Welcome back to Freedom of Work, the podcast by RemoFirst where we dive into the ever-changing world of global hiring and explore what it means for modern HR and People leaders.

In this episode, Leah is joined by Fernando, one of RemoFirst’s Senior Account Executives who spends his days speaking directly with HR and People teams around the world.

As the first point of contact for many companies navigating the complexities of international hiring, Fernando brings a unique perspective from the frontlines of global workforce conversations.

Together, Leah and Fernando unpack the biggest questions, priorities, and challenges HR leaders are facing in 2025.

From choosing between speed and compliance to avoiding common pitfalls when working with Employer of Record (EOR) partners, this episode is packed with real-world insights and tactical advice for growing global teams.

We explore:

• What HR teams are prioritizing this year—and how regional trends like US vs. EU buying behaviors are shaping decision-making
• The most common misconceptions leaders have about EORs, from benefits and visas to legal coordination
• Stories from the field: how early planning helped some companies avoid costly compliance issues while setting others up for global success
• The kinds of smart, strategic questions that top HR leaders are asking when evaluating global employment platforms

Whether you're building a remote team from the ground up or scaling across borders, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what really drives successful global hiring in today’s landscape.

Stick around for a rapid-fire round at the end, where Fernando shares his favorite hiring region, the most surprising request he’s ever received, and his #1 tip for HR leaders navigating the global employment space.

If you’ve ever wondered what conversations are happening behind the scenes before a company decides to go global, this one’s for you.

🎧 Tune in now and don’t forget to subscribe, share, and check out RemoFirst.com for more resources to support your global hiring journey.