In this episode of Virtually Amazing Assistants, host Shelley Fishel engages in an insightful conversation with Abigail Barnes, founder and CEO of Success by Design Training.  

Abigail, an expert in time management and productive wellbeing, introduces her innovative 8-8-8 formula, which divides the day into three equal parts for sleep, work, and personal life. The discussion covers the importance of tracking time, understanding one’s personal energy patterns through human design, and the impact of mindset on productivity.  

Abigail also shares her extensive marketing background, offering valuable tips for assistants to market themselves effectively.  

Key takeaways include the significance of auditing time,  and making incremental changes for improved productivity and personal growth. 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview  

02:16 Abigail Barnes’ 8-8-8 Formula for Time Management  

05:16 Exploring Human Design and Sleep Patterns  

08:51 The Importance of Marketing Yourself  

16:32 Time Management Challenges and Solutions  

20:45 Key Lessons and Final Thoughts 

For over 25 years, Shelley Fishel has been empowering organizations of all sizes with her expert Microsoft Applications training. Whether you’re looking for self-paced online courses or tailored group programs, Shelley has the perfect solution to enhance your team’s productivity and skills.

Don’t miss the opportunity to elevate your organization’s efficiency. Book a call with Shelley today to discuss your training needs and discover how her expertise can benefit your assistants.

✅ Shelley Fishel – FLPI CDOL COLF | LinkedIn

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The post Unlocking Time Management and Personal Growth with Abigail Barnes first appeared on Virtually Amazing Assistants .

Join host Shelley Fishel on this exciting episode of Virtually Amazing Assistants as she chats with Steven Puri, the dynamic CEO and founder of The Sukha Company. 

 From his early days as a newscaster to producing visual effects for films like Independence Day and venturing into tech entrepreneurship, Steven shares his incredible journey and the inspiration behind The Sukha Company.  

Discover how this innovative productivity tool can help you achieve a focused and efficient workday through flow states, smart assistants, and unique strategies for minimizing distractions.  

Packed with valuable insights, fun anecdotes, and practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and virtual assistants, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to boost their productivity and creativity.  

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction  

00:41 Steven Puri’s Diverse Career Journey  

02:32 The Inspiration Behind The Sukha Company  

03:59 How The Sukha App Works  

08:12 The Importance of Focus and Flow  

13:39 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 19:14 Challenging Yourself for Meaningful Work  

19:58 Using Music to Enhance Focus  

20:28 Blocking Distractions with Smart Assistants 23:31 Understanding Your Chronotype for Productivity  

24:44 Creating the Right Workspace Environment 29:14 Incorporating Ambient Sounds for Focus  

For over 25 years, Shelley Fishel has been empowering organizations of all sizes with her expert Microsoft Applications training. Whether you’re looking for self-paced online courses or tailored group programs, Shelley has the perfect solution to enhance your team’s productivity and skills.

Don’t miss the opportunity to elevate your organization’s efficiency. Book a call with Shelley today to discuss your training needs and discover how her expertise can benefit your assistants.

✅ Shelley Fishel – FLPI CDOL COLF | LinkedIn

Book a chat 

The post Unlocking Productivity and Creativity with Steven Puri  first appeared on Virtually Amazing Assistants .

In this episode of Virtually Amazing Assistants, the host welcomes Susanna Simmons, a multifaceted professional specializing in fitness and lifestyle coaching combined with customer experience strategy.

Susanna shares her journey from corporate IT training to becoming a fitness coach and helping third chapter solopreneurs—individuals aged 45 and above—thrive both personally and professionally.

They discuss the importance of sustainable habits, the challenges of balancing family and work, and the significance of self-care to prevent burnout. Susanna also provides practical tips on maintaining wellbeing and building successful, long-term customer relationships.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:08 Susanna Simmons’ Background and Expertise

03:49 Understanding the Third Chapter Solopreneurs

09:15 Susanna’s Personal Journey and Career Transition

10:51 Blending Fitness Coaching with Customer Experience

13:38 The Evolution of Retirement and Work-Life Balance

14:53 Customer Experience and Software Adoption

17:15 Understanding Stakeholder Dynamics

18:49 Common Challenges for Solopreneurs

20:13 Building Sustainable Habits

21:39 Personal Experience with Habit Formation

22:46 The Importance of Enjoyable Habits

23:44 Adapting Habits to Individual Routines

27:21 Practical Tips for Accountability

31:35 Remote Work and Global Clients

32:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

For over 25 years, Shelley Fishel has been empowering organizations of all sizes with her expert Microsoft Applications training. Whether you’re looking for self-paced online courses or tailored group programs, Shelley has the perfect solution to enhance your team’s productivity and skills.

