Remote Tech Magazine - May 2024 Issue

THE UNDISCOVERED TALENT THAT STARTUPS HAVE BEEN LOOKING

Confessions OF A REMOTE OF A REMOTE LLEADER EADER

TECH REDEFINED, GLOBALLY CONNECTED. TECH REDEFINED, GLOBALLY CONNECTED.

Rising Tech Lead: Rene Songa PAGE 05

Career Readiness Spotlight: Miriam Ntacyonayiguriye PAGE 10

The Power of Co-Locating Your Remote Team

PAGE 16

Digital Marketing Talent Making Waves Worldwide PAGE 24

Editor'sNote

This month has been full of buzz @Innov8POD!

We continue to decode the needs of the startup ecosystems through collaborations, partnerships and most importantly, direct feedback from partner startups who are already engaging our talents.

We have built a vibrant and fast growing talent network of 100+ vetted talent who are working remotely with startups and entrepreneurs, as part of their engineering teams or digital marketing teams.

For some startups, our vetted talent pool has enabled them to build their very first team. They are able to tap into our talent pool with the flexibility to swap or even pause talen

This month, I also connected with alot of remote leaders championing distributed remote teams and sharing practical strategies that are becoming key differentiators in how startups build cost effective business models.

The best part, our flexible talent outsourcing approach enable us to test these tactics directly with the startups we work with, to see their practicality for junior remote talents.

Check out all the exciting things we’ve been up to!

Cheers!

Alida Rwabalinda Chief Editor

WHAT’S INSIDE?

Believe in yourself,

FROMINTERNTOTECHLEAD: NAVIGATINGREMOTEWORKANDSTARTUPCULTURE

ReneSonga TechLead, Singapore-BasedStartup

Rene Songa embarked on his career journey with a fervent passion for technology and innovation. After completing the Innov8POD career readiness incubator, he was quickly matched with an early stage Singapore-based startup to build out their MVP product.

Rene quickly became the defacto tech lead and solution engineer, working closely with the CEO to prepare for the first client demo day within two weeks of joining. This was the beginning of a transformative journey into remote work and startup culture.

Challenges Faced: Transitioning into remote work presented initial hurdles for Rene, particularly in communication and time management. Navigating expectations amidst tight deadlines added to the complexity of the situation. In addition, it was his first time taking on the responsibilities of being the tech lead and crafting recommendations for technical solutioning from tech stack selections to feature functionality.

Strategies Employed: Rene tapped into the Innov8POD community and mentors for brainstorming sessions. He was able to have peer reviews of his work before presenting it to the startup team, which increased his confidence in his caliber to build 0 to 1 products. He also learnt how to proactively manage expectations with the CEO and then he turned around and exceeded that expectation by delivering outcomes before the set due dates.

Embracing agile methodologies and collaborative tools streamlined workflows and fostered team cohesion, bridging the gap imposed by the physical distance.

We want to hear about your experience with the startup company you recently worked with. How do you handle working across time zones?

The startup company I work with is based in Singapore, six hours ahead of Kigali. I wake up early to catch up with the team., with the first meeting @7am Kigali time My day is flexible, and the team supports me well.

That's good to hear. How do you manage work-life balance?

I set expectations with my team and prioritize tasks realistically to avoid burnout.

How does your typical workday look like?

I typically start early to sync with the Singapore team. We have a flexible schedule and weekly goals.

You took the initiative to find a better solution... startups often struggle with estimation...

It was challenging to convince them to change frameworks, but I spent two weeks learning their approach but I quickly realized that if I was going to be effective, I would have to work with a framework that I am familiar with. Luckily, the product had not been built out extensively so the CEO was very open to my proposal to consider a different framework which gave them similar results. I'm glad they listened.

How did you handle being the sole person responsible for a project?

It was challenging but also boosted my confidence... taking ownership of the project was empowering...

Let's shift focus a bit. Looking back on your experience in the incubator, what do you think was valuable during your transition to working with the startup company?

The best thing I found was learning about agile methodology... collaborating with a remote team during the incubator prepared me for working with the startup company.

Now, if you were to recommend key things for talents interested in remote work and startups, what would they be?

Communication, time management, and managing expectations are crucial...

Thank you for sharing your valuable insights, Rene... It's been a pleasure discussing your experiences and learnings.

