# Critiquing Nola Simon's Hybrid/Remote Work Consulting Strategy: A Business Coach's Perspective

Nola Simon has established herself as a leading voice in the hybrid/remote work space, leveraging her decade of experience to guide organizations through workplace transformation. Her approach blends deep operational expertise with futurist thinking, emphasizing intentionality, trust, and employee-centric design. However, even the most effective strategies benefit from critical evaluation. Below, we analyze the strengths of her current model and identify opportunities for refinement, grounded in the insights from her public work and industry trends[1][2][6].

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## Core Strategic Strengths

### 1. Authenticity and Credibility

Nola’s firsthand experience managing $1B+ hybrid/remote business relationships[1] and her early adoption of flexible work models (since 2012)[2][11] provide rare operational credibility. Her transition from corporate roles to consultancy[13] aligns with the growing demand for practitioners who understand both employee pain points and organizational constraints. This authenticity resonates in client testimonials, where she’s described as the “voice of the unheard employee”[1].

### 2. Thought Leadership Ecosystem

Her multi-channel presence—podcasts (100+ episodes)[3][7][10], LinkedIn content, and media appearances—creates a self-reinforcing ecosystem. The Hybrid/Remote Centre of Excellence podcast positions her as a curator of expertise, while her LinkedIn Top Voice status[1] amplifies her reach. This strategy mirrors successful models like Simon Sinek’s, where content fuels consulting demand[5].

### 3. Focus on Systemic Change

Nola avoids superficial “best practices,” instead advocating for hybrid/remote work as an organizational “operating system”[2][6]. Her emphasis on leadership alignment, psychological safety, and multi-year transformation timelines[15] addresses root causes of hybrid failure, such as fragmented policies and distrust[8][9].

### 4. Human-Centric Differentiation

By framing hybrid/remote work as a tool for life integration rather than mere productivity[6][13], she taps into post-pandemic workforce priorities. 84% of Canadian companies now offer flexibility[13], but few address its cultural implications—a gap her consulting fills.

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## Strategic Opportunities for Enhancement

### 1. Productization of Expertise

Current State: Revenue appears tied to hourly consulting and speaking[2][6].

Opportunity: Develop scalable products:

- Online Training Platforms: Certifications for HR leaders on hybrid strategy design, leveraging frameworks like her “intention hierarchy” (perk vs. operating system)[3].

- Diagnostic Tools: AI-powered assessments to audit companies’ hybrid readiness, similar to Gallup’s employee engagement surveys[5].

- Subscription Content: A paid membership tier for the Hybrid/Remote Centre of Excellence with exclusive case studies and templates[7].

Rationale: Reduces reliance on 1:1 consulting while creating recurring revenue.

### 2. Quantitative Impact Reporting

Current State: Case studies emphasize qualitative outcomes (e.g., “improved trust”)[9][15].

Opportunity: Publish annual State of Hybrid Work reports tracking metrics like:

- Employee retention rates pre/post-consulting

- Reduction in meeting hours via async practices

- Cost savings from reduced office footprints

Rationale: Data-driven storytelling would strengthen B2B sales cycles, particularly for ROI-focused executives.

### 3. Global Market Expansion

Current State: Focused on Canadian and U.S. markets[11][13].

Opportunity: Localize offerings for EU/APAC regions, where hybrid adoption lags but demand grows. For example:

- Adapt frameworks for Germany’s strict labor co-determination laws.

- Partner with Asian HR tech platforms like Darwinbox.

Rationale: 47% of APAC companies plan hybrid shifts post-2025[14], representing untapped demand.

### 4. Tech-Enabled Service Delivery

Current State: Relies on traditional consulting models[15].

Opportunity: Integrate technology to enhance delivery:

- VR Collaboration Labs: Simulate hybrid meeting dynamics for leadership training[14].

- AI Co-Pilots: Tools analyzing Slack/Teams data to recommend communication improvements.

Rationale: Positions Nola as innovator while addressing client tech gaps.

---

## Risk Mitigation Strategies

### 1. Market Saturation

Risk: The hybrid consulting space is crowding with HR generalists and tech vendors.

