What does it really take to leave your 9–5 and build a freedom-based freelance business—without panicking, stalling, or burning bridges?

In this episode of The OBM Show, I’m sharing how I transitioned out of my corporate role and into full-time OBM business ownership—while still working. I didn’t quit on a whim. I built my business behind the scenes, one project, one client, and one system at a time.

Whether you're feeling stuck in your corporate career, thinking about a side hustle, or ready to walk away with a plan in hand—this episode walks you through the exact steps to make the leap in a sustainable, strategic way.

🎧 Inside the episode, we cover:

• The steps I took to build my business while still working full-time
• The most valuable transferable skills you already have from your 9–5
• What foundational business pieces you actually need to get started
• How to shift your mindset from employee to entrepreneur
• Why setting a “Freedom Date” makes your exit feel real (and doable)
• Some “real world” examples of how our very own OBM School students went about (and rocked!) this transition

“You don’t have to wait for the perfect time—you just need a plan, a little 

courage, and the right support.”

This episode is for anyone ready to stop dreaming about freedom—and start building a freelance OBM business that fits your life.

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Thanks for tuning in to The OBM Show — your go-to podcast for Online Business Managers and entrepreneurs who want to scale strategically and sustainably.

If this episode resonated with you, be sure to follow the show and leave a review. It helps more aspiring and established Online Business Managers find this content and grow their businesses with confidence.

✨ Ready to take the next step?

Grab your free OBM Starter Kit → obmschool.com/starter
Explore more tools and trainings → obmschool.com/resources
Learn about becoming a CPD-certified Accredited Online Business Manager → obmaccreditation.com

🧭 Not sure where to start?
Find out your OBM Archetype and get personalized next steps → obmschool.com/quiz

📺 Prefer to watch?
Subscribe to our Youtube Channel and hit the bell icon to get notified when we drop a new video → youtube.com/@SarahNokedOBM

Until next time—keep building the business behind the business.

What does it really take to go from corporate employment to OBM business ownership—and actually own your time, income, and expertise?

In this episode of The OBM Show (also available as a video), I’m joined by Gillian Edwards, an Accredited OBM and marketing strategist who took a leap during the pandemic and never looked back. After being laid off, Gillian joined OBM School (shoutout to OBM Week + winning the Accelerator!) and slowly but surely built a business that works on her terms.

Now, she blends marketing strategy, implementation, and project management into a unique OBM offering—serving clients she loves and choosing work that aligns with her strengths.

🎧 Inside the episode, we cover:

• How Gillian landed her first retainer client by sending a bold email to 400+ people
• Why she skipped the VA phase and trusted her strengths from day one
• What a typical OBM day looks like—complete with tea, to-do lists, and client check-ins
• The types of projects she’s taken on (including Amazon product launches + optician training platforms!)
• Her advice for new OBMs still stuck in indecision

“Starve fear by making quick decisions. You have to go all in.”

Whether you’re pivoting out of corporate or still figuring out how your skills fit in the online space, Gillian’s story will inspire you to take action and lead with what you’re great at.

Thanks for tuning in to The OBM Show — your go-to podcast for Online Business Managers and entrepreneurs who want to scale strategically and sustainably.

If this episode resonated with you, be sure to follow the show and leave a review. It helps more aspiring and established Online Business Managers find this content and grow their businesses with confidence.

✨ Ready to take the next step?

Grab your free OBM Starter Kit → obmschool.com/starter
Explore more tools and trainings → obmschool.com/resources
Learn about becoming a CPD-certified Accredited Online Business Manager → obmaccreditation.com

🧭 Not sure where to start?
Find out your OBM Archetype and get personalized next steps → obmschool.com/quiz

📺 Prefer to watch?
Subscribe to our Youtube Channel and hit the bell icon to get notified when we drop a new video → youtube.com/@SarahNokedOBM

Until next time—keep building the business behind the business.

What’s in my OBM tech stack right now?

In this episode of The OBM Show, I’m pulling back the curtain and walking you through the exact tools I use behind the scenes to run a streamlined, scalable service-based business.

We’re not just talking about any tools—we’re talking about the non-negotiables that every Online Business Manager and support pro needs to create structure, support growth, and deliver an elevated client experience. From project management and automation to real-time communication and AI-powered efficiency, I’m sharing the platforms that are making my business (and my clients' businesses) run like clockwork.

Here’s what we cover:

• The 6 core tech categories every OBM needs to nail
• How to organize your backend for clarity, consistency, and confidence
• Real examples from OBM School students who’ve streamlined and scaled
• The free (or low-cost) tools that pack a punch—perfect if you’re just getting started
• Why your tech stack is the foundation of your business—not just a bunch of shiny tools

Whether you’re still duct-taping your backend together or ready to upgrade, this episode gives you the blueprint to build a business that runs smoothly, strategically, and without burnout.

