Fostering a Culture of Inclusivity in Remote and Hybrid Teams

When managing remote or hybrid project teams, I prioritize creating an Agile and Scrum-based environment regardless of project size or complexity. This approach forms the foundation of an inclusive culture by establishing consistent communication and collaboration channels.

Remote

I initiate daily check-ins, typically via Zoom or onsite when possible, to ensure every team member has a dedicated space to share blockers, express needs, and update on their progress. These daily syncs foster transparency and encourage open dialogue, helping me stay closely connected to the team’s pulse.

Moreover, I emphasize the importance of having cameras on during meetings. Being able to see facial expressions and body language is crucial to truly understanding how team members are feeling, even when they’re not verbally expressing concerns. This visual connection helps me identify subtle signals that might otherwise be missed, allowing me to address issues proactively.

As the project evolves, I continuously assess the team’s rhythm and adjust meeting frequency, sometimes moving to every other day or as suits the team’s workflow, balancing productivity with the need for ongoing support.

Through this structured yet flexible Agile framework, I cultivate a safe and inclusive environment where everyone feels heard, supported, and empowered to contribute their best work.

In addition to our daily check-ins, I reserve a dedicated 1-hour collaborative working session at least twice a week. These sessions are typically held in Figma or FigJam, but I’ve also facilitated them using Miro, Mural, and MS Teams Whiteboard, depending on client preference and platform compatibility.

In-Office

These co-working sessions serve multiple purposes:

• Welcoming new team members and integrating them into our workflows

• Kicking off new projects to align on vision and scope

• Hosting inclusive brainstorms where every voice is encouraged

  
  

Beyond just getting work done, these workshops are a space for collaborative learning and open expression. I often invite team members to take turns facilitating, helping to build confidence, leadership skills, and team rapport. Most importantly, I cultivate a safe, judgment-free environment where everyone feels supported and heard.

One of the most impactful leadership development experiences I’ve had was completing Yale’s Business Perspectives for Creative Leaders. This immersive program gave me the business acumen and strategic insight to become a more well-rounded and effective leader. Beyond the frameworks and case studies, what resonated most was learning how to adapt leadership styles to support the unique learning habits and motivations of individual designers.

A standout moment from the program was learning from Bruce Tulgan, whose research on millennials in the workplace spans more than 30 years. His insights deeply influenced the way I think about mentorship, feedback, and fostering trust in creative environments.

This hands-on understanding of different learning and working styles has fundamentally shaped how I lead and manage. It’s made me a more empathetic, adaptable leader, one who listens first and leads with intention.

I carry this same strategy into client and user interactions. Whether I’m guiding a team or engaging with stakeholders, I approach each relationship with curiosity and a commitment to understanding their unique perspectives. That mindset is core to how I design, lead, and market digital products that truly resonate.

Leadership, to me, is about more than guiding teams, it's about actively listening, adapting, and creating space for others to thrive. Through formal education, real-world experience, and deep client collaboration, I’ve learned that the most effective creative leadership happens at the intersection of empathy, strategy, and inclusion. Whether I’m managing a team of designers or leading product vision with clients, I bring a human-centered approach to everything I do, because great design starts with great understanding.