Blog — Remote Year

Freelance Designer, Co-founder of Pikkabox, Trendspotter for Faith Popcorn’s BrainReserve

Mumbai, India (Most recently living in NYC)

What are you working on for the year?

Three months ago I had one title and a single job. Now I have 3 titles and 3 roles. By profession I am an Industrial Designer and work as a Design Strategist helping companies with their consumer research and insights to reflect on product design and roadmap. 

While on Remote Year, I started a company with my husband, Gaurabh Mathure, called Pikkabox. A mystery box, that gives a snapshot of one country every month through curated products that we find locally. There are two criteria for these products, they should tell a local cultural story and/or they are designed by a young local designer who could use an international stage. We have curated and sold boxes from two countries so far, Prague,Czech Republic and Ljubljana, Slovenia. We are now working on Pikkabox from Istanbul, Turkey. Check us out at Pikkabox.com

I also write as a Trendspotter for Faith Popcorn’s BrainReserve (faithpopcorn.com/culturepulse/). Last but not the least I host traveling dinner events with my fellow traveller and friend, Geetika Agrawal, in every city we go to. Food for Thought is a dinner event created by travelers, like us, for locals. 

Why did you decide to come on Remote Year?

Nomadic lifestyle was not on my life trajectory but I had been itching to move and work in another country. Having said that, a life in New York City with a decent job makes it hard to break the mold. When an opportunity came up for my husband and I to travel together for an entire year, break the pattern and redefine ourselves, as a couple, we just had to take the leap. It wasn’t even remotely (pun intended) easy. Our Indian parents couldn’t understand why we were leaving our cushy lifestyle and traveling the world instead of settling down and making babies. It took a while to explain that we didn’t want to follow the beaten path but find a different life path for ourselves and we weren’t afraid to take the road less traveled to do so.

How did you find yourself in a remote role?

As a designer who works in the realm of physical products, I never thought this lifestyle would be possible. Also, I am an Indian citizen but had been in the US for the past eight years on a work visa. For those who know what I mean, also know the number of restrictions this visa brings. A remote role opened a lot of doors for me. It was almost liberating.

What do you have a knack for?

I have been told, I make the best open faced sandwiches and I am calm as a Buddha.

Any advice or tips for others looking to bring travel into their lives?

The hardest part is to take that first step. Don’t be afraid to break the mold. It is possible if you really want it. Never say your job doesn’t allow it, or you are too old, or you have visa issues (as an Indian citizen I can write a book on that one…I will call it “Modern Day Racism”). Yes, you may have to sacrifice a few things in life or think creatively around your issues but its possible. Your brain will list a 100 issues but once you make traveling a priority, you will find creative ways to work it out. Just do it (Nike didn’t pay me for that…although I wish they would read this and make a sexy ad and pay me a lot of money for it).

What book should everyone read?

Hitchhiker’s guide to the galaxy

What is your favorite spot on the globe for food/people/culture/music/etc?

My hometown, Mumbai, India.

What about your current work inspires you?

Running a business on the go. It is hard as hell but I love every minute of it. It makes me happy when I share it with people around the world and they have the same enthusiasm for it as we have. People and cultures inspire me the most and I am glad all my work right now revolves around them.

With over 14 million residents, Istanbul is the 5th largest city in the world.  Straddling the Bosphorus, Istanbul is both in Europe and Asia.  Formerly the part of the Roman, Byzantine, Latin and Ottoman empires, Istanbul (formerly Constantinople) has a long history and rich culture.

Throughout the week, Remotes explored far and wide, enjoying many traditional Turkish things.  Kumpir, a Turkish baked potato is a local favorite, jam-packed with all different types of toppings.

Traditional Turkish food is primarily grilled meats and lots of vegetables.

A group of Remotes enjoying çay, a red colored tea served literally everywhere.

Turkish coffee is a unique style of coffee which still has grounds in it.  They say you can have your fortune told from the grounds at the end of a cup.  Manu is helping Nitin find his fortune.

Turkish baths and hair salons are all over and Remotes enjoyed trying new services.

