Why Remote Teams Will Win The AI Battle

While we’ve been debating returns to the office, remote teams have been preparing to sprint ahead on AI.

The future of work isn’t coming—it’s already here. And while we’ve been debating in-office vs. remote work, remote teams have quietly been training for the moment AI changes everything.

Here’s why: remote teams already thrive in environments where AI shines. They’ve mastered the tools—Slack, cloud platforms, Zoom—that AI seamlessly integrates into. These teams log on to virtual offices daily, and AI is a natural extension of their workflows.

Imagine a three-person remote team equipped with the right AI tools competing with and outperforming a 100-person company. Does this sound far-fetched? It’s not. It’s the reality we’re stepping into.

AI isn’t just a tool; it’s an amplifier. It will take your best performers—your 10x people—and turn them into 100x or even 1,000x contributors.

And here’s the kicker: while many in-office teams are still figuring out hybrid schedules, remote teams have been unknowingly preparing for this moment all along.

They’ve already built the muscle of virtual collaboration. They’ve streamlined workflows and embraced adaptability. They rely on asynchronous communications, which is perfect for training data. 

Adding AI is just the next logical step.

Here’s what I think this means for the future:

  • Small teams will achieve outsized results: AI enables tiny, agile teams to punch far above their weight class.

  • Remote-first companies will thrive: AI amplifies the tools remote teams already use every day, making them more productive and creative.

  • The definition of a “team” will evolve: With AI, the leverage of a single exceptional individual will grow exponentially, transforming how we think about talent and impact.

What do you think? Do you agree? Am I missing an angle that will give in-office teams the advantage? Reply to let me know.