Leading borderless: Vincent’s journey to redefining remote leadership

Leadership today transcends the boundaries of office walls. It’s about building meaningful connections, fostering empathy, and adapting to challenges across time zones. Vincent Kusbac, Head of Marketing at a leading tech company in hospitality, exemplifies what it means to thrive in a remote-first era.

From his roots in Paris to leading teams across Asia-Pacific markets with trivago in Germany, and now managing remotely from Vietnam, Vincent’s career spans industries, continents, and cultures. Leading a global team without the traditional office environment has pushed him to redefine the essence of leadership.

Curious about his approach, we spoke with Vincent to uncover his strategies, insights, and lessons on leading effectively in a borderless, remote-first workplace.

Building connections across screens

The shift to remote work brought both opportunities and challenges, particularly in building connections across screens. "Leadership in a remote setting isn’t just about deliverables—it’s about bridging the gap that screens create", Vincent shares. For him, leading remotely means carving out time for real conversations—listening, understanding, and adapting to his team’s needs.

In a traditional office, connections often happen in fleeting moments—a coffee chat or a quick laugh in the hallway. Remote work removes these organic moments, so Vincent prioritizes intentional communication. Through regular one-on-ones, he ensures every team member feels supported and valued.

But connection isn’t just about talking; it’s about understanding. ‍

Some thrive with structure; others need flexibility. The key is tailoring your approach to meet people where they are. Leadership isn’t about proximity—it’s about creating meaningful bonds, no matter the distance.

Beyond the nine-to-five

With a dispersed team across time zones, Vincent redefined productivity, moving away from the rigid nine-to-five mindset. “Remote work is about results, not clocking in and out,” he asserts. Instead of micromanaging, he empowers his team to take ownership of their tasks.

However, remote work’s flexibility often blurs boundaries between work and personal life. Vincent actively encourages his team to take breaks, set limits, and log off at the end of the day.

Productivity doesn’t mean being always on—it means delivering sustainably.

By promoting balance and modeling it himself, Vincent fosters a culture where his team can excel without burning out. For him, thriving always beats surviving.

Building teams that thrive remotely

This begins with recruitment. Not everyone thrives in a remote environment, so Vincent focuses on finding people who are self-motivated, communicate well, and can work independently. “You need a team that can own their work without constant supervision,” he emphasizes.

I believe that building a strong remote team starts with trust and transparency. Remote work is built on trust; you hire great people and give them the space to do great work.

Once the team is in place, Vincent ensures everyone has clear expectations and access to the right tools for effective collaboration. But for him, success isn’t just about technology. “The tools help, but it’s the human connection that drives success,” he explains.

He also prioritizes creating opportunities for his team to connect—whether through casual virtual chats or celebrating milestones together.

When people feel valued and supported, they don’t just work—they thrive.

Empathy is the new leadership currency

Empathy transforms a team from good to great. For Vincent, it’s about truly understanding individual struggles and creating a supportive environment where both challenges and achievements are acknowledged. In a remote setting, where personal struggles can easily go unnoticed, this becomes even more critical.

Vincent makes mental health a priority by offering wellness resources and keeping communication lines open through regular one-on-ones that go beyond just work. He models healthy boundaries, encouraging his team to take breaks and log off when needed, showing that balance isn’t just allowed—it’s encouraged.

Empathy, however, doesn’t mean lowering expectations. Vincent pairs compassion with accountability, ensuring his team has the clarity and tools they need to excel. “When people know you have their back, they’re motivated to deliver,” he says. This thoughtful balance creates a thriving team culture, even in the toughest circumstances.

Lessons for remote leaders

Vincent’s experiences offer a blueprint for anyone looking to thrive as a remote leader:

• Prioritize connection: Intentional communication builds trust. Create regular opportunities to engage with your team in meaningful ways.
• Redefine productivity: Focus on what’s accomplished, not how many hours are logged. Outcomes matter more than time.
• Lead with empathy: Every team member works differently. Take the time to understand their needs and adapt your approach.
• Hire for mindset: Skills are important, but thriving in remote work requires independence, communication, and alignment with a remote-first culture. Ensure candidates align with the realities of remote work.

In a world without borders, Vincent reminds us that leadership is less about proximity and more about connection. It’s about creating an environment where people feel trusted, supported, and empowered to excel. His story reflects a shift in the workplace—a move toward flexibility, purpose, and human-centered leadership.

At Out of Office by CXC, we celebrate leaders like Vincent who redefine what’s possible in remote work. His experiences inspire us to see distance not as a challenge, but as an opportunity to build something extraordinary. As the future of work unfolds, it’s clear that the most successful leaders are those who lead without limits.