We're Missing Something Big in the Remote Work Era—and It's Costing Us
When I started my career, I didn’t have a formal mentor.
No one was assigned to show me the ropes, advocate for me in meetings, or walk me through the unwritten rules of leadership. But I wanted to grow—and I wasn’t going to wait for permission.
So I did what hungry people do:
I made everyone my mentor.
I watched closely. I asked questions—lots of them. I studied the people who were excellent at what they did. I asked to sit in on meetings. I listened in hallways. I learned by proximity.
And I also said yes—to everything.
Need someone to take notes in a meeting? I was in.
Want someone to try out a new software? I’d learn it.
I wasn’t afraid to try, and I never turned down an opportunity to learn a new skill. If they’d let me try it, I’d learn it.
That kind of growth? It doesn’t happen the same way over Zoom.
The Silent Loss of Remote Work
Let’s be clear: remote work isn’t the enemy. It brings flexibility, increased productivity for some, and access to global talent. But let’s stop pretending it doesn’t cost us anything.
We are missing the magic of human interaction—those spontaneous moments where knowledge, wisdom, and feedback flow freely:
The “What would you do?” questions asked while grabbing coffee.
The real-time coaching after a tough meeting.
The confidence you gain just by being in the room with someone better than you.
In-person work environments are breeding grounds for growth—not because they’re structured that way, but because human development is a contact sport.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
Organizations want high performers. Individuals want career acceleration. Leaders want stronger teams.
But we’re stripping out one of the fastest paths to get there: relational osmosis—the learning that comes from being around people who challenge you, model excellence, and show you the way forward without even realizing it.
You can’t develop a standout career in isolation.
You grow by asking questions, by trying, by failing forward, and by doing the work next to people who’ve done it before.
We’re not just working from home—we’re developing in a vacuum.
The Call to Action
If you’re a company leader, create opportunities for in-person connection. It doesn’t have to be 5 days a week—but make it intentional.
If you’re early in your career, show up. Get in the room. Ask questions. Offer to help. Say yes, even when it feels intimidating. Learn every skill they’ll let you learn.
Become the kind of person who grows by leaning in—not logging off.
And if you’re like me—someone who built a career by watching, asking, saying yes, and never wasting a moment near someone wiser—then maybe it’s time we stop pretending remote is enough.
In-person is where the real work begins.
Want to grow? Get in the room. Ask the question. Say yes. That’s where the real work—and real opportunity—lives.