Nargilla is a huge part of Turkish culture, with Nargilla cafes lining the streets in most commercial areas.

There are many great places to get work done at cafes along the Bosphorus.

This week, Gregg Delman visited us to teach us about PR. 

Gregg Delman is a Partner at DRSmedia, a strategic marketing and media relations firm focused on consumer technology. Located in Silicon Valley, some of Gregg’s clients have included Face.com (acquired by Facebook in June 2012), Boku (mobile payments company backed by Andreessen Horowitz, NEA and Telefonica), and AOL. Prior to DRSmedia, Gregg was Director of Business Development at Legacy Locker, a startup that served as a last will and testament for digital property. Gregg started his career as a Consultant for Deloitte LLP in San Francisco and holds a J.D., M.B.A., and LL.M. in Taxation. He is admitted to practice law in California, New Jersey, and New York.

Speaking with journalists is a learned behavior and can be scary for the uninitiated. Understanding how to effectively communicate with the press requires an ability to understand how this game is played and having the necessary tools to convey your point of view succinctly and on message.  Participants will learn how to represent themselves in a manner that produces the highest probability of their message being received, absorbed and published.
 

Remote Year staff meeting selfie 🙂

David hosted a Shabbat dinner and taught people about his family’s weekly traditions.

Sila is a Remote who is actually from Istanbul.  She led a group on a walking tour throughout her city, highlighting her favorite parts.

On Saturday night, the beautiful co-working space Kolektif invited RY to a jam session! Over 200 people came out to jam, dance, sing and have fun.

This past weekend, Trio Travel Marketing launched a #CHEERS campaign to celebrate our new home in Istanbul. They are excited to explore the gastronomy, culture and business opportunities in this vibrant city. Anyone can join their celebration by tagging pictures of their favorite beverages on Social Media with #CHEERS and #TRIOCHEERS around the world – from coffee to cocktails, any drink you like can be included.

On Sunday we ended the week with a 16 team Remote Year fantasy football draft.  People from all over the world participated, regardless of their knowledge of this year’s sleeper picks 🙂

What are you working on for the year?

I am working on my travel blog www.TheRemoteNomad.com, which aims to inspire others to travel. It also explores the digital nomad lifestyle, where I share with people how they can work and travel the world.

I am also working as an inbound marketing consultant for two primary clients, Growth Labs and Grandma’s Jars. Growth Labs is a full service inbound marketing agency and Grandma’s Jars is a financial program that teaches you how to properly manage your money, providing tools and support to help you succeed.

Why did you decide to come on Remote Year?

I was and still am a passionate traveler. You can learn any concept in school but the best teacher for life is travel. It’s not just about sitting on a beach and vacationing, it’s about growing as a person and learning about the world around you. Before Remote Year, my life consisted of a cubicle, the hours of 9-5 and 10 vacation days. To me that seemed unnatural. The idea that society accepts this as normal blew my mind and I knew I needed to make a change. In short, Remote Year was (and still is) my dream come true because it allows me to work while traveling the world.

How did you find yourself in a remote role?

I didn’t know that companies hired remotely until I came across Remote Year. My success in finding a role where I could work remotely was due to the network opportunities Remote Year and the Remote Year participants provided. It was then that I found success as a Digital Marketing Consultant. 

Describe your perfect day

My perfect day would start as the sun has just come up. (This is a sunny, perfect summer day ps). It would include a run, meditating and reading a bit of a book. Then I would head to the beach. This would include any fun outdoor activities like kayaking, tubing, waterskiing or going on a boat ride. Then I’d have a bbq with my family, sipping on some drinks, listening to my parents classic rock music and playing outside with my nephews. Into the evening we’d have a bon fire then head inside to play board games or darts. Then we’d spend the evening chatting and laughing around the table, snacking on some delicious food courtesy of mom. AND if this perfect day was a winter day, it would involve snowboarding all day.

Any advice or tips for others looking to bring travel into their lives?

