The Remotely Interested Podcast

The Remotely Interested Podcast

By Mary Ogbeide GrillonBusinessCareers
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The Remotely Interested Podcast episodes

  • EP28: THE DIGITAL NOMAD COACH, DINA RAMADAN

    Today we'll hear from Dina Ramadan, The Digital Nomad Coach. Dina is an author, entrepreneur, and business coach. Blending a formal background in organizational psychology with over a decade of location-independent experience, she designs structured frameworks for professionals seeking to transition away from corporate jobs.After working briefly in corporate wellness in London, Dina shifted her own business completely online in 2017. She has since lived and worked remotely across 50 countries.

    Dina readily shares her experience with others, and was also a speaker at The Alicante Nomad Summit 2026 which is where we met in person!Dina recently published Escape the 9-5, a foundational guidebook breaking down the exit strategy, monetization logic, and psychological preparation needed to sustain a location-independent business.

    #RemoteWorking #DigitalNomad #Entrepreneurship #RemotelyInterested

    (00:00) The fourth person will say yes!

    (00:26) Introducing Dina

    (02:55) Being your own boss

    (05:00) Getting fired in... but in a lovely way!

    (06:17) Travel and moving into coaching

    (08:44) Becoming the Digital Nomad Coach!

    (14:36) Build one business at a time to grow your empire

    (17:04) What can you get out of Dina's coaching sessions?

    (18:44) What businesses have Dina's clients gone on to build?

    (21:27) Case Study: From a corporate job to a 6-figure remote businessĀ 

    (25:22) Why Dina's community is important

    (28:37) You will find your first client HERE

    (31:16) Nomad summits

    (35:06) Why some companies request that remote workers live somewhereĀ specific

    (41:24) Dina's book: Escape the 9-5!

    (42:25)Ā Follow Dina!Dina's website: https://www.digitalnomad.coach/

    Buy Dina's book: https://www.digitalnomad.coach/escape-the-9-5

    Mosaic Gold has published an online course, downloadable resources, and a free app to assist you on your remote-work journey. Check out our resources buffet here! : https://linktr.ee/mosaicgold

    46 min
  • EP27: THE GEN Z WHISPERER ! - GARY RUDMAN, founder of GTR CONSULTING

    Today we'll hear from Gary Rudman. Gary is president of GTR Consulting, the market research firm that the Fortune 1000 rely on to understand kids, teens, young adults, and their parents. GTR Consulting conducts custom, qualitative market research used to build brands, develop products, and support advertising campaigns. Gary is informally known as the Gen Z Whisperer!

    For over 25 years, Gary has helped his clients better understand the kid, teen, and young adult market, which is his speciality. I wanted to speak to Gary for 2 reasons. Firstly, with the ongoing shift in ways of working, I wanted to hear where Gen Z and Gen Alpha fit in, and if remote work is something that genuinely appeals to them. Secondly, earlier this year, Gary and his wife embarked on an epic trip of over 5,000 miles across several states in the US, taking in breathtaking scenery, hiking and working, of course, exclusively remotely... all from a trusty campervan!Chatting with the Gen Z whisperer didn't disappoint!

    #FutureOfWork #RemoteWork #GenZ #GenAlpha #HybridWork #WorkplaceCulture #Leadership #FutureOfLeadership #EmployeeEngagement #WorkLifeBalance #CareerTrends #AIandWork #DigitalWorkplace #WorkplaceCommunication #RemoteLeadership #ChangingWorkplace #FutureCareers #GenZAtWork #ModernWorkplace #WorkFromAnywhere

    (00:00) Introducing Gary(02:15) Kid, teen, young adult research explained(04:27) Shifting to online work post-pandemic(06:36) Campervan trip around the US(08:27) Talkwardness?!(09:13) Questioning authority(12:09) Comfort on camera14:19 Gen-Z - working effectively, but on their own terms(16:03) From job hopping to to job hugging to job hoarding(18:37) Gen-Z ARE hard workers!(21:40) Entry-level jobs are disappearing - creativity is vital(24:05) Adopt, Adapt & Advance(25:48) COVID's impact (28:06) Mentoring remotely(30:16) Camera on or camera off?!(38:20) Spontaneous communication is worth fighting for(41:37) Follow Gary!

