Let’s be real—remote work isn’t always easy. From missed connections to feeling like you’re working in a silo, the challenges are real.
But for Ishrath Nawaz, an experienced team leader and advocate of remote work, collaboration isn’t about just getting things done; it’s about staying connected as humans first and professionals second.
This isn’t a dry list of tools. These are the ones Ishrath Nawaz swears by—tested in the trenches and chosen not just for their features but for how they bring people closer together.
- Miro: Breathing Life into Team Brainstorms
“Remote brainstorming sessions don’t need to be mundane,” explains Ishrath Nawaz. For which Miro—a visual collaboration tool—absolutely changes the game. If he is charting out some actions or seeking ways to improve on creative ideas, Miro works as his virtual board.
Why It Works:
- Creative Freedom: “It’s like having a giant whiteboard that everyone can access anytime,” he shares.
- Real-Time Connection: His team doesn’t just work on Miro—they collaborate live, which mimics the energy of being in the same room.
- Personal Touch: He often kicks off brainstorming sessions with an icebreaker on Miro to set a relaxed, open tone.
Website: https://miro.com/
- Asana: The Quiet Project Manager
Ishrath Nawaz describes Asana as his team’s quiet partner. “It’s not flashy, but it gets the job done—and it does so brilliantly,” he says. With Asana, he manages his team’s projects and ensures that every task is adequately assigned and scheduled.
Why I Recommends It:
- Clarity Over Complexity: “Asana simplifies tasks without overwhelming you with too many options.”
- Humanized Communication: he uses Asana’s comment feature to offer feedback that feels constructive, not robotic.
- Big Picture View: As a leader, he loves the bird’s-eye view Asana gives him on project timelines and team bandwidth.
Website: https://asana.com/
- Slack: Beyond Just Messages
There’s a downside to remote labor: Lack of connection with coworkers. This is where Slack comes into play. Rather than just a communication platform, Slack replaces the office—filled with conversations, activities, and team spirit.
Why I Loves It:
- Structured Flexibility: “We have channels for work and some for pure fun, like #pet-pics. It’s the little things that keep us connected.”
- Quick Huddles: He uses Slack’s audio huddles for impromptu catch-ups. “It’s like tapping someone on the shoulder in a real office,” he explains.
- Personal Connection: Emojis, gifs, and even a quick ‘Good morning!’ The message helps him maintain a warm team culture.
Website: https://slack.com/intl/en-in/
- Notion: A Place Where Ideas Feel at Home
For Ishrath Nawaz, Notion is more than a tool—it’s his team’s second brain where so much information not only about the projects but also inspiring ideas is stored. He openly boasted that “Well, it sounds like Notion is a tool in his hands.”
Why It’s a Favorite:
- Encourages Ownership: He empowers his team to take charge of their Notion pages, fostering a sense of responsibility.
- Collaborative Yet Personal: His team uses shared workspaces, but he also keeps a private Notion space for personal reflections and plans.
- Keeps Things Real: “I add little notes of encouragement in shared docs. It’s a small way to keep things human,” he says.
Website: https://www.notion.so/
- Figma: Bringing Ideas to Life Together
“Designing should not feel like an individual task,” says Ishrath Nawaz. To create his essential designs, Figma is what he loves the most. It is not just a design tool but this is a collaborative creative space.
Why It Stands Out:
- Real-Time Feedback: “I love how easy it is for my team to leave comments directly on the design. It feels like we’re in the same room, pointing at the same screen.”
- Inclusivity: Even non-designers can join the conversation, making collaboration truly seamless.
- A Creative Culture: He often holds team critiques on Figma, but with a twist: “We always start by highlighting one thing we love about the design.”
Website: https://www.figma.com/
Ishrath Nawaz’s Approach: It’s About the People, Not Just the Tools
For me, tools are just enablers. The real magic happens when teams feel heard, valued, and connected. Here’s how he makes that happen:
- Check-In Often: A quick “How are you doing today?” can foster trust and openness.
- Celebrate Together: From Slack shoutouts to sharing GIFs, he ensures his team celebrates every milestone.
- Create Safe Spaces: Whether on Miro or Notion, he encourages teams to share even the craziest ideas without fear of judgment.
Ultimately, the tools are there to serve the people, not the other way around. When you focus on your team’s experience, productivity naturally follows.
A Collaborative Vision by Ishrath Nawaz
The tools I use—Miro, Asana, Slack, Notion, and Figma—are more than productivity enhancers. They are bridges that connect ideas, people, and creativity across distances. But what truly sets his approach apart is the human touch he brings to every interaction.
So, the next time you’re setting up your remote team, remember Ishrath Nawaz’s mantra: “It’s not just about getting things done—it’s about doing it together, with heart.”
Make these tools your own, and watch your team thrive. After all, collaboration isn’t just a process—it’s a connection.
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