Last week, at the farmer’s market in Baixo Guandu, Brazil, I stood beside my mother-in-law, a talented baker, as she sold her homemade brote bread, cookies, butter, and fresh eggs. Neighbors stopped by, laughing and chatting, while she introduced her grandsons to everyone who came to her stand. Just a few hours earlier, I had been in meetings and working on projects with my team. Standing there with my husband and sons, surrounded by the warmth of a tight-knit community, it hit me just how incredible it was to be able to be there at that moment.
This Thanksgiving week marks my 4th anniversary at Kasada. I joined the company in November 2020, and right away, I could sense that Kasada’s culture was special. While many companies were figuring out how to adapt to remote work during the pandemic, Kasada was already embracing “working from anywhere” as part of its culture. Over the past four years, I’ve had the chance to work from some amazing places, but this trip to Brazil has been particularly special.
Living and Working on a Farm
For the past two weeks, I’ve been working from my husband’s family farm in rural Brazil, where life is centered around the land and the people who care for it. Roosters crowing became my morning alarm, and the two-hour time difference allowed me to start my workday earlier than usual, leaving free time to enjoy homecooked meals with fresh ingredients every day as a family.
From a cozy corner of the farmhouse, I joined team meetings, collaborated on projects, and even presented during our monthly global all-hands meeting. Meanwhile, life on the farm carried on around me, with the scent of fresh-baked bread in the air and the hum of farm life outside the window.
This trip was special for so many reasons. My husband celebrated his birthday at home for the first time in 17 years, surrounded by his parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins. We also introduced our five-month-old son to his Brazilian grandparents and extended family for the first time. Watching my husband’s parents marvel at my baby’s tiny hands, hearing cousins teach my older son new Portuguese words, making them laugh, and showing them all the animals on the farm were moments I’ll treasure forever.
Gratitude for Family, Culture, and Balance
None of this would have been possible without Kasada’s “working from anywhere” policy. Kasada fosters a culture of trust, allowing employees to deliver their best work while embracing what matters most in their personal lives.
As I reflect on my trip to Brazil, I feel overwhelmed with gratitude. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be able to be present with my wonderful family, and for Kasada’s culture which has empowered me to thrive both professionally and personally. I’ve also been reminded of the beauty in tradition – sharing food, building community, and living with intention. This experience has deepened my appreciation for the work/life balance Kasada allows me to have.
