June Bolneo, the Lisbon-based founder and CEO of WorkRemote, is a visionary, an innovator, and a force for positive change. She’s one of the ‘Top Remote Enablers,’ committed to reshaping how we work. Her inspiring story of resilience, passion, and ingenuity is a testament to how technology can change lives and how women can change the world.
The Future of Work
“We want to normalize remote working until we don’t even have to say it’s ‘remote work,’ it’s just work,” June emphatically states. Her business mantra echoes throughout WorkRemote, an online social media platform for remote workers, fostering connectivity and opportunity. A simple yet deep mission drives her: to transform how we perceive and embrace work in the digital age. “Remote work has changed my life, and I’m passionate about sharing how it can positively impact others’ lives, too,” she shares.
“We plan to offer virtual collaboration tools, powered by AI algorithms for job matching, and an online learning platform with personalized experiences,” she reveals. Her company’s embrace of VR, AR, and AI ensures an immersive experience, fostering deeper connections and broadening horizons.
She sees technology as a catalyst for innovation and empowerment. “By leveraging emerging technologies, we foster inclusivity and bridge the digital divide, providing greater access to remote work opportunities and training,” she explains.
The company’s values of diversity, equity, and inclusion are reflected in its commitment to using technology to drive positive change, address global challenges, and create a more interconnected and sustainable future. Through responsible and ethical use of technology, June and WorkRemote envision a world where remote work is normalized, empowering individuals and communities to thrive in the digital era.
Building a Connected and Inclusive Workforce
June’s contribution to innovation is vast and forward‑thinking. “At WorkRemote, we deeply understand the symbiotic relationship between emerging tech and innovation,” she notes. By embracing technology, WorkRemote drives positive change, “normalizing remote work globally and creating a more inclusive and interconnected future of work.” Who stands to benefit from this digital paradigm shift? According to June, the ripples of change will touch everyone, from job seekers, especially those from underrepresented communities, to employers, governments, and beyond. “Our focus on upskilling contributes to the growth of the digital economy and promotes the normalization of remote work, impacting the global workforce positively.” June’s definition of success speaks volumes about her vision. “Success is seeing 50% of the people we mentor find long‑lasting remote jobs. It’s seeing the company we trained to hire their next employee remotely.”
Technology Shaping a New Landscape
The work of June’s company is a dazzling display of emerging technology’s potential. “At WorkRemote, we firmly believe that technology holds the power to shape our futures and create a better world for generations to come,” she says.
From AI‑powered job matching to virtual collaboration tools and online learning platforms, June’s vision transcends traditional boundaries. She elucidates: “Through innovative AI‑powered job matching, we can optimize recruitment, connecting qualified candidates with remote opportunities. Nurturing a culture of creativity and collaboration, we constantly seek feedback from stakeholders to refine and enhance our services, staying agile and adaptable to industry trends. By embracing innovation and technology, WorkRemote drives positive change, realizing our theory of change to normalize remote work globally and create a more inclusive and interconnected future of work.”
Breaking Barriers
June’s own life reflects the transformative power of technology. As a single mom grappling with childcare challenges, she turned to remote work, only to be met with societal skepticism. “The situation became so dire that I was close to begging people for accommodation. This experience made it clear to me that people often do not consider remote jobs as real jobs,” June recalls. Yet she didn’t give up. “It became my promise to myself that people will learn what remote working truly is because I will teach them. And that’s how WorkRemote was born.”
How did she overcome her challenges? She shares: “My upbringing and my race definitely contributed to who I am now and why I’m so determined to make jobs accessible to everyone. Growing up, we were very poor, and I saw how accessing opportunities outside of the Philippines enabled me to improve my life and give my family a better life. Growing up with nothing, you appreciate everything you have since you never had them before.”
June’s relentless pursuit has not only shaped the future of remote work but also stood as a beacon for women in technology. Her advice? “Be brave and prepare yourself for the hard times; it’s going to be a very difficult path. You need to be tougher than nails.”
June succinctly sums up the drive needed to solve major problems: “As an innovator, we’re often the first ones on the train; everyone is going to call you crazy until they’re on the same ride as you.”
Join the Movement
June’s work is more than a business venture; it’s a movement. It’s about giving people the freedom to choose how and where they work. It’s about empowering women and communities, fostering innovation, and paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future. “Give people the choice where they want to work,” June says. Her message is clear, and her impact is profound. She is proof of the transformative power of technology, the potential of women’s leadership, and the endless possibilities of a connected world. Her journey is not just about remote work but about the very fabric of our shared future, where technology and humanity unite to create something truly extraordinary. Through her work, June is not merely redefining the workplace; she’s redefining our world. Her story is not just about the future of women or the future of work; it’s about the future of humanity.
OPEN TO MENTOR
LISBON, PORTUGAL
