Resource Worldwide Sophie Dearden founded Resource Worldwide. She's an experienced entrepreneur who is currently running a vastly growing company. She first ventured into the world of business after leaving the University of Worcester with a First Class degree in Art. For many years she ran a number of highly profitable businesses, and she even had a short sabbatical working in the corporate world. But it was in 2018 when things really changed for her. Starting a new e-commerce business that could fit more easily around her family, Sophie knew how to make it grow, and within months she had no choice but to bring in a team to support her. This recruitment process was when she first hired remote professionals, and this experience opened up new doors for her that have now led to the establishment and success of Resource Worldwide. To date, Resource Worldwide has helped more than 200 clients fill roles with remote professionals, and the company’s mission is to help over 1000 businesses by 2025. With Sophie’s vast experience and track record for growing businesses, it seems that nothing is impossible for her. Summary of the Podcast Remote Working * Kevin and Graham discuss how the workforce has become more global, with workers from places like the Philippines. * They are excited to welcome guest Sophie Dearden, who runs a business called Resource Worldwide. * Her business helps companies globally fill skills gaps by placing remote professionals from the Philippines. Sophie's Journey * Sophie shares how she initially started hiring virtual assistants from the Philippines to support her own e-commerce business. * After that Sophie began helping others hire remote talent as well. * She discusses the challenges she faced early on, such as unreliable workers and quality issues, and how she learned to overcome those problems. The Benefits of Hiring Remote Workers * Sophie explains how Resource Worldwide now places highly skilled remote professionals from the Philippines. * They can be engineers, designers, and programmers, who work for UK and US companies. * She highlights how her company is able to pay these workers significantly more than the local market rate. * Yet, the cost is still 30% below UK rates. Overcoming Common Concerns * Graham and Kevin raise common concerns about remote work, such as quality of work, cultural fit, communication, and time zone differences. * Sophie explains how her company's rigorous screening and support processes help ensure a great fit and high performance from their remote professionals. The Impact on Worker's Lives * The high salaries provided by Resource Worldwide transform the lives of the remote professionals. * Workers get to buy homes, vehicles, and take vacations - things they could not previously afford. * This sense of purpose and impact drives Sophie's vision for the business. Advice for Companies Considering Doing This * Sophie provides guidance for companies interested in hiring remote talent. * One factor is the importance of understanding cultural differences. * Be transparent about expectations. * Build strong relationships with remote workers to ensure a successful partnership. Clips from the Podcast Resource Worldwide https://thenext100days.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Sophie-Dearden-Resource-Worldwide.mp4   Mastermind  https://thenext100days.