    GTR Consulting website: https://gtrconsulting.com/#gtr-consulting

    Gary also founded The FLY Story Slam, a storytelling community in California: https://theflystoryslam.com/

    Gary recommends the following newsletters and blogs to keep up with Gen Z news:

    https://www.ypulse.com/

    https://www.collagegroup.com/insights-newsletter-subscribe


    Mosaic Gold has published an online course, downloadable resources, and a free app to assist you on your remote-work journey. Check out our resources buffet here! : https://linktr.ee/mosaicgold

    45 min
  • EP26: LEARNER SATISFACTION SPECIALIST AT LEARNLIGHT - VANJA Å AMIJA works remotely

    Today we'll hear from Vanja Samija. Vanja is a Learner Satisfaction Specialist at Learnlight, a remote -first global Ed Tech company that helps organisations build the human skills that drive performance across cultures and borders. Learnlight deliver Ai-powered, expert-led programs in language, intercultural, and interpersonal skills, and to date, have assisted multinational organisations in more than 180 countries.Vanja and I crossed paths at the Alicante Nomad Summit, and during this conversation, recorded a few months ago, Vanja shared fascinating insights into her journey so far as a remote worker, and what it's like to work for an innovative and progressive remote -first company like Learnlight.


    #RemoteWork #RemoteFirst #WorkFromAnywhere #RemoteWorking #FutureOfWork #RemoteTeams #CompanyCulture #EmployeeExperience #WorkplaceCulture #RemoteJobs #CareerDevelopment #DigitalNomad

    (00:00) Introducing Vanja

    (01:48) Teaching languages remotely

    (05:22) Applying for your dream job (6-months prep) šŸ“

    (07:50) ... Rejected!… then getting the job anyway šŸ¤ÆšŸ˜†

    (14:00) What Vanja does at Learnlight (a remote-first company)

    (16:47) The challenges of remote communication

    (17:35) How Learnlight supports their people

    (23:39) Building culture in a global remote team (company challenges, charity initiatives and DEI)

    (27:05) Disconnecting from work, Pomodoro technique, changing location, avoiding isolation.

    (31:59) Employee wellbeing

    (32:58) Learnlight's 20-year history: from offices to a fully remote company

    (37:13) Growing in confidence, peer support and developing remote-working skills


    Learnlight's website: https://www.learnlight.com

    Vanja followed a course on Coursera in preparation for her interview! https://www.coursera.org/

    Among other accounts, Vanja used Andrew LaCivita's advice to turn job rejection into a job offer! Andrew LaCivita https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP1UlYJH_QL4m5HVyikcxfQ

    Mosaic Gold has published an online course, downloadable resources, and a free app to assist you on your remote-work journey. Check out our resources buffet here! : https://linktr.ee/mosaicgold

    44 min
  • EP25: VIRTUAL RECRUITMENT MANAGER - BELLE RESURECCION works remotely

    Today, we’ll hear from Belle Resurreccion, a freelance recruitment professional based in Manila, in the Philippines, who works with various teams around the globe.

    I first reached out to Belle on LinkedIn back in February after she posted a brilliant comment about the importance of accountability, discipline, and taking ownership of your role when working remotely, and naturally, that really resonated with me. Shortly afterwards, we scheduled to meet and had this insightful, inspiring conversation about developing and growing a remote career.

    As I recently edited this episode ahead of its release this month, I was reminded just how much I enjoyed speaking with Belle and what a great example she is of someone who has crafted her own unique approach to work. It’s an approach that suits her, allows her to truly be herself, and helps her thrive.

