Amber Master on Building High-Performing Remote Teams

People operations does not own a company's culture. Amber Master, Director of People Operations at Freestar, argues the people who show up each day create it, and her job is to equip them. She traces a path from running eight campus coffee stores at ASU to leading a global, remote first team, and shares how a Jedi Council, a Bulgarian friendship bracelet mailed worldwide, and a no blame, forward focus keep connection alive. She also makes the case that AI can free people to contribute in more human ways. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Ask Ashley 00:43 Meet Amber Master, Freestar 01:11 From a campus Starbucks to people operations 03:18 Coffee habits and simple choices 04:06 Existing to be a contributor 05:34 Where Amber learns leadership: books and podcasts 06:47 The Jedi Council and authentic culture 08:47 Building connection in a global remote team 12:08 AI: opportunities, fears, and human contribution 15:35 Scaling inclusion and intentional moments 17:12 Psychological safety and a no blame culture 19:20 Staying grounded: walking and quiet space 21:11 The pause button on social media 22:24 Accelerating equality and access 23:26 Advice to her younger self on being unique You can follow Amber Master here: LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/ambermaster Learn more about Freestar: Website - https://freestar.com