Thank you for the opportunity. I'm excited to continue growing with Innov8pod and the company I will work in the future

Key Learnings

RENESONGA

Key Learnings: Rene's journey yielded invaluable insights into remote work and startup culture, emphasizing the paramount importance of clear communication, effective time management, and adept expectation management. His experience underscores the transformative power of resilience, adaptability, and a steadfast commitment to continuous learning in dynamic environments.

Career Growth and Future Prospects:

From a skilled developer to a proactive problem-solver, Rene's trajectory epitomizes the potential for career growth within the startup ecosystem. His transition to a tech lead has positioned him well to take on more increasing responsibilities as a technical team leader or co-founder.

In the world of remote work, distance is no barrier to success, it's the bridge to

endless possibilities

PRODUCTDESIGNER

WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND AND SPECIALIZATION?

In high school, I pursued Mathematics-Economics and Computer Sciences, and in University, I studied Computer and Software Engineering, specializing in Software Engineering

WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE JOINING THE CAREER READINESS INCUBATION?

After graduating from university, I started to explore UX/CX design and completed a design training.

MIRIAM NTACYONAYIGURIYE

PRODUCTDESIGNER

WHAT LEARNING DID YOU ACQUIRE IN THE CAREER READINESS INCUBATOR AND HOW DID YOU APPLY IT TO YOUR CURRENT JOB?

The Agile Development Process that I learnt in the incubator has helped me to enhance my designing skills, by working iteratively on a crossfunctional team of product owners and developers. I also realized that I can work remotely, collaborate virtually and still be able to empathize with the potential users. The entire experience taught me that it is not sary to be physically present to ve great results as a team.

WHAT PROBLEM WERE YOU TRYING TO SOLVE DURING THE INCUBATOR?

The problem we aimed to address was passengers spending excessive time waiting for buses at the bus stations or stops without having information about the buses on their routes Our project focused on providing real-time transport status to passengers, allowing them to reduce their waiting time and select the best transport mode for their needs.

Automating public bus transportation in Rwanda

It was a collaborative effort requiring inputs from the product owners and technical recommendations from developers, that took us 12 weeks to complete.

CAN YOU TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE DEMO DAY PRESENTATION?

Demo Day was very well organized. The panel offered actionable feedback and also assisted to answer some tough questions from the audience Having an attentive audience during the presentation helped us to effectively present our product, knowing that they were potential users for our product when we launch it.

Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire

CONFESSIONSOFAREMOTELEADER

PracticalTacticsForStartups

When I ventured out to build Innov8POD, I quickly realized that building a pipeline of remote talent requires different strategies in order for the talent to stay motivated and empowered, while also creating value for the startups and entrepreneurs who work directly with the remote talent that you provide them.

As a first-time founder, I consider myself to be a novice in the area of operating fully remote team for other startups

So it has been a test and learn journey, which is applicable to startups thinking about hiring remote talent or setting up a remote engineering team.

Here are some key learnings so far....

“Co-locating Remote Teams Might Require An Adjusted Compensation Scale”

1. Know Your Team Work Culture Map

One of the most frustrating discovery for many founders, is the difference in work culture for remote engineering and marketing teams This is something that we discovered quickly when it became apparent how disruptive and disheartening it can be when a founder is hoping for a team to add value from Day 1 only to realize that they require more context in order for them to deliver the set outcomes

The great news is that this is fixable! At Innov8POD, we outline the work culture map for both the startup and the team they build, and address this as part of onboarding.

2. Co-Locating Remote Teams Might Require An Adjusted Compensation Scale

Some founders have the belief that junior remote talent should not work from home, but instead they should be co-located at a co-working facility, if they are in the same city.

We initially felt that this request was very doable given that this idea has become mainstream in alot of countries. We, however, forgot that some talents were living in cities two hours from the city centre where there were no co-working facilities at all. Now this idea which seemed very creative quickly became a constraint for the talent who have to choose between continuing to work for the startup or moving to the city and increase their living expenses.

3. A Valuable Talent Outsourcing Partner Minimizes The Hassle In Every Sense of the Word

Yes, managing payroll across multiple countries might be the biggest headache. But there are many small constraints that inherently arise as a result of having a remote team including managing public holiday schedules, leave days and talent performance. This can make or break the founder’s experience so most of our value is found in the support services that we provide to the client startups. Whether it is relaying feedback to the talent and creating action steps to address or ensuring that the talents have reliable internet and equipment to be able to work remotely; we focus on ensuring that the founder mainly worries on building their product and less about the day-to-day team oversight.

