The Visionary VA Podcast

What if the key to building the VA business you’ve been dreaming of isn’t working harder but smarter? Imagine creating more freedom, income, and impact, starting with a single, intentional step toward building a team.

“You’re not building a team just to say you have one. You’re building a team because it gets you one step closer to the life and business you actually want.”

Fresh from the North East VA Conference, Holly explores what it truly means to build a dream business that supports your life. From personal reflections to practical insights, we share the realities of building a team as a VA. Whether you’re wondering if a team is right for you or simply curious about what’s possible, this is your permission to dream big and build with purpose.

Key Takeaways:

• Don’t start with a team structure, start with a vision of the life you actually want, as your team should support that.

• A team doesn’t have to mean “big.” It can mean strategic support that creates space and sustainability.

• Growth isn’t linear and that’s okay. Life shifts and your business can too. Building a team gives you room to pivot, pause, or push forward.

Ask yourself: What would I do with 10 extra hours a week? Then start thinking about the smallest, most intentional step you could take to reclaim that time. Your dream business is valid and achievable.

Resources:

⁠⁠Get our free mini course on Creating Solid Business Foundations ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hiring Associates free guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Free monthly metrics tracker download⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit the website

Before jumping into hiring associates for your VA business, let’s talk about the red flags that scream “this could go wrong”. Why? Being careful and knowing what to look out for will save you headaches further down the line.

"You’re not just hiring a pair of hands. You’re bringing someone into your business. They’ll be representing your brand, your values, and potentially working directly with your clients."

In this practical (and slightly juicy) episode, we’re diving into the subtle (and not-so-subtle) hiring red flags that can cause trouble when bringing new associates into your VA business. From sloppy application forms to the over-promisers, we’re unpacking what to watch for and how to respond when something doesn't feel quite right. This is for you if you’re scaling your agency, building your team, and want to do it with peace of mind.

You’ll learn how to spot potential employee red flags and the subtle signals that someone might not align with your values (before they get near an important client of yours).

Key Takeaways:

• First impressions count: an incomplete or careless application is often a preview of how someone will treat your business and clients.

• Be on the lookout: generic responses and poor communication signal a lack of initiative and genuine interest. You’re hiring a collaborator, not a 'yes person’.

• Trust your gut: just because someone looks good on paper doesn’t mean they’re the right fit. Culture and attitude matter just as much as capability.

You deserve a team that reflects your standards and values. Don’t settle for someone who ticks boxes but doesn’t feel right. Be selective and remember, your business deserves the right support, not just any support because you’re desperate.

Resources:

⁠Get our free mini course on Creating Solid Business Foundations ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hiring Associates free guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Free monthly metrics tracker download⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit the website

You're fully booked, your calendar’s bursting at the seams… it's no wonder that you feel utterly drained. This episode will help you to recognise the signs of burnout and put strategies in place before it’s too late.

"Being fully booked is only worth celebrating if it’s also sustainable and aligned with the kind of life you want."

In this episode of the Visionary VA Podcast, we're having an honest conversation about what happens when the dream of being ‘booked out’ becomes a fast-track to burnout. If you’re running a packed schedule, juggling client demands, and silently wondering if this is really what you signed up for, this episode is for you.

Get personal insights and practical strategies to help you spot the symptoms of burnout early, understand what’s causing the overwhelm, and take actionable steps to realign your business with your life.

From boundary-setting to pricing shifts and outsourcing, start implementing strategies to help you deal with the overwhelm.

Key Takeaways:

• If your inbox fills you with dread, clients feel draining, and you haven’t had real time off in months, those are signs it's time to reassess your workload.

• A full client roster isn’t always a success story. If it’s built on undercharging, loose boundaries, or unsustainable hours, it’s a recipe for burnout.

• Audit your commitments, raise your prices, start outsourcing, and reconnect with your original vision. Your business should support your life and not consume it.

