Ever feel like you’ve got more to offer than what your job title says? I sat down with Mamai, one of our amazing virtual assistants at Delegate, to talk about that exact feeling—and what happens when you finally get the chance to step up and show what you’re really capable of.

In this episode, we unpack what it’s like to go from a structured corporate job to the unpredictable, fast-moving world of startups. Mamai opens up about the shift from task-taker to decision-maker, the challenges of adapting to remote work, and how cultural understanding plays a massive role in client relationships, especially when working across borders.

Whether you’re hiring VAs or are one yourself, this conversation is packed with real talk on growth, communication, and how to create an environment where people can thrive and not just check boxes.

What You’ll Learn:
👉 Why corporate structure can limit your potential
👉 The mindset shift required to succeed in startup life
👉 How remote work can unlock balance and new opportunities
👉 The importance of cultural awareness when working globally
👉 How the VA industry is evolving in the Philippines and what that means for businesses

Stay tuned for more episodes!

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube | Twitter | Delegate.co

Ever feel like networking is awkward, exhausting, or just plain ineffective? You’re not alone. In this episode of Sip & Scale, I sit down with Alice Huang, a fractional COO and expert in community building, to break down how to make networking work for you, even if you hate it.

Alice shares her journey from Vancouver to Austin and how she’s built thriving communities by focusing on real, meaningful connections instead of just handing out business cards. We dive into the strategies behind hosting successful in-person events, the power of delegation, and why networking is more than just showing up…it’s about what happens after the event.

What You’ll Learn:

👉 How to build a powerful network—even if you're an introvert
👉 The secret to hosting events people actually want to attend
👉 Why in-person networking is still more effective than online connections
👉 The role of delegation in freeing up time for high-value work
👉 How to follow up and turn casual meetups into real business opportunities

If you’ve ever struggled with networking or community building, this episode is packed with insights to help you connect with the right people and grow your business.

Stay tuned for more episodes!

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube | Twitter | Delegate.co

In this episode of Sip and Scale, I sit down with Aviv Shalgi, founder of Solar Simplified, to break down why so many startups fail, and what you can do to avoid the same fate. Aviv shares how Solar Simplified is flipping the traditional solar model on its head, the biggest challenges in customer education, and how data-driven decision-making is the key to business growth. We also dive into marketing strategies, the power of delegation, and why testing before scaling is crucial for any startup.

What You’ll Learn:

✅ Why 80% of Americans can’t access solar energy—and how Solar Simplified is changing that
✅ The biggest mistake startups make when launching new products
✅ How to use data to make smarter business decisions
✅ The evolution of marketing strategies—and what works in today’s market
✅ Why delegation is essential for scaling without burnout

Episode Highlights:

• 00:00 Intro
• 01:25 Revolutionizing Solar Energy Access
• 06:51 Challenges in the Solar Industry
• 11:01 Customer Education and Engagement
• 16:09 The Go-To-Market Strategy
• 24:30 Leveraging Data and Analytics
• 40:36 Common Pitfalls for Startups
• 45:07 The Evolution of Marketing Strategies
• 50:36 The Importance of Delegation
• 58:16 Outro

Stay tuned for more episodes!

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube | Twitter | Delegate.co

In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Conrad O'Connell, a digital marketing expert who’s carved out a niche in the vacation rental space. Conrad shares how he made his way from helping his father-in-law’s fishing charter business to building a thriving agency that specializes in marketing vacation rentals. We dive into what makes promoting vacation properties different from traditional businesses, and why branding and visibility are so crucial for driving direct bookings.

We also talk about the rise of social media, the importance of email marketing for keeping clients happy, and the behind-the-scenes of scaling a marketing agency. Conrad’s journey is full of real insights on how to grow your business, build community, and even the power of offshore hiring. Whether you’re in vacation rentals or just looking for solid marketing tips, this episode is packed with practical takeaways.

Key Takeaways:

• The vacation rental business comes with its own set of marketing challenges, and branding is key to standing out.
• If you want direct bookings, you need to make sure your brand is visible and appealing.
• Email marketing isn’t dead, it’s still a powerhouse for retaining clients and driving engagement.
• Scaling an agency? Focus on client satisfaction, build a strong community, and set clear expectations.
• Don’t sleep on offshore hiring! It can make a huge difference in growing your business without the overhead.

Stay tuned for more episodes!

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube | Twitter | Delegate.co

In this episode of SIP and Scale, I sit down with Ryan Levy, co-founder and president of Fuze Technology, to unpack his journey from the early struggles of entrepreneurship to steering a company toward global expansion. Ryan shares the hard-earned lessons from fundraising, navigating COVID-19’s curveballs, and building a strong team culture. Whether you're a founder, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone curious about the grit it takes to succeed, this episode is packed with invaluable insights.

Tune in for Ryan’s story of resilience, lessons learned, and the exciting road ahead for Fuse Technology!

