In the latest episode of the Past the Pitch Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Robin Mee, CEO and founder of MeeDerby. For anyone in the staffing and workforce solutions industry, especially IT staffing—Robin needs no introduction. Her impact on the sector spans over three decades, and her approach to culture, remote leadership, and growth during volatility is more relevant than ever.
Building a Legacy on Culture and Teamwork
Robin shared that MeeDerby is celebrating its 36th anniversary—a testament to her leadership and the strength of her team. Despite operating as a fully remote company for over 15 years, the team remains deeply connected. Robin emphasized the importance of surrounding yourself with high-performing individuals and creating a culture where everyone is invested in one another’s success.
Navigating Growth During Challenging Times
When asked how to navigate uncertain economic climates, Robin was clear: double down on culture, communication, and education. MeeDerby invests heavily in internal development and continuous learning—even when the market is tight. The team gathers virtually multiple times each week and meets in-person annually for strategic planning and team building.
Communication as a Growth Strategy
One of the biggest takeaways? Over-communicate. Even when there is nothing new to report, staying in touch reinforces trust and transparency. Robin believes that strong internal bonds and open lines of communication are directly tied to business performance—especially in remote environments.
Diversity and Inclusion in Action
Robin also discussed the importance of diversity—across gender, race, and age. She highlighted that age diversity is often overlooked and noted that bias often emerges through requirements like years of experience. MeeDerby is intentional about delivering diverse candidate slates and plays an active role in DEI initiatives across ASA and the broader staffing ecosystem.
Personal Bliss and the Case for Flexibility
Robin is a passionate advocate for work-life integration. Through flexibility and trust, her team enjoys the freedom to excel both personally and professionally. She shared powerful stories about employees who have stayed with the company for decades—often because MeeDerby supported their lives, not just their jobs. Robin’s philosophy: supporting the whole person, and you will retain extraordinary talent and drive results.
This episode is filled with practical advice for leaders looking to navigate volatility, build meaningful culture, and foster lasting impact. For the full conversation—including a fun rapid-fire round—watch the full episode on the Past the Pitch Podcast on YouTube.
