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Leading in the Digital Age
Less than 3 months left in 2025, and some leaders are still trying to figure out how to lead in this digital first world.
Remote work, hybrid setups, and RTO (Return to Office) mandates stay in the headlines.
But why is that?
And are they actually helping anyone lead better?
When the world shut down in 2020, we didn’t just survive, we adapted.
We built virtual communities, learned new tools, and proved that great work can happen anywhere.
Yet here we are, five years later, with some of the biggest tech companies mandating in-office work… all in the name of “collaboration.”
Look, I’m all for collaboration. I love connecting with people.
But I’m also an introvert at my core, I recharge best alone, and I know a lot of you in STEM or engineering can relate.
So what’s really driving this RTO wave?
My honest take
It’s not about productivity.
It’s not even about culture.
It’s about clarity.
Too many leaders don’t have a clear vision, so they default to what feels familiar.
The office becomes a security blanket. The place to “spark something” when the real issue is a lack of direction.
But here’s the truth:
If you can’t clearly paint a picture of where you’re going, it’s impossible to lead people toward it.
Sure, having everyone back in the office might feel right, but without purpose, it just frustrates your team especially those who thrive in flexible, hybrid environments.
What leadership looks like now
I’ve led fully remote organizations for the last five years. It’s not effortless, but it is possible.
When I first started working with NALA(STEM), it took nearly two years before I met the now CEO in person… thanks, Covid and it was even longer for the rest of the team.
What kept us aligned wasn’t proximity. It was clarity.
We set expectations early, communicated consistently, and built trust over time.
We didn’t need an office to make that happen.
This week on the podcast
I sat down with Dr. Rosalba Lopez, founder of the FLAS Foundation, to talk about how STEM professionals can do more with their skills and why investing in yourself is the smartest move you can make for your future.
She’s helping freelancers and consultants turn their work into sustainable, values-driven businesses.
If you’re ready to scale your impact, this episode is for you.
TL;DR:
Many leaders are pushing Return to Office not because it works—but because they lack clarity and vision. True leadership in this digital age means setting direction, building trust, and empowering people wherever they are. Want to hear from someone doing that at scale? Catch my convo with Dr. Rosalba Lopez on the latest podcast episode.
DETAILS ABOUT EPISODE
Paul Faronbi interviews Dr. Rosalba Lopez, a former academic who transitioned into medical writing and now coaches STEM entrepreneurs. They discuss Rosalba's journey, the nuances of medical writing, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the importance of emotional intelligence and mindset in overcoming obstacles. Rosalba shares insights on investing in oneself, the transformative power of mastermind retreats, and how diverse experiences can contribute to success. The conversation emphasizes the value of learning from failures and the importance of supporting one another in the entrepreneurial journey.
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Reminder new episodes come out every Monday at 6am Central Time. Check it out by going to incredipaul.org/podcast or stream on the following platforms: YouTube, Apple, Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon and More.
EP 134: UNLOCKING POTENTIAL: THE POWER OF COMMUNITY IN PERSONAL GROWTH W/ LUCAS KRUMP
EP 135: MANAGING YOUR MENTAL HEALTH W/ PAUL FARONBI
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