Seed to Success

If you’ve ever felt the pull to be more visible in your business but found yourself second-guessing every move, this episode is your gentle permission slip to take up space.

In this empowering conversation, host Adrienne Donnelly chats with Bec Sands, a Visibility Mentor, coach and ex-corporate leader who helps women move from resistance to radiance so they can confidently share their work with the world. Drawing on her 15-year career in PR and her own experience growing a multi-six figure business, Bec shares the mindset shifts and practical strategies that have helped her and hundreds of others show up with clarity, purpose and ease.

Together, Adrienne and Bec explore how to make visibility feel more aligned, how to navigate self-doubt, and why building visibility doesn’t mean becoming someone you’re not. Whether you identify as introverted, anxious, overwhelmed or just unsure where to begin, Bec offers thoughtful and tangible advice for showing up in a way that truly feels like you.

You’ll hear about:
🌱 Common visibility blocks and how to move through them with kindness
🌱 Why you don’t need another qualification to start showing up
🌱 Ways to build visibility online and offline, without burning out
🌱 What visibility can look like for introverts and those navigating anxiety
🌱 Simple ways to build consistency and confidence over time

Whether you’re just getting started or feeling ready to stretch yourself, this episode is a reminder that visibility is a skill you can build one small, brave action at a time.

Resources and Links:
🌱 Come join Adrienne and the Seed VA community: Website: www.seedvirtualassistants.com.au
Instagram: @seedvirtualassistants - https://www.instagram.com/seedvirtualassistants/
Facebook Group: Seed VA – Australian Virtual Assistant Community  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1082065292124728
📲 Connect with Bec Sands:
Website: www.becsands.com
Instagram: @becsands - https://www.instagram.com/becsands
Podcast: Confidently Visible (available on all major platforms)

🔔 This episode is sponsored by the Virtual Assistant Lead Network. You can preview available client opportunities at www.valeadnetwork.com.au
Use code FRIENDSOFSEED for 30% off your first month or year as a new member (all caps, one word).

If this episode made you feel a little less alone or gave you something to think about, share it with a fellow business bestie. And don’t forget to subscribe so you’re always the first to hear what’s new on Seed to Success. 🌱

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering “Do I really have what it takes to do this?”, this conversation is the gentle nudge and heartfelt encouragement you didn’t know you needed. In this episode of Seed to Success, host Adrienne Donnelly chats with Inner Circle member Giulia Vecchio, the creative force behind Firefly Digital Support.

After spending over 15 years in the corporate world, Giulia first came across the VA industry during the Covid years but it wasn’t until later that she made the leap into working online. What began with general admin support slowly evolved as she found her feet, refined her focus, and discovered what truly lit her up. Today, she’s a go-to podcast specialist, helping clients launch and manage their shows with strategy, heart and a whole lot of care.

Together, Adrienne and Giulia explore the messy middle of starting a business, the mindset hurdles so many of us face, and how community can make all the difference.

You’ll hear about:

🌱 How Giulia transitioned from a 15-year corporate career to working for herself

🌱 The mindset shifts that helped her move from self-doubt to self-belief

🌱 Her journey from generalist VA to niche podcast manager and how she found her sweet spot

🌱 The power of connection when you’re working for yourself

🌱 How she supports podcast hosts to share their message without the overwhelm

Whether you’re just starting out, pivoting your niche, or needing a reminder that you’re not alone this episode is packed with wisdom, honesty and real talk from someone who’s been where you are.

You don’t need to have it all figured out. Just start where you are and build from there.

Resources and Links:

🌱 Come join Adrienne and the Seed VA community:
Website: [www.seedvirtualassistants.com.au](https://www.seedvirtualassistants.com.au/)
Instagram: [@seedvirtualassistants](https://www.instagram.com/seedvirtualassistants/)
Facebook Group: [Seed VA – Australian Virtual Assistant Community](https://www.facebook.com/groups/1082065292124728)

📲 Connect with Giulia from Firefly Digital Support: Instagram: [@fireflydigitalsupport](https://www.instagram.com/fireflydigitalsupport)

🔔 This episode is sponsored by the Virtual Assistant Lead Network. Looking for high-quality, vetted client opportunities? You can preview available client opportunities on their website [www.valeadnetwork.com.au](https://valeadnetwork.com.au/) As a listener of the pod, enjoy 30% off your first month or year as a NEW member with the code FRIENDSOFSEED.

If this episode made you feel a little less alone or gave you something to think about, share it with a fellow business bestie. And don’t forget to subscribe so you’re always the first to hear what’s new on Seed to Success. 🌱

We’re kicking off a fresh season of Seed to Success with a very special guest, the incredible Amy Dawe, founder and former owner of Seed Virtual Assistants.

In this heartfelt conversation, Amy opens up about the journey that led her to step away from the business she built from the ground up, and what life looks like now on the other side of that decision.

Your host Adrienne Donnelly, now the proud new owner of Seed, sits down with Amy for a full-circle chat that’s real, reflective, and full of wisdom. It’s the kind of conversation that reminds us we’re allowed to grow, shift and choose a path that truly feels like ours.

If you’ve ever felt the pull to make a big change in your business, but fear, doubt or uncertainty held you back, this episode is for you.

You’ll hear about:

🌱 The 12-month lead-up to selling Seed and why Amy knew it was time to let go
🌱 What it really looks like to navigate big decisions in a way that feels aligned and thoughtful
🌱 How Amy found peace in simplifying her life and business
🌱 What she's learned from starting a new local business after running a national online brand
🌱 Why community, connection and integrity still guide everything she does

Whether you’re in a season of growth, transition or simply asking bigger questions about what you want your business to look like, Amy’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s okay to evolve. And that letting go can sometimes be the bravest, most generous thing you do for yourself and the people you serve. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to take the next right step.

Resources and Links:
🌱 Come join Adrienne and the Seed VA community:

📲Connect with Amy and The Social Hub:

🔔 This episode is sponsored by the Virtual Assistant Lead Network. Looking for high-quality, vetted client opportunities? You can preview available client opportunities on their website www.valeadnetwork.com.au As a listener of the pod, enjoy 30% off your first month or year as a NEW member with the code FRIENDSOFSEED.

If this episode made you feel a little less alone or gave you something to think about, send it to a fellow business bestie. And don’t forget to subscribe so you’re always the first to hear what’s new on Seed to Success. 🌱

A warm welcome to today's guest Tiffany Ashdown, an expert in all things automation and tech, Tiffany is also a highly valued member of the Seed Inner Circle. 

In this episode, Tiffany shares her journey into this field and explains the benefits of automation in business, including saving time and money, reducing mental load, and improving productivity. 

Tiffany introduces Zapier, a tool that connects different platforms and automates tasks based on triggers. She shares examples of simple Zapier zaps she uses in her own business and emphasises the importance of documenting automations. 

Key Takeaways

This is just a snapshot of what’s in store for this month’s exclusive Inner Circle workshop. We will explore Zapier and how to implement automation into your VAs and OBMs business. More information on the Inner Circle can be found here.

Connect with Amy Dawe, Founder of Seed VA.

Website: seedvirtualassistants.com.au

Instagram: @seedva.mentor

Connect with this week’s guest: Tiffany Ashdown

Instagram: @tiffany_ashdown

A warm welcome to today's guest, Mel Watson, a coach and wellbeing mentor who is an expert in diversity and inclusion in small businesses. 

In this episode, Mel shares her journey in this field and provides practical advice for small businesses to incorporate diversity and inclusion into their business models. 

Amy and Mel discuss the importance of starting where you're at and making small, impactful changes. They highlight the flow-on effect of inclusivity and the importance of open communication between business owners and individuals with diverse needs.

Mel defines diversity and inclusion as understanding the differences in our population and taking action to make something more accessible and inclusive. 

Key Takeaways

This is just a snapshot of what’s in store for this month’s exclusive Inner Circle workshop, where we will further explore diversity and inclusion in small businesses. More information on the Inner Circle can be found here.

Connect with Amy Dawe, Founder of Seed VA.

Website: seedvirtualassistants.com.au

Instagram: @seedva.mentor

Connect with this week’s guest, Mel Watson 

Website: https://melwatson.com/

Instagram: @ms.mel.watson

INNER CIRCLE MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

In this podcast episode, Amy sat down with Nerin Chappell, an Inner Circle Member & owner of Positively Sorted, a VA Agency specialising in supporting NDIS provider businesses with all their admin needs.

Nerin shares her journey from starting Positively Sorted to starting a Membership, teaching and supporting other VAs to learn about the NDIS admin and all the ins and outs of what is involved. 

Amy and Nerin discuss the importance of community and interaction. These platforms offer training, job leads, and supportive networking for VAs. They also emphasise the importance of face-to-face interaction despite both having online communities.

Key Takeaways:

Connect with this week’s guest, Nerin Chappell

Instagram: @positivelysorted

Website: www.positivelysorted.com.au

Connect with Amy Dawe, Founder of Seed VA.

Website: www.seedvirtualassistants.com.au

Instagram: @seedva.mentor

Join our free Facebook community & connect with aspiring virtual assistants to gain access to a supportive network of like-minded individuals who can provide guidance, job opportunities, advice, and resources to help you navigate the process of becoming a virtual assistant.

A warm welcome to today's guest, Abbey Naylor, of Bold Mood, who is a LinkedIn Personal Brand Coach

We are thrilled to have Abbey join us today and to dive even deeper into the topic of The Power of Personal Branding in LinkedIn in our upcoming May Inner Circle Workshop. 

Abbey discusses the importance of LinkedIn and how it can be leveraged to build a personal brand. She shares her journey of starting her own business and realising the untapped potential of LinkedIn. Abbey emphasises the power of storytelling and authenticity in connecting with an audience. She encourages individuals to reflect on their values, target audience, and unique value proposition when building their personal brand. Abbey also highlights the importance of community management on LinkedIn and the value of networking and connecting with leaders in your industry.

Topics Discussed:

This is just a snapshot of what’s in store for this month’s exclusive Inner Circle workshop, where we will explore the Power of Personal Branding in LinkedIn further.  More information on The Inner Circle can be found here.

Connect with Amy Dawe, Founder of Seed VA.

Website: seedvirtualassistants.com.au

Instagram: @seedva.mentor

Connect with this week’s guest: 

Abbey Naylor, Founder of Bold Mood.

LinkedIn: Abbey Naylor

Website: www.boldmood.com.au

Instagram: @_boldmood

INNER CIRCLE MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

In this podcast episode, I sit down with Cat Dunn, an Inner Circle Member and an Online Business Manager (OBM). Cat shares her journey from starting as a virtual assistant to becoming an OBM and her journey in building an OBM community in Australia. 

Amy and Cat discuss the difference between VA and OBM communities, the value of being part of multiple communities, and the challenges and learnings from launching a membership. Cat shares her plans for the future, including starting her own podcast and speaking on stage. Cat talks about the importance of time management and creating space for personal growth.

Key Takeaways:

Connect with this week’s guest: Cat Dunn

Instagram: @catlouisedunn

Website: www.catlouisedunn.com

Connect with Amy Dawe, Founder of Seed VA.

Website: seedvirtualassistants.com.au

Instagram: @seedva.mentor

Join our free Facebook community & connect with aspiring virtual assistants to gain access to a supportive network of like-minded individuals who can provide guidance, job opportunities, advice, and resources to help you navigate the process of becoming a virtual assistant.

INNER CIRCLE MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

In this podcast episode, I sit down with Kelly Groves, an Inner Circle Member & a Business Strategist. Kelly shares her journey from starting as a virtual assistant and how it evolved into the Small Business Hub Australia.

Kelly discussed the importance of supporting business owners in executing and implementing strategies. Kelly also discusses her future vision for the Small Business Hub and the need for consistent support in business. Kelly shares advice to just start and invest in knowledge to succeed on your own timeline.

Key Takeaways:

Connect with this week’s guest, Kelly Groves

Instagram: @smallbusinesshubau

Website: www.kellygroves.com.au

Connect with Amy Dawe, Founder of Seed VA.

Website: seedvirtualassistants.com.au

Instagram: @seedva.mentor

Join our free Facebook community & connect with aspiring virtual assistants to gain access to a supportive network of like-minded individuals who can provide guidance, job opportunities, advice, and resources to help you navigate the process of becoming a virtual assist

A warm welcome to today's guest, Renee Evans, of REVA Assistance, who is a Business Automation Expert.

We are thrilled to have Renee join us today and dive even deeper into this topic of Business Automations in our upcoming April Inner Circle Workshop. 

Renee discussed the importance of automation in business and how it can save time and improve efficiency. Renee emphasises the benefits of automation, including increased productivity, the ability to step back and focus on business growth, and improved client experience.  

Topics Discussed:

This is just a snapshot of what’s in store for this month’s exclusive Inner Circle workshop, where we will explore Business Automations further.  More information on The Inner Circle can be found here.

Connect with Amy Dawe, Founder of Seed VA.

Website: seedvirtualassistants.com.au

Instagram: @seedva.mentor

Connect with this week’s guest: 

Renee Evans, Founder of REVA Assistance.

Website: www.revaassistance.com.au

Instagram: @reva.assistance