Please, just do it. Stop making excuses. If you want something bad enough and it’s a priority to you, you can make it happen. I prioritize travel and experiences over owning things which is why I’ve been lucky to see so much of the world. To bring travel into your life at a more affordable price, I suggest Skyscanner and Hopper. I also suggest connecting and networking with digital nomads. They provide a supportive community, with great insights into how you can succeed in working and traveling the world. Even by following them online, you can learn insights into how they are making their lifestyle possible.

What book should everyone read?

The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari. Please read this book, it’s amazing! It’s a self-help book about living a better life – mentally. It’s about a lawyer who literally almost works himself to death and takes a spiritual path in the Himalayan mountains. It’s there that he receives wise and practical lessons for a better life. He shares these lessons in way that you can actually implement into your daily life. 

What is one thing that should be taught in school that isn’t currently?

Life skills. 1) That money doesn’t define success. Happiness and being a good person does. 2) How to manage money and finances properly. This is essential and critical in life, yet schools don’t even teach how to balance a budget. 3) The importance of community and thinking as a whole instead of every man for themselves. 4) Healthy lifestyle and living – not just physically but mentally as well. Think meditation, techniques to reduce stress etc

We have a huge group of talented people on Remote Year and some of them have some capacity to take on more exciting projects.  Check them out and feel free to contact them with any thoughts, questions or opportunities.  If you need help with software engineering, marketing, writing, project management, IT consulting, brand consulting we have you covered.

TJ NORRIS, USA – SOFTWARE ENGINEER

A Software Engineer with over 7 years of professional experience working primarily with Java.  I joined Remote Year looking to grow, learn, and have new experiences.   I am hoping for much of the same professionally; the ability to learn and grow as an engineer while at the same time greatly contributing to the creation of something challenging, interesting and fun.  Seeking either part-time/freelance position at an hourly rate or full-time employment.

• Services / expertise:
  • Software Development
  • Architecting efficient and practical solutions.
  • Experience working in an Agile environment
• Professional profiles: LinkedIn
• Email: [email protected]
• Skype: tee.jay83

Kimmoy Matthews, US Virgin Islands – Marketing and Technical Copywriter

Your product is innovative, but a bit complex so your users need some help with how to use it, right? Do you agree that connecting with influencers in your industry could increase your market share? If so, let me take care of the copy and marketing strategies that attracts targeted users to your business. 

Having worked in Washington, DC for the past 10 years as a Business Consultant and Technical Writer, I’m excited to work with you and take your project on an international journey with me as part of Remote Year. 

• I provide the following services:
  • Tutorials/how-to articles for your products that people want to read and watch
  • Email pitches that people open and respond to
  • Press releases and campaigns that actually get marketed and more
• Professional profiles: Kimmoy’s Website, LinkedIn
• Email: [email protected]
• WhatsApp: +1 703-347-5108

Shaun Coppard, Australia – Project & Implementation Manager (Prince2 certified) with Web Development training

Over 15 years experience managing projects and implementations both internally within organisations and rollout programs to customers.  I focus on delivering the best outcome and take a practical approach to effectively and efficiently achieve the goals.  I am looking for opportunities to help companies with their project needs from requirements gathering, solution design and implementation.  Flexible for part-time, freelance or set period of work.

• Services / expertise:
  • Project Management and Implementation – Implementation strategy and planning through to coordination of project resources for effective execution and providing progress to stakeholders.
  • Product Design – Gathering of customer requirements and translating them into specifications for developers to deliver the desired outcome.
  • Process Improvement – Reviewing existing processes to identify redundancy and areas for improvement through to implementing changes for efficiency, quality and customer satisfaction.
• Professional profiles: LinkedIn
• Email: [email protected]
• Skype: shaun.coppard
• WhatsApp: +61 407 325 834:

Manuel Nascimento, Portugal – IT Consultant

IT consultant with over 7 years of experience that spans Portugal, Angola and Australia while working at Deloitte mainly in the Financial Services Industries. I specialize in process automation, business process analysis, requirements gathering, and technical design. With my passion for people and travel, I believe I provide unique perspectives and solutions to any business problem.

