In recent years, the way we work has undergone a profound transformation. The rise of remote work, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has created opportunities for people to work from anywhere in the world. For those embracing this newfound freedom, individuals known as digital nomads, it has become a way of life. Lona Alia, the Head of Revenue at SafetyWing, has played a pivotal role in supporting remote workers and digital nomads by providing them with essential insurance services and fostering a culture of freedom and authenticity within her organization.
The Remote Work Revolution
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional work models, forcing organizations worldwide to adapt quickly. Remote work, previously considered a perk for a select few, became a necessity for many. This shift gave rise to a growing community of digital nomads—individuals who leverage technology to work while traveling and exploring different parts of the world. SafetyWing, based in San Francisco, recognized the need to support these remote workers and nomads by providing them with insurance and safety net solutions.
SafetyWing: Building a Global Safety Net
SafetyWing, headquartered in San Francisco, was founded with a vision to build the first global safety net for remote companies, remote workers, and digital nomads. The company’s mission is to offer essential insurance products and financial security to those who work from anywhere in the world. While initially focused on medical insurance, SafetyWing has since expanded its offerings to include retirement, income protection insurance, life insurance, and more.
Meet Lona Alia: A Visionary Leader
At the helm of SafetyWing’s mission is Lona Alia, a venture-backed Y Combinator Founder at StyleLend and the Head of Revenue at SafetyWing. Lona’s extensive experience as an entrepreneur and her passion for remote work advocacy have made her a driving force behind the company’s success.
Lona’s own journey as a digital nomad and entrepreneur has taken her to over 80 countries. Her insatiable curiosity and desire for freedom have shaped her career choices and fueled her dedication to building a company that aligns with her values.
Insuring the Nomadic Lifestyle
SafetyWing offers a range of insurance products designed to cater to the unique needs of remote workers and digital nomads:
1. Nomad Insurance: This global travel medical insurance is tailored specifically for digital nomads. It provides coverage for individuals while they are outside their home country. What sets it apart is its flexibility—it can be purchased while already abroad, covers home trip visits, and operates as a monthly subscription.
2. Remote Health: SafetyWing’s Remote Health insurance is a comprehensive health insurance solution for remote teams. It offers flexibility that few other companies can match, ensuring that full-time nomads can stay safely abroad, regardless of their location or duration of stay.
Freedom as a Driving Force
For Lona Alia, the driving force behind her journey has been the pursuit of freedom. She sought the freedom to choose her own path, dictate her location, and live life on her terms. This desire for independence and autonomy motivated her to venture into entrepreneurship and advocate for remote work.
Lona firmly believes that freedom is the key to happiness. She has discovered this sense of freedom through the flexibility that SafetyWing provides its team. Team members are not confined to a physical office; they have the freedom to work from any location in the world, aligning their work with their lifestyles.
Creating the Ultimate Company Culture
Lona takes pride in what she believes is the best company culture. SafetyWing’s team members enjoy the freedom and flexibility to work from any location, often spanning various time zones in the Americas and Europe. This culture fosters creativity and entrepreneurial spirit among employees.
Authenticity is a core value that SafetyWing holds dear. Lona emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself, both internally and externally. The company encourages team members to express their genuine thoughts and opinions, rather than telling others what they want to hear. This commitment to authenticity is a pillar of SafetyWing’s unique culture.
Preserving Culture While Scaling
One of the challenges Lona Alia acknowledges is the need to preserve the company’s culture while experiencing rapid growth. SafetyWing’s team members place immense value on their culture, and they take deliberate steps to ensure its preservation.
Regular brainstorming sessions are held quarterly, allowing the team to collectively develop tactical steps to maintain and strengthen the organization’s culture. This commitment to cultural preservation is a testament to the importance of a cohesive and authentic work environment.
The Road Ahead: Expanding SafetyWing’s Offerings
While SafetyWing currently offers two core products, the organization has ambitious plans for the future. In the coming year, SafetyWing aims to launch two additional services:
1. Remote Doctor: This service will enable SafetyWing’s clients to consult with doctors remotely, regardless of their location. Clients can access premium medical care from the comfort of their homes or wherever they may be.
2. Remote Retirement: SafetyWing’s Remote Retirement product is designed to help clients prepare for their future when they are ready to transition away from work. It demonstrates SafetyWing’s commitment to providing holistic solutions for remote workers and digital nomads.
Advice for Navigating the Great Resignation
Lona Alia offers valuable advice for organizations seeking to navigate the challenges of the Great Resignation. She emphasizes the importance of listening to team members with the same level of attentiveness given to customers. Team members contribute significantly to a company’s value and should be treated with care, respect, and appreciation. Implementing changes that align with their needs can have a positive impact on the bottom line.
Empowering Female Entrepreneurs
Lona Alia recognizes that this is an unprecedented era of global opportunity, particularly for female entrepreneurs. She encourages women from diverse backgrounds to seize this moment, regardless of their geographic location. With internet connectivity, anyone can acquire the skills needed to stand out in their desired field.
Lona advises aspiring female entrepreneurs to proactively showcase their abilities. By preparing a presentation highlighting their potential contributions to a company and reaching out directly to hiring managers, women can set themselves apart in a competitive job market. Lona’s message is clear: seize the opportunities of the digital age and be proactive in pursuing your dreams.
In summary, Lona Alia is a visionary leader who has harnessed the power of remote work to create a global safety net for digital nomads and remote workers. SafetyWing’s commitment to freedom, authenticity, and culture preservation sets it apart in the ever-evolving landscape of work. With an eye toward the future, SafetyWing aims to expand its offerings and continue supporting those who embrace the remote work lifestyle.