Mitigation: Double down on niche expertise, e.g., “Hybrid Work for Regulated Industries” (finance, healthcare) where compliance adds complexity[8].

### 2. Overreliance on Personal Brand

Risk: Business growth is tethered to Nola’s direct involvement.

Mitigation: Build a “Future of Work Collective” of affiliated consultants trained in her methodology, ensuring scalability without dilution.

### 3. Economic Downturn Sensitivity

Risk: Consulting budgets often shrink in recessions.

Mitigation: Develop lower-cost DIY toolkits for SMBs, creating a pipeline for future enterprise clients.

---

## Tactical Recommendations

1. Leverage Existing Assets:

- Repurpose podcast content into a MasterClass-style course on “Building Hybrid Cultures.”

- Offer free hybrid audit templates in exchange for email sign-ups, nurturing leads[15].

2. Strategic Partnerships:

- Collaborate with HR tech firms (e.g., Zoom, Asana) for co-branded webinars.

- Partner with academic institutions like Simon Business School[8] for research initiatives.

3. Thought Leadership 2.0:

- Publish a manifesto (“The Hybrid Human”) blending memoir and methodology.

- Commission third-party studies on hybrid work’s impact on innovation metrics.

---

## Conclusion

Nola Simon’s strategy excels in authenticity, systemic thinking, and content-driven community building. To sustain leadership in a competitive market, she must productize her IP, quantify outcomes, and expand globally while mitigating personal brand dependency risks. By anchoring her human-centric philosophy in scalable tech and data, she can transition from influential consultant to transformative institution—shaping the future of work well beyond individual engagements.

Critique informed by Nola’s public materials[1][2][6][13][15], industry analogs[5][8], and hybrid work trends[9][11][14].

Sources

[1] Nola Simon - Member - Early Adopter - Generalist World | LinkedIn https://ca.linkedin.com/in/nolasimon

[2] Nola Simon - Elevate https://elevate.ca/speakers/nola-simon/

[3] Episode 042: A Conversation on Hybrid Work Culture with Nola Simon https://sarahnollwilson.com/blog/episode-042-a-conversation-on-hybrid-work-culture-with-nola-simon/

[4] Community is sort of like Goldilocks and the Three Bears. It's hard to ... https://rosie.land/posts/community-is-sort-of-like-goldilocks-and-the-three-bears-its-hard-to-find-the-fit-thats-juuust-right/

[5] Simon Alexander Ong: The Energizing Force Behind ... - Global Man https://globalman.co/simon-alexander-ong-the-energizing-force-behind-modern-business-strategy/

[6] 20 - flexibility and foresight into the future of work - with Nola Simon ... https://clarekumar.com/podcast/20-flexibility-and-foresight-into-the-future-of-work/

[7] The best podcasts for hybrid/remote, leadership & the future of work https://goodpods.com/curated-lists/podcasts-for-hybridremote-leadership-and-the-future-of-work

[8] Full-Time MBA Consulting Track | Simon Business School https://simon.rochester.edu/programs/full-time-mba/academics/curriculum/MBA-consulting-track

[9] Perspectives: Transparency isn't trust - Work. Better. https://www.workbetter.media/p/perspectives-transparency-isnt-trust

[10] Hybrid/Remote Centre of Excellence | Podcast on Podbay https://podbay.fm/p/the-janus-oasis

[11] Finally heading back to the office? It's getting more expensive to do ... https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/canada-workers-commuting-costs-inflation-1.6427865

[12] Hybrid/Remote Centre of Excellence - Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/hybrid-remote-centre-of-excellence/id1602822494

[13] Why I Made a Midlife Career Switch - Macleans.ca https://macleans.ca/society/why-i-made-a-midlife-career-switch/

[14] Nola Simon's Approach to Hybrid and Remote Work - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnFu3TvSqtI

[15] Current State Audit — Nola Simon https://www.nolasimon.com/blog-nolasimon/current-state-audit

[16] Nola Simon's Approach to Hybrid and Remote Work - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hf1b3AFBuNE

