Productivity, Happiness and the Future of Remote Work with Steven Puri

Remote work is no longer an experiment, it is a daily reality for millions. Yet, as teams seek focus and fulfillment outside the traditional office, the challenges of productivity and isolation have intensified. Studies show that nearly 70 percent of remote workers struggle with burnout and distractions. Amid this tension, platforms that blend emotional well-being with performance are gaining traction as questions about the future of remote work grow more urgent.

How can remote professionals stay productive and present without burning out?

On this episode of Tuesdays with Morrisey, host Adam Morrisey welcomes guest Steven Puri, a former film executive turned tech founder. They explore Steven’s fascinating career journey from pioneering digital film in Hollywood to founding multiple startups and how hybrid workflows in the film industry inspired his latest venture. Along the way, they discuss how yoga, failure, and bold feedback shaped his philosophy that productivity isn’t the goal; it’s about building systems that help people live and work well.

Top Takeaways

  • The film industry’s long-standing use of remote and hybrid work offers valuable models and lessons for today’s tech and other industries adapting to flexible work environments.
  • Luck favors the prepared. Steven’s entry into film was “random,” but his ability to bridge creativity and engineering made him invaluable during the film industry’s digital revolution.
  • Failure is an unmatched teacher. After some early success in film, Steven had a few failed startup attempts – he credits the creation of a list of all the reasons he failed as the key to success in his newest venture.
  • Productivity isn’t the goal—happiness is. The Sukha Company was born not from a desire to help people get more done, but from a mission to help them feel better about their work and lives.

Full List of Topics Covered

  • How Steven ended up getting into film
  • Transitioning from studio executive to startup founder
  • The power of reflection after failure
  • The origins of Sukha and redefining productivity
  • Spirituality, yoga, and self-work in business
  • Building flow into remote work systems
  • Creating a community for distributed teams
  • The future of remote and hybrid work
  • Navigating feedback, leadership, and growth

Steven Puri is a multi-time founder, former film executive, and the creator of The Sukha Company, a platform designed to help remote workers overcome procrastination and distraction to be focused, happier, and healthier. With a background spanning from Oscar-winning films to building startups, Steven brings a unique blend of creativity, technical leadership, and emotional intelligence to everything he builds.

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