Fréderic Tshidimba, Chief Inspiration Officer at Empleyo and long-time international business builder, discusses the accelerating global flow of talent and the need to make labor more liquid. Fred shares how Employer of Record (EOR) services can help companies access skilled workers quickly and compliantly in new markets—particularly emerging ones—without setting up local entities. He explains the value of fair employment contracts in supporting financial security and mobility for workers, while enabling employers to scale flexibly and test markets more efficiently.
Fréderic Tshidimba, Chief Inspiration Officer at Empleyo, explores the shift toward liquid labor markets and the opportunities created by Employer of Record platforms. With firsthand experience growing teams in emerging economies, Fred highlights how EORs empower employers to onboard talent globally—fast and fairly—without the friction of traditional structures. He explains how this model helps companies experiment with new markets and meet rising employee expectations for mobility, flexibility, and reliable contracts that unlock critical benefits like credit and insurance.
Fréderic Tshidimba, Chief Inspiration Officer at Empleyo and serial entrepreneur, unpacks the rising demand for labor flexibility and the crucial role Employer of Record services play in unlocking global talent. Fred shares how EOR solutions bridge legal, operational, and trust gaps—supporting fair employment and scalable workforce strategies. He emphasizes the human impact in emerging markets, helping skilled workers access formal employment and enabling companies to grow across borders with agility and empathy-centered practices.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
[00:23] Fred studies business engineering with a focus on marketing and consumer psychology
[01:40] He joins Coca-Cola in a digital marketing traineeship despite no prior digital experience
[02:25] He learns three key lessons: think big, prioritize execution, and focus on consumer insights
[03:32] After five years, he transitions to Nestlé, where he gains a bottom-line and product portfolio focus
[04:50] He declines a post-crisis transfer to Italy and instead follows his wife to the Philippines
[06:20] In Manila, he discovers the country’s strength in digital and outsourcing industries
[07:16] He adapts to agency work in a younger, fast-paced, and endorsement-driven Southeast Asian market.
[08:50] A friend’s suggestion leads to co-founding a BPO business that bridges digital expertise and outsourcing.
[09:45] He scales the business supporting global e-commerce and software clients from the Philippines
[10:56] They grow by emphasizing customer centricity over price or product differentiation
[12:00] The company rides two waves: the e-commerce boom and early globalization of talent
[12:58] Fred returns to Europe, exits the business via buyout, and launches Empleyo to support fair global employment
[14:10] Empleyo helps companies hire talent in countries where they lack a local legal entity
[15:05] Startups increasingly come to Empleyo after hiring remote workers independently
[15:42] Demand centers around pre-sales roles, software engineers, and mission-driven or technical specialists.
[17:20] Startups use Employers of Record for flexibility without bringing workers in-house
[18:10] He sees a need to make labor as liquid as capital by removing structural employment barriers
[19:25] Fred introduces the idea of a “work net” where collaboration transcends borders and time zones
[20:40] Workers still want financial stability even as career paths become more fluid
[21:35] Empleyo insists on long-term contracts to give workers job security and legal protections
[22:38] Companies need formal employment frameworks to scale responsibly and remain compliant
[23:50] Fred explains how compliance needs, such as GDPR and NDAs, are managed across client contexts.
[24:55] Empleyo focuses on emerging markets in Southeast Asia and Africa, as well as expanding into Europe.
[26:05] HR becomes more strategic as companies seek global talent aligned with their values and growth goals.
[27:28] Fred emphasizes hiring local experts to navigate regional contexts and gain customer relevance
[28:30] Internal mobility offers employees growth and engagement, especially in large organizations
[29:35] He questions the future of static employment structures like fixed salaries or traditional leave policies
[30:50] Empleyo also acts as an advisor, sharing best practices learned from innovative clients
[32:02] Personal cases, like relocation during political unrest or family planning, underscore Empleyo’s human impact.
[33:15] Companies are encouraged to think beyond borders, such as hiring a country CEO without a local office.
[34:20] Fred sees cross-border employment as a way to support families and keep communities intact [35:12] He concludes with a commitment to keep expanding horizons and connecting people through work.
[OUTRO] IMMEDIATE ACTION TIP: Using an Employer of Record can help you quickly and legally hire skilled remote workers globally
RESOURCES
QUOTES
“Labor is pretty cranky… it’s a factor that’s not so liquid.”
“We believe more and more in the concept of a work net, not just a workforce.”
“The workforce is getting more and more flexible, but people still need to be bankable.”
“If you want talent with purpose, you often have to go further than your local market.”
“Scaling with purpose means balancing speed with intentionality in your recruitment.”
“Sometimes people just want to live in their community and work for a global employer—that’s a beautiful thing.”
“Our mission is to help labor become more liquid by making employment simpler, fairer, and more accessible.”
“It’s exciting because in the end, it’s about people, their lives, and helping them grow wherever they are.”