[17] Is Clear Kind? An RTO Comms Case Study | Nola Simon - LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/clear-kind-rto-comms-case-study-nola-simon

[18] About - Nola Simon https://www.nolasimon.com/aboutnola

[19] The 4 Day Work Week - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTNrnrNDy6Y

[20] Dr Simon Hayley - Bayes Business School - City, University of London https://www.bayes.city.ac.uk/faculties-and-research/experts/simon-hayley

[21] A Rebel With A Cause - Karen Ferris https://thejanusoasis.libsyn.com/a-rebel-with-a-cause-karen-ferris

[22] Paul Simon - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Simon

[23] Nola Simon - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@nolasimontjo

[24] Paul Simon | Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/2CvCyf1gEVhI0mX6aFXmVI

[25] Article 18 Overlay Zoning Districts https://czo.nola.gov/article-18/

[26] Charles River Laboratories | Boldly challenge scientific possibility https://www.criver.com

[27] David Simon: Most TV is unwatchable | Salon.com https://www.salon.com/2012/09/23/david_simon_most_tv_is_unwatchable/

[28] How to Prevent Proximity Bias in a Hybrid Workplace, with Nola Simon https://distantjob.com/blog/podcasts/prevent-proximity-bias-hybrid-workplace/

[29] Hybrid/Remote Centre of Excellence - Nola Simon https://www.nolasimon.com/blog-nolasimon/hybridremotecentreofexcellence

[30] How to design hybrid/remote work effectively | Nola Simon posted ... https://www.linkedin.com/posts/nolasimon_nola-simon-cyber-monday-special-current-activity-7134903840956432384-utwQ

[31] Nola Simon's Approach to Hybrid and Remote Work - iHeart https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-hybrid-remote-centre-of-ex-91058664/episode/redefining-workplace-trust-nola-simons-approach-244631287/

[32] Nola Simon Advisory - The Sole - Hybrid/Remote Centre of Excellence https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nola-simon-advisory-the-sole-sponsor-of-hybrid/id1602822494?i=1000632950352

[33] Nola Simon Advisory - The Sole Sponsor of Hybrid/Remote Centre ... https://thejanusoasis.libsyn.com/nola-simon-advisory-the-sole-sponsor-of-hybridremote-centre-of-excellence-the-sales-pitch

[34] Nola Simon Hybrid/Remote Work Discovery Call Pre-work https://thejanusoasis.libsyn.com/nola-simon-hybridremote-work-discovery-call-pre-work

[35] Finally heading back to the office? It's getting more expensive to do ... https://ici.radio-canada.ca/rci/en/news/1878619/finally-heading-back-to-the-office-its-getting-more-expensive-to-do-that

[36] Hybrid/Remote - A New Offer From Nola Simon Advisory - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ykp6bJfK0F8

[37] Hybrid/Remote Centre of Excellence Podcast - 10 Best Episodes https://goodpods.com/podcasts/hybridremote-centre-of-excellence-198061

[38] 59 B2B Consulting | nola, simon, remote work https://ca.pinterest.com/nolasimontjo/b2b-consulting-workplace-flexibility/

[39] Nola Simon - Hybrid/Remote Centre of Excellence https://thejanusoasis.libsyn.com/HRCoE

[40] Hybrid/remote is the portal to the future of work. <br ... - Nola Simon https://www.nolasimon.com/hybridremotecoe

[41] Listen to Hybrid/Remote Centre of Excellence podcast - Deezer https://www.deezer.com/show/5713477

[42] Podcast Hybrid/Remote Centre of Excellence en Amazon Music https://music.amazon.com/es-us/podcasts/a86e4996-3ac4-4dec-8f3d-afcdc70259f5/hybrid-remote-centre-of-excellence

[43] Hybrid/Remote Centre of Excellence Podcast Series – Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/ug/podcast/hybrid-remote-centre-of-excellence/id1602822494

[44] Hybrid/Remote Centre of Excellence (podcast) - Nola Simon https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/hybridremote-centre-of-excellence-nola-simon-nHWeA2OGmD-/

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