and Green Bay is not only outstanding but also fascinating. Ben's career trajectory is remarkable, with roots in sports management influenced by his family's football legacy. His entrepreneurial spirit emerged early, starting a radio station in college, which led to a brief...
2024-07-2446 min
Remotely One - A remote work podcastLaugh, Learn, and Get Inspired: Beckie Jones' Remote Work Adventures - ep. 091Send us a textGet ready for a fun-filled and insightful NSFRW episode! Hosts Rick Haney and Kaleem Clarkson chat with Beckie Jones, the CCO of Reef. This time, Beckie recounts her most outrageous remote work experience that involves a high-stakes client meeting and an unexpected event! Listen in as Beckie shares how she kept her cool amidst the chaos, proving that anything can happen when you're working remotely.But it's not all mishaps and mayhem—Beckie also dives into her role at Reef, the multi-award-winning app that's revolutionizing remote and hybrid work by...
2024-07-1709 min
Remotely One - A remote work podcastLaugh, Learn, and Get Inspired: Beckie Jones' Remote Work Adventures - ep. 091Send us a Text Message.Get ready for a fun-filled and insightful NSFRW episode! Hosts Rick Haney and Kaleem Clarkson chat with Beckie Jones, the CCO of Reef. This time, Beckie recounts her most outrageous remote work experience that involves a high-stakes client meeting and an unexpected event! Listen in as Beckie shares how she kept her cool amidst the chaos, proving that anything can happen when you're working remotely.But it's not all mishaps and mayhem—Beckie also dives into her role at Reef, the multi-award-winning app that's re...
2024-07-1709 min
Remotely One - A remote work podcastTransforming Wellness: Tegan Bukowski’s Vision for a Healthier Remote Workforce - ep. 090Send us a textWhat a lively and insightful episode! Hosts Rick Haney and Kaleem Clarkson chat with Tegan Bukowski, the innovative co-founder and CEO of WellSet.Tegan's unique upbringing set the stage for her extraordinary journey, beginning with her formative years living on a 34-foot powerboat in Puget Sound, Washington. This unconventional lifestyle, which Tegan humorously refers to as her first remote working job, fostered her independence and adaptability.Her transition from life on the boat to a successful career in Los Angeles is marked by impressive academic...
2024-07-1045 min
Remotely One - A remote work podcastLaughing Through Remote Work: Jamie Jackson's Humorous Adventures - ep. 089Send us a textIn our latest episode of Not Safe for Remote Work, Rick and Kaleem had the pleasure of chatting with Jamie Jackson, who wears multiple hats as the Chief Meme Officer at Humorous Misery, LLC, and co-host of the popular HR Besties podcast. Jamie brought her trademark humor and wit, sharing delightful anecdotes from her experience working remotely.Jamie quickly touched on her role as a "personality hire" within her workplace, where she infuses humor and light-heartedness into the corporate culture. Beyond her work anecdotes, Jamie...
2024-07-0310 min
Remotely One - A remote work podcastNavigating the Digital Frontier with Jeff Frick: Insights on Remote Work and Media Innovation - ep. 088Send us a textIn our latest episode, Rick and Kaleem dive into a multifaceted conversation with Jeff Frick, the Founder and Principal of Menlo Creek Media and host of the "Turn the Lens" and "Work 20XX" podcasts.A distinguished professional with experience at major companies like Mitsubishi and Intel, Jeff is a remote work visionary! He draws inspiration from his extensive experience with "the Cube," where he conducted thousands of interviews at tech conferences, underscoring the importance of natural conversation over scripted responses. For him, digital engagement emphasizes...
2024-06-2645 min
Remotely One - A remote work podcastHarnessing AI for Remote Sales Success: Insights from Zinnia's CEO Lauren Goodell - ep. 086Send us a textIn the latest episode of the Remotely One podcast, co-hosts Rick Haney and Kaleem Clarkson welcome the incredible Lauren Goodell, founder and CEO of Zinnia, an AI-powered sales preparation tool. Lauren's journey is fascinating, from her Nebraska roots, with a marketing degree from the University of Nebraska, to her current residence in Charlotte, and all the achievements in between.Lauren has had an ever-changing professional journey with significant roles in major tech companies: After over five years as a Strategic Engagement Manager at Microsoft, she transitioned to
2024-06-1239 min
Remotely One - A remote work podcastOptimizing Flexibility and Productivity in Remote Work with Phase2 CEO Jeff Walpole - ep. 085Send us a textIn the latest episode of the "Remotely One" podcast, Jeff Walpole, CEO of Phase2, joins hosts Rick and Kaleem for an engaging chat about the evolution and future of remote and hybrid work environments. The entertaining exchange delves into Jeff's extensive experience managing hybrid teams and offers valuable lessons for organizations navigating these new work paradigms.Jeff's career spans from working on IT projects for the U.S. Navy, EPA, and Department of Defense, to leading Phase2, a digital agency he co-founded in 2001. His background as a musician in...
2024-05-2936 min
Remotely One - A remote work podcastRemote Coaching Dynamics: The Journey to Clarity with Redhook CEO Brie-Ann Forhecz - ep. 084Send us a textJoin us for an exciting new episode of the Remotely One podcast, broadcasting from the Tandem booth at the Transform HR conference in Las Vegas! Our host, Kaleem Clarkson, was thrilled to welcome guest Brie-Ann Forhecz, Founder and CEO of Redhook Coaching. Hailing from the Jersey Shore and now based in Manhattan, Brie-Ann brings over a decade of experience in HR management and a passion for coaching to the table.As the CEO and founder of Redhook, a coaching company specializing in executive leadership, Brie-Ann is no s...
2024-05-2212 min
Remotely One - A remote work podcastBeyond the Office Blueprint for Remote Productivity and Team Cohesion with CoderPad CEO Amanda Richardson - ep. 083Send us a textJoin us this week for an engaging conversation with Amanda Richardson, CEO of CoderPad as she sits down with hosts Rick and Kaleem to discuss her career journey and the nuances of remote work.Amanda's path into product management was sparked by a challenge from her company's CTO, igniting her passion for problem-solving. With experience at companies like Snagajob and Hotel Tonight, she honed her skills in understanding user needs and crafting innovative solutions.At the helm of CoderPad, Amanda leads a platform that serves...
2024-05-1538 min
Remotely One - A remote work podcastRemote Feedback Essentials with The Leadership Consortium’s Kristin Smith - ep. 082Send us a textJoin us for an engaging episode of the Remotely One podcast as Kaleem Clarkson sits down with Kristin Smith, Director of Business Development at The Leadership Consortium, live from the Transform HR conference in Las Vegas, where they share valuable insights around feedback in a remote work setting. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Kristin's journey from retail executive to leadership development expert has been nothing short of remarkable! With extensive experience at Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue, Kristin's transition to a fully remote work environment posed unique challenges...
2024-05-0813 min