Featured Speaker: Jen Fisher

“Victoria BC has given me enough quirky and wonderful music, arts and adventures to keep me entertained for the last 9 years. In the event of a fire I would save my cat, my friends, and my computers – though not necessarily in that order.”

Presentation: Building and Maintaining a Distributed Workforce: A Startup Story

“I’ve always specialized in customer service and staff support roles, but working for a globally distributed company has given me a new appreciation for the nuances of working and interacting in a digital space. There’s an art to what we do, and I’m both a fan and a student of the process.”

What unique perspective are you bringing to this talk?

“Since I started with Sucuri over a year ago, our employee base has doubled in size as we’ve explored new markets and service support techniques. As someone who works with clients, new team members and existing staff directly, I have a uniquely global set of insights into the growth process.

I’ve had a front-row seat to watch (and learn from) both the big changes and the small ones. Sometimes big changes don’t equate to large gains. Often it’s the small things that we do and are mindful of during every interaction that provide the most value long-term.”

What’s one really cool thing people will discover during your session?

“My coworkers and I (for the most part) have never met AFK, yet we work from around the world to accomplish amazing things and make advancements as a cohesive unit each and every day. Our organization has a culture and a shared vision and passion for the work that we do.

There’s little to no luck involved in the development of such a team. A few considerations and operational changes can foster more positive employee and client interactions while providing increased adaptability and infrastructure for future growth in an online environment.”

What are you most looking forward to at WordCamp Toronto?

“At each WordCamp that I’ve been to, the feeling of community is palpable from the get-go. I’m excited to meet new and interesting people, and learn from some of the stellar minds that contribute to the future of the growing WordPress collective!”