The Online Business Manager Show with Sarah Noked

What if having a full client roster isn’t the dream? 

In this episode of The OBM Show, I’m unpacking the dark side of being booked up as an Online Support Professional - and what it really takes to grow your virtual business without recreating the burnout you left behind in your 9–5.

Whether you’re drowning in Slack pings and client requests, or you’re starting to feel the weight of overcommitment creeping in, this is your permission slip to pause and redesign your business so that it’s sustainable, enjoyable, and still profitable.

🎧 In this episode, we cover:
 ✔️ Why being “booked out” is often a red flag, not a goal
  ✔️ The real reasons OBMs hit burnout—even when things look successful on paper
  ✔️ How to audit your capacity and uncover hidden energy drains
  ✔️ The mindset shift from freelancer to CEO (and what that actually looks like)
  ✔️ Simple ways to rework your OBM offers, time blocks, and boundaries so you can breathe again

If you're celebrating because your calendar’s “booked up”, but feel overwhelmed and overworked at the same time, this episode will help you create more margin, scale smarter, and reclaim your energy—without sacrificing your income or client results.

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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 happens when you hit burnout after 30+ years in corporate leadership—and decide it’s time to build something of your own?

In this episode of The OBM Show (also available as a video), I’m joined by Manu Loths, an Accredited OBM and founder of Breitinger Consulting. After decades of working in senior roles across Germany and New Zealand—including CFO, GM, and Head of Operations—Manu knew she wanted more flexibility, more purpose, and more control over her time.

Instead of looking for another executive role, she enrolled in OBM School’s Accreditation program, implemented every piece of the curriculum, and built a business that now runs at full capacity—with a team, long-term clients, and a growing agency vision.

🎧 Inside the episode, we cover:

– How Manu transitioned from corporate burnout to OBM clarity
  – The moment she realized she could be choosy about clients
  – Her systems-first approach to both operations and finances
  – A turnaround story from a sixth-generation family business
  – Her plan for scaling through team and agency infrastructure
  – Why age, experience, and leadership are OBM superpowers

“This is what I used to do for others—now I do it for myself, my way.”

Whether you're stepping out of corporate, thinking about your second act, or wondering how to turn decades of experience into your own business—this episode is packed with inspiration, structure, and actionable strategy.

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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 if being “organized” was actually the least valuable part of your skill set?

In this episode of The OBM Show, we’re digging into a major mindset shift that every Online Business Manager needs to make if they want to grow, lead, and land premium clients. Because here’s the truth: clients often say they’re looking for someone who’s organized—but what they need is a strategic partner.

I’ve had clients hire me for “organization,” thinking they needed someone to keep the trains running. But the real results didn’t come from my color-coded task boards or neat file structures. They came from leadership. Decision-making. Big-picture thinking. And for a long time, I didn’t position myself that way—and I paid the price.

In this episode, I’m sharing how to move from the role of “doer” to driver—and what it looks like to own your identity as the operational engine behind a business’s success.

Inside this episode, we cover:

• Why “organized” is a feature—not the benefit—and how to reframe your value
   
• Five powerful roles every OBM plays (even if they don’t call them that yet)
   
• Real language shifts to use in your website, proposals, and discovery calls
   
• How OBMs unintentionally downplay their worth—and what to say instead
   
• The link between this mindset shift and your pricing, burnout, and next-level growth

We also talk about the hidden cost of playing small—why vague support language keeps you stuck, how burnout creeps in when you operate below your level, and how positioning yourself as a leader opens the door to more trust, more autonomy, and more aligned client relationships.

If you’ve been stuck in the assistant zone—or struggling to explain what you really do—this episode will help you claim your identity as a leader, not a helper. Because you’re not just the one organizing the business. You’re the one keeping it moving forward.

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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 look like to be the right-hand woman inside a growing, impact-driven online business?

In this episode of The OBM Show, I’m joined by Tovi Vider—Accredited OBM, single mom, and the behind-the-scenes rock of OBM School. Tovi has been our in-house OBM for over four years, and in that time, she’s been at the center of some of the most transformational pivots in our business—from launching the OBM Accreditation to scaling our team and systems from the ground up.

But her journey didn’t start there. Tovi spent years in corporate and worked as a Virtual Assistant before stepping into the OBM role—and realizing she was already doing executive-level work. In her words: “I thought climbing the corporate ladder was my only option. I didn’t know I had a choice until I saw what OBM work could really be.”