Take a deep breath and ask yourself honestly, does the way I’m working reflect the life I actually want? Then take one small, intentional step to shift something, whether that’s your pricing, hours, or support. Burnout isn't a failure, it's a signal. Listen to it. ⁠⁠⁠

Resources:

Get our free mini course on Creating Solid Business Foundations ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hiring Associates free guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Free monthly metrics tracker download⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit the website

How many times have you been unable to sleep, it’s gone midnight but you're wrestling with a decision that could shift your entire business. Sound familiar? This one’s for every founder or boss, who knows the weight of being a leader. 

“Doing the right thing is always the right thing — and deep down, you already know what that is.” 

In this episode we get real about what is often not spoken about when building your business, and that is sometimes being the boss means making the hard calls and decisions. From letting clients go to raising prices, we unpack the kinds of decisions that don’t come easy but are essential for growth. You’ll hear firsthand how these tough moments shaped a stronger business and in turn, a stronger business owner. 

If you’ve been putting off something heavy, this episode will help you step into action with clarity, confidence, and courage. We can't escape and ignore hard decisions forever. Done correctly, it’s a signal you’re stepping into leadership. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Listen to your gut. If a decision feels off, listen. Trusting your instincts is part of growing into the leader your business needs. 

• Avoiding hard conversations only makes them harder further down the line. Whether it’s letting a team member go or turning down the wrong client, avoiding tough calls can cost you more than money, it can drain your energy, your team, and your brand. 

• Bravery builds confidence. Every hard decision you face (and act on) makes you better at being a boss. Leadership is a muscle you build with each tough call. 

Grab your notebook and scribble down the decision you've been avoiding. Answer, what’s the worst that could happen, and what’s the best that could happen if you take action? Start there, because you are the boss, and you’re doing better than you think. 

Resources:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get our free mini course on Creating Solid Business Foundations ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hiring Associates free guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Free monthly metrics tracker download⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit the website

Have you ever read a book that felt like it was written just for you? That’s exactly what happened when I picked up She Means Business by Carrie Green. This book really changed everything for me.

"Shifting from 'Can I do this?' to 'I WILL do this' made all the difference."

In this episode, I’m taking you back to the very beginning of my business journey and the one book that changed everything: She Means Business by Carrie Green, founder of the Female Entrepreneur Association. If you’ve ever felt stuck in self-doubt, overthinking your next move or questioning if you're really cut out for this, this episode is for you.

I’m sharing how I discovered the book at a crossroads in my life, the mindset shifts it started, and how its lessons helped me go from being stuck to taking real action. Whether you’re just starting out or in need of some motivation, this episode is your reminder that the only person you need permission from is you.

Key Takeaways:

• Carrie Green’s focus on visualising success and mindset work helped me realise that belief comes before evidence. You have to see it before you can build it.

• Waiting until you’re ‘ready’ is just another form of procrastination. Starting scrappy is better than not starting at all. Clarity and confidence come through action.

• Being surrounded by ambitious, encouraging people was a game changer. Community matters. Whether it’s the Female Entrepreneur Association or the Visionary VA Circle, your village makes a difference.

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to begin, this is it. Grab a copy of She Means Business, plug into a community, and start doing. You’re more ready than you think.

Resources

Episode 5 - Dream Big, Plan Smart: How to Set Goals that Transform your Life and Business

She Means Business by Carrie Green

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get our free mini course on Creating Solid Business Foundations ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hiring Associates free guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Free monthly metrics tracker download⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit the website

What if the secret to self-confidence isn't always pushing harder and “putting your best face on”, but giving yourself permission to put yourself first and feel your emotions?

“Maybe I don’t have to move on in the way everybody thinks I do. Maybe I just get to feel what I feel – and that’s okay.”

In this personal and eye-opening episode of The Visionary VA Podcast, Holly is joined by Sarah Dodsley, a seasoned executive and life coach who has played an essential part in Holly’s personal growth. From the early days of breakdowns at her desk to breakthroughs in both life and business, Holly shares how coaching changed everything.

Together, they explore recurring challenges like people pleasing, self-confidence, and the loneliness of leadership, especially for women juggling work, children, and invisible emotional loads. Sarah brings a refreshingly honest take on personal growth, showing how self-awareness and tailored coaching can lead to long-lasting change.

Key takeaways:

• What looks like a confidence issue is often a symptom of deeper patterns, especially around putting everyone else first. Awareness is the first step to shifting it.