Don’t miss the opportunity to elevate your organization’s efficiency. Book a call with Shelley today to discuss your training needs and discover how her expertise can benefit your assistants.

✅ Shelley Fishel – FLPI CDOL COLF | LinkedIn

Book a chat 

The post Balancing Work and Wellbeing: Insights from Susanna Simmons first appeared on Virtually Amazing Assistants .

In this episode of Virtually Amazing Assistants, the host is joined by Bonnie Lo Kramen, a pioneering advocate for transforming the workplace.

Bonnie shares her extensive experience as a former executive assistant to Oscar winner Olympia Dukakis and her mission to create respectful and equitable workplaces. The conversation covers the importance of assistants becoming powerful advocates for themselves, addressing issues like bullying and pay inequity, and the role of AI in the future of work.

Bonnie also sheds light on her book, Staff Matters, which underscores the importance of listening to support staff in leadership conversations.

This insightful episode is a must-listen for assistants looking to navigate workplace challenges and empower themselves in their roles.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:27 Bonnie’s Background and Achievements

02:06 The Future of the Workplace

02:48 Generational Differences in the Assistant Profession

05:32 Challenges and Changes in the Assistant Profession

09:24 The Role of AI in the Workplace

13:38 Empowering Assistants as Leaders

18:35 Addressing Workplace Bullying

27:06 Gender Differences and Workplace Dynamics

28:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

For over 25 years, Shelley Fishel has been empowering organizations of all sizes with her expert Microsoft Applications training. Whether you’re looking for self-paced online courses or tailored group programs, Shelley has the perfect solution to enhance your team’s productivity and skills.

Don’t miss the opportunity to elevate your organization’s efficiency. Book a call with Shelley today to discuss your training needs and discover how her expertise can benefit your assistants.

✅ Shelley Fishel – FLPI CDOL COLF | LinkedIn

Book a chat 

The post Empowering Assistants: Insights from Bonnie Lo Kramen first appeared on Virtually Amazing Assistants .

A Conversation with Jeremy Burrows: Leadership and Automation in the Executive Assistant Role

In this episode of Virtually Amazing Assistants, Shelley hosts Jeremy Burrows, a seasoned executive assistant, international speaker, and author of the bestselling book ‘The Leader Assistant.’

Jeremy talks about his career journey, the importance of leadership for assistants, and his approach to preventing burnout.

He also introduces his new AI-powered Leader Assistant Academy. The discussion delves into how automation and AI are reshaping the future of the assistant role, offering key advice on building confidence and implementing effective boundaries.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:32 Jeremy Burrows’ Background and Achievements

01:42 Automation and Its Impact on Assistants

02:17 Jeremy’s Career Journey and Key Experiences

08:18 The Concept of the Leader Assistant

18:14 The Leader Assistant Academy

22:09 Challenges and Future of Assistants with AI

26:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Websites 

Resources & Training for Executive & Administrative Assistants – LeaderAssistant.com

The Leader Assistant: Four Pillars of a Confident, Game-Changing Assistant

The Leader Assistant Podcast – Subscribe Now

Get Jeremy’s bestselling book – The Leader Assistant.

For over 25 years, Shelley Fishel has been empowering organizations of all sizes with her expert Microsoft Applications training. Whether you’re looking for self-paced online courses or tailored group programs, Shelley has the perfect solution to enhance your team’s productivity and skills.

Don’t miss the opportunity to elevate your organization’s efficiency. Book a call with Shelley today to discuss your training needs and discover how her expertise can benefit your assistants.

✅ Shelley Fishel – FLPI CDOL COLF | LinkedIn

Book a chat 

The post Jeremy Burrows – The Leader Assistant first appeared on Virtually Amazing Assistants .

In this episode of Virtually Amazing Assistants, Shelley chats with Paige Wiese, owner and CEO of Tree Ring Digital, a top-ranked Denver-based marketing agency.  

