Insights from Vivian Morgado, Business Operations Manager at Linera

Firstly, could you share your journey into Operations and building remote teams?

My career organically evolved toward operations through early experiences in marketing, sales, project management, and research. I discovered a passion for the operational aspects of startups, especially those with global footprints. The dynamic, multi-hat environment of operations keeps me inspired and challenged.

For the past five years, I've specialized in managing fully distributed teams across multiple countries and time zones. My first remote role coincided with lockdown, during which I proactively implemented team-building initiatives to combat isolation. These strengthened our team bonds and company identity, becoming core practices I continue to use.

What's essential when navigating international operations, logistics and compliance?

Day-to-day, I rely heavily on Asana, Slack, and Notion. Asana clearly tracks tasks and projects, Slack keeps everyone connected, and Notion acts as our single source of truth—particularly critical for international compliance and documentation.

Managing international teams demands extra vigilance about varied tax filing and compliance deadlines. I use Asana and Google Calendar to meticulously track tasks and deadlines, always allowing buffer time. Partnering with reliable local law and accounting firms also ensures nothing falls through the cracks.

How do you bridge the gap between offline and online connections?

We regularly host remote activities like game nights, virtual escape rooms, and cooking classes. Annual offsite gatherings also play a vital role, providing deeper personal connections and memorable experiences. We often do these in Europe, where the majority of our team is based to reduce costs.

What advice would you give to founders shifting to remote work?

Clearly outline your international hiring strategy, whether through Employer of Record services or establishing your own entities abroad. Define clear guidelines, expectations, and policies for compliance. Encourage autonomy to maximize productivity, avoid micromanagement, and ensure frequent, transparent communication to maintain trust and accountability.

What are the biggest watchouts for remote companies?

International employment regulations vary significantly, including strict termination guidelines and mandatory remote work stipends in some jurisdictions. Develop a flexible yet comprehensive company handbook and work closely with HR experts to effectively navigate compliance.

Another interesting learning was that we initially were using an Employer of Record to manage international employment. However, as our team expanded, transitioning to direct employment reduced our costs significantly—about tens of thousands annually per employee. Regularly reassess your employment strategies to align with scaling needs.

How do you plan to future-proof Operations at Linera?

As Linera grows, streamlined global compliance management will be critical. Automated systems, robust processes, and proactive compliance monitoring will optimize efficiency and prevent bottlenecks. On the people front, preserving strong team culture through meaningful connections, refined onboarding, and updated internal documentation will ensure our culture thrives as we scale.

Have ideas or experiences you'd like to share about building and scaling remote teams? Connect with us on X or join the conversation on Discord.