Remote Work Radio

On this episode, our host Marta Nielson interviews Jerry Taylor, the Commissioner of Garfield County. They discuss how the Rural Online Initiative's Master Remote Work Professional certificate course fits within the county's economic development strategy. Jerry also shares how his own daughter has found remote work since taking the course.

Our host Marta Nielson interviews Kelly Stowell, the economic development director in Kane County. He shares how his community is embracing remote work as an economic development strategy by attracting the "creative class" and encouraging people from Kanab and nearby communities to engage in remote work by getting started with the Rural Online Initiative's Master Remote Work Professional certificate course.

On September 3, 2019 our executive producer Paul Hill was asked to moderate a panel discussion at the Utah Rural Summit in Cedar City. The panel was titled, "Remote Work and the Future of Jobs in Rural Utah." The panelists he interviewed were:

• David Lisonbee, Senior Director at Nice, Inc. who lives in Hurricane, Utah
• Lindison Webb, Director of Development Success for Ticketmaster.com who lives in Cedar City
• Brooke Jones, ESL Teacher for Magic Ears who lives on a ranch in Sevier County

Each panelist responded to questions about everything from the basics of remote work, skills needed to be a successful remote worker and pitfalls to avoid, as well has how to set boundaries with family and be productive.

ROI Program Director Dr. Paul Hill interviews Dr. Roberto Gallardo, Assistant Director of the Purdue Center for Regional Development and a Purdue Extension Community & Regional Economics Specialist. They discussed digital parity and the role remote work plays in the prosperity of rural communities.

Brooke Jones and Marta talk about remote work from Brooke's ranch in Sevier County. Brooke has an Associate Degree from Western Governors University in Child Development and works remotely as an ESL teacher for Magic Ears, an English education company based in Beijing, China. She has a TESOL certificate and is working towards her Bachelor's Degree.

Paul Hill interviews Dr. Amanda Ali, the program evaluator for Utah's Rural Online Initiative (ROI) at Utah State University Extension. Dr. Ali shares recent findings from a preliminary study by the ROI research team that evaluated the impact of the Master Remote Work Professional certificate course. The study found initial program effectiveness and probable program impact in empowering rural communities with remote work.

Jeff Roth shares what he loves about living in his rural community and how remote work has made it possible. Jeff is a co-founder of Creative Pro, a creative agency of freelance workers, who recently relocated to Kanab, Utah.

Abe Hunt is a software engineer from Iron County who has worked remotely for most of his career. Abe recently completed the Rural Online Initiative's Master Remote Work Professional certificate course and shares how valuable the course was for him even though he already has years of remote work experience.

Jesse Harris of Iron County shares his insights on how to set yourself up for success as a remote worker. Jesse has been a remote worker for quite some time and has recently completed the Rural Online Initiative's Master Remote Work Professional certificate course.

We introduce our new host, Marta, and Krista Payne from Washington County stars in this episode. Krista recently completed the Rural Online Initiative's Master Remote Work Professional certificate course. Learn about the skills taught in the MRWP Course that can help you land a remote job!