• Services / expertise:
  • Business Analysis
  • Business Process Automation
  • Quality Assurance
• Professional profiles: LinkedIn
• Email: [email protected]

Fernanda Prats, Brazil – Journalist

I used to work as a fashion stylist and columnist in São Paulo, Brazil – for magazines, advertising and fashion catalogues –  always travelling to identify trends, exploring other lifestyles and cultures.  Having a degree in Cinema, I’m currently using my skills in storytelling to write and edit articles, blog posts and create organic social media content, covering a range of subjects such as Fashion, Beauty, Travels and, of course, the Digital Nomad experience.

• Services / expertise:
  • Editing image and text in Portuguese for Social Media Content
  • Research, Trend Reports and Articles in Portuguese
  • Marketing and Business Connections with the Portuguese Audience
• Professional profiles: Fernanda’s website, LinkedIn (English version available)
• Email: [email protected]
• Skype: pratserie
• Phone: +55 11 992319377 (WhatsApp/Viber only)

Siri Winter, Sweden – Journalist

I am a trained multimedia journalist with 3 years of experience in creative, fast-paced industries including music, art and the NYC tech start-up scene. During Remote Year I want to create original written content, utilize my bilingual skills and cover music, art, travel and beyond as a freelance journalist. Flexible to work hourly or project-based.

Fabio Martinazzo, Brazil  – Account Manager

I have 13 years of experience in the Telecommunications/Networking industry, working for a hardware developer and manufacturer company established in Brazil. In the last 5 years my activities were focused in growing sales to the international market by managing and developing sales channels, understanding end customer’s needs (Telecom Operators, Utility companies, Government) and managing pre and post sales deliverables. Multi-language (ENG/POR/ESP).

• Services / expertise:
  • Account Management
  • Business Development
  • Product Marketing
• Professional profiles: LinkedIn
• Email: [email protected]
• Skype: fabiomartinazzo

Cristovam Peres, Brazil, Engineer of Ideas: Entrepreneurial Projects Manager

In the last 5 years I have been using my engineering and finance knowledge to help people and companies make their ideas come true. I have a passion to involve myself in other people ideas by supporting them to plan all the steps needed to implement their projects and find the right people and the best technologies to fill the gaps.

• Services / expertise:
  • Project planning and management for engineering, financial and marketing related projects
  • Development of business and marketing plans
  • Development of financial models in Excel
• Professional profiles: Website, LinkedIn
• Email: [email protected]
• Skype: cristovam4
• Whatsapp: +55 48 8823 7910

April Siese, USA – freelance writer/editor/photographer

Freelance writer and photographer currently traveling the world as part of Remote Year’s inaugural class. I have been writing professionally for over five years and am co-editor/owner of The San Francisco Appeal in addition to my editorial work. My byline has been featured in Rolling Stone, Sports Illustrated’s Extra Mustard, The Daily Beast, and many other publications of note.

• Services / expertise:
  • Magazine and feature writing
  • Editorial and live event photography
  • Editing, proofreading, and copyediting
• Professional profiles: about.me, LinkedIn, Flickr
• Email: [email protected]
• Twitter: @ayetalian

Christine Irish, USA – Experienced Project Manager and Business Consultant from Michigan

As an experienced project manager and business consultant, I draw from a unique background in international entrepreneurship, corporate project management, public-private partnerships, and public policy research. I have a passion for work with an international focus, and can draw from my diverse experiences to provide customized solutions and support to your organization.

• Services / expertise:
  • Project Management
  • Startup Consulting
  • Business Development
• Professional profiles: LinkedIn
• Email: [email protected]

Sarah Rooney, USA – global marketing strategy and innovation consultant

Consumer behaviorist. Trend Spotter. Insight hunter.  Innovator. 10 years of progressive consulting experience across global markets, categories, and businesses. 
Services / expertise:

• Services / expertise:
  • Breadth of strategy work: brand, business, innovation, messaging, portfolio, etc including any accompanying analysis
  • Innovation from idea to market – market gap analysis, innovation territory and platform development, concept developing and optimization thorough to product development, commercialization and in market management
  • Research and insights: qual to quant planning, management execution and analysis (including moderation) 
•  Professional profiles: Sarah’s website, LinkedIn
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +1-720-244-8565

Sarah Butler, USA – Digital Marketing Consultant

10 years of project management and marketing experience for digital advertising agencies and start-ups.  3 years working with remote teams and am flexible to work part time, full time or freelance.