• Leadership can feel isolating. Having a safe, non-judgmental space to be heard (not just “fixed”) is essential.

• Sometimes the most powerful coaching move is helping you access what you already know. You just need time, space and permission to know how to deal with a particular situation.

You don’t have to wait for breaking point to get support. Start by giving yourself permission, permission to feel, ask questions and reach out. Whether it's a blog, a conversation, or community, take one small step toward getting resourced, not just “resilient”.

About Sarah: 

Sarah is a highly skilled Executive and Life Coach, dedicated to empowering people to achieve what they want in life and work. With a strong foundation in personal growth strategies and leadership development, Sarah helps clients gain clarity, build confidence, drive meaningful and long lasting change.  

Specialising in really going beneath the surface and tapping into deeper meaning, purpose and subconscous beliefs, she provides tailored coaching that fosters self-awareness, resoursefulness and understanding about what is going on in your world.  

Sarah brings a mix of traditional and experiential coaching technqiues to her sessions to support people in unlocking their strengths, overcoming challenges, and creating a more fulfilling and successful life. 

Where to find Sarah:

Website 

TikTok

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

Podcast

Resources

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get our free mini course on Creating Solid Business Foundations ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hiring Associates free guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠Free monthly metrics tracker download⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit the website

Let’s be honest, it’s easy to focus on getting new clients but what happens after you get that ‘yes’? In this episode, we’re diving into how to craft an impressive client journey that turns them into a loyal customer and forges a partnership.

“A great client journey isn’t just about doing the work well. It’s about making them feel supported and confident in your partnership.”

In this episode, I’m breaking down what a seamless, supportive and standout client journey really looks like, from first enquiry to long-term relationship and beyond. You’ll hear how to structure your process, impress clients from day one, and keep them coming back (and raving about you to everyone they know). Whether you’re just starting out or refining your systems, this is your complete roadmap to creating a client experience that feels effortless, professional and downright impressive.

We’re talking quick wins, deeper strategies, and exactly why the client journey isn’t just nice to have – it’s the must have to building a sustainable VA business that succeeds.

Key Takeaways:

• First impressions matter – A quick, friendly reply and a clear enquiry process set the tone for everything that follows. Confidence starts here.

• Onboarding is your secret weapon – Use tools to streamline contracts and payments, and follow up with a warm welcome and structured kick-off call.

• Nurture beyond the work – Stay in touch, celebrate wins, and check in regularly to build long-term relationships that lead to referrals and repeat work.

Refine just one step in your client journey this week – maybe it’s adding a warm welcome video, a “how’s everything going?” email, or automating your onboarding docs. Small tweaks = big impact. Remember, the best VAs don’t just deliver work. They deliver experience.

Resources

⁠⁠⁠⁠Get our free mini course on Creating Solid Business Foundations ⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Hiring Associates free guide⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠Free monthly metrics tracker download⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit the website

Holidays don’t have to derail your business. Whether it’s planned leave or a last-minute sick day, this episode is your blueprint for staying calm, confident and in control when your team isn’t at full capacity.

“Managing team holidays and absences isn’t just about keeping things running smoothly – it’s about building a business that isn’t fully dependent on any one person.”

In this episode of the Visionary VA Podcast, we’re exploring the reality of managing team holidays and unexpected absences without sacrificing client service or your sanity. From setting clear guidelines to handling sick days, this is your guide for making sure your business doesn’t grind to a halt just because someone’s off.

If you’ve been feeling like you’re firefighting every time someone’s off, it’s time to get proactive, put systems in place, and start managing absences with ease. Whether you’re running a growing VA team or thinking about scaling, this episode will help you navigate the juggle and keep your clients happy.

Key Takeaways:

• Even if your team are associates, you still need a system. Define holiday notice periods, blackout dates and overlap limits to remove uncertainty and keep cover consistent.

• Use a centralised holiday calendar to track availability, spot gaps early and make sure client needs are reviewed as soon as leave is requested. A little upfront planning saves a lot of future stress.

• Clients don’t mind holidays but they do mind surprises. Keep them in the loop, offer flexible cover options and make sure expectations are clear well in advance. Always have a plan, and ideally a familiar face to step in.