The conversation covers various aspects of digital asset management, including the importance of protecting hosting, domains, social media accounts, and third-party tools.  

Paige shares insights into the development of Tree Ring Digital’s proprietary service for tracking and safeguarding these assets. She discusses the significance of documenting and managing digital assets effectively, especially for business owners and administrative professionals. 

They also explore Paige’s journey from architecture to digital marketing and how she combines her love for the outdoors with her business philosophy. Additionally, Paige emphasizes the value of mentorship and community support in her career. The episode concludes with practical tips for administrative professionals to excel in managing digital assets. 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 

00:37 Meet Paige Wiese  Founder of Tree Ring Digital 

02:33 Understanding Digital Assets 

05:10 The Inspiration Behind Tree Ring Digital 

06:31 Paige’s Journey from Architecture to Digital Marketing 

12:32 The Importance of Digital Asset Management 

20:34 Mentorship and Speaking Engagements 

23:48 Final Thoughts and Farewell 

For over 25 years, Shelley Fishel has been empowering organizations of all sizes with her expert Microsoft Applications training. Whether you’re looking for self-paced online courses or tailored group programs, Shelley has the perfect solution to enhance your team’s productivity and skills.

Don’t miss the opportunity to elevate your organization’s efficiency. Book a call with Shelley today to discuss your training needs and discover how her expertise can benefit your assistants.

✅ Shelley Fishel – FLPI CDOL COLF | LinkedIn

Book a chat 

The post Unveiling the Power of Digital Asset Management with Paige Wiese first appeared on Virtually Amazing Assistants .

In this episode of Virtually Amazing Assistants, Shelley engages in a captivating conversation with Helen Monument, an inspiring figure in the world of administrative professionals.

Helen shares her journey from a receptionist to founding Monumental Assistance and becoming a global thought leader in administrative roles.  

The discussion spans her extensive career, her passion for enhancing the profession, the creation of the Global Skills Matrix, and Helen’s involvement with the World Administrators Alliance.  

Additionally, Helen discusses her upcoming book, the A to Z of Leadership for Assistants, and offers valuable insights and tips for administrative professionals, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and self-promotion. 

00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement 

02:18 Helen Monument’s Career Journey 

03:52 Key Experiences and Skills 

08:08 Opportunities and Mentoring at Shell 

11:46 Founding Monumental Assistance 

18:17 Challenges and Adaptations During COVID-19 

20:51 Impact of COVID on Work and Training 

22:11 Introduction to the World Administrators Summit 

24:22 Formation of the World Administrative Alliance 

28:01 Challenges for Administrative Assistants 

35:06 The A to Z of Leadership for Assistants 

38:25 Final Thoughts and Tips for Assistants 

For over 25 years, Shelley Fishel has been empowering organizations of all sizes with her expert Microsoft Applications training. Whether you’re looking for self-paced online courses or tailored group programs, Shelley has the perfect solution to enhance your team’s productivity and skills.

Don’t miss the opportunity to elevate your organization’s efficiency. Book a call with Shelley today to discuss your training needs and discover how her expertise can benefit your assistants.

✅ Shelley Fishel – FLPI CDOL COLF | LinkedIn

Book a chat 

The post Unlocking Leadership and Career Growth for Administrative Professionals with Helen Monument first appeared on Virtually Amazing Assistants .

Welcome to Season Two of Virtually Amazing Assistants!

In this episode, I chat with Wendy Norman, founder of Live Link Resource Limited, a virtual assistant company specializing in supporting private healthcare clinics.

Wendy shares her incredible journey from a varied career, including a stint in the Royal Navy, to establishing her successful business.

Despite living with rheumatoid arthritis, Wendy has built a thriving company that helps clinicians manage their practices more effectively.

Wendy discusses the importance of networking, the challenges of running a business while managing a chronic illness, and her strategies for stepping back from day-to-day operations. She also highlights the common challenges faced by private healthcare clinics, such as handling patient inquiries and adapting to a client-focused mindset.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that underscores the resilience and determination required to succeed in the virtual assistant industry. 

