RWL061 How to Thrive in a Distributed Digital Agency with 10Up’s CEO, John Ekman

Ever wondered how a global, distributed digital agency thrives in today’s remote work landscape? Join us as we welcome John Ekman, the visionary CEO of 10Up, who leads a trailblazing team known for crafting exceptional web experiences on platforms like WordPress. John shares candid insights into the complexities of maintaining an engaging online presence without physical offices, balancing authentic employee imagery, and designing user-centric websites. Tune in to learn the strategies 10Up uses to showcase its unique company culture to both clients and prospective employees while highlighting the significance of their technical headquarters in Sacramento.From academia to the dot-com boom, John Ekman's journey into web development is nothing short of fascinating. During a time when formal education in web technologies was non-existent, John transitioned from teaching innovative "wired classrooms" at the University of Washington to becoming a self-taught web developer amidst the dot-com frenzy. In this episode, he recounts his career progression from content specialist to principal engineer, fueled by a passion for continuous learning and extensive experience with various content management systems over two decades in Boston's web development scene.Discover how John and his team at 10Up champion the benefits of remote work, corporate philanthropy, and diversity in distributed teams. We explore the operational strategies behind Aptaros and 10Up, emphasizing the use of modern communication tools to build a cohesive, productive, and environmentally sustainable remote-first culture. John also shares compelling stories about working in diverse locations, the dynamics of running a distributed agency, and the upcoming hiring phase at 10Up. Don't miss his insightful talk, "Distributed, Not Disconnected," and find out how you can become part of this forward-thinking digital agency.Looking for Remote Work?Click here remoteworklife.io to access a private beta list of remote jobs in sales, marketing, and strategy — plus get podcasts, real-world tips and business insights from founders, CEOs, and remote leaders. subscribe to my free newsletter Connect on LinkedIn