Start today by putting one simple holiday process in place - whether that’s setting up a shared calendar or drafting a basic SOP. Hope for the best, but plan for the worst. Your future self (and your clients) will thank you.

Resources

⁠⁠⁠Get our free mini course on Creating Solid Business Foundations ⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Hiring Associates free guide⁠⁠⁠

Free monthly metrics tracker download

⁠⁠⁠Visit the website

Ever felt like you’ve been thrown in the deep end, trying to navigate running a VA business on your own? I’ve been there. However, every major breakthrough I’ve had came from investing in coaching and personal development. Deciding to invest in myself. In this episode, I’m sharing why it’s been the game-changer in my journey and why it could be in yours too.

Building a VA business isn’t just about working harder, it’s about working smarter. And for me, that meant investing in coaching. In this episode, I take you through my journey, from learning to ride horses as a child to scaling my VA business and how expert guidance has helped me at every stage. I’ll share the real impact coaching has had on my mindset, confidence and leadership, plus how to decide what kind of coaching is right for you. If you’ve ever wondered whether coaching is worth the investment, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

• You don’t know what you don’t know. Having expert guidance helped me guide my success and avoid costly mistakes.

• Investing in personal development helped me step into the role of CEO, rather than just a service provider.

• Surrounding yourself with people who understand your journey can make all the difference in staying motivated and pushing forward.

If you’re feeling stuck or unsure of your next step, coaching could be the key to unlocking your next level. Take a moment to reflect on where you need support, whether it’s mindset, strategy or skills, then start exploring your options. The right investment in yourself could change everything.

Resources

⁠⁠Get our Free mini course on Creating Solid Business Foundations ⁠⁠

⁠⁠Hiring Associates free guide⁠⁠

⁠⁠Visit the website

Ever wondered what it takes to go from a one-woman VA business to leading a team? In this episode, we chat with award-winning VA Joanne Manville as she shares her journey, the mindset shifts that made it possible and the power of giving back. 

Joanne reflects on the highs and lows of her 10-year journey, from taking on her first associate to rebranding her business and finding her niche in supporting charities. She opens up about the lessons learned, the importance of trusting your gut and why building the right team (plus working with the right clients) is crucial.  

She also shares insights on applying for awards, leveraging university interns and ensuring work-life balance remains a priority. If you're considering growing a virtual assistant business, this episode is full of valuable takeaways. 

Key Takeaways: 

• When exploring how to grow your virtual assistant business, your intuition is often your best guide. If something feels off, it probably is. 

• Being an award-winning virtual assistant isn’t just about recognition - it forces you to reflect on your achievements, build credibility and stand out in a competitive market. 

• Managing a virtual assistant business growth strategy isn’t just about being a great VA. If you’re expanding, be prepared to develop leadership, recruitment and communication skills. 

Take a step back and assess where your VA business is heading. Whether it's expanding your team, refining your niche or outsourcing tasks you shouldn't be doing, make a plan for your next strategic move. 

Who is Joanne? 

Joanne worked for over ten years as an Executive Personal Assistant before launching what was known as Joanne Manville Virtual Assistance in 2015 (we rebranded in 2024). She has grown the business to include a team of specialist associates as well as employing two interns through the University of Exeter. Joanne and her team love assisting charities and small businesses, helping them understand what to outsource and what approach will benefit their organisation the most. 

Work/life balance is high on Joanne’s priority list - not just for herself running a successful business, but also for her clients and her team. Aside from her passion to support growing businesses, Joanne enjoys walks with friends on Dartmoor, the challenge of Escape Rooms, and a good giggle at a Comedy Night. 

Of course, spending time with her family is paramount - Joanne loves with her 8 year-old daughter and her husband Paul. Never one to shy away from lending a helping hand, Joanne is also a Trustee for Exeter District Scouts, a volunteer role which has lasted over 20 years!

Follow Joanne on LinkedIn

Check out Joanne’s website 

Resources

⁠Get our Free mini course on Creating Solid Business Foundations ⁠

⁠Hiring Associates free guide⁠

⁠Visit the website