Since leaving Corporate America last summer, I have done a lot of soul-searching and self-discovery.

I decided to spend my next chapter becoming the best version of me and helping others become their best versions.

In this article, I will share who I feel I can help so that, in future articles, I can share how I can help them.

Before diving into the WHO and HOW,  I want to describe why I’m uniquely positioned to help.

My Professional Background

During my 20+ year career in Accounting & Finance, I have acquired valuable skills and built a vast network of business professionals.

I held a variety of roles across different industries at different world class organizations.

I was also fortunate to have worked in different locations and environments, from traditional “brick and mortar” offices to just about anywhere you can of think around the world!

In fact, my remote working experience continues even after leaving Corporate America as I travel 100% of the time while writing and managing this blog.

The Changing Landscape

Now that you know a little more about me, let’s take a look at one big way our world has changed this past year…

There has been an incredibly dramatic shift in how office workers do their job.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, most of them commuted to the same office every day, with the occasional day working from home or some other location.

However, when the pandemic hit last year, nearly all offices closed – suddenly and without warning.  The result of this was that office workers had to immediately start working from home.

Most of us (naively) thought this remote working arrangement would be brief since our government leaders repeatedly told us lockdown and stay-at-home orders were only temporary measures to “flatten the curve.”

Well…

Weeks turned into months, months into seasons, and seasons have now turned into over a year.

In fact, most office workers are still working from home.

If we have learned one thing this past year, it is the fact that office workers can successfully and effectively work remotely.

At this point, it is safe to say that remote work is here to stay.

Digital Nomads

For the past several decades, there has only been one type of traveling remote worker:  the digital nomad.

Digital Nomads are typically younger, in their 20’s or 30’s, and are able to travel and work remotely due to the nature of their work – typically freelancing as writers, graphic designers, online marketers, coaches, and IT professionals.

They usually travel solo but value connection and meeting other like-minded nomads.  This is one of the reasons they often seek out budget-friendly accommodations like hostels or other shared living spaces.

Also, the work of Digital Nomads is commonly that of an individual contributor.  They spend less time in team meetings and employee management and more time heads-down completing independent work.

Therefore, they can effectively work from busy places like coffee shops, restaurants, and co-working spaces as long as they have a Wi-Fi connection and noise-canceling headphones.

The Executive Remote Worker

From the pandemic-driven office closures, a “new breed” of remote worker has emerged.

I am calling them the Executive Remote Worker.

They are distinctly different from the traditional Digital Nomad:

Executive Remote Workers are typically (but not always) in their 40’s or 50’s and are now able to travel and work since being “forced” to do so when their office closed.

They hold senior-level, executive management roles.

Historically, Executive Remote Workers have been a more reluctant group to working remotely so the COVID-19 pandemic essentially forced them into it.

These senior business professionals who are also looking to travel are looking for more private, upscale accommodations and are more likely (but not always) to be traveling with a spouse/partner and possibly children.

Compared to the Digital Nomad, their role is less focused on their individual contributions and more focused on decision-making and managing teams of people.

Therefore, they require quiet, private workspaces with ultra-secure and fast internet connections to facilitate their frequent video conference calls.

Basically, you’re not going to find an Executive Remote Worker working from a loud coffee shop very often (if ever).  They need quiet work space with privacy for video conferencing and online team meetings.

My Role

It all just hit me one day like a ton of bricks!

I have been saying over and over again since the beginning of this pandemic:

“If you have to work remotely, why not work remotely from somewhere amazing?”

My new North Star is to help executive remote workers fulfill their dreams and live their best lives.

Wrap-up

At the end of the day, I want is to make an authentic and positive impact in the world.

I feel I have a unique opportunity to help remote working professionals discover amazing places to travel.

Now that I’ve identified WHO I can help, I need to determine HOW I can help.

Please keep an eye out for my upcoming article and until then…

My question for you is:  are you currently working remotely? 

• If so, from where specifically are you working remotely?
• If not, what would need to change for you to want or be able to do so?