    In fact, since our conversation, I’ve already used one quote from this episode during my appearance as a speaker at the Alicante Nomad Summit; just one powerful quote among many.

    #RemotelyInterested #RemoteWork #RemoteWorking #FreelanceLife #RemoteCareer #WorkFromAnywhere #BelleResurreccion #FreelanceRecruiter #VirtualAssistant #PhilippinesFreelancer #RemoteWorkTips #WorkLifeIntegration #RemoteWorkBoundaries #GlobalOpportunities #FutureOfWork

    (00:00) Introducing Belle

    (03:10) Upwork for starting and building a remote career

    (04:44) Getting comfortable with remote work and learning to adjust

    (10:20) Why Belle chose not to return to office-based work

    (13:55) Amazing global opportunities from the Philippines

    (16:33) ā€œBeing reliable doesn’t mean always being availableā€

    (22:03) Communicating with sincerity

    (24:04) Why kindness matters in remote teams

    (30:06) Mosaic Gold Plate Surprise Question

    (34:53) Co-working spaces, coffee shops, and finding the right work environment

    (37:25) Creating your own circle of remote colleagues

    (38:22) The growth of remote work in the Philippines

    (39:14) Follow Belle!


    Belle's LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/belleresurreccion/


    Belle and I both started our remote careers on Upwork! https://www.upwork.com/

    https://linktr.ee/mosaicgold

    43 min
  • EP24: EVENTS & PROJECT MANAGEMENT - SOL DUVAL works remotely

    Today we'll hear from Sol Duval. Originally from France, having lived several years in England and now living in Spain, Sol has two decades of experience as a trilingual events and training organiser and project manager.


    Since 2019, Sol has shifted her focus to the charity sector, applying her extensive organisational expertise to significantly impact people's lives positively.


    #RemoteWork #WorkFromHome #VirtualAssistant #RemoteWorking #FreelanceLife #EventPlanning #OnlineEvents #WorkLifeBalance #DigitalNomad #WomenInBusiness #SmallBusinessOwner #ProductivityTips #ClearCommunication #RemoteCollaboration#SolByYourSide #RemotelyInterested #PodcastEpisode#CareerAdvice #InboxZero #FreelancerTips


    (00:00) Introducing Sol

    (01:06) Covid adjustments

    (04:21) Changing face of the events industry

    (13:58) Working for charitable and non-profit organisations

    (21:08) Clearly defining the role of a virtual assistant

    (24:46) Mosaic Gold surprise question

    (25:43) Awesome inbox hack! šŸ’«

    (29:02) Follow Sol!


    Sol's website: https://www.solbyyourside.com/

    32 min
  • EP23: MY FIRST EVER NOMAD SUMMIT - ALICANTE 2026

    April 2026 was a month of "firsts"...

    1st time in Alicante šŸ–ļø

    1st time attending a nomad summit šŸ‘„šŸ‘„šŸ‘„

    1st time public speaking šŸŽ¤


    In this episode, Mary talks about the fabulous time she had at the Alicante Nomad Summit 2026, gives a snapshot of what was on offer, and discusses the history, value and importance of nomad summits in general.

    #nomadsummit #digitalnomad #publicspeaking #alicante #podcast #futureofwork #workfromanywhere

    (00:00) Introducing Mary@Mosaic

    (00:56) History and purpose of nomad summits

    (03:28) Alicante Nomad Summit 2026 explained

    (05:14) Presenting a workshop at the summit

    (07:30) What I got out of attending the summit

    (08:15) The NomadWay app

    (08:58) Future of work & the remote work community

    (10:30) The Alicante Nomad Summit 2027 - save the dates!

