How Remote How Was Born: Iwo Szapar on AI Integration, and Global Nomadism - ep. 096

Remotely One - A remote work podcast

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Join hosts Rick Haney and Kaleem Clarkson for a lively and insightful chat with Iwo Szapar, the CEO and co-founder of Remote How. Together, they dive into a conversation brimming with humor, camaraderie, and deep insights into the ever-evolving future of work. Iwo, a trailblazer in remote work advocacy and an expert in AI integration takes us on a journey from his hometown of Gdynia, Poland, to becoming a global thought leader. With a resume boasting over 3,000 companies—including heavyweights like Walmart, Microsoft, and ING Bank—Szapar has been at the forefront of helping businesses navigate the complexities of remote and hybrid work.
Iwo reflects on his international adventures, which began with a work opportunity in Austin, Texas, and blossomed into a nomadic lifestyle that has seen him living in 15 countries across Asia, Europe, and beyond. His travels, driven by a passion for experiencing diverse cultures and broadening his perspective, have deeply influenced his approach to remote work. From the vibrant streets of Vietnam to the serene landscapes of Colombia, he has witnessed firsthand the global shift toward remote work, a trend that surged during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The spark that ignited Remote How in 2017—a time when remote work was still gaining traction—was fueled by the growing demand among millennials for work flexibility and the challenges companies faced in attracting talent. Remote How was born with a clear mission: to empower individuals and organizations to fully embrace the freedom that remote work offers.
As one of the early adopters of the digital nomad lifestyle, Iwo shares his insights into the unique challenges and rewards of this way of life. He also traces the remarkable evolution of Remote How and its significant impact on the remote work landscape. From its inception with the Remote Future Summit—the largest virtual conference on remote work at the time—to the launch of the Remote How Academy, the world’s first certification program for remote workers, Iwo has been committed to equipping individuals and companies with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in a distributed work environment.
Now the Remote Work rocket continues to soar and the intersection of AI and remote work becomes increasingly inevitable. For Iwo, AI is set to reshape industries, emphasizing that AI should be seen as a tool for empowerment rather than a threat. But despite being a visionary, Iwo remains grounded in the reality of uncertainties surrounding the future of work, particularly with the rapid advancement of AI. Traditional career paths, like software engineering, which were once considered secure, are now being challenged by the rise of AI.
This must-listen episode is perfect for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of remote work, the challenges of organizational change, and the transformative potential of AI. Szapar’s unique insights and experiences offer valuable guidance for navigating these complex and rapidly changing environments. Whether you’re a remote work enthusiast, a digital nomad, or simply curious about the future of work, this episode is packed with knowledge and inspiration to help you embrace the future with confidence and creativity.
Learn more about Iwo:

• Iwo’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iwoszapar/
• Remote How: https://www.remote-how.com/
• Remote-First Institute: https://www.remote-first.institute/