The Power of Mentorship: Enhancing Remote Collaboration - ep. #009

What does it take to build trust, engagement, and creativity in a hybrid workplace? In this week’s Return to People Podcast, host Kaleem Clarkson sits down with Andy LeDuc, Vice President of Digital Strategy & Operations at Mueller Communications, to explore how organizations can thrive in the new world of hybrid work. With nearly two decades of experience in marketing, digital transformation, and business strategy, Andy shares actionable insights on onboarding, mentorship, and creating balance between flexibility and connection. Early in the conversation, Andy tackles one of the biggest challenges companies face today: onboarding new employees remotely. Without in-person mentorship, he explains, new hires can feel isolated and unsure of themselves. “When you learn in a vacuum... it’s all just theory,” he says, underscoring the importance of structured onboarding programs that build confidence and belonging from day one. Andy also dives into how hybrid work has evolved from a pandemic necessity into a competitive advantage. By combining the creativity of in-person collaboration with the efficiency of remote work, teams can enjoy the best of both worlds. “Hybrid work,” Andy notes, “can offer authentic work-life balance.” This approach not only supports productivity but also opens doors to a more diverse and talented workforce unconstrained by geography. But the real foundation of a thriving hybrid culture, Andy argues, is trust. In remote environments, trust is fragile, and essential. Leaders must empower employees by respecting boundaries, communicating openly, and building systems of accountability. To foster this, Mueller Communications implemented a mentorship program that pairs employees with mentors across departments, encouraging transparency, professional growth, and authentic connection. Beyond internal culture, Andy shares how these same principles guide his approach to digital strategy and client relations. At Mueller, his team uses a 360-degree marketing approach that integrates public relations, digital storytelling, and analytics to create campaigns that resonate. By aligning people, purpose, and process, they help clients cut through the noise and make a measurable impact. Andy’s insights remind us that while technology may enable remote work, it’s trust, mentorship, and communication that make it sustainable. 🎧 Tune in to learn how to build stronger hybrid teams, create a culture of connection, and empower your people to do their best work, wherever they are. Learn more about Andy: Andy´s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyleduc/ Mueller Communications: https://www.muellercommunications.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices