In this episode of Rad-Ventures, Nikkola Wright talks about her work at Nikcollab, where she supports wellness professionals and retreat hosts with the operational side of their businesses. We chat about how she shifted from general virtual assistant work into a niche where organisation, structure and calm behind-the-scenes support really matters.

Nikkola shares how her background in law shaped her approach to project management, why retreats need solid processes to run smoothly, and the tools she uses day-to-day — including Trello, Google Workspace, and simple, sustainable systems for managing client work and email.

We also get into creating immersive client experiences, the reality of working in the wellness space, and her long-term dream of running her own retreat venue.

A relaxed conversation about work, career paths, tools, and the realities of supporting service-based businesses.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Nikkola & Nicolab02:31 – Moving from VA to wellness support04:47 – What “business support” looks like in wellness07:45 – Retreat formats and how they work09:57 – Nikkola’s career path from law to wellness12:29 – How education influenced her approach15:14 – Corporate events vs. retreat experiences17:51 – Creating immersive moments20:25 – Quotes and reflections22:54 – Google vs. Microsoft27:48 – Trello, tools & organisation34:06 – Community & networking41:40 – Nikkola’s long-term aspirations46:43 – Wrap-up

More about Nikkola

https://nikcollab.com/

https://www.instagram.com/rebel_businessmethod

Enjoying Rad-Ventures? Help keep the podcast going:
☕ Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/radmin_assist
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Thanks for tuning in — your support means the world!

More about me

Hey! I’m Radmin — founder of Radmin Assist, freelance admin support pro, podcast host, and small business champion. I created Rad-Ventures to share real, relaxed conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives and business minds from all walks of life.

If you’re into entrepreneurship, freelancing, systems, or just love a good story — you’re in the right place. Subscribe and stick around for more rad chats!

Meet Ali Yates and Debra Paynter — two brilliant Yorkshire-based entrepreneurs and co-founders of Generator Gals and Lunar & Wild. In this episode, we dive into their journeys from corporate chaos to creative control, balancing parenting with productivity, their love/hate relationships with tools like Asana and Moxie, and the reality of freelancing in a digital world.From carpet counters to content creators, this one’s packed with laughs, life lessons, and a whole lot of Yorkshire sass.https://www.debrapaynter.co.uk/https://www.aliyates.co.uk/https://www.instagram.com/debs.does.asana/https://www.instagram.com/aliyatesva/Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Guests03:35 Yorkshire Pride and Banter06:33 Project Management Tools: A Deep Dive09:27 The Journey to Becoming Virtual Assistants15:29 The Reality of Self-Employment24:31 The Birth of Generator Gals28:33 Launching Lunar and Wild31:49 Balancing Work and Family Life35:17 Community Building and Support36:33 Reflections on Age and Personal Growth41:46 Favorite Quotes and Inspirations49:14 Essential Apps for Productivity51:34 Exploring TikTok Trends and Content Creation53:50 The Challenges of Content Creation57:30 Email Management and Organization01:00:16 The Chaos of Life and Work01:07:18 Future Aspirations and Self-EmploymentSupport the ShowEnjoying Rad-Ventures? Help keep the podcast going:☕ https://ko-fi.com/radmin_assist🎙️ https://www.patreon.com/c/radminassistThanks for tuning in — your support means the world!*****About MeHey! I’m Radmin — founder of Radmin Assist, freelance admin support pro, podcast host, and small business champion. I created Rad-Ventures to share real, honest conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, and business minds from all walks of life.If you’re into entrepreneurship, freelancing, systems, or just love a good story — you’re in the right place. Subscribe and stick around for more rad chats!

In this episode of Radventures, I chat with Karen Sigalas, a brilliant business coach who turned redundancy into opportunity. We dive into the power of mindset, navigating career transitions, and the importance of recognition in the workplace. Karen opens up about her own coaching journey, shares tips for embracing social media, and reflects on personal growth, resilience, and the magic of motivational quotes.

Whether you're feeling overlooked at work or thinking about a career pivot, this one's full of empowering insights and honest reflections.

