Spring 2025, Vol. 8 Iss. 11

Leading from anywhere: celebrating confident teams, flexible futures, and real remote success stories.

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Student testimonial: Pamela's path to a competitive advantage

“I am confident that, with my experience and the ‘tricks of the trade’ I learned in the USU courses regarding remote work and securing that work, I have an edge over others who may be applying for positions. I will be forever grateful for the opportunities to take these courses. I have spoken to others about that opportunity, encouraging them to look into what USU Extension offers.”

— Pamela Webster

Pamela’s experience shows the advantage of remote work training in instilling confidence and competitive advantage. From skill-building to real-world readiness, the Certified Remote Work Professional^© course is helping rural Utahns like Pamela pursue meaningful, flexible careers.

Explore the Rural Online Initiative and find the right course for your goals. Courses begin in August! Now is the time to start planning your path forward.

📰 In the News: USU Extension Wins National Award for Teamwork

We’re proud to share that the Utah State University Extension Rural Online Initiative has been named the 2025 National Winner for Excellence in Teamwork by the National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals (NACDEP).

This award recognizes outstanding collaboration and impact and honors the ROI’s national leadership in workforce development through innovative remote work and job search skills training.

Through partnerships with 10 other land-grant universities, ROI’s remote work curriculum is now helping rural communities across the country gain access modern, flexible job opportunities.

NACDEP is a national organization committed to advancing the visibility and impact of community and economic development through Extension. This recognition reflects the growing influence of ROI’s mission to empower rural families and strengthen local economies through remote work.

This recognition reflects the benefits of collaboration behind the Rural Online Initiative’s mission: To prepare rural communities for the future of work by offering relevant education, connecting individuals to modern employment opportunities, and developing innovative solutions to local need. We envision a vibrant future where geography no longer limits opportunity.

Want to bring this proven model to your community?

Join us in expanding access to remote work by partnering with our nationally recognized team to bring impact to your community.

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Rethinking the remote work debate: It's not about location but about leadership

A recent article in Harvard Business Review contends that hybrid and remote work models "still aren't working." But experts like Brian Elliott of Work Forward argues that the real challenge lies not in where work happens, but in how it's led.

Whether remote, hybrid, or in-office, team success hinges on leadership: Setting clear expectations, maintaining consistent communication, and providing robust support systems. Poor management practices don't disappear in an

office. High-performing teams rely on these fundamentals regardless of where they work.

As the future of work continues to evolve, the central question is no longer if remote work can succeed, but how leaders will adapt to guide distributed teams effectively. Read the full commentary: When Academics Ignore the Research.

At the Rural Online Initiative, we're investing the the future by equipping Utah's workforce to thrive in remote roles. Through our Certified Remote Work Professional^© course and career readiness programs, we help individuals and the organizations they work for succeed in today's distributed work environment. Learn more about how ROI prepares leaders and workers for the modern workplace.

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The truth about impostor syndrome: New research debunks 4 impostor syndrome myths

MIT Sloan’s Basima Tewfik and colleagues recently reviewed 316 peer‑reviewed studies and what they found flips the script on common assumptions about "workplace impostor thoughts."

It’s not permanent — these thoughts come and go.
Men and women experience it at similar rates.
A little self-doubt can actually fuel higher performance.
The link to negative outcomes isn't as clear-cut as once believed.

These new insights invite us to rethink how workplace and job search self-doubt might actually become a catalyst for personal and professional growth. In fact, individuals who experience impostor thoughts may develop an "other-focused orientation," which can enhance their interpersonal effectiveness at work.

What it means for you:

This research reminds us that occasional self-doubt doesn't mean you are not capable, it means you care. When channeled constructively, it can make you a more empathetic, effective teammate. Learn more.

At the Rural Online Initiative, we recognize that mindset plays a powerful role in success. Our courses help learners gain clarity, confidence, and community, skills and support that often ease impostor feelings and build momentum for career success.

Take the first step toward your remote career with confidence. Explore our upcoming courses and start turning impostor feelings into strengths.

Explore our courses

At ROI, We Don’t Just Teach Remote Work: We Build Confidence, Community, and Careers

From national awards to personal success stories, the Rural Online Initiative continues to help Utah’s rural workforce thrive. Whether you're overcoming self-doubt, learning to lead in a distributed team, or searching for a more flexible future, ROI is here with the training and support to help you succeed from wherever you work.

Have a success story or testimonial to share?

We’d love to hear how ROI has made a difference in your journey.

Share your story with us.

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