How do soft skills shape success in a remote-first world?

In this episode of Distributed, Host Jack Hannah chats with Callie Buruchara, Senior Software Engineer at Uplift Agency, to explore how mastering communication and emotional intelligence (particularly in a remote work setting) can transform your career. Callie shares her journey from high school English teacher to software engineer and how her people-first approach became her superpower.

Plus, hear Callie’s take on balancing deep work, managing expectations, and why some of the toughest lessons often come from unexpected places.

Highlights:

• Navigating remote work dynamics and adapting to different communication styles to foster collaboration and reduce misunderstandings
• The power of emotional intelligence in building trust and resolving conflict within distributed teams
• Callie’s strategies for balancing prioritization, managing time effectively, and protecting mental health
• Why addressing friction early and practicing honest communication strengthens team dynamics
• How soft skills, like empathy and vulnerability, often play a pivotal role in technical success

In this episode, we cover:

(00:00) – Kicking Things Off with Callie Buruchara

(03:00) – Why Soft Skills Matter: From Career Transition to Tech Success

(08:00) – Adapting to Different Communication Styles in Remote Teams

(12:00) – Balancing Prioritization and Mental Health While Working Remotely

(18:00) – The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Resolving Workplace Conflicts

(23:00) – Building Trust Through Feedback: Addressing Friction Before It Escalates

(28:00) – Lessons from Remote Work: Navigating Loneliness and Staying Connected

(33:00) – Vulnerability as a Strength: How Honesty Improves Team Dynamics

(37:00) – Final Takeaway: Why Soft Skills Are Key to Thriving in Tech

Where to connect further:

Connect with Callie Buruchara on LinkedIn and her Website

Email Callie at callie.buruchara@hey.com

More about Uplift Agency Ltd.

More about firstpromo.dev

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