We’ve optimized for convenience. But in doing so, we may be sacrificing something far more valuable, such as impact, connection, and long-term growth. Remote work has unlocked flexibility, autonomy, and efficiency like never before. But if you’re someone with big ambitions — someone who wants to lead, grow, and build real influence — then being visible still matters!
In this episode of the Future Ready Leadership podcast, I explore a topic that’s become quietly controversial: why in-person work isn’t just “nice to have” — it’s a strategic move for anyone serious about leadership.
From my own experience giving virtual and in-person keynotes, to insights from CEOs at companies like Microsoft and Ellevest, we break down the crucial difference between getting things done and making things happen — and why showing up in the right moments could be your greatest competitive edge.
Listen to the episode here on Apple Podcast & leave a review!
Productivity Isn’t the Same as Impact
Let me be clear: I’m a big believer in hybrid and flexible work. I don’t think anyone should be forced into a one-size-fits-all model. But there’s something we need to talk about that doesn’t get nearly enough attention: just because something is productive doesn’t mean it’s impactful.
Take keynote speaking. I can do four or five virtual talks in a day, staring into a webcam. That’s efficient. But where do I make the biggest impact? It’s not behind a screen — it’s on a stage. When I can see the audience, read the room, shake hands, talk before and after, make eye contact… that’s where the real connection happens. That’s where trust is built. And it’s the same for leadership, innovation, and culture.
CEOs have noticed this too. The head of Microsoft, the CEO of Ellevest — they’ve both said that while remote work can keep the wheels turning, it doesn’t drive the business forward. And I think they’re right. If all we care about is checking boxes and hitting short-term goals, remote work works fine. But companies aren’t just trying to survive, they’re trying to grow. And growth requires more than productivity. It requires presence.
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Why In-Person Matters for Aspiring Leaders
If you have leadership aspirations — if you want to be seen, mentored, promoted — then I’ll say this as clearly as I can: now is your moment.
Because while many people are choosing not to come into the office (and hey, no judgment if that’s your choice), that also means less competition for visibility and access. If you’re the one who’s there — collaborating with your leader, watching how they operate in real-time, building relationships with your team — you’re going to stand out.
Leadership development doesn’t just happen in courses or check-ins. It happens in the margins. It happens when you see how someone handles a tough conversation, negotiates under pressure, responds with empathy. And those moments are hard to catch on Zoom.
This isn’t about facetime for the sake of facetime. It’s about learning through osmosis — something that only happens when you’re in the room.
Listen to the episode here on Apple Podcast & leave a review!
Be Intentional with Your Presence
Let’s not fall into an all-or-nothing mindset here. I’m not saying you need to be in the office five days a week, suited up, grinding from 9 to 5. I’m saying be intentional.
If you’re doing deep work, presentations, writing, or calls — sure, stay home. But if you’re trying to build trust, innovate with a team, develop your leadership skills, or connect with senior leaders — get in the room. Don’t miss the moments that matter.
We need to stop treating work location as a binary decision and start thinking strategically. Match your environment to your goals.
Coast or Climb — You Get to Choose
If you’re happy where you are and just want to get your paycheck, there’s nothing wrong with that. Seriously. Everyone has different seasons of life and career. But if you’re coasting, don’t be surprised if you’re not the one getting tapped for the next promotion.
Because while you’re chilling at home, someone else is making the effort to show up. They’re putting on the blazer, commuting in, having side conversations with leadership, and becoming the obvious choice when the next opportunity opens up.
So if you have goals — real goals — about stepping into leadership, now’s the time to lean in while others are leaning out.
Listen to the Full Episode
This is a conversation a lot of people are avoiding, but we need to have it — especially if you care about building future-ready leaders. In the full episode, I go deeper into the differences between productivity and impact, how to be intentional about when to be in-person, and why this moment presents a massive opportunity for ambitious professionals.
And if this resonated with you, don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss the strategies, stories, and shifts shaping the future of leadership.
…
HR just changed for good with the introduction of Human Intelligence™.
By combining AI and the uniquely authentic data of Workhuman’s #1 rated employee recognition platform, Human Intelligence reveals what good looks like in your company, with previously unobtainable insights into skills, performance, culture and more. Human Intelligence also helps coach employees on what good peer-to-peer recognition looks like, turning every “good job” into better engagement, retention, and wellbeing. And it helps surface feel-good stories that illustrate the best of your company culture.
Learn about Human Intelligence at Workhuman.com, and join our force for good.
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