🎧 Inside the episode, we cover:

• How Tovi transitioned from VA to OBM (and what clicked for her)
   
• What a “day in the life” really looks like when you manage ops for a 6-figure training company
   
• Her experience navigating life as a single mom while leading a fast-paced business
   
• Why trust, transparency, and ownership are at the core of how she operates
   
• The behind-the-scenes story of launching the OBM Accreditation during one of our hardest seasons
   
• How OBM work has changed her life—and helped shape the future of OBM School

This episode is full of honesty, practical insight, and behind-the-scenes reflection. Tovi shares what it means to truly own the OBM role—not just in title, but in responsibility, decision-making, and leadership.

Whether you’re just stepping into OBM work or building the systems to support a growing business, Tovi’s story is proof that being an OBM is about more than just getting things done. It’s about being the person a business can’t run without.

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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 run a virtual business through the summer—without overcommitting, underdelivering, or burning out completely?

In this episode of The OBM Show, I’m walking you through how I’m preparing my business for summer in a way that honors both my goals and my life. Because summer isn’t business as usual. Timelines shift. Clients go quiet. Life ramps up. And unless you plan for it, you’ll either hustle like it’s Q1 or disappear and scramble to recover come fall.

Over the years, I’ve learned (the hard way) what happens when I don’t prep for the seasonal shift. So this year, I’m doing things differently—and sharing the exact strategies, systems, and mindset shifts I’m using to create a summer that feels intentional, restful, and sustainable.

Inside the episode, we cover:

• What I audit in my business before summer hits—and why it matters
• The exact conversation I have with clients to set clear expectations and boundaries
• How I shift from retainer-heavy work into lighter-lift revenue streams
• Why I schedule restoration and unplugged time like I do meetings
• The automations I put in place to keep lead gen and nurture flowing

“Summer doesn’t have to be a slump or sprint for business owners–there IS a happy medium, believe it or not! “

Whether you're managing a full client roster, looking to protect your energy, or just want to enter September feeling refreshed instead of frazzled, this episode will help you map out your own summer rhythm with intention and clarity.

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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 look like to build an OBM business in the middle of a life-changing moment—with no safety net and everything on the line?

In this episode of The OBM Show, I’m joined by Muneeba Brooks, an Accredited OBM and founder of NeuroNest Consulting, who shares her story of rebuilding from the ground up after becoming a single parent overnight. With 20+ years of operations experience and a deep commitment to supporting overwhelmed and neurodivergent clients, Muneeba turned survival into strategy—and created a business that supports her life and her clients’ needs.

🎧 Inside the episode, we cover:

• How she went from part-time VA to strategic OBM—without realizing she was already doing the job
• The moment she decided to stop undercharging and start owning her value
• What it’s like building a business while solo parenting and grieving
• Her systems-focused niche and how she structures her workdays
• The mindset shifts that helped her stop playing small—and claim her seat at the table
   
  “I was already doing executive-level work. I just wasn’t getting paid for it. That had to change.”

Whether you’re a VA who’s outgrown the task list or someone wondering if your lived experience can shape a business that works—Muneeba’s story will show you what’s possible when you trust your skills, speak your value, and start from exactly where you are.

---------------------

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 purpose-driven OBM business—from a pandemic pivot, with no roadmap, and a whole lot of courage?

In this episode of The OBM Show, I’m joined by Sam Roblett, an Accredited OBM and digital learning designer based in the UK. After 15 years in education and school leadership, Sam made a bold shift during the pandemic—rebuilding her career, business, and life from scratch.

Starting as a VA, she quickly realized she was already doing strategic, high-level work—and once she discovered the OBM role, there was no going back. Now, she runs Chaos into Calm, a thriving OBM agency serving purpose-driven entrepreneurs, course creators, and community-led brands.

🎧 Inside the episode, we cover:

• How she transitioned VA clients into OBM retainers (and didn’t lose income)
• What her day-to-day looks like balancing OBM work, team leadership, and course design
• Her experience building an 8,500+ member community through Vegan Business Network
• Why she pursued a diploma in digital learning design—and how it added a whole new income stream
• Her best advice for OBMs who feel overwhelmed by “figuring it all out”
   
  “Sometimes you don’t need the whole plan—you just need the first step. Then take the next.”

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale into a more intentional OBM role, Sam’s story will remind you that you get to build a business that reflects your values—and supports 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 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.