In 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 its people—one that directly impacts every stage of the employee journey, from onboarding to exit.

A key highlight of the episode is the introduction of TREE, Blend Me’s Remote Employee Experience framework. Jennifer walks through its core elements—Trust, Responsibility, Attract, Hire, Onboard, Engage, Perform, Develop, and Depart—emphasizing that mutual trust and accountability are the bedrock of sustainable remote teams. Without them, morale, retention, and engagement quickly erode.

Jennifer also challenges outdated performance management models, advocating for real-time, human-centered feedback over annual reviews. She underscores that performance isn’t about time at a desk—it’s about meaningful outcomes tied to growth and purpose.

Whether you’re leading a remote team or designing culture strategy, this episode offers practical insights and enduring truths to help your people—and your business—thrive.

Learn more about Jennifer:

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