📌 Topics: Career change, mindset shifts, business coaching, feedback, personal branding, LinkedIn, gratitude practices, resilience, and more.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Karen Sigalas and Her Journey

02:58 The Importance of Coaching and Recognition

05:31 From Redundancy to Realization: Karen's Turning Point

07:55 Finding Purpose Through Coaching

10:45 The Shift from Corporate to Coaching

13:21 Mindset and Resilience in Business

15:38 The Impact of Feedback on Performance

18:19 The Role of Education in Shaping Careers

20:50 Encouraging a Growth Mindset in the Next Generation

23:17 Reflecting on Progress and Achievements

29:30 Embracing Social Media and Personal Growth

33:22 Reflections on Age and Personal Development

37:53 Quotes That Inspire and Motivate

39:22 Navigating Technology and Productivity Tools

42:44 Aspirations for the Future and Personal Branding

49:02 Rad-Ventures Outro.mp4

Coach Karen:

https://www.coachkaren.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/karensigalascareercoach/

https://www.youtube.com/@UCW81AGY13B29b_1FeE--dmQ

Support the Show

Enjoying Rad-Ventures? Help keep the podcast going:

☕ https://ko-fi.com/radmin_assist

🎙️ https://www.patreon.com/c/radminassist

Thanks for tuning in — your support means the world!

*****

About Me

Hey! I’m Radmin — founder of Radmin Assist, freelance admin support pro, podcast host, and small business champion. I created Rad-Ventures to share real, honest conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, and business minds from all walks of life.

If you’re into entrepreneurship, freelancing, systems, or just love a good story — you’re in the right place. Subscribe and stick around for more rad chats!

In this episode of Rad-Ventures, I’m joined by Becci McEvoy, social media marketer and founder of Be Heard Socials, for an open, honest, and inspiring chat about Instagram, business growth, and redefining success on your own terms.We talk about everything from mindset shifts and managing overwhelm to why simplifying your strategy is often the most powerful move. Becci shares her unexpected path to self-employment, the freedom it's given her, and how tools like Asana help her stay on track — even with ADHD tendencies in the mix.Whether you're a business owner, a content creator, or just someone figuring out your next step — this episode is packed with insight, humour, and plenty of relatable moments.⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Introduction to Be Heard Socials03:12 – The Power of Instagram for Business05:49 – Simplifying Social Media Strategies08:53 – Mindset and Engagement on Instagram11:57 – The Long Game of Impact15:01 – The Journey to Self-Employment17:57 – Finding Freedom in Business24:47 – Navigating Career Transitions27:36 – Finding Purpose and Happiness32:04 – The Power of Manifestation34:46 – The Journey of Self-Employment39:32 – Redefining Success41:15 – Reflecting on Life's Milestones49:23 – Exploring Productivity Tools54:48 – Future Aspirations and Business GoalsMore on Becci:https://beheardsocials.com/https://www.instagram.com/beheardsocials/https://youtube.com/@beheardsocials?si=NrdyjE9eSH5OXKrLhttps://open.spotify.com/show/4GMYLap6caphOdvSwxXl8gSupport the ShowEnjoying Rad-Ventures? Help keep the podcast going:☕ https://ko-fi.com/radmin_assist🎙️ https://www.patreon.com/c/radminassistThanks for tuning in — your support means the world!*****About MeHey! I’m Radmin — founder of Radmin Assist, freelance admin support pro, podcast host, and small business champion. I created Rad-Ventures to share real, honest conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, and business minds from all walks of life.If you’re into entrepreneurship, freelancing, systems, or just love a good story — you’re in the right place. Subscribe and stick around for more rad chats!

In this episode of Rad-Ventures, I sit down with G from Ray Social to talk about everything from homeschooling and redundancy to Canva chaos, freelancing, and finding joy in your business.

G shares her unique path into marketing, how she built a business during the pandemic, and the ups and downs of navigating the freelance life. We dig into the difference between employment and self-employment, the emotional side of leaving a “proper job,” and why your business should reflect you — not a blueprint.

If you’re a creative, freelancer, or just trying to figure out what freedom looks like for you, this episode’s got real talk, laughs, and plenty of practical insight.

00:00 – Introduction to G from Rare Social
03:00 – The Journey of Homeschooling
05:49 – Transitioning into Marketing
08:57 – The Impact of Redundancy and Freelancing
12:12 – Navigating Self-Employment Challenges
15:08 – Reflections on Business Growth
18:02 – The Reality of Freelancing vs Employment
22:36 – The Reality of Employment vs. Self-Employment
25:39 – Finding Security in Creativity
28:21 – The Trade-offs of Self-Employment
29:11 – Reflections on Age and Life Changes
31:12 – Quotes That Inspire and Motivate
34:41 – Choosing Between Google Suite and Microsoft 365
40:10 – The Journey of Content Creation
43:00 – Navigating Essential Apps for Creatives
45:58 – The Love-Hate Relationship with Canva
51:57 – Managing Email Overload
52:59 – The Evolution of Business Focus
57:55 – Finding Joy in Creative FreedomMore on G:

www.rayofsocial.com

https://www.instagram.com/rayofsocial/

Support the Show

Enjoying Rad-Ventures? Help keep the podcast going:
☕ https://ko-fi.com/radmin_assist
🎙️ https://www.patreon.com/c/radminassist

Thanks for tuning in — your support means the world!