Takeaways:

• Embrace the entrepreneurial journey and be open to opportunities.
• Mistakes are part of the process; learn and adapt from them.
• COVID-19 presented unique challenges but also opportunities for growth.
• Fundraising is a personal and often challenging experience for founders.
• Building a strong team is crucial for long-term success.
• Every setback can lead to valuable lessons and insights.
• Resilience is key in navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.
• Recognizing and celebrating milestones can motivate the team.
• Hiring the right talent is essential for company culture and growth.
• Global expansion requires careful planning and adaptation to new markets.

Stay tuned for more episodes!

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube | Twitter | Delegate.co

In this episode of Sip and Scale, I sit down with Gregory Laskody, who shares how an unexpected entry into real estate turned into a winning career in South Florida’s commercial market. We dive into everything from real estate cycles to tech’s role in the industry—and even how giving back has been a game-changer for him.

Takeaways:

• Gregory’s start in real estate was unexpected but ultimately transformative.
• Networking in real estate has shifted from territorial mindsets to more collaborative ones.
• Experience in appraisal gave Gregory unique insights that shaped his approach to brokerage.
• Understanding real estate cycles is essential for both investors and brokers to navigate market shifts.
• Real estate offers powerful wealth creation opportunities, especially for those focused on growth.
• Skill-building is crucial in real estate, master your craft to set yourself apart.
• Technology is streamlining the commercial real estate industry, making processes faster and more efficient.
• The recent NAR settlement is likely to shake up the residential sector and impact brokers.
• Success in real estate is all about execution and understanding your strengths.
• Giving back to the community isn’t just fulfilling, it’s essential to creating a lasting impact.

Stay tuned for more episodes!

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube | Twitter | Delegate.co

In this episode of Sip and Scale, I chat with Sam Dundas, co-founder of Besty AI, about his inspiring journey from hospitality to tech. We talked about how AI is transforming guest messaging for short-term rentals and the key strategies behind scaling a successful startup.

Takeaways:

• Sam’s shift from hospitality to founding Besty AI
• Besty AI automates guest communication for short-term rentals
• Why having an open mindset is essential for startups
• Scaling a team is all about smart delegation and finding the right people
• AI can lower operational costs, but what does it mean for the future of jobs in hospitality?

Stay tuned for more episodes!

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube | Twitter | Delegate.co

In this episode of Sip and Scale, I had a great chat with Evan Patterson, a marketing pro with an incredible journey from gaming to digital marketing. We talked about a lot of topics, from the power of personal branding and how to really make LinkedIn work for you, to the differences between sales and marketing (which people often confuse).

If you’re in a startup or looking to connect with influencers and build your brand, Evan’s insights are pure gold.

Takeaways:

• Understanding psychology is crucial for effective marketing.
• LinkedIn is a powerful tool for personal branding.
• Authenticity in marketing leads to better engagement.
• Mental health plays a significant role in professional success.
• Content should be relatable and educational.
• AI can assist in marketing but should not replace creativity.
• Building relationships with influencers is key for startups.
• Sales and marketing require different skill sets and approaches.
• Personal branding is essential for founders and leaders.

Stay tuned for more episodes!

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube | Twitter | Delegate.co

Summary:

In this episode, Don Spafford shares how he went from corporate finance to investing in RV campgrounds and build-to-rent communities. He talks about creating passive income, scaling a real estate business, and finding unique opportunities for high returns. Don also dives into building a team and the importance of staying open to new ideas.

Takeaways:

• Focus on creating passive income streams and achieving financial freedom through real estate investing.
• Don't wait for the perfect deal; find something that is good enough to start with and take action.
• Build a network and find partners who complement your skills and share your goals.
• Be open to new opportunities and continuously learn and adapt in the real estate industry.
• Manage properties yourself initially to gain experience and understanding, but be open to outsourcing as you scale.
• Enjoy the process and find joy in talking to investors and sharing your knowledge and insights. RV campgrounds offer high cash flow and the potential for double-digit cash-on-cash returns.
• RV campgrounds have multiple income streams and can be scaled as a business.
• Proximity to popular camping areas can provide a steady user base for RV campgrounds.
• RV campgrounds can be a viable investment option for those who want to invest in something they enjoy.
• Finding great deals and diversifying investments in different types of properties and businesses is important.

Stay tuned for more episodes!

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube | Twitter | Delegate.co

In this episode of Sip & Scale, I sit down with Brian Keen, a franchising expert, to dive into how AI is reshaping the way businesses scale. We talk about my journey with Delegate Co. and how AI, along with effective delegation, is helping companies streamline operations and grow faster. We also explore the future of AI, the role of remote staffing, and why adapting to these changes is key for long-term success.

Takeaways:

• AI can be used to automate tasks and improve client experiences, allowing businesses to focus on their core activities.
• Delegating tasks and leveraging AI technology can help businesses scale and succeed on a global scale.
• The future of AI and virtual staffing involves job displacement in the short term, but in the long term, it will allow for more independent and creative work.
• Businesses should embrace AI solutions to increase productivity and provide longevity to their organizations.
• Finding competent people and delegating tasks allows business owners to focus on the bigger picture and work on their businesses rather than in them.

Stay tuned for more episodes!

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube | Twitter | Delegate.co