How 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 intentional about mentorship and creating accessible support systems. Additionally, building a strong documentation culture is essential for distributed teams, but instilling the habit of writing down processes consistently is challenging. “You have to write stuff down,” Guy emphasizes.

Despite these challenges, Guy highlights the powerful advantages of remote work. Hiring without geographic boundaries allows Vibrant Planet to access diverse perspectives, which drives innovation and stronger problem-solving. Eliminating commutes gives employees more focus, flexibility, and better work-life balance. At the same time, intentional in-person gatherings such as retreats and meetups help teams connect, build trust, and align around shared goals.

Beyond leadership and team-building strategies, Guy explains how Vibrant Planet uses data and machine learning to fight wildfires and protect forests, proving that remote-first teams can create real-world impact.

👉 Listen now to hear Guy Bayes’ insights on mentoring in remote settings, building strong documentation practices, and leading diverse, purpose-driven teams in today’s flexible workplace.

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