In this episode of Rad-Ventures, host Radmin is joined by Rachel and Ciaran McKenna of Woodhazel Consulting to explore the real-world dynamics of entrepreneurship, sales, and marketing in today’s evolving business landscape.

From confidence in selling to aligning your business philosophy with client needs, this conversation dives into the human side of business. They explore how systems and automation can support—but not replace—authentic communication, why AI is a tool, not a threat, and how personalisation remains at the heart of success.

Whether you're starting your business, building a team, or navigating change, this episode is packed with insights on leadership, continuous learning, and staying grounded in your “why.”

More WoodHazel:

https://woodhazel.ie/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-mckenna-25a56237/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ciaran-mc-kenna-3b24318b/

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Woodhazel Consulting02:52 – The Philosophy of Selling06:06 – Building Confidence in Sales08:45 – The Journey to Entrepreneurship12:02 – Navigating Life Changes and Business14:56 – The Importance of Team Dynamics17:46 – Marketing and Sales Integration20:49 – Understanding Individual Motivations23:59 – The Role of Choice in Business26:55 – Risk and Reward in Entrepreneurship29:56 – Team Management and AI Dynamics40:31 – Embracing Change and Innovation43:10 – The Role of Systems in Business45:49 – Personalisation vs. Automation47:12 – The Importance of Personal Touch49:19 – Experience and Continuous Learning50:51 – Reflections on Life Stages53:17 – Quotes that Inspire54:53 – Technology Preferences56:45 – Essential Apps for Communication58:57 – Future Aspirations and Growth

Support the Show Section

Enjoying Rad-Ventures? Help keep the podcast going:

☕ Buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/radmin_assist
🎙️ Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/radminassist

Your support helps make more episodes (and caffeine-fuelled edits) happen. Thank you!

******👋 About Me

Hey! I’m Radmin — founder of Radmin Assist, freelance admin support pro, podcast host, and small business champion.

I created Rad-Ventures to share real, honest conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, and business minds from all walks of life.

If you’re into entrepreneurship, freelancing, systems, or just love a good story — you’re in the right place.

Subscribe and stick around for more rad chats!

In this episode of Rad-Ventures, I chat with Kendall Breitman, community manager at Riverside FM and former political reporter, about her remarkable journey from aspiring author to breaking news journalist — and now, community-builder in the podcasting/ Video Creator world.Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kendall Breitman and Riverside FM

02:48 The Role of a Community Manager

05:49 The Diversity of Podcasting

08:55 Kendall's Journey from Journalism to Community Management

11:53 Life as a Political Reporter

14:57 Transitioning to Community Management

17:47 Living in Tel Aviv and Its Culture

21:00 Quotes and Life Mantras

23:53 Final Thoughts and Preferences

25:51 The Shift to Google and Apps in Journalism

26:43 Essential Apps for Daily Life

28:02 Managing Unread Emails and News Subscriptions

30:20 The Importance of Community Newsletters

31:52 Exploring Riverside's Features

41:04 Future Aspirations and Writing a Book

More on Kendall...

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kbreitman/

More on Riverside...

https://riverside.fm/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/riversideconversationcreators/

Support the Show

Hey there! If you loved what you heard today, please consider supporting the podcast. 😊

Every bit of support – whether it’s listening, sharing, or contributing – helps us keep the mics on and the content flowing.

• Buy Me a Coffee ☕ – A one-time “thank you” to fuel our podcasting energy - https://ko-fi.com/radmin_assist

• Patreon 🎉 – Join our Patreon community -https://www.patreon.com/c/radminassist

Thank you so much for tuning in and being part of our journey. 💖 Your support means the world to us and keeps the show going. 🙏✨

In this episode of Rad-Ventures, we meet Yasmin Batting—travel marketer, content creator, and self-proclaimed Sunshine Pop enthusiast.

From a creative childhood to the hustle of London and back to the serenity of the South Coast, Yasmin shares her journey through burnout, career pivots, and rediscovering joy in freelance life.

We talk social media for small businesses, the power of authentic content, and the rise of the “realfluencer.” Yasmin shares how niching down to travel marketing helped her fall back in love with social media, and why turning 30 can feel like a fresh start.

🎧 Expect chat about Canva love, Google Suite preferences, musical influences, and big lessons from the ocean (and Sylvia Earle). If you're navigating a freelance journey, this one’s packed with grounded wisdom, relatable moments, and fresh inspiration.

