How do you build strong remote teams when your colleagues come from completely different cultural backgrounds? In this episode of the Nomad Summit Podcast, we unpack the realities of cross-cultural communication in distributed teams – and why good intentions often go wrong.

Christoph Huebner and Palle Bo are joined by two seasoned experts:

• Renita Kasper, a global talent acquisition leader and remote team builder from Estonia.
• Miguel Piñas, COO and co-founder of Companio, who leads a remote-first team spanning 10+ countries.

Together, they share candid stories from their experience – from awkward email misunderstandings to successful strategies for building cultural intelligence inside companies. Whether you're managing a team or looking to land your next remote job, this episode will help you navigate the hidden cultural dynamics that shape remote work.

Key Takeaways

• Direct vs. indirect communication can make or break remote collaboration.
• Cultural awareness isn't intuitive – it requires structure, training, and ongoing feedback.
• Miscommunications often stem from differing workplace norms, not bad intentions.
• The book The Culture Map by Erin Meyer is a highly recommended resource for teams.
• Hiring for diversity means more than skills – it also requires systems that support inclusion.
• Companies should stop pushing “headquarter culture” onto international teams and co-create values instead.
• Candidates applying for remote roles should research the communication style of the company beforehand.

Relevant Links

• Miguel Piñas on LinkedIn
  https://www.linkedin.com/in/miguelpinas
• Renita Kasper on LinkedIn
  https://www.linkedin.com/in/renitakasper
• Companio
  https://companio.co
• Book: The Culture Map by Erin Meyer
  https://go.nomadsummit.com/book-culture-map
• Global Nomad Pass
  https://globalnomadpass.com
• Unlock a free month of Global Nomad Pass
  https://go.nomadsummit.com/gnp-podcast
• Nomad Summit
  https://nomadsummit.com
• The Radio Vagabond (Palle Bo)
  https://theradiovagabond.com/link-tree
• Episode produced by RadioGuru
  https://radioguru.co.uk

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In this episode of the Nomad Summit Podcast, we’re coming to you from the heart of Bansko, Bulgaria, where digital nomads and local entrepreneurs are reshaping the town’s economy.

Host Christoph Huebner sits down with Safir Jamal, founder of Global Nomad Pass, and Hristina Zlatinova, owner of the popular café and bakery Lubanitza, to explore how intentional spending can empower communities – and why your coffee choices matter more than you think.

We talk about how digital nomads can counteract seasonality in smaller destinations, how Safir’s platform is connecting nomads to authentic local experiences, and how Hristina is building a family-run food business with global ambitions.

Whether you’re traveling the world or planning your first trip as a remote worker, this episode offers a thoughtful look at the real impact of our choices on the places we visit.

Key Takeaways

• Why spending at local businesses creates far more impact than at global chains
• How Global Nomad Pass makes it easier for travelers to support local economies
• The role digital nomads play in revitalizing off-season towns like Bansko
• Why Hristina refuses to offer Wi-Fi in her café – and how that fosters human connection
• Behind the scenes of building a nomad-focused discount platform in 25+ cities
• Plans to franchise Lubanitza and expand the reach of Bulgaria’s beloved Banitsa

Relevant Links

• Sponsor:
  Download the GigSky app from your app store or learn more at https://GigSky.com
• Global Nomad Pass
  https://globalnomadpass.com
• Safir Jamal on LinkedIn
  https://www.linkedin.com/in/safirjamal
• Global Nomad Pass on Instagram
  https://www.instagram.com/globalnomadpass
• Lubanitza on Instagram
  https://www.instagram.com/lubanitza
• Find Lubanitza in Bansko
  https://maps.app.goo.gl/FJ7rQepUgbFVsPn9A
• Nomad Summit
  https://nomadsummit.com
• The Radio Vagabond (Palle Bo)
  https://theradiovagabond.com/link-tree
• Episode produced by RadioGuru
  https://radioguru.co.uk

Digital nomad visas promise freedom – but are they really working the way they should? In this episode, we’re joined by Lily Szabo, a researcher, writer, and co-author of a major policy brief on nomad visa strategy. Together, we explore the past, present, and future of these visas, including what’s broken, what’s improving, and what countries are getting it right.

Lily brings a critical yet optimistic lens to the global mobility conversation, unpacking issues like bureaucratic roadblocks, cultural friction, and how countries can better integrate remote workers into their communities. Whether you're a slowmad, full-time traveler, or just nomad-curious – this episode is packed with practical insights and future-forward thinking.

Key Takeaways

• What digital nomad visas are – and why early versions failed to address the realities of remote work.
• Why Thailand’s new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is one of the most promising examples of policy done right.
• What governments often misunderstand about digital nomads – including common stereotypes and overlooked opportunities.
• The importance of local integration – and why cultural context matters when nomads land in a new destination.
• How countries can think in “funnels,” not gates – offering different pathways depending on nomads’ needs and goals.
• The future of nomad visas – including standardization, rural repopulation opportunities, and cosmolocal innovation.

Relevant Links

• The policy brief, co-authored by Kaisu Koskela and Lily Szabo:
  https://runomi.org/policy-briefs/digital-nomad-visa-policy-brief/
  
  Sponsor: COVRD.EE
  https://covrd.ee
• Nomad Summit
  https://nomadsummit.com
• The Radio Vagabond (Palle Bo)
  https://theradiovagabond.com/link-tree
• Episode produced by RadioGuru
  https://radioguru.co.uk

If you enjoyed this episode, consider sharing it with a fellow nomad – or leave a review to help others find the show. See you next week for another episode from the frontlines of location independence.