Some additional thoughts: #1 DITCH SYNCHRONOUS meetings as much as possible – as a standard, they're outdated relics of office culture that wastes time. → Switch to "ASYNCHRONOUS conversations" using collaborative documents with 24-hour response windows. → For discussions that need more nuance, use asynchronous video/audio messages (either one-on-one or in dedicated channels where the RIGHT people are involved). #3 For the rare truly urgent issues, rotate the burden of odd-hour calls FAIRLY. #4 ANYONE CAN LEAVE any meeting, at any time, if they're not adding value or gaining insights. → No explanations needed. Brutal efficiency that respects everyone's time. #5 Remember, often the most effective "meeting" is often NO meeting at all.

Primero, establece una hora razonable para todos. Usa herramientas como World Time Buddy para encontrar el horario más equitativo según las zonas. Si no es posible una hora ideal, alterna los horarios para balancear el impacto entre los miembros del equipo. Además, organiza reuniones bien estructuradas. Comparte la agenda con anticipación, sé puntual y usa grabaciones para quienes no puedan asistir. Aprovecha herramientas de colaboración para mantener a todos informados. ¡Adaptarse a la diversidad horaria fortalece la unión del equipo!

I’ve experienced this while working at an MNC—we made sure to agree on a scheduled time that worked for everyone, and we extended it when the business required. It’s really not that hard!

When your team is spread across time zones, try to find a time that’s fair for everyone—even if it’s not perfect. Rotate meeting times if needed, so no one is always stuck with early or late calls. Keep meetings short, focused, and send clear agendas ahead of time. And for things that don’t need a live call, use async tools like recorded videos or shared docs to keep everyone in the loop.

Scheduling with a global team can be tricky, but combining the right tools and practices can make it smoother. Using a time zone converter helps identify overlapping work hours, while setting a rotating meeting schedule ensures no one is consistently inconvenienced. Recording meetings allows those who can’t attend to stay in the loop, and establishing “core hours” a small time window that overlaps across time zone scan help with recurring syncs. Embracing asynchronous tools minimizes the need for live meetings. Regularly checking in on team availability and being mindful of local holidays and cultural norms adds a layer of inclusivity and flexibility.

"I recall participating in virtual meetings between South Africa, Brazil, and eSwatini long before the explosion of remote collaboration during COVID-19. Even then, one challenge remained consistent: securing full attendance. The difference-maker? Commitment from the top. When senior leadership actively engages, it sets the tone for the entire team. Their participation isn’t just symbolic—it drives accountability and reinforces priorities. True leadership isn’t about mandates; it’s about setting the pace."

What we do is handle updates through text communication as much as possible, and reserve live meetings only for things that truly need face-to-face time. That way, meetings are shorter, more focused, and way more respectful of everyone’s hours. And it's also a good idea to keep rotating meeting times on weekly basis.

Rotate meeting times fairly, use time zone converters to find overlaps, keep meetings short (30 mins max), record sessions for absentees, and prioritize agendas

✅ Respect the Data, Not Just Timezones – Use performance windows, not just clocks. ✅ Asynchronous First, Live Second – Prep with clear agendas, updates, and recaps. Live time is for decisions only. ✅ One Time, Every Time – Set a fixed, rotating window. Discipline over convenience. ✅ Track, Measure, Improve – Like steps — if it’s not tracked, it’s not real. ✅ Clarity Over Frequency – Fewer meetings, sharper outcomes. No fluff. Global teams win when structure beats spontaneity. #AristosPanteliUltraAthlete

Your team’s spread across time zones? Good. That means you’ve got global leverage. Now use it. “What’s the one window where we can all show up sharp — without burning anyone out?” At Amazon, I dealt with this daily. We didn’t just schedule meetings — we negotiated alignment. One key rule: fewer meetings, higher stakes. Everyone came in prepped, no fluff, no drift. Docs over decks. Silence meant agreement. Respect time. Demand clarity. And always ask: “Is this meeting a must… or can it be solved with a single, well-written sentence?”