Episodi

  • From Managing by Sight to Managing by Outcomes - ep. #016

    From Managing by Sight to Managing by Outcomes - ep. #016
    Feb 11 2026
    How do you transform a regional nonprofit into a fully remote, high-performing organization without losing the human connection that makes the work meaningful? In this episode of the Return to People Podcast, host Kaleem Clarkson talks with Tara Fitzpatrick-Navarro, Chief Operating Officer at USTA Mid-Atlantic, about how her team transitioned to fully remote work by prioritizing talent, trust, and community impact. One of the biggest shifts came in helping managers transition from “managing by sight” to leading through outcomes, a change that required intentional coaching, new systems, and a deeper understanding of accountability in a distributed environment. At the same time, supporting younger employees starting their careers remotely meant investing in onboarding, communication training, and development opportunities from day one. The results speak for themselves: a more engaged workforce, stronger retention, and a broader, more diverse talent pool. As Tara puts it, “We trust our team to work when, where, and how they work best.” That trust has created a culture where flexibility fuels commitment, and employees are empowered to excel, not because they have to, but because they want to. 🎧 Dive into the full episode to hear Tara’s practical insights on compassionate leadership, equitable workplace culture, and how to keep remote teams thriving for the long haul. Learn more about Tara: Tara´s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-fitzpatrick-navarro/ USTA Mid-Atlantic: https://www.linkedin.com/company/usta-mid-atlantic/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    28 min
  • Building High-Output Teams Without an Office - ep. #015

    Building High-Output Teams Without an Office - ep. #015
    Jan 28 2026
    What does it take to build a high-performing company when your team is fully remote? In this episode of the Return to People podcast, host Kaleem Clarkson sits down with Justin Ruoff, Senior Vice President of Operations at SoundStack, to explore what effective remote leadership really looks like. With over a decade of experience building distributed teams, Justin shares how SoundStack scaled as a remote-first company without sacrificing trust, performance, or culture. Justin explains why focusing on outcomes over hours challenges outdated assumptions about productivity and why intentional systems are essential for keeping remote teams connected. From async workflows to team rituals, he discusses how SoundStack balances flexibility with accountability while fostering collaboration and ownership. The conversation also highlights the importance of human connection in remote environments, including the challenge of recreating informal moments that build trust and empathy. Justin emphasizes continuous improvement over perfection, encouraging leaders to create systems that support learning, autonomy, and sustainable growth. This episode offers practical insights for founders, operators, and leaders navigating remote or hybrid teams, and proves that when flexibility and trust come first, remote work can truly thrive. 🎧 Tune in to learn how people-first systems drive performance in a remote-first world. Learn more from Justin and SounStack: Justin´s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinruoff/ SoundStack: https://soundstack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    38 min
  • The Future of Leadership Starts with Trust - ep. #014

    The Future of Leadership Starts with Trust - ep. #014
    Jan 14 2026
    In this episode, host Kaleem Clarkson sits down with Jim Kernan, a leader at the intersection of technology, humanity, and modern work. Currently helping drive innovation at Luxonis, Jim brings more than 20 years of experience building and scaling teams across remote and hybrid environments, along with a deep belief that great leadership starts with empathy and trust. Jim shares what it really takes to lead remote-first teams with intention, moving beyond outdated, in-person management habits and taking responsibility for designing systems that support people wherever they work. He explains why flexibility is no longer a perk but an expectation, how trust outperforms control in distributed teams, and why empathy plays a critical role in retention, engagement, and performance. From onboarding and manager enablement to redefining accountability in a remote world, this conversation offers practical insights for leaders navigating change. Jim’s perspective makes one thing clear: remote-first success isn’t about tools alone, it’s about how we show up for people. 🎧 Tune in for a thoughtful, human-centered conversation on trust, responsibility, and what leadership must become in the future of work. Learn more about Jim and Luxonis: Jim´s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimkernan/ Luxonis: https://www.luxonis.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    34 min
  • From Responsibility to Results in a Global Remote Team - ep. #013

