What does it take to build a thriving remote culture and transform how teams meet? In this episode of the Return to People Podcast, host Kaleem Clarkson talks with Aydin Mirzaee, co-founder and CEO of Fellow, the AI-powered meeting assistant helping organizations improve collaboration before, during, and after every meeting. Drawing from his experience founding Fluidware (acquired by SurveyMonkey) and Fresh Founders, Aydin shares his journey of leadership, adaptability, and continuous learning in a rapidly changing world of work. Once skeptical of remote work, Aydin admits he thought it would lead to less productivity. But the pandemic changed everything. Forced to adapt, his team discovered that successful remote work depends not on oversight but on trust, communication, and clarity. “The communication infrastructure and sophistication of a remote team is much higher,” Aydin explains, emphasizing that building alignment requires intentional systems and consistent dialogue. As Fellow evolved, Aydin and his team learned that connection is just as important as performance. While remote work offers flexibility and access to global talent, it also requires deliberate efforts to foster human relationships. To maintain team cohesion, Fellow organizes biannual summits and local gatherings that strengthen social bonds and nurture a sense of belonging. At the core of Aydin’s philosophy is the idea of optimizing for learning, encouraging experimentation, reflection, and growth across every level of the company. By cultivating a learning culture, teams not only become more resilient but also unlock innovation and long-term success. This conversation offers a refreshing perspective on what it means to lead in the hybrid era. Aydin explores how AI can make meetings smarter and more meaningful, how remote leaders can communicate with greater intentionality, and how creating an environment centered on learning and connection leads to stronger, more empowered teams. While technology can enhance how we work, it’s still people, and the relationships we build, that drive true progress. 🎧 Listen now to hear how Aydin Mirzaee and his team at Fellow are redefining meetings and remote leadership through the power of AI, communication, and human connection: Learn more from Aydin: Aydin´s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aydinmirzaee Fellow: https://fellow.ai/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices