Behind a Screen, Across a Continent: Building Real Connections While Working Remotely 

By Fatouma Sokona, LGT Impact Fellow at Amp Health

I used to think strong teams were built in hallways, around coffee machines, and through face-to-face brainstorming. In my previous role in the private sector, I was 100% in-person—and what I loved most was the time spent with the team. It gave me energy, purpose, and motivation. So when I found out that my LGT Impact Fellowship at Amp Health would be fully remote, I was a bit reluctant. Naturally, I wondered: how would I adjust to a world of Zoom calls, emails, and quiet days working alone from home?

My former colleagues were skeptical too when I told them about my new role. They knew how much I thrived off team interaction and questioned how I’d manage in a remote setup. I had my own concerns: would I feel isolated? Would I be micromanaged? Would I feel like a stranger in my own team? These questions stayed with me in the early days. And yet, I also felt a quiet confidence. I’ve always loved new challenges and adapt easily to new environments. I made a conscious choice to approach this experience with an open mind.

Before starting, I reached out to previous Fellows who had been placed with Amp Health—and their feedback was incredibly positive. They spoke highly of the team, the culture, and the level of trust and autonomy that shaped their experiences. That gave me hope and made me even more excited to return to the impact sector, discover a new field, and engage in work that supports health systems across the African continent. Doing this through a fellowship—alongside a cohort I could learn from—made the journey feel even more meaningful.

Meeting the LGT Impact Fellowship alumni at Amp Health, Tundu Kenyua and Jonathan Van Dyck, October 2024.

From day one, what struck me most was how intentional everyone was about connection. Everyone I spoke to took the time to welcome me and genuinely get to know me. These weren’t just polite introductions—they were sincere efforts to build relationships. I could feel that people weren’t just checking boxes; they were asking meaningful questions and making sure I felt like part of the team. It was a completely different experience from what I had feared.

That intentionality created real connection. When we finally had our first in-person global convening three months later, it didn’t feel like I was meeting strangers. I remember having breakfast with a colleague I’d collaborated with from the very beginning—the conversation flowed so naturally, it felt like catching up with an old friend. I also felt confident contributing to group discussions and plenary sessions, which showed me how comfortable and included I already felt in the organization.

Of course, it wasn’t always easy. One of the most challenging aspects of my role has been building relationships with new team members based in-country. Many were new to the organization and their roles, and they work directly with partner teams in face-to-face settings. Since we hadn’t met, building trust remotely was even more important—and more delicate. I made it my mission to create relationships that weren’t just transactional. Because when you work in support roles across borders, trust isn’t optional; it’s essential.

One of the biggest surprises of this fellowship has been how much trust can be built remotely. I’ve often heard people worry about being micromanaged in remote jobs—but that’s never been my experience. From the start, my manager created a space rooted in autonomy, transparency, and mutual success. She made it clear that my success in the role was her success too—and that mindset shaped everything about how we worked together. I felt encouraged, empowered, and respected. The same goes for the broader team. We support one another, communicate, and work toward common goals without losing sight of kindness and collaboration. That, to me, is what working well remotely looks like.

What makes it all work is culture. I quickly realized that care and connection are part of Amp’s DNA. One of the habits I’ve developed—and seen reflected in others—is checking in with people beyond the work. When I reach out to colleagues, I ask how they’re really doing, what’s going on in their lives. It’s a small gesture, but it creates warmth and deepens trust. That culture of care has kept me grounded, energized, and motivated.

Looking back on this journey so far, I feel deeply grateful. I started with doubts—about remote work, about building relationships, about losing the part of my job I loved most. But now, I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. I’ve learned that technology isn’t a barrier to building meaningful and strong relationships—you just have to be intentional. Even behind a screen, I’m building real connections, learning and growing every day, and contributing to impactful work across the continent.

If someone were starting a fully remote, role, here’s what I’d say:
Be yourself. Be intentional. Communicate clearly. Do what you say you’ll do—and if you can’t, be honest. These small actions build trust. And that trust is what makes remote work not just possible—but powerful.

Cover photo credit: Dinner during the bi-annual Amp Health Global Convening, Johannesburg, South Africa, October 2024