4. Allow Talents to Gain Experience Points

It is super important to find creative ways to keep remote teams empowered and excited for what they are working on. One way we have been doing this is to introduce a gamified approach to gaining experience points. Translating the value the talent deliver to your startup into experience points allows the talent to understand the impact they deliver through their work. It is not just a normal work day, but rather a win-win for both the startup and the team

This creative engagement tactic has also facilitated the definition of new career paths. We have seen interns become tech leads in less than a year and product owners become great team leads and operation managers to oversee the co-located remote teams.

ASHORTINTROORKICKEROF THEARTICLEWILLGOHERE. THISPARTACTSASABRIDGE BETWEENTHEHEADLINEAND THEARTICLEITSELF.

The world is your office, make it

BUILDING COMPLIMENTARY BUILDING COMPLIMENTARY BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES FOR STARTUPS FOR STARTUPS

A VA BOOTCAMP SUCCESS STORY

Cynthia Yankurije is a dedicated member of the VA Bootcamp conducted by Innov8Pod and Remote Skills Academy. As part of the bootcamp, students are tasked with assignments involving case studies, with the top three submissions featured on Innov8Pod's social media platforms.

INTRODUCTION:

The VA Bootcamp, a collaboration by Innov8Pod and RSA, empowers students to excel in Digital Marketing. Recently, Cynthia Yankurije showcased her skills in a real-world challenge: planning a company's 10th anniversary celebration.

PROBLEM:

Cynthia faced the task of ensuring the event aligned perfectly with the client's vision and expectations.

SOLUTION:

With diligence and expertise, Cynthia compiled a comprehensive list of essential questions, enabling her to gain a deep understanding of the client's needs and preferences.

CONCLUSION:

Through her meticulous approach, Cynthia exemplifies the success of VA Bootcamp students in mastering the art of event planning.

In the realm of event coordination, precision and attention to detail are paramount. Enter Paradise Benigne, a spirited participant of the VA Bootcamp by Innov8Pod and Remote Skills Academy Assigned with the task of planning a company's anniversary celebration, Paradise showcases her prowess in Digital Marketing.

APPROACH:

With zeal and dedication, Paradise meticulously compiles a comprehensive list of essential questions to guide the planning process By delving deep into the client's preferences and requirements, Paradise ensures a thorough understanding of the event's objectives, laying the groundwork for a successful execution.

CONCLUSION/RESULT:

Armed with her meticulously crafted plan, Paradise emerges as a proficient event coordinator, ready to execute a memorable anniversary celebration Her strategic approach ensures that every aspect of the event, from budgeting to logistics and safety measures, is meticulously planned and executed, guaranteeing a seamless and enjoyable experience for all attendees

Through her exemplary performance, Paradise underscores the transformative impact of the VA Bootcamp in shaping skilled professionals in event coordination.

Paradise Benigne is an enthusiastic participant in the VA Bootcamp hosted by Innov8Pod and Remote Skills Academy. As part of the bootcamp, students engage in assignments, including case studies, with the top submissions featured on Innov8Pod's social media platforms.

A VA BOOTCAMP SUCCESS STORY

Ishimwe Sarah is an enthusiastic member of the VA Bootcamp hosted by Innov8Pod and Remote Skills Academy. As part of the bootcamp, students engage in assignments, including case studies, with the top submissions featured on Innov8Pod's social media platforms

In the realm of virtual assistance, proficiency goes beyond mere task completion; it's about delivering tailored solutions with precision and professionalism. Meet Ishimwe Sarah, an enthusiastic member of the VA Bootcamp, where aspiring virtual assistants hone their skills under the guidance of Innov8Pod and Remote Skills Academy.

PROBLEM STATEMENT:

Charged with the responsibility of aiding a client in two critical tasks – scheduling a conference call across different time zones and securing the optimal flight for a business trip – Ishimwe Sarah rose to the challenge with promptness and finesse.

SOLUTION:

Responding promptly to the client's requests, Ishimwe Sarah crafted customized solutions for each task. For the conference call, she proposed a time accommodating all participants' time zones, ensuring seamless coordination. In the realm of flight booking, Sarah's meticulous search yielded clear and concise options meeting the client's criteria, reflecting her adeptness in virtual assistance.