👉 For a full breakdown of the tools I mention in this episode (plus a few bonuses), go to:
  https://www.obmschool.com/tools

No gatekeeping here—just the real tech, systems, and strategies that work.

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Thanks for tuning in to The OBM Show — your go-to podcast for Online Business Managers and entrepreneurs who want to scale strategically and sustainably.

If this episode resonated with you, be sure to follow the show and leave a review. It helps more aspiring and established Online Business Managers find this content and grow their businesses with confidence.

✨ Ready to take the next step?

Grab your free OBM Starter Kit → obmschool.com/starter
Explore more tools and trainings → obmschool.com/resources
Learn about becoming a CPD-certified Accredited Online Business Manager → obmaccreditation.com

🧭 Not sure where to start?
Find out your OBM Archetype and get personalized next steps → obmschool.com/quiz

📺 Prefer to watch?
Subscribe to our Youtube Channel and hit the bell icon to get notified when we drop a new video → youtube.com/@SarahNokedOBM

Until next time—keep building the business behind the business.

What does it really take to transition straight from a 15-year corporate career into building a purpose-driven OBM business—without any stops in between? In this inspiring episode of The OBM Show (also available to watch on YouTube), I sit down with Accredited OBM LeAngela Aitken to share her powerful journey from burnout to business ownership.

LeAngela didn’t start as a VA or freelancer. She made a bold leap from corporate leadership into the OBM role—and did so with strategy, confidence, and a deep commitment to serving her community. In this conversation, she opens up about the mindset shifts, systems, and purpose-led mission that helped her find success working with nonprofit clients.

We talk about:

• What pushed LeAngela to leave corporate and how she navigated the early days of her transition
• How she found her first OBM clients by leaning into community over cold outreach
• Why she chose to focus her business on nonprofits—and how it’s transformed her impact
• What her day-to-day looks like as an OBM, including client rhythms and strategic planning
• The importance of clarity, confidence, and staying connected to your “why” when building your business

If you’ve ever wondered whether your corporate background could translate into a fulfilling OBM business—this episode will give you the inspiration, clarity, and proof that it absolutely can.

Thanks for tuning in to The OBM Show — your go-to podcast for Online Business Managers and entrepreneurs who want to scale strategically and sustainably.

If this episode resonated with you, be sure to follow the show and leave a review. It helps more aspiring and established Online Business Managers find this content and grow their businesses with confidence.

✨ Ready to take the next step?

Grab your free OBM Starter Kit → obmschool.com/starter
Explore more tools and trainings → obmschool.com/resources
Learn about becoming a CPD-certified Accredited Online Business Manager → obmaccreditation.com

🧭 Not sure where to start?
Find out your OBM Archetype and get personalized next steps → obmschool.com/quiz

📺 Prefer to watch?
Subscribe to our Youtube Channel and hit the bell icon to get notified when we drop a new video → youtube.com/@SarahNokedOBM

Until next time—keep building the business behind the business.

In this episode of The OBM Show (also available to watch on YouTube), I sit down with Accredited OBM Lindsay Connolly, a former NYC fashion executive turned remote OBM working from Belgium, to unpack her incredible journey from corporate leadership to building a purpose-driven, high-value business.

Lindsay didn’t start as a VA or test the waters with small freelance gigs. She made a clear, intentional leap into the OBM role—charging premium rates from day one and designing a business that fits her life, not the other way around. In this conversation, she shares the mindset shifts, systems, and real-world strategies that helped her confidently step into a new career with clarity and conviction.

We talk about:

• What prompted Lindsay’s career pivot and how a move abroad became the catalyst for change
• How OBM Week and the OBM School Accelerator gave her the tools and confidence to start strong
• Her approach to pricing, setting boundaries, and sticking to $100/hr—even when it felt scary
• What her business looks like today: a 25-hour workweek, premium clients, and clear systems
• The identity shift that came with this work—and how it’s transformed her presence at home and in business

If you’ve ever felt unsure whether your skills can “translate” into the online world, or you’re craving a business built around your values and life—this episode will give you the clarity, inspiration, and proof that you already have what it takes.

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Thanks for tuning in to The OBM Show — your go-to podcast for Online Business Managers and entrepreneurs who want to scale strategically and sustainably.

If this episode resonated with you, be sure to follow the show and leave a review. It helps more aspiring and established Online Business Managers find this content and grow their businesses with confidence.

✨ Ready to take the next step?

Grab your free OBM Starter Kit → obmschool.com/starter
Explore more tools and trainings → obmschool.com/resources
Learn about becoming a CPD-certified Accredited Online Business Manager → obmaccreditation.com

🧭 Not sure where to start?
Find out your OBM Archetype and get personalized next steps → obmschool.com/quiz

📺 Prefer to watch?
Subscribe to our Youtube Channel and hit the bell icon to get notified when we drop a new video → youtube.com/@SarahNokedOBM

Until next time—keep building the business behind the business.