 Timings

00:00 Introduction and Theme Song 

00:46 Welcome to Virtually Amazing Assistants 

01:02 Meet Wendy Norman 

02:34 Wendy’s Career Journey 

08:42 Transition to Virtual Assistance 

16:20 Challenges and Triumphs 

18:11 Recognizing the Need for Change 

19:49 Building a Business Without Working In It 

21:07 Networking and Expanding 

22:19 Staffing Challenges and Solutions 

23:49 Handing Over the Reins 

24:34 Challenges in Private Healthcare 

28:36 Valuing Your Services 

31:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 

For over 25 years, Shelley Fishel has been empowering organizations of all sizes with her expert Microsoft Applications training. Whether you’re looking for self-paced online courses or tailored group programs, Shelley has the perfect solution to enhance your team’s productivity and skills.

Don’t miss the opportunity to elevate your organization’s efficiency. Book a call with Shelley today to discuss your training needs and discover how her expertise can benefit your assistants.

✅ Shelley Fishel – FLPI CDOL COLF | LinkedIn

Book a chat 

The post Navigating Success in the Virtual Assistant World with Wendy Norman first appeared on Virtually Amazing Assistants .

Welcome to this week’s episode of Virtually Amazing Assistants, the podcast for assistants everywhere! This special solo episode is hosted by Shelley Fishel, the MS Office Maestro.

In this episode:

Shelley reflects on the first season, sharing gratitude for the amazing guests and listeners.

Plans for Season 2 are revealed, with a call for guest suggestions and listener feedback—who do you want to hear from next?

Shelley discusses the evolution of the podcast from “Virtually Amazing” to “Virtually Amazing Assistants,” now reaching a broader audience of administrative professionals.

Insights from past interviews : the importance of visibility and networking in the assistant profession.

Shelley shares her expertise as a Microsoft applications trainer, including her new focus on AI and Microsoft Copilot.

Hear about recent training sessions, including work with the Platinum Assistants Network of South Africa, and how you can book a session to boost your Microsoft Office skills.

Get Involved:

Suggest future guests or topics for Season 2.

Book a one-to-one or group training session with Shelley to enhance your Microsoft Office and AI skills.

Thank you for supporting Virtually Amazing Assistants! Enjoy your summer, and stay tuned for Season 2 coming this autumn.

Connect with Shelley:

www.tomorrowsva.com

Virtually Amazing Assistants – The podcast for assistants everywhere.

For over 25 years, Shelley Fishel has been empowering organizations of all sizes with her expert Microsoft Applications training. Whether you’re looking for self-paced online courses or tailored group programs, Shelley has the perfect solution to enhance your team’s productivity and skills.

Don’t miss the opportunity to elevate your organization’s efficiency. Book a call with Shelley today to discuss your training needs and discover how her expertise can benefit your assistants.

✅ Shelley Fishel – FLPI CDOL COLF | LinkedIn

Book a chat 

The post Virtually Amazing Assistants Season One Finale first appeared on Virtually Amazing Assistants .

In this episode of Virtually Amazing Assistants, Shelley interviews Daniel Skermer, founder of the PA Forum, about his journey since 2016 to create a supportive and collaborative community for EAs, PAs, and business support professionals in Birmingham.

Daniel discusses his passion for the profession, the initiatives run by the PA Forum, including mentoring programs and engagement with local charities, and the crucial role of AI in the future of administrative roles. They also delve into practical tips for assistants to thrive in the evolving professional landscape and the importance of internal networking.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:30 Daniel Skermer’s Background and Achievements

02:23 The Creation of the PA Forum

04:59 Challenges and Perceptions in the PA Profession

08:09 Mentoring Initiative and Community Support

13:40 The Role of AI in the PA Profession

24:54 Networking and Professional Development

29:10 Final Thoughts and Tips for Administrative Professionals

35:28 Conclusion and Episode Wrap-Up

For over 25 years, Shelley Fishel has been empowering organizations of all sizes with her expert Microsoft Applications training. Whether you’re looking for self-paced online courses or tailored group programs, Shelley has the perfect solution to enhance your team’s productivity and skills.

Don’t miss the opportunity to elevate your organization’s efficiency. Book a call with Shelley today to discuss your training needs and discover how her expertise can benefit your assistants.

✅ Shelley Fishel – FLPI CDOL COLF | LinkedIn

Book a chat 

The post Episode 24 – Virtually Amazing Assistants with Daniel Skermer first appeared on Virtually Amazing Assistants .