Transforming Work with Sophie Wade · 2026-01-31 · 55 min
Maya Middlemiss is Founder of Remote Work Europe, a Remote Work Strategist, and author of 'Remote Readiness for Jobseekers'. With over two decades of remote work experience, Maya reflects on developing and scaling fully remote teams long before pandemic-related "forced remote" distorted perceptions of flexible work. She highlights the mindsets, autonomy, self-discipline, and trust required for sustainable remote models, along with practical hiring indicators for remote readiness. Maya describes collaboration infrastructure, leadership evolution, and how companies and workers can intentionally position themselves for the future of distributed work. KEY TAKEAWAYS [01:12] Maya works abroad before studying psychology to better understand herself and others. [03:24] An offer to supply research via the internet launches Maya's early remote work. [04:17] Early remote work requires experimental setups with basic technology at home. [05:40] Maya hires independent, self-directed people suited to technical and remote autonomy. [07:33] Entrepreneurship, novel writing, and marathon training clues signal remote readiness.
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