Feb 26, 2026
A different kind of episode
today!
We’re back with two voices, and this time, instead of Pilar sharing
notes from a book, she speaks to her co-author Bree Caggiati, about
their latest book, "Connection and Disconnection in Remote Teams".
They cover some of the book’s topics, how the research has moved
on, and for Part 2, they’ve got some connection-related personal
updates.
In today's episode:
Part 1
Check out Connection and
Disconnection in Remote Teams, the book!
1. Book and Project Origins
Bree and Pilar explain how their 2019 podcast project on connection and disconnection evolved into their recently published book.
2. Evolution from Remote to Hybrid Work
How remote work went from a "niche" concept in 2019 to the
mainstream adoption of hybrid models post-pandemic, and the common
mistake of forcing traditional office-based practices into remote
environments and the benefits of establishing intentional
remote-first frameworks.
3. Diversity and Inclusion in Connection:
Individuals experience belonging differently and how designing for
specific needs can benefit an entire team.
4. Structure and Themes of the Book
An overview of the core topics addressed in the book.
5. New Research on Monthly Meetups
A new study by Nick Bloom suggesting that bringing fully remote
teams together just once a month can significantly boost
productivity and reduce quit rates.
6. The "3A Framework" of Connection & Shared
Responsibility
A breakdown of three ways people connect at work., and the
"overarching thesis" that connection is a shared duty between the
organisation, the manager, and the individual, requiring deliberate
design rather than just hoping it happens.
7. The Connection Quiz
A ten-question, quiz to test Bree’s memory of key concepts from the
book, such as the health risks of chronic loneliness and the
"remote-first" approach.
8. Generative AI and Rapport
How AI chatbots might replace small human interactions, potentially
impacting the bonding and trust-building typically found in quick
feedback loops.
Part 2: Personal Updates
Talking “Away from the Work", but still connected to today’s topic
of connection!