    From Responsibility to Results in a Global Remote Team - ep. #013
    Dec 31 2025
    How do modern organizations navigate a digital world where technology evolves faster than teams can adapt? In this week’s episode of the Return to People podcast, host Kaleem Clarkson sits down with Manish Hirapara, a digital transformation trailblazer and CEO of one of the fastest-growing digital strategy firms in the United States, PeakActivity. Manish’s career journey from software engineer to overseeing $7B in global e-commerce sales at a Fortune 100 retailer, to building his own thriving company, gives him a rare, front-row perspective on how technology, people, and business strategy intersect. In this conversation, Manish explains why companies today need digital “Sherpas”, trusted guides who help organizations navigate the overwhelming world of e-commerce, AI, and rapidly shifting customer behaviors. He also shares powerful insights on developing a culture of service, where leaders empower others, teams thrive through collaboration, and success is built on lifting people up rather than managing them from above. Packed with clarity and practical wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for anyone leading teams, building digital strategy, or steering their organization through transformation. Stay tuned! This one will change the way you think about leadership in the digital era. Learn more about Manish and PeakActivity: Manish´s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manishhirapara/ PeakActivity: https://www.peakactivity.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    29 min
  • Successfully Implementing Remote Work in Supply Chain Teams - ep. #012

    Successfully Implementing Remote Work in Supply Chain Teams - ep. #012
    Dec 17 2025
    How can remote work transform company culture in a traditional industry like logistics? In this episode of the Return to People podcast, host Kaleem Clarkson talks with Simon Kaye, founder of Jaguar Freight, about leading high-performing teams in a remote world. With over 30 years in freight forwarding, Simon shares how prioritizing people has driven engagement, retention, and innovation. From his start in the UK to expanding Jaguar Freight internationally, Simon reflects on building a company culture rooted in trust, flexibility, and connection. He discusses the challenges of onboarding and mentoring remote employees, the importance of clear communication, and how deliberate practices like weekly KPI calls and bi-weekly “roses and thorns” sessions foster transparency and belonging. Simon also explains how Jaguar Freight navigates industry changes, from tariffs to operational hurdles, while keeping employees supported and clients satisfied. His approach proves that even in a remote environment, culture can thrive when leaders focus on people over processes. This episode is packed with actionable insights for leaders in logistics, tech, and beyond, covering remote team management, onboarding strategies, and creating a resilient, high-performing workplace. Listen now to discover how Jaguar Freight is redefining remote work, building trust, and putting people at the center of success. Learn more about Simon and Jaguar Freight: Simon´s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonmkaye/ Jaguar Freight: https://jaguarfreight.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    34 min
  • Customer-Centric Strategies: Scale Your Business with Trust - ep. #011

    Customer-Centric Strategies: Scale Your Business with Trust - ep. #011
    Dec 3 2025
    In this week’s Return to People episode, host Kaleem Clarkson sits down with Bruce Reading, President and CEO of Act!, for an inspiring conversation on leadership, engagement, and transformation in today’s hybrid workplace. With decades of experience leading global tech companies, Bruce has built billion-dollar categories, returned over $1.4 billion to investors, and hired more than 500 people across multiple continents. Now, his focus is on empowering the next generation of leaders by helping teams unlock their potential by building trust, clarity, and purpose at every level of the organization. At Act!, a pioneer in customer relationship management software, Bruce has led a major cultural shift to reignite innovation and relevance in a fast-evolving market. He shares how the company overcame complacency by reconnecting with its customers and transforming into a people-first organization. “Customers trusted us,” he reflects, “but we needed to shift our culture to match their evolving needs.” That meant embracing change, redefining expectations, and putting engagement at the center of success. Bruce also opens up about the challenges and opportunities of hybrid work. As Act! adapted to new ways of collaborating, one thing became clear, engagement doesn’t just happen by chance. It requires consistent communication, clear vision, and a strong sense of purpose. To foster that, Bruce implemented regular feedback sessions and Individual Development Plans (IDPs) that give every employee ownership over their growth. The result? A culture rooted in accountability and trust, and a company with remarkably low turnover. Throughout the conversation, Bruce’s message is clear: thriving in the modern workplace means investing in people as much as strategy. Technology may evolve, but human connection, feedback, and trust remain the true drivers of long-term success. This episode is packed with powerful insights for anyone navigating the complexities of leadership, hybrid culture, and customer engagement. Bruce Reading’s journey proves that when leaders prioritize people, both employees and customers, they don’t just create stronger companies; they build lasting legacies. 🎧 Tune in now to hear how Bruce Reading is redefining engagement, culture, and leadership in the hybrid era, only on the Return to People podcast. Learn more about Bruce and Act!: Bruce´s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucemreading/ Act! LLC: https://www.act.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    30 min
  • Proven Strategies for Stronger, Happier Teams: Transforming Workplace Culture - ep. #010