What does it really take to transition from a decade in the legal world to running a successful OBM agency—while raising a family and prioritizing your values?

In this episode of The OBM Show (also available on YouTube), I sit down with Julie Calcote, Accredited OBM, founder of Julie Calcote OBM Services, and a beloved mentor inside OBM School. Julie shares her journey from working behind the scenes in law offices to building a thriving business that gives her more space, purpose, and presence—both at work and at home.

Julie first entered the online business world as a Virtual Assistant, but quickly realized she was already doing OBM-level work. Once she claimed the title (and the rates), everything changed. In this honest conversation, Julie shares how she built her OBM business around the life she wanted—not the other way around.

We cover what her workdays actually look like, how she manages priorities as a mom and business owner, and the strategies she uses to stay productive without burnout.

You’ll learn:

• How Julie made the leap from VA to OBM
• What her day-to-day looks like now running an OBM agency
• How she uses tools like the Pomodoro Technique to stay focused and present
• Why values-aligned clients are key to sustainable success
• Her advice for aspiring OBMs ready to make their next move

If you’re wondering how to build a business that fits your real life—not just your résumé—Julie’s story is packed with practical insight and heartfelt encouragement.

This episode is for anyone who's juggling ambition and life, and ready to build a business that works for them.

Thanks for tuning in to The OBM Show — your go-to podcast for Online Business Managers and entrepreneurs who want to scale strategically and sustainably.

If this episode resonated with you, be sure to follow the show and leave a review. It helps more aspiring and established Online Business Managers find this content and grow their businesses with confidence.

✨ Ready to take the next step?

Grab your free OBM Starter Kit → obmschool.com/starter
Explore more tools and trainings → obmschool.com/resources
Learn about becoming a CPD-certified Accredited Online Business Manager → obmaccreditation.com

🧭 Not sure where to start?
Find out your OBM Archetype and get personalized next steps → obmschool.com/quiz

📺 Prefer to watch?
Subscribe to our Youtube Channel and hit the bell icon to get notified when we drop a new video → youtube.com/@SarahNokedOBM

Until next time—keep building the business behind the business.

What does it really  take to leave behind a 15-year corporate career and step into the freedom of online business? In this episode of The OBM Show (also available on YouTube), I sit down with OBM School Mentor and founder of IBOSS Inc., Lenica Stephen, to unpack her bold leap from burnout to business ownership—and what a day in her life looks like now as a thriving Online Business Manager.

For years, Lenica followed the traditional path—climbing the corporate ladder, hitting the milestones, doing everything right. But like so many high-achievers, she hit a wall. Burnt out, unfulfilled, and tired of putting her dreams on hold, she decided it was time to stop waiting for “someday” and start building a business that actually aligned with her life and values.

In this powerful conversation, Lenica shares how she leveraged her background in project management, business process re-engineering, and team leadership to build a successful OBM business from the ground up—on her terms.

We walk through what her day looks like now, how she sets priorities, and the systems she’s built to support both her clients and her growing team.

You’ll learn:

• What finally pushed Lenica to leave corporate—and how she knew she was ready
• The exact steps she took to launch her OBM business
• How she found her first high-quality clients
• The mindset shifts that helped her own her value and raise her rates
• And how growing a team allowed her to work in her zone of genius every single day

If you’re sitting in a corporate job wondering, “Is there more than this?”—Lenica’s story is the proof you need. This episode is your permission slip to explore what’s possible and take the leap into a career that gives back more than it takes.

Thanks for tuning in to The OBM Show — your go-to podcast for Online Business Managers and entrepreneurs who want to scale strategically and sustainably.

If this episode resonated with you, be sure to follow the show and leave a review. It helps more aspiring and established Online Business Managers find this content and grow their businesses with confidence.

✨ Ready to take the next step?

Grab your free OBM Starter Kit → obmschool.com/starter
Explore more tools and trainings → obmschool.com/resources
Learn about becoming a CPD-certified Accredited Online Business Manager → obmaccreditation.com

🧭 Not sure where to start?
Find out your OBM Archetype and get personalized next steps → obmschool.com/quiz

📺 Prefer to watch?
Subscribe to our Youtube Channel and hit the bell icon to get notified when we drop a new video → youtube.com/@SarahNokedOBM

Until next time—keep building the business behind the business.

What does it really take to build a business—and a life—that puts your family first? Meet Ramona Hooper, an Accredited Online Business Manager from Vancouver who transformed crisis into opportunity and turned a global pandemic into the catalyst for an entirely new career path.

