346 - Build a Results-Driven Remote Culture with Dajana Berisavlijević Đakonović
The Collaboration Superpowers Podcast
Release Date: 01/20/2025
The Collaboration Superpowers Podcast
In this special bonus episode of the Head of Remote podcast, we explore what it means to build workplaces where neurodivergent professionals can truly thrive, especially in remote and hybrid environments. Our guests are Robin Bassie, founder of Galileo IT Services, a social enterprise providing IT training and job placements for neurodivergent talent, and Simone Luurs, founder of IMPROVE and an expert in autism, coaching, and inclusive workforce development. Together, they share insights on how to design working conditions that support focus, reduce overwhelm, and unlock the strengths of...
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In the final episode of the Head of Remote podcast series, Lisette Sutherland reflects on the insights shared by our expert guests and ties together the key themes of the series. From Peter Miscovich’s perspective on the evolution of leadership to Kenneth Hellem’s call for a paradigm shift in workplace culture, this episode highlights the transformative power of the Head of Remote role. As we wrap up this series, one thing is clear: the Head of Remote role is more than a job title—it’s a movement. It’s about embracing the future of work and leading with intention, compassion, and a...
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How does the workplace evolve to meet the demands of hybrid and distributed workforces? Peter Miscovich, global executive management consultant, future of work strategist, and co-author of The Workplace You Need Now, shares his visionary insights into how leadership, real estate, and technology are redefining the future of work. 🚀 Key Insights and Highlights: - The Evolution of Leadership: Peter discusses the shift away from location-centric, command-and-control leadership styles to flexible, trust-based models suited for hybrid and distributed teams. - Reimagining Real Estate: Learn how...
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How can a Head of Remote act as the organizational glue that holds strategy, people, and processes together? Laurel Farrer, former Head of TeamOps at GitLab and internationally renowned thought leader, explains how this pivotal role shapes the future of work. 🚀 Key Insights and Highlights: - The Head of Remote as Chief of Staff: Laurel describes how this role operates at the intersection of strategy and operations, sitting on the leadership team to guide productivity, sentiment, and engagement metrics. - Core Responsibilities: Hear how the Head of Remote influences tools, people, and...
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How do you build a culture that thrives in a remote-first environment? Madison Crane, Head of Remote at The Remote Company, shares her approach to ensuring that distributed teams stay engaged, motivated, and aligned. 🚀 Key Insights and Highlights: - Championing Remote-First Culture: Madison describes her role as the advocate for remote work within her company, ensuring that policies, practices, and tools support a seamless distributed experience. - Core Responsibilities: Learn about her work in hiring and onboarding, benefits management, offsite planning, and creating transparent,...
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How do organizations create effective systems for remote work while maintaining strong connections? Wayne Turmel, co-founder of The Remote Leadership Institute and co-author of The Long-Distance Leader and The Long-Distance Teammate, shares his decades of experience helping teams communicate, connect, and thrive in dispersed workplaces. 🚀 Key Insights and Highlights: - The Head of Remote as a Diplomat: Wayne describes the Head of Remote as an "air traffic controller" and "high-level diplomat," balancing operational infrastructure and HR to ensure work flows effectively. - Essential Skills:...
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What does it take to create a thriving remote work culture? Chris Dyer, bestselling author, speaker, and company culture expert, shares his wealth of experience in transforming organizations through exceptional leadership and innovative practices. With his signature 7 Pillar Strategy, Chris has helped countless companies unlock productivity, performance, and profits while fostering exceptional workplace cultures. 🚀 Key Insights and Highlights: - The Role of a Head of Remote: Chris describes the Head of Remote as the "energy and spiritual guide" for being remote. They establish the rules,...
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How does one build a workplace that balances culture, efficiency, and innovation in a remote-first world? Meet Joanne Barnett, a trailblazer in Future of Work strategies, as she shares her experiences driving exceptional culture, employee experience, and operational excellence in remote-first businesses. With her award-winning expertise, Joanne has helped organizations design sustainable, people-centric workplaces that thrive in today’s distributed environment. 🚀 Key Insights and Highlights: - What is a Head of Remote? Joanne breaks down the various components of this evolving role and...
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What happens when a traditional industry embraces modern work practices? Join Grayson Harris, Flexible Work and Engagement Partner, as he shares his journey from designing wind and solar farms to pioneering flexible work strategies in his company. Inspired by his own experiences as a digital nomad, Grayson transitioned into a Head of Remote role, bringing fresh ideas and structured approaches to drive engagement and productivity in a hybrid workplace. 🚀 Key Insights and Highlights: - Crafting the Role: How Grayson spent two years upskilling, creating internal committees, and pitching his...
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How do you lead a fully remote team while championing work-life integration and visible teamwork? Rowena Hennigan, Head of Remote at Nosana.io and founder of RoRemote, shares her journey as a remote work advocate, educator, and changemaker. With over 25 years of experience and a deep passion for the socioeconomic benefits of remote work, Rowena reveals how she helps organizations create impactful offsites, foster team cohesion, and model flexibility in action. 🚀 Key Insights and Highlights: - Offsites with Impact: Why regular in-person gatherings are critical for remote team success and...
info_outlineHow do you scale a remote-first company across 40+ countries while maintaining a results-driven, people-focused culture? In this episode, we dive deep with Dajana Berisavljević Đakonović, the Head of People at Toggl. With over eight years of People Ops experience, Dajana shares the lessons from Toggl’s journey—from growing a fully distributed team to 130+ people to streamlining operations and prioritizing clarity, accountability, and well-being.
🚀 Key Insights and Highlights:
- "Relevant Info Lives in Relevant Places": Why documentation is essential and how Toggl ensures it stays organized and accessible.
- Managing the Tool Stack: How Toggl tracks and evaluates its tools with an open database and biannual cleanups to avoid tool fatigue.
- Results & Accountability First: Learn about Toggl’s unique approach to remote work, emphasizing self-discipline and written communication.
- Creating Clarity and Authority: Dajana discusses why having the authority to enforce policies and standards is crucial for remote team alignment.
💡 Whether you’re a Head of Remote, in People Ops, or a leader navigating remote work challenges, Dajana’s no-fluff approach offers actionable strategies for building a transparent and effective remote culture.
Listen now to discover how Toggl champions asynchronous collaboration, simplifies complexity, and ensures team engagement—without sacrificing results.
👉 Download the Head of Remote Quick Start Guide: https://www.collaborationsuperpowers.com/head-of-remote-guide/
👉 Listen to the full podcast series: https://www.collaborationsuperpowers.com/head-of-remote-podcast/