    Tim gave an awesome presentation on public speaking. For more information, go to https://tailoredguidance.com/Isabel's presentation on how remote workers can support rural communities was really inspiring. For more information on her work, go to https://linktr.ee/ibaezgil

    Jimmy R. Matthew took some beautiful photos of the event. I included a snippet of one of his videos during this episode. For more information on his work, go to https://iamemmanuel.org/

    Music used in this episode:

    Molten Snow by Jesse Spilane

    Yesterday by Kellee Maize

    Lion Hart by Shaolin Dub

    Inspirational Uplifting Motivational by Music for Creators

    All accessible via FMA https://freemusicarchive.org/


    Download the NomadWay app for FREE here: https://www.nomadway.app/

    Information on The Alilcate Nomad Summit 2027! https://alicantenomadsummit.com/


    https://linktr.ee/mosaicgold

    11 min
  • EP22: EARTH EXPLORER PRO - HEAR FROM THE FOUNDERS, JENNIFER & GARY

    Today we’ll hear from Jennifer Knight-Mason and Gary Mason, the husband-and-wife founders of Earth Explorer Pro. Hailing from England, Jennifer and Gary have had a very varied work history. Jennifer and I actually first met 12 years ago while working at an architecture studio in Central London! While her career has spanned art, design, finance, and startups, Gary spent over 15 years as a Head Chef at one of London’s most iconic and prestigious fine-dining institutions.


    Together, they are embarking on a new adventure which will take them all over the world. Here we chat just days before they jetted off to India. You’ll note that this episode is free flowing and full of fascinating and sometimes surprising insights. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as we enjoyed chatting!


    (00:00) Introducing Jennifer & Gary(01:50) Career as a fine dining chef with travel(04:44) From fine art via door-to-door sales, dentistry to hat design and finance!(09:26) Relationships are the key(11:50) Earth Explorer Pro: equipping fellow travellers(14:10) India(16:39) River Thames project part 1(20:28) Package holidays vs Independent travel(25:23) Logistics of filming the Thames(28:35) Inspired by sewage? - Crossness(31:26) River Thames project part 2(33:49) Combining resilience and calm with shared drive and passion(37:12) Online dating!(37:55) Which countries will be included?(38:14) Generating income streams(42:06) Guided group travel(44:36) Meeting remote tribes(54:22) Quickfire questions!(01:01:23) Stay up to date with Jennifer & Gary's travels(01:02:16) Entering the AI-era - has changing career become urgent?(01:08:25) Building a brand & community(01:10:32) Creating a legacyFollow Jennifer & Gary @ Earth Explorer Pro:https://earthexplorerpro.com/https://www.youtube.com/@UCsmc_RgpoAUV6cs51_BurMw https://www.instagram.com/earthexplorerpro/Thames River documentary: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLq8MyGgZeQH4sSoZgV9yv1SnF2I1czBCvDiscover Crossness Pumping Station: https://share.google/PLT8n95aCxfiiHVQThttps://linktr.ee/mosaicgold

    1 hr 16 min
  • EP21: COLD-CALLING SALES DEVELOPMENT - MICHAEL GODOY JR works remotely

    Today we’ll hear from Michael Godoy Jr., a freelance Sales Development Representative based in North Carolina. Michael specializes in transforming cold leads into warm, meaningful conversations — all while working fully remotely.Alongside his sales work, Michael also runs a freelance photography business and creates engaging content on YouTube.In this age of ever increasing AI use, he offers an insightful perspective on how attitudes toward cold calling are evolving, and shares practical advice for succeeding in what can often be a challenging industry.


    #coldcallingtips #coldcalling #salesdevelopment #workfromanywhere #remotework #podcast


    (00:00) Introducting Michael(01:25) From working on the railroad to cold calling sales04:37 Side-hustle: Freelancing as a photographer(05:36) Managing the initial challenges

    (07:07 )Enjoying the freedom

    (09:35) Danger of burnout

    (11:22) Supportive team

    (14:02) Re-birth of coldcalling?: AI vs human interactions

    (15:38) The secret to effective coldcalling

    (20:12) Keep your cool!

    (28:40) Mosaic Gold plate surprise question(30:29) Follow Michael!

