Connections Over Ego: How Intentional Work Culture Transforms Remote Teams in Business

Small Business, Big Responsibility

Running a small business isn’t for the faint of heart. As owners, we aren’t just managing operations—we’re shaping culture, supporting team members through life’s ups and downs, and creating environments where people can grow and thrive. Especially in the mental health or helping professions space, our teams are often made up of deeply empathetic individuals who pour so much into others. That means we, as leaders, must be intentional about pouring back into them.

At Simplified SEO Consulting, we understand this responsibility intimately. What started as a boutique agency focused on SEO for mental health professionals has grown into something much bigger—a fully remote, mission-driven team of dedicated professionals who truly like working together. And that didn’t happen by accident.

More Than Business: A People-First Philosophy

We’re known for helping private practice owners improve their SEO so they can reach the clients who need them most. But behind every meta description and optimized blog post is a team of people who are seen, valued, and heard.

We’ve built our company not just on SEO strategies, but on core values that guide everything we do:

• Connection – We believe in forming real, human relationships with both our clients and each other.
• Impact – We aim to make meaningful contributions, not just in rankings but in people’s lives.
• Trust – We operate from a place of transparency and mutual respect.

These aren’t buzzwords. They’re the compass that helps us navigate every hiring decision, every team meeting, and every client interaction. And as a result, we’ve created a team dynamic that’s rare in today’s remote world—a culture rooted in empathy, free of drama, and rich in authentic connection.

Hiring Beyond the Resume: Building a Team With Heart

Skill Is Important—But Character Is Essential

In a traditional hiring model, companies might start by scanning for the highest GPAs, the longest resumes, or the most technical experience. At Simplified SEO Consulting, that’s not where we begin. We know from experience that skills can be taught—but a genuine commitment to collaboration, empathy, and integrity? That’s something you can’t train into someone.

 

We intentionally hire people who reflect our values of connection, impact, and trust. We ask ourselves:

• “Does this person seem like someone who lifts others up?”
• “Can we trust them to do the right thing even when no one is watching?”
• “Will they fit into our team dynamic—not just professionally, but energetically?”

This approach has allowed us to build a team where everyone respects and supports one another. No office politics, no passive-aggressive emails, and no silos. Just real people doing meaningful work together.

What That Looks Like In Real Life

It’s not uncommon for our interviews to feel more like conversations than interrogations. We take the time to really get to know our candidates—who they are, how they think, and whether they truly resonate with our mission. And because we approach hiring this way, our team has organically grown into something really special.

Support Starts With “How Are YOU?”

Weekly Meetings That Center the Human First, Not Just Business

Every single week, we gather as a team. But unlike many business meetings that begin with spreadsheets and end with exhaustion, we start with three heartfelt questions:

• How are YOU?
• What do YOU need?
• How can we support YOU?

These questions are not rhetorical. They’re an intentional invitation for each team member to bring their full, unfiltered self to the space. Whether someone is navigating a hard season or celebrating a personal win, this check-in sets the tone: You matter here. We see you.

Connection Through Consistency

We don’t just do this once a quarter or when it’s convenient—we do it every week. That consistency communicates commitment. It tells our team: This isn’t just a one-off feel-good exercise. This is who we are.

Intentional Moments of Connection: How We Stay Human While Working in a Remote Business

Remote work requires more than just Zoom calls and Slack messages. It demands intentional connection, which we foster in three distinct ways:

1. The Watercooler Hour: Space for Socialization

Once a month, we host a virtual “Watercooler Hour.” No work talk—just connection. It’s where we share funny stories, life updates, or just chat like humans. This isn’t optional—it’s a key part of our culture.

2. Yearly In-Person Retreats: Deepening Bonds

Every year, we bring the team together in real life. This year? A cruise. Paid for by Simplified. Team members can bring a loved one if they choose. It’s our way of saying thank you and honoring the people who make this company great.

3. Genuine Affection and Mutual Trust

We don’t just tolerate each other—we genuinely like each other. We’ve built friendships. We’ve shown up for each other in real life and real time. That trust spills into every part of our work.

The ROI of Empathy: Strong Culture Creates Strong Results For Your Business

When your team feels supported, it thrives. It takes initiative, communicates clearly, and thoughtfully advocates for clients. It shows up not because it has to but because it wants to.

And that effort doesn’t go unnoticed. Our clients feel the difference. They’re not just getting another SEO agency—they’re getting a partner who cares deeply, works collaboratively, and brings their A-game.

Dear Fellow Business Owner: This Is Your Sign

If you’re leading a small business and feeling like something is missing, consider this:

• Are your people thriving, or just surviving?
• Are they connected—or just completing tasks?

You don’t need a massive HR department or fancy perks to build a strong culture. Rather, you just need intentionality. You need to ask good questions, hire for character, and create space for connection.

Because when you build a team rooted in empathy, your business becomes more than just a service provider. It becomes a community. A source of support. A place where people grow—and help your business grow in return.

Ready to Learn More?

If you’re curious about how this kind of culture translates into real results, check out our About Page, explore our Services, or reach out to see how we might help your business thrive.

We’re not just here to improve SEO—we’re here to make an impact, one meaningful connection at a time.

About the Author

Mary Walker is the proud owner of Simplified SEO Consulting, a company dedicated to helping private practice owners and small businesses grow through strategic search engine optimization. Since taking the helm, Mary has continued to build upon the company’s strong foundation, guiding the team to empower hundreds of businesses to connect with their ideal clients and achieve sustainable growth.

With a Master’s degree in Digital Marketing and Psychology, Mary brings a unique blend of expertise to her work. She combines a deep understanding of human behavior with advanced SEO techniques. Her leadership ensures that Simplified SEO Consulting remains a trusted partner for businesses looking to enhance their online presence.

When Mary isn’t leading her team or strategizing SEO solutions, she’s a proud wife, a mom of five, an avid crocheter, and a devoted football fan. Her passion for ethical practices, meaningful connections, and creating balance in life shines through in everything she does.