CONCLUSION:

Through her adept coordination and professional communication, Ishimwe Sarah exemplifies the pinnacle of virtual assistance proficiency. This case study underscores the invaluable skills cultivated through the VA Bootcamp, showcasing Sarah's competence as a virtual assistant and the program's transformative impact on aspiring professionals.

Success: where dreams meet determination

Myskills havematched with...

Location:Spain

Type:Founder

Location

Type: Entrepreneur

Domain: Wellness

Paladis, a digital marketer, is matching up with a Zimbabwebased entrepreneur, specializing in wellness coaching. Paladis is tasked with managing the company’s website updates and also creating a content plan and scheduling it on various social media platforms.

Prince, a digital marketer, is matching up with a Spain-based entrepreneur, remote work coaching. He is tasked with managing the CRM dashboard and building an outreach campaign on different social media platforms.

RemoteClientProfile

Location:Singapore

Type:Founder

Domain:RemoteTalent

Outsourcing Myskills havematched with...

Eloi, another digital marketer, is teaming up with an entrepreneur to build their digital presence by building landing pages, setting up data analytics and reviewing the metrics to recommend a practical social media strategy.

My name is Vanessa

Benoit, a digital marketer, is teaming up with a Singaporebased founder specializing in outsourcing remote engineering and marketing talent for startups. Benoit will be managing a Demo Day event and coordinating the logistics to make the event a reality. Follow his work to see his learnings and how this informs his career path.

Remote Client Profile

Location: Indonesia

Type: Entrepreneur

Domain: Leadership Coach

Myskills havematched with...

Remote Client Profile

Location: Spain

Type: CEO

Domain: Community Builder

My name is Eloi

Vanessa, a digital marketer, is teaming up with a Spain-based CEO as a community manager to support the membershipbased community and to update artifacts and SOPs. Vanessa

Remote Client Profile

My name is Assouma

Location: Singapore Entrepreneur ain: Developer ourcing

Cynthia, a digital marketer, is teaming up with an ambitious entrepreneur from Singapore, focusing on community management. Cynthia's skillset will support this busy entrepreneur with organizing different workstreams, amplify their online community presence, drive growth, and enhance brand loyalty. Stay tuned as she embarks on this exciting journey.

My name is Jeanine

Assouma, one of our adept digital marketers, is set to partner with a visionary entrepreneur from Singapore, specializing in developer outsourcing. Assouma will support admin tasks as well as social media activities. Prepare to witness Assouma’s genius as she explores the new world of supporting a remote client 6 hours ahead.

RemoteClientProfile

Location:Singapore

Type:Entrepreneur

Domain:Community Management

RemoteClientProfile

Location:UnitedStates

Type:Entrepreneur

Domain:Business Consulting

In another exciting matchup, Jeanine, a digital marketer, is teaming up with a USbased entrepreneur specializing in business consulting to build a content plan and manage the content across multiple social media accounts. Stay tuned as they collaborate to make a lasting impact in the industry.

RemoteClientProfile

Location:UK

Type:CEO

Domain:FMG

Raissa, a budding digital marketer, is teaming up with a Canada-based founder specializing in business coaching, to create a content plan and publishing the content in a fun and interactive manner for users. Stay tuned as Raissa makes a meaningful impact in the realm of business coaching.

RemoteClientProfile

Patrice, a talented digital marketer, is gearing up to join forces with a CEO who is based in the UK, who specializes in the FMG domain. Patrice's budding marketing skills promise to complement their vision, amplifying brand presence through creating blog posts, presentations and also support to plan events. Stay tuned as Patrice discovers the ever-evolving landscape of FMG.

RemoteClientProfile

Location:Canada

Type:Founder

Domain:Business Coaching

Location:Indonesia

Type:Writer Domain:Web3

Nuru, our budding digital marketer, is set to collaborate with an Indonesia-based writer exploring Web3. Together, they aim to delve into decentralized technologies and digital currencies. Nuru's developing expertise in digital marketing will help expand their reach and establish a strong online presence. Stay tuned as they discover the evolving landscape of Web3 together.

Remote work: empowering individuals...

connecting worlds

PROMOTIONS

MUSANZE

GLOBAL REMOTE JOBS ROUNDUP

In the realm of remote work, the world is your workspace, and the

sky's the limit