    Michael's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-godoy-jr-299008b6/

    Michael's Photography company - https://www.instagram.com/the_september_kid/

    Michael's YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@mikeystable824/videos


    https://linktr.ee/mosaicgold

    34 min
  • EP20: REMOTIVATE - HEAR FROM THE FOUNDER & CEO, ANNA SHCHERBYNA

    Today we'll hear from Anna Shcherbyna. Anna is the Founder and CEO of Remotivate, a remote recruitment agency helping online businesses find and hire international top-tier remote talent.With significant experience in operations and remote team building, Anna has led hundreds of successful hires for fast-growing companies around the world.Originally from Ukraine and now based in Barcelona, she’s passionate about building intentional businesses, creating freedom through remote work, and helping founders scale with the right people in place.#remotework #workfromanywhere #podcast #digitalnomad #remotivate #remotejobsearch #jobsearchadvice (00:00) Introducing Anna(01:58) Small (and enthusiastic) beginnings on Upwork(03:15) The birth of Remotivate!(04:13) Transferable skills - from in-person to remote(05:50) Be prepared to make sacrifices!(07:00) Upwork success story(08:32) Understanding the value of low paid (or even unpaid) opportunities(13:02) Being part of the fast-moving remote-working space(14:49) Life design(17:35) Remotivate services assisting remote-working candidates(18:42) Acing your job application: promoting yourself as an expert in your niche!(22:53) What are your metrics?(28:09) Shine in your role and avoid burnout - keep asking questions!(34:55) Mosaic Gold plate surprise question(38:40) Coming Soon! Keep up with exciting new Remotivate projects*Anna's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-shcherbyna/*Remotivate - @letsremotivate; https://letsremotivate.com/; https://remotivatejobs.com/and stay tuned for imminent new releases!*Acadium (Apprenticeship opportunities in marketing mentioned during the episode): https://www.acadium.com/*Upwork (Where the remote careers of both Anna and Mary began!): https://www.upwork.com

    45 min
  • EP19: CHRONIC PAIN AND BURNOUT MENTOR - Tanja Degitz works remotely

    Today we’ll hear from Tanja Degitz. Tanja is a chronic pain and burnout mentor for women entrepreneurs. After launching her first online teaching business during the pandemic, she unfortunately burned out and developed fibromyalgia, autoimmune disease, gut issues, and other debilitating symptoms that left her bedridden. Through her personal healing journey she immersed herself in mind-body healing, fully recovered, and reclaimed her digital nomad life. Now, as a certified trauma-informed coach trained in somatic healing, she helps women heal chronic symptoms, overcome burnout, and feel like themselves again.#remotework #workfromanywhere #podcast #digitalnomad #burnoutrecovery #chronicpain #mindbodyhealing (00:00) Introducing Tanja(02:19) Discovering remote work & a digital nomad life(04:03) From platform work to independent clients(06:02) Burnout, chronic pain & 25 hours on Zoom(08:15) Redefining work - blending coaching with teaching(09:40) Finding the right niche (without forcing it)(20:08) The flexibility is good for your health!(22:00) Autonomy and fitness(24:36) Travel(27:00) Coworking spaces(33:10) Get dressed and get outside!(38:39) Client relationships(41:48) Mosaic Gold plate surprise question(47:03) Follow Tanja!Follow Tanja on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/making.it_possibleConnect with Tanja on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanja-degitz-For more information on working with Tanja, check out her website here: https://tanjadegitz.my.canva.site/Tanja and I were brought together by the free Nomadway app. Have you downloaded it yet? https://nomadway.app/Mary has published a course on remote working. Find it here: https://www.udemy.com/course/remote-freelancing-landing-the-jobs-you-love/?referralCode=5CE00C8B037EE91EA48A&couponCode=LETSLEARNNOWPhttps://linktr.ee/mosaicgold

    54 min

About The Remotely Interested Podcast

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Expert remote workers share their experiences šŸ—£ļøšŸŽ™ļø