Remote work interview with Ondrej

Can you please introduce yourself?

I am a committed European entrepreneur, convinced by the need to develop international cooperation and a sustainable approach to projects. My various current and past experiences make me a confirmed generalist capable of supporting companies, entrepreneurs and associations in their strategies and development.

I am passionate about new technologies, more equitable and balanced work approaches and inclusion. Being globetrotter and a philanthropist, I love to meet and share ideas and experiences with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

What’s your profession, what do you do?

Business developer, University Lecturer, Event organiser, Advisor and engaged volunteer in numerous associations

What company do you work for? Are you a freelancer or Digital Nomad?

Several but here I am for Joinera 🤔 I am a freelance working time to time from different places 😉

How did you start with a remote work journey?

I would say I made the move in 2001 when as 16 years old I moved to France for study in a high school since than I was always been working on different side projects remotely until it became a normal way of work for me.

What do you think are the main benefits of working remotely?

The freedom and actually it is really appreciated when you start to have a family. But it can only work if your employer or business partner give you this freedom. If working remotely means to be in a virtual office from 9am to 6pm this is definitely not a benefit.

Do you think there are disadvantages or that you’re missing something by working remotely?

Working remotely requires being well organized, having a good knowledge of the tools and being able to take a break, all these skills are not always what we have been taught so it can be hard.

From what cities or countries have you worked since you have become remote? What are your favourite countries or cities to work from?

In my previous corporate work I had the chance to travel a lot and after we made 9 months travel around the World with my wife. I cannot say there is a favorite place to work, it depends a lot on people you meet there 😉 but for sure what you need is to feel safe, have a good internet connection (at least time to time) and enjoyable food and drinks 🍻

From what type of places do you prefer to work? Home, co-working spaces, coffee shops, or others?

We created a third-place "Le Rucher Créatif" in Troyes when we came back to France after our travel. It was not because we do not like to work from home, but because we believe it great to have a dedicated space to work and the opportunity to meet and discuss with other coworkers. The best place to work is where you can concentrate and if you want to socialise you can do it freely.

What places would you like to travel to while working remotely?

I do not have a special place, but our dream (or plan) is to take a van with our two kids and to travel around European cost to meet with other inspiring entrepreneurs who work on projects for more sustainable, inclusive and peaceful future.

As I said, the biggest challenge is to be well organised, prioritize and take a break. I tried several tools but at the end the best is still to have your agenda up to date and to define clearly when you work and when not. It's as well suitable to book 20% of your time for "others/urgent matters"

What tools do you use to improve productivity and manage work efficiently?

In Joinera we use ClickUp and Miro, in Rucher Klaxoon and Asana

How do you manage your business and taxes as a remote working professional?

I am still full French tax resident thus I do not have to manage this specifically

What advice would you give to people looking to work remotely?

Start with a short test period to see if you like it. And find the tools that suit you the best. Do not forget to stay in touch with your friends and family and keep building your professional network as nothing is more useful than an advice of your peer. And I will add, start using Joinera to meet with your remote teammates 😉

Do you work on any side projects?

Yes, I always had a list of projects I work time to time on or I find someone who want to develop them.

Links to your side projects?

http://startinfrance.eu/
https://earthnest.info/en/
https://le-rucher-creatif.org/

A side project can only work if you find a great team to make it real or someone who will take it over to develop it if you do not consider to make it your main project. It's important to have it in mind and to be able to transfert it properly.

Please share if you can.On of the place I like to work the most is the train. It's not only more respectful for the environment CO2 wise, but it's often very productive time. When I can I take a train from Troyes where I live to Prague.