In this episode of The OBM Show, (also available as a video on Youtube), Ramona shares how she went from corporate burnout and unexpected unemployment to creating a thriving OBM business—all while navigating some of the hardest moments of her life, including her husband’s health crisis and juggling her son’s virtual schooling.

From working 70+ hours a week to reclaiming her time and replacing her income within four months, Ramona’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and true transformation. You’ll hear the exact strategies she used to find her first OBM clients, how she built her confidence and tech skills on the fly, and the behind-the-scenes of her signature VIP Day structure.

Whether you’re exploring the OBM path or looking for real talk about balancing business and life, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical wisdom.

Listen now and discover how Ramona created a career that lets her son get “the best of me, not the rest of me.”

Thanks for tuning in to The OBM Show — your go-to podcast for Online Business Managers and entrepreneurs who want to scale strategically and sustainably.

If this episode resonated with you, be sure to follow the show and leave a review. It helps more aspiring and established Online Business Managers find this content and grow their businesses with confidence.

✨ Ready to take the next step?

Grab your free OBM Starter Kit → obmschool.com/starter
Explore more tools and trainings → obmschool.com/resources
Learn about becoming a CPD-certified Accredited Online Business Manager → obmaccreditation.com

🧭 Not sure where to start?
Find out your OBM Archetype and get personalized next steps → obmschool.com/quiz

📺 Prefer to watch?
Subscribe to our Youtube Channel and hit the bell icon to get notified when we drop a new video → youtube.com/@SarahNokedOBM

Until next time—keep building the business behind the business.

What if I told you that the secret to building a thriving OBM business isn’t about systems, sales, or strategy? That the one thing that truly determines your success has nothing to do with client management and everything to do with how you design your life?

In this episode of The OBM Show, I’m pulling back the curtain on the one thing that has guided me through every stage of my OBM journey: freedom. The ability to work on my terms, take care of my family, and build a business that supports my life—not the other way around.

If you’ve ever found yourself overworking, undervaluing your time, or saying yes to clients who don’t align with your vision, this episode will help you reframe success, set new standards, and take back control of your business.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

✔️ The one mindset shift that changed everything for me
 ✔️ How to create a business that works for you (instead of the other way around)
✔️ Why overworking and undercharging are keeping you stuck
✔️ The exact questions to ask yourself to realign your OBM business with your life
 

Thanks for tuning in to The OBM Show — your go-to podcast for Online Business Managers and entrepreneurs who want to scale strategically and sustainably.

If this episode resonated with you, be sure to follow the show and leave a review. It helps more aspiring and established Online Business Managers find this content and grow their businesses with confidence.

✨ Ready to take the next step?

Grab your free OBM Starter Kit → obmschool.com/starter
Explore more tools and trainings → obmschool.com/resources
Learn about becoming a CPD-certified Accredited Online Business Manager → obmaccreditation.com

🧭 Not sure where to start?
Find out your OBM Archetype and get personalized next steps → obmschool.com/quiz

📺 Prefer to watch?
Subscribe to our Youtube Channel and hit the bell icon to get notified when we drop a new video → youtube.com/@SarahNokedOBM

Until next time—keep building the business behind the business.

Marketing yourself as an Online Business Manager (OBM) can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re worried about coming across as pushy or salesy. But here’s the truth: the best marketing doesn’t feel like marketing at all—it feels like leadership.

In this episode of The OBM Show, I’m breaking down exactly how to position yourself as an in-demand OBM without constantly promoting yourself. From using the power of strategic questioning (yes, talking less can actually attract more clients) to stepping into your OBM alter ego, I’ll show you how to confidently market yourself and attract premium clients who already see your value.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why marketing feels uncomfortable for many OBMs (and how to shift your mindset)
• How The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier can transform your discovery calls
• The exact questions that get clients to sell themselves on hiring you
• How an alter ego can help you show up more confidently in your marketing
• Why clients love me the most when I say less and listen more
• How to position yourself as an OBM leader and leave businesses better than you found them

Thanks for tuning in to The OBM Show — your go-to podcast for Online Business Managers and entrepreneurs who want to scale strategically and sustainably.

If this episode resonated with you, be sure to follow the show and leave a review. It helps more aspiring and established Online Business Managers find this content and grow their businesses with confidence.

✨ Ready to take the next step?

Grab your free OBM Starter Kit → obmschool.com/starter
Explore more tools and trainings → obmschool.com/resources
Learn about becoming a CPD-certified Accredited Online Business Manager → obmaccreditation.com

🧭 Not sure where to start?
Find out your OBM Archetype and get personalized next steps → obmschool.com/quiz

📺 Prefer to watch?
Subscribe to our Youtube Channel and hit the bell icon to get notified when we drop a new video → youtube.com/@SarahNokedOBM

Until next time—keep building the business behind the business.