• Services / expertise:
  • Project Management
  • Digital Marketing
  • Front-end Development
• Professional profiles: LinkedIn
• Email: [email protected] 
• Phone: +1-610-616-3234

As our time in Croatia came to a close, we enjoyed our last few days in the sun before moving to our fourth home for the year, Istanbul.

We held an info session on Istanbul to talk about the city, its culture and what to expect while there.

The Trio (Katelyn, Fernanda and Kimmoy) interview was published at The Dubrovnik Times /Dubrovnik Explorer (photo) as well as online Dubrovacki and Croatia Week thanks to their team interaction with Dubrovnik Tourist Board and contacts with local press..  If you want to get in touch with them, feel free to email them at [email protected]

Geetika and Anuja hosted their third Food for Thought event.  This month’s event featured Brazilian cooking with help from Fernanda.  Learn more about Food for Thought on their website here or their Facebook here.

At the end of dinner, Fabio (also from Brazil) led the group in capoeira, a Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics and music.

At the end of the week two of our friends from Poligon came to visit.

A group of Remotes took a road trip to Bosnia and stopped to do some bridge jumping on the way back.

Many Remotes got scuba certified while in Croatia and went for a big dive on the last day.  It was a big accomplishment for many people who came with the goal of learning and others who decided to do it while on Remote Year.

After a long day of diving, grilled meat.

Big group dinner for the last night in Cavtat.

Everybody headed to the airport to move to our new home, Istanbul.

The first morning, Sila planned a big group brunch to begin showing us around her home.

After brunch, Sila lead a group of Remotes onto the ferry to check out the Asian side of the city.

A beautiful view of the Bosphorus from Ortakoy

Trish jumped behind the counter to help make Kampir, or Turkish baked potatoes.

As we head into our final week in Croatia, everybody has been soaking in the salt and sun, enjoying the peaceful life on the coast.

Marc happily got some work done from a reclining position in our work space.

Cassie organized a Jazz night for the group.

There were many dinners cooked throughout the week…

There were also a few dinners out, enjoying fresh seafood along the coast.

And people got to work from scenic vantage points.

We held a Remote Year values session, where we tried to identify two things: 1) shared values of the group, and 2) what Remotes really wanted to get out of the RY experience. 

Groups made posters about what Remote Year meant to them and presented to the group

In preparation for the session, we had people fill out a survey, and we made a Wordl out of their free-form responses

Hannah lead a group of Remotes to a local dog shelter, where we helped clean up, organize, and care for the dogs.  Since then, two more groups have returned to pitch in and a team of people on Remote Year are now building the shelter a new website to help build support.

The weekend kicked off with a big brunch for Nicki’s birthday.

While some other people checked out some views around town.

One group went for a hike.

Cristovam’s girlfriend came in town from Brazil and brought ingredients to host a Brazilian themed party.

Software Engineer

Toronto, Canada

What are you working on for the year?

I’m working as a software engineer for a digital media boutique called REDspace based out of Halifax, Nova Scotia. I’m currently doing Android engineering for REDspace clients.

I’m also working on a 4K web series called Where In The World Is Haseeb (www.whereintheworldishaseeb.com). I felt that an experience as amazing as Remote Year deserves to be documented and shared with the world, which is what inspired me to create this web series. Check it out!

Why did you decide to come on Remote Year?

To see the world. And because travel blooms the mind. After experiencing first-hand the perils of being stuck in a work routine, I wanted to break free of that. I always found my mind to be more refreshed and creative after traveling, but then fall back into a rut shortly after returning to work. I thought Remote Year was a great opportunity to travel while also nurturing my professional career, combining the best of both worlds.

How did you find yourself in a remote role?

