We've been talking about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in companies for 50+ years, but the conversation isn't keeping up with how quickly our world is changing. So isn't it about time we updated the conversation for our globally distributed workforce? This podcast provides equity-minded leaders practical advice to lead inclusion in the workplace.
Inclusion in Progress is hosted by Kay Fabella. Kay is a Filipina-American living in Spain since 2010. She's also a DEI practitioner, author, speaker, and CEO of Inclusion in Progress, LLC. Having worked with companies like Red Hat, Meta, the IMF, and more, she brings a nuanced international perspective to her company's work with distributed teams. Kay believes that everyone — regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, ability, age or background — has a role to play in creating inclusion for all.
Inclusion in Progress will give you the insights, daily micro-actions, and data-driven strategies you need to create an equitable work culture that brings out the best in each of us. So if you're a company leader who's ready to turn DEI from insight into action — hit that subscribe button to learn how your leadership can create a more inclusive world for us all.
**Please note: we are NOT accepting guests for our podcast.**
This is the final episode of Inclusion in Progress.
As we wrap up this show after six years, we want to thank you for all of your support.
19 Dec 2025TRANSCRIPT
IIP150 Distributed Work Models: Balancing Structure and Freedom Using Core Hours
Have you ever wondered how to create structure for your distributed team — without taking away their flexibility?
We often hear leaders ask how to balance business needs with employees' desire for autonomy. That's where Core Hours with Flexibility comes in: a distributed work model that allows everyone to work when they're at their best, while still ensuring there's dedicated time each day for real-time collaboration.
Which is why on this episode of Inclusion in Progress, we're diving into one of the 12 distributed work models we've identified while working with remote and hybrid teams.
This episode breaks down the Core Hours with Flexibility Model — which helps you align your team's schedules without forcing everyone back to the same rigid 9-to-5.
We cover:
How to set clear boundaries and expectations that empower teams to manage their time effectively
What to consider before adopting the Core Hours with Flexibility Model for your distributed workforce
The biggest challenges of implementing this model — and how to maintain fairness across time zones
We'll be breaking down the rest of all of these work models on future episodes, so subscribe to the podcast to make sure you don't miss out!
And if you're a People or HR leader who wants a more detailed breakdown of the 12 distributed work models (and an easy framework to decide which works best for your organization)...
Download a copy of our Distributed Work Success Playbook today!
TIMESTAMPS:
[02:36] How the Core Hours with Flexibility Model improves coordination while giving employees the flexibility to manage their own schedules.
[03:38] What are some of the key principles to applying core hours with flexibility in your workplace?
[04:56] What are some of the most common challenges for this Distributed Work Model?
[05:41] How to know if the Core Hours with Flexibility Model is best fit for your organization?
LINKS:
info@inclusioninprogress.com
www.inclusioninprogress.com/podcast
www.linkedin.com/company/inclusion-in-progress
Download our Distributed Work Models Playbook to learn how to find the distributed work model that enables your teams to perform at their best.
To learn more about Help Scout's distributed work strategy, check out Episode 137 Distributed Work Experts: Lessons from Help Scout.
Want us to partner with you on finding your best-fit hybrid work strategy? Get in touch to learn how we can tailor our services to your company's DEI and remote work initiatives.
Subscribe to the Inclusion in Progress Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to get notified when new episodes come out!
Learn how to leave a review for the podcast. (https://bit.ly/review-itunes-IIP-kay)
5 Dec 2025TRANSCRIPT
IIP149 Distributed Work Models: What Digital Nomads Bring to the Remote Revolution
Have you ever wondered how some companies manage to attract top global talent while giving employees full freedom to work from anywhere?
In 2025, over 35 million people now identify themselves as digital nomads. So what if your organization was able to tap into the power of a workforce that truly works — and comes from — anywhere?
Which is why on this episode of Inclusion in Progress, we're diving into one of the 12 distributed work models we've identified while working with remote and hybrid teams: The Digital Nomad-Friendly Model — used by companies like Doist.
We cover:
How to ensure productivity and collaboration when your teams are constantly on the move
What to consider before choosing a Digital Nomad–Friendly Model for your organization
The challenges of maintaining trust, communication, and well-being for globally mobile teams
We'll be breaking down the rest of all of these work models on future episodes, so subscribe to the podcast to make sure you don't miss out!
And if you're a People or HR leader who wants a more detailed breakdown of the 12 distributed work models (and an easy framework to decide which works best for your organization)...
Download a copy of our Distributed Work Success Playbook today!
TIMESTAMPS:
[02:37] How the Digital Nomad-Friendly Model takes advantage of global experience, autonomy, and trust.
[03:47] What are some of the key principles to applying digital nomad-friendly workplaces?
[04:56] What are some of the most common challenges for this Distributed Work Model?
[05:58] How to know if the Digital Nomad-Friendly Model is best fit for your organization?
LINKS:
info@inclusioninprogress.com
www.inclusioninprogress.com/podcast
www.linkedin.com/company/inclusion-in-progress
Download our Distributed Work Models Playbook to learn how to find the distributed work model that enables your teams to perform at their best.
Want us to partner with you on finding your best-fit hybrid work strategy? Get in touch to learn how we can tailor our services to your company's DEI and remote work initiatives.
Subscribe to the Inclusion in Progress Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to get notified when new episodes come out!
Learn how to leave a review for the podcast. (https://bit.ly/review-itunes-IIP-kay)
Inside a recent episode
IIP151 The Farewell Episode
Published 2 Jan 2026 · Transcript excerpt
[…] And after six years of navigating a pandemic, crazy times, hybrid transitions, the inclusion conversation in all its various forms, and the constant evolution of what inclusion even means, it's time. It's time to pause, it's time to integrate, and it's time to make space for whatever comes next. Because this work, the work of building inclusive distributed teams, it doesn't stop. You know, as we always say on the podcast, it's work that is ongoing, that there's never one size fits all. There's never one version where it's always done. It just changes shape. So if there's one thing I want you to remember, it's this. […]
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