    Proven Strategies for Stronger, Happier Teams: Transforming Workplace Culture - ep. #010
    Nov 19 2025
    How do you create a thriving culture when your team rarely meets in person? In this episode of the Return to People podcast, Kaleem Clarkson sits down with HR leader Jessica Lorello to unpack the realities of building connection, engagement, and trust in a fully remote environment. Jessica shares the hidden weight of “culture switching,” the constant adaptation employees face when navigating different communication styles and expectations across teams. This challenge often leaves people feeling drained and prevents them from building the deeper relationships that fuel collaboration and satisfaction, shining light on the delicate balance remote teams must strike between flexibility and connection. While employees love the autonomy of working from anywhere, they also crave in-person bonding, even if organizing off-sites can be difficult. At the same time, Jessica highlights what’s working well in her organization. A deliberate and thoughtful onboarding process gives new hires the chance to ease in gradually, focusing first on relationships and context rather than overwhelming tasks. She emphasizes that those first weeks are decisive in shaping whether someone feels like they belong, and whether they see a future with the company. Communication, too, plays a critical role. Jessica explains that successful distributed teams don’t leave it to chance; they set clear expectations for how information is shared and how collaboration happens, ensuring everyone stays connected no matter where they work. Workplace culture doesn’t just happen, it’s built intentionally, through choices about how teams onboard, connect, and communicate. Jessica’s insights reveal that while remote work introduces unique challenges, it also creates opportunities to design experiences that truly put people first. An inspiring episode for leaders and teams navigating the future of work, offering a candid look at the strategies and mindsets that make remote culture both sustainable and human. 👉 Tune in to hear Jessica’s perspective on transforming remote workplaces into connected, thriving communities. Learn more about Jessica: Jessica´s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-lorello-phr-60a51142/ 1440 Media: https://join1440.com/contact Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    31 min
  • The Power of Mentorship: Enhancing Remote Collaboration - ep. #009

    The Power of Mentorship: Enhancing Remote Collaboration - ep. #009
    Nov 12 2025
    What does it take to build trust, engagement, and creativity in a hybrid workplace? In this week’s Return to People Podcast, host Kaleem Clarkson sits down with Andy LeDuc, Vice President of Digital Strategy & Operations at Mueller Communications, to explore how organizations can thrive in the new world of hybrid work. With nearly two decades of experience in marketing, digital transformation, and business strategy, Andy shares actionable insights on onboarding, mentorship, and creating balance between flexibility and connection. Early in the conversation, Andy tackles one of the biggest challenges companies face today: onboarding new employees remotely. Without in-person mentorship, he explains, new hires can feel isolated and unsure of themselves. “When you learn in a vacuum... it’s all just theory,” he says, underscoring the importance of structured onboarding programs that build confidence and belonging from day one. Andy also dives into how hybrid work has evolved from a pandemic necessity into a competitive advantage. By combining the creativity of in-person collaboration with the efficiency of remote work, teams can enjoy the best of both worlds. “Hybrid work,” Andy notes, “can offer authentic work-life balance.” This approach not only supports productivity but also opens doors to a more diverse and talented workforce unconstrained by geography. But the real foundation of a thriving hybrid culture, Andy argues, is trust. In remote environments, trust is fragile, and essential. Leaders must empower employees by respecting boundaries, communicating openly, and building systems of accountability. To foster this, Mueller Communications implemented a mentorship program that pairs employees with mentors across departments, encouraging transparency, professional growth, and authentic connection. Beyond internal culture, Andy shares how these same principles guide his approach to digital strategy and client relations. At Mueller, his team uses a 360-degree marketing approach that integrates public relations, digital storytelling, and analytics to create campaigns that resonate. By aligning people, purpose, and process, they help clients cut through the noise and make a measurable impact. Andy’s insights remind us that while technology may enable remote work, it’s trust, mentorship, and communication that make it sustainable. 🎧 Tune in to learn how to build stronger hybrid teams, create a culture of connection, and empower your people to do their best work, wherever they are. Learn more about Andy: Andy´s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyleduc/ Mueller Communications: https://www.muellercommunications.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    28 min