I was in the job market in Toronto looking for roles in downtown, mostly because I had friends there and I wanted to experience urban Toronto living. I interviewed at a few places and got some offers, but in all these situations I felt like I would break-even at best given how expensive downtown Toronto is. Eventually I started looking at remote roles, since it would save me from any commute and extra rent. I applied around online and connected with some recruiters, which eventually lead me to REDspace. I found many good leads on www.weworkremotely.com and www.careerbuilder.com

Describe your perfect day

Sun. Mountains. Beaches. Lakes. Friends. Food. All at the same time.

Where/when did you catch the travel bug?

I think it was during my time at Amazon. I took the most vacation than anyone on my team because I felt I was giving the company a better version of myself when I came back refreshed from traveling. It took me a while to observe and understand this, but it was obvious that travel needed to be an essential part of my life. It makes me feel better, and when I feel better I do better.

What recent innovation are you most excited about?

Magic Leap sounds like magic. I can’t wait to see how this technology impacts the movie and gaming industries. 

What is the best saying/quote you know?

“You get what you give.”

Its hard to believe that we are already half way through our time here in Croatia.  It is flying by!  Every day is relaxing and beautiful, which has helped Remotes begin to think deeply about their professional lives.  The chatter about passion and purpose is palpable as people explore what impact they want to have on the world and begin searching for the tools and support to go out and achieve their goals.

This week we tried a new concept called ‘Pitches’, where people throw out an undeveloped idea to the group and they get feedback in real time.

Chris lead the group meeting for their remote conference they are developing.

Reid locked in to his work station to get some work done.

Remote Year team Sam, Jesse and Hannah gettin’ stuff done.

Nicki’s family came in town and hosted a group of Remotes for drinks by the water.

Nitin and the girls did a spa night.

Big group headed to Sunset Bar for drinks and night time dip in the water.

April hosted a knitting class – Nitin was a great!

It rained for the first time this week, but like all issues, we got through it together.

On Friday we had our Men’s and Women’s night.  We got two boats and headed out to sea.

The guys showed off their diving skills for the onlooking girls’ boat.

Both boats docked at a private island, where a beautiful spread of grilled fish awaited.

Manu and Geeti danced to the songs of an accordion 

Finally we all headed back together.

We had a beach day with a group of Croatians at a hidden beach area they told us about.

Backend Engineer, Hospital IQ, Hospital management software

Ontario, Canada (most recently living in New York, USA)

What are you working on for the year?

Most of my time is going towards my role at Hospital IQ. We help hospitals use data to optimize operations so the problems are both unique and rewarding to solve. On the side I’m working on a project that brings the offerings of tech to the field of mental health, a longtime passion of mine.

Why did you decide to come on Remote Year?

Growing up between three different cities left me with something of a restless spirit – I was making my own plans to go full nomad when a friend told me about Remote Year and it was a no-brainer.

How did you find yourself in a remote role?

I searched one out once I was accepted on Remote Year and I was lucky enough to find a position that’s both accommodating and rewarding.

What do you have a knack for?

Problem solving is my thing. Whether it’s technical, interpersonal, or as simple as getting laundry done when nothing’s open I revel in finding creative solutions to tangled issues. This aligns well with being a nomadic engineer.

Where/when did you catch the travel bug?

While the seed was likely planted earlier in life I realized my thirst for travel after a few years in New York. Living there was a major goal during my late teens and early twenties as it seemed the place to sate my desire for adventure and new experiences. After a few years there, however, I realized there was still lots of adventure to be had but no newness. The streets, sights, sounds, and (unfortunately) smells were too familiar – I missed getting lost, learning new customs, meeting people from vastly different backgrounds; I needed to travel.

What book should everyone read?

A title that’s had an impact on my life is “Siddhartha” by Hermann Hesse. It’s a deceivingly simple story with deep messages that I constantly find relevant. And it’s short, so there’s really no good excuse for not giving it a shot.

What is the best saying/quote you know?

A favorite is the Serenity Prayer which I came across thanks to Kurt Vonnegut. It goes:

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,the courage to change the things I can,

and the wisdom to know the difference.”

As a chronic depressive it speaks deeply to what I need to keep in mind to face my personal demons as well as being a beautiful message I think everyone can benefit from by carrying in their heart.