Working remotely during a global pandemic has presented unique challenges for Authzed, an early-stage startup building a Google-class permissions service. To overcome these challenges, the team has adopted several strategies that promote productivity and collaboration, including written communication as their primary form of interaction, intentionally scheduled meetings, and structured daily stand-ups to track progress. These practices have helped maintain transparency, accountability, and visibility into individual objectives, while also fostering deeply connected moments among team members. By embracing healthy tensions and managing conflict effectively, the team has achieved a harmonious balance between autonomy and shared goals, ultimately leading to better solutions for their users.