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – Introduction and Background
02:56 – Yasmin's Journey into Social Media Marketing
05:59 – The Challenges of Social Media for Small Businesses
08:58 – Navigating Career Paths and Early Influences
11:59 – The Transition to London and the Music Industry
14:58 – Burnout and Returning to the South Coast
24:05 – The Coastal Connection: Finding Freedom in Nature
25:29 – Transitioning to Freelance: Embracing Change
27:33 – Social Media Insights: The Digital Landscape
28:25 – Embracing Age: The Joy of Turning 30
29:05 – Inspiration from the Ocean: Sylvia Earle's Wisdom
30:43 – Tech Preferences: Google Suite vs. Microsoft 365
33:06 – The Essential App: Canva for Creatives
34:29 – Desert Island Dilemma: Apps vs. Freedom
38:36 – Musical Tastes: A Blend of Genres
39:51 – Creating Sunshine Pop: Music and Emotion
42:21 – The Journey of a Freelancer
45:10 – Social Media Evolution
48:33 – Niche Marketing and Content Creation
55:36 – The Rise of the Realfluencer
01:01:36 – Authenticity in Social Media

Aloha Work and Chill https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5sJbGc9wsSeRphOQYUba8A?si=462a6111bf8b40da

Yasmin's Music - https://open.spotify.com/artist/4i9Gzk5P9z9ypukm2PU4s4?si=MggyPep5Tbu297yFbgHF-Q

💬 Connect with Yasmin Batting
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisisalohasocial/
Website: https://www.thisisalohasocial.com/💥 Support Rad-Ventures
Love the show? Share it, leave a review, or buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/radmin_assist
YouTube: @RadminAssist

In this episode of Rad-Ventures, we sit down with Harriet Evans, a Portsmouth-based Client Experience & Systems Strategist. From events management to virtual assistance, Harriet’s journey is full of lessons in adaptability, growth, and rebranding.

We dive into the tech tools she swears by (hello, Dubsado & ClickUp!), why Google wins over Microsoft, and how she creates systems that make clients go “WOW.” Harriet also opens up about the fears of rebranding, managing a tech stack, and how she uses onboarding strategies to build trust from the get-go.

This episode is a must-listen for freelancers, VAs, and anyone building a business around people, process, and purpose.

Follow Harriet:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harrietevans.ops/
Website: https://www.harrietevans-obm.com/ Sign up for her onboarding resources or challenges directly through her Instagram bio links!

💛 Support the Show

If you’re loving Rad-Ventures, here’s how you can help us keep the good vibes going:
☕ Become a supporter: https://www.patreon.com/c/radminassist
📲 Follow, share, and tag us when you’re listening – it means the world!
⭐ Don’t forget to rate and review on your favourite podcast platform.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Harriet Evans and Her Journey
04:59 – From Events Management to Systems & Strategy
09:58 – How Furlough Sparked a New Direction into Virtual Assistance
14:58 – Social Media Struggles & Wins for Small Biz Owners
20:00 – Finding Yourself in Business: Growth & Identity
26:09 – Embracing Change: “Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes”
31:02 – Google vs Microsoft: The Great Tech Debate
32:43 – Harriet’s Go-To Apps: WhatsApp & More
34:17 – Dream Cars & Personality Vibes
36:25 – Freelance Life: Freedom, Isolation & Reality
37:31 – Tech Stacks: What to Keep, What to Ditch
47:32 – Rebranding: Fears, Identity & Starting Fresh
50:24 – Branding That Reflects You
53:28 – Using Tech to Create Rave-Worthy Client Experiences
59:29 – Onboarding Challenges That Build Trust
01:02:05 – Where to Connect with Harriet

In this episode, I chat with Ilona about her journey from traditional admin roles to becoming a successful virtual assistant. We dive into the realities of client management, the freedom (and chaos) of being your own boss, and the tools that keep her productive—like Google Suite, Canva, and Xero.Chapters:00:00 – Intro: Meet Ilona & Her Journey into Virtual Assistance06:00 – Building a Business: Clients, Niches & Freedom
12:09 – Music Matters: How Playlists Fuel Productivity
18:00 – Personal Growth, Age & Embracing Change
23:55 – Tech Talk: Google Suite vs Microsoft 365
30:53 – Done > Perfect: Productivity, Systems & Workflow
40:00 – Design Tools: Canva Love & Why It’s Not Everything
46:03 – Bookkeeping & Financial Management as a VA
51:20 – Big Dreams: Fireworks, the Circus & Life AspirationsWhere to Find Ilona

Follow Ilona and find out more about her work:
🔗 https://www.ilonamckieva.com
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ilonamckieva
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilona-mckie/

Support the Show

If you're enjoying Rad-Ventures, you can support the podcast and help it grow:
☕ Become a patron: https://www.patreon.com/c/radminassist
📢 Share, like, and review on your favourite platform – it really helps!
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