Stand Out Without Boundaries | Pitch Live with Amy Summers
Michelle Coulson didn't plan to build a company. She just refused to go back to the office.
After nearly a decade as a recruiter in London, Singapore, and Australia, Michelle was living in Bali during the pandemic - working remotely, thriving, and finally experiencing what work-life balance actually felt like. Then her employer issued the dreaded return-to-office mandate in 2021.
Her response? "No thanks."
That decision to stay in Bali became the founding moment of Remote Rebellion. Today, Michelle and her team help professionals across the globe secure remote roles that align with their values - and connect remote-first companies with top-tier talent who refuse to settle for outdated work models.
Inside the Pitch
Michelle recently sat down with Amy Summers on the Pitch Live podcast to break down exactly how she negotiated her way into remote work - and how you can too. If you've ever wanted to pitch your boss on going remote but didn't know where to start, this episode is your blueprint.
Here's what Michelle shared:
Build leverage first. You can't negotiate from weakness. Be a top performer. Document your wins. Make yourself invaluable before you ask for flexibility.
Keep a "wins folder." Don't rely on memory when it's time to pitch. Track your achievements in real-time so you can present a bulletproof case.
Stay visible. Remote work skeptics assume you'll disappear. Speak up in meetings. Show up consistently. Make it clear that your contributions won't change - just your location.
Anticipate objections. Your manager will have concerns. Prepare thoughtful, specific responses before the conversation starts.
Propose a trial period. Frame it as a low-risk experiment. Then treat that trial like an audition. Overdeliver.
Don't brag about it. Once you secure remote work, keep it professional. Leadership doesn't need to hear about your beach office or four-hour workweeks.
Plant the seed early. Let your employer know that long-term flexibility matters to you. It's not a threat - it's transparency about what keeps top talent engaged.
Lean on your network. Major career moves are hard. Surround yourself with people who remind you that betting on yourself is worth it.
Michelle's story isn't just about one recruiter who got to stay in Bali. It's about a fundamental shift in how we think about careers, value, and freedom.
Remote work isn't a perk. It's a strategy. And when done right, it's the foundation for a life you don't need to escape from.
Want to hear Michelle's full conversation with Amy Summers? Check out the Pitch Live podcast and get the complete breakdown of how to pitch your way into a remote career.