Why Virtual Reality Could Be the Key to Remote Team Engagement with Dan O’Connell
Long-Distance Worklife - A Hybrid & Remote Work Podcast
Release Date: 09/30/2024
Long-Distance Worklife - A Hybrid & Remote Work Podcast
The Final Episode? What’s Next for Remote Work & Leadership In this special episode of Long-Distance Worklife, Wayne Turmel is joined by leadership expert Kevin Eikenberry to discuss the future of leadership, workplace flexibility, and the key insights from Kevin’s latest book, Flexible Leadership: Navigate Uncertainty and Lead with Confidence. They explore why leadership must evolve in response to an ever-changing work environment, how leaders can balance flexibility with consistency, and why the debate around remote and hybrid work is far from over. Plus, Wayne shares an important...
info_outlineLong-Distance Worklife - A Hybrid & Remote Work Podcast
The idea of giving up your personal desk—does it make you cringe or cheer? Many organizations are moving toward a hoteling model to save costs and accommodate hybrid work, but making it work smoothly is another story. In this episode, Wayne Turmel and Marisa Eikenberry tackle the challenges of hoteling, from loss of control and hygiene concerns to desk wars and office politics. Plus, they offer practical solutions for leaders to involve employees, test the model, and ensure a smoother transition. Thanks to listener Benjamin for inspiring this conversation! If your organization is...
info_outlineLong-Distance Worklife - A Hybrid & Remote Work Podcast
Are screens taking over your life? In this episode of The Long-Distance Worklife, hosts Marisa Eikenberry and Wayne Turmel dive into the growing issue of screen fatigue and explore how remote workers can break free from digital overload. Learn about the physical and mental toll of excessive screen time, why our brains crave those dopamine hits, and how to set boundaries for healthier habits. From practical tips like setting screen-free zones to embracing old-school tools (hello, paper planners!), this conversation is packed with actionable strategies to help you reclaim balance in your...
info_outlineLong-Distance Worklife - A Hybrid & Remote Work Podcast
info_outlineLong-Distance Worklife - A Hybrid & Remote Work Podcast
Marisa Eikenberry and Wayne Turmel delve into the vital role of managers as the heart of an organization. Wayne introduces the analogy of a heart, explaining how managers serve as the crucial link between senior leadership and their teams. They discuss the flow of information, the importance of effective communication, and the challenges faced by middle managers in maintaining trust and authenticity. Wayne emphasizes the need for transparency, honesty, and gathering accurate information to fulfill the role effectively. He shares insights on navigating the delicate balance between supporting...
info_outlineLong-Distance Worklife - A Hybrid & Remote Work Podcast
Marisa and Wayne discuss the Spider-Man Paradox, which is the idea that with great power comes great responsibility. They explore the responsibility that remote workers have in managing their own schedules and demonstrating their trustworthiness to their employers. They emphasize the importance of proactive communication, setting expectations, and taking ownership of one's work. They also discuss the need for remote workers to take responsibility for their own development and seek out opportunities for growth. Key Takeaways 1. Remote workers have the power to control their own schedules,...
info_outlineLong-Distance Worklife - A Hybrid & Remote Work Podcast
During this time of year, we find that lots of offices either have employees taking time off or the office might actually shut down completely for a period of time. Wayne and Marisa discuss how this can work on remote teams, what international teams might need to be aware of, and how employees can help team members know that they're not going to be in the office. Additional Resources Want us to answer one of your questions?
info_outlineLong-Distance Worklife - A Hybrid & Remote Work Podcast
Wayne Turmel interviews Enrico Menichetti, head of Latin America and the Caribbean at VFS Global. They explore the intricacies of leading international remote teams and the cultural nuances of remote work in Latin America. Enrico shares his insights on self-awareness, cultural adaptability, and building trust across borders. Key Takeaways Embrace Cultural Immersion: To lead effectively across cultures, immerse yourself in the local culture and show genuine curiosity about your team's environment and experiences. Prioritize Self-Awareness: Understanding your own strengths, biases, and...
info_outlineLong-Distance Worklife - A Hybrid & Remote Work Podcast
The holiday season is here, but are you really taking time off? In this episode of The Long-Distance Worklife, Wayne and Marisa dive into the importance of using your PTO, setting boundaries with work, and creating intentional plans to recharge during the holidays. Learn strategies for resisting the urge to check work emails, protecting your time, and collaborating with your team to ensure everyone gets the break they deserve. Plus, discover why unplugging is vital for your mental health and productivity. Whether you're struggling with holiday guilt, a recovering workaholic, or simply unsure...
info_outlineLong-Distance Worklife - A Hybrid & Remote Work Podcast
Wayne Turmel sits down with Sara Daw, of , to explore the nuances of remote and hybrid work from a C-Suite perspective. As a leader of a fully remote global company operating across 17 countries, Sara shares invaluable insights into overcoming challenges, fostering psychological ownership, and building meaningful relationships in distributed teams. Sara also shares her experience leading a remote-first organization and her thoughts on how trust and flexibility can transform the workplace. Don't miss her practical advice on designing team dynamics and crafting jobs that employees love. ...
info_outlineWayne Turmel sits down with Dan O'Connell, co-founder of BrandLab360, to explore the innovative world of virtual workplaces and how they are reshaping remote work. Dan shares insights into their platform, Virtual HQ, and how it allows teams to collaborate in immersive, 3D environments without the need for VR headsets. They discuss the evolution of remote work tools, the advantages of avatar-based interactions, and the gamification of work to keep employees engaged. Wayne and Dan also dive into the psychological benefits of these virtual spaces and how they compare to traditional video calls like Zoom and Teams.
Key Takeaways
- How BrandLab360 evolved from fashion showrooms to virtual workspaces.
- The unique features of Virtual HQ and why it stands out from other remote tools.
- The psychological and social advantages of using avatars in remote meetings.
- Why companies should consider gamification in remote work environments.
- The potential future of hybrid work in the metaverse.
Timestamps
0:00 Introduction to Dan O'Connell and Virtual HQ
2:00 How Virtual HQ is Different from Zoom and Teams
4:45 The Importance of Human Relationships in Virtual Spaces
7:30 Gamification and Fun in Remote Work
10:30 Why Avatar-Based Meetings are More Engaging
14:00 Overcoming Tech Barriers for Virtual Workspaces
17:00 Features to Look for in a Virtual Office Platform
20:00 Closing Thoughts and Where to Learn More
Related Episodes
Additional Resources
- Check out Virtual HQ from BrandLab360
- Learn more about Wayne Turmel
- Email Wayne Turmel
- Connect with Wayne Turmel on LinkedIn
- Learn more about Marisa Eikenberry
- Email Marisa Eikenberry
- Connect with Marisa Eikenberry on LinkedIn
- Purchase a copy of The Long-Distance Leader
- Purchase a copy of The Long-Distance Teammate
- Purchase a copy of The Long-Distance Team
- The Kevin Eikenberry Group