Interview with Andrew, co-founder and CEO of Insured Nomads

Remote work has been a part of my modus operandi for over 15 years as my wife and I have taken turns in our professional development with various expatriate assignments and international opportunities. This situation has given me the freedom to take my work with me or pioneer new ventures from the road.

A lot of my energy is going into the launch of our international medical plans, keeping up with the rebrand/relaunch of our web presence, and building our broker and brand ambassador/influencer network. I am also handling the family aspects of life, such as school sports and beach time.

Working from lists, a plan, and a focus help me stay on task.

Always remember, your focus determines your reality." - George Lucas, filmmaker

Freedom to work from where you choose, as I anticipate working this year from Brazil, the UK, Switzerland, France, Germany and the USA (our corporate offices are in Birmingham, Alabama, USA)

It is not being able to be in person at times when it’s needed most.

Emotionally, it takes intentionality to keep a relationship strong when on the road or away from team members.

• WhatsApp
• Calendly
• Slack
• Timezone.io
• Todoist

• Global instant messaging and file sharing with WhatsApp
• Scheduling with Calendly
• Coordination and communication with Slack
• Making sure I know what time it is where people are working currently with Timezone.io
• Staying on top of personal goals and tasks with Todoist

Since I work remotely, based in Rio de Janeiro much of the year, air conditioning helps my productivity significantly.

If we were meant to stay in one place, we would have roots instead of feet. - Rachel Wolchin, entrepreneur

• Coffee and calming. 5:30-6:00
• Time with my wife. 6:00-6:30
• Breakfast 6:30-6:45
• Meditation/quiet time. 6:45-7:15
• Schedule review 7:15-7:30
• Reading 7:30-8:15
• Writing 8:15-8:45
• Snack break 8:45
• Client responses 9:30-10:30
• Project management 10:30-12:00
• Product development 12:00-1:00
• Lunch 1:00-1:30
• Calls: 1:30-4:00
• Family time: 4:00-5:30
• Finalize work: 5:30-6:30

It should fall within the daily plan, but I always work with flexibility. Family comes first so often I need to put all on hold to take care of a situation with my wife or kids, cook, or handle a school or sports requirement.

Priorities require flexibility, and remote work gives this freedom.

Ever since I had open-heart surgery due to stress, I have had the mantra of ‘hurry is my enemy.’

I must enjoy the kids, take time for family needs and my own needs unless I want to burn out emotionally and physically again.

"Stop for the one." A dear friend and coworker lived by this and told me that I must be willing to stop for the one in front of me to care for their needs, and I believe this is the key to my success.

I believe that someone should do what they commit to do, at the promised time. I look for honesty and dependability.

My goal is to be leading the most trusted name in insurance for the location independent and remote workforce within the next five years, with our products sold by all leading brokers and aggregators.

• Develop your skills as a specialist within your field.
• Get credentialed, licensed, or certified.
• Have testimonials from your clients so that your personal platform is solid.

Each person gets to have the freedom of their schedule while working where they choose with less formality of a fixed address and hours.

Communication must be intentional and strategic, and camaraderie is tougher to build without in-person events and time.