Virtually Free with Ashlee

Ever wondered what it actually looks like to be fully booked as a VA and balance coaching, family and real life too? In this behind-the-scenes episode, I’m lifting the lid on my week, my schedule, and the decisions I make to keep things sustainable.

In this episode, I share:

✔️ What “fully booked” really means (and how it looks different for everyone)

✔️ How I manage client work, coaching calls, and content creation without burning out

✔️ My non-negotiables for work-life balance

✔️ The systems that keep me sane

✔️ What I don’t do anymore — and why that matters

🎉 Ready to build your own fully booked VA business with flexibility and clarity from day one?

Our Startup VA challenge is officially live. This is my free day live series where I’ll walk you through the exact steps to set up, launch and find your first clients

>> Register here <<

Ash

Starting your VA business and feeling a little all over the place? In this episode, I’m breaking down the most common mistakes I see new VAs make — and how to avoid them so you can grow with confidence (and clients!).

In this episode, I cover:

✔️ The biggest mindset trap holding you back from starting

✔️ Why undercharging doesn’t just hurt your income, but your confidence

✔️ What to focus on instead of perfection

✔️ The unnecessary tech setups that waste your time

✔️ My honest advice for getting out of your own way

✨ If you’re ready to set up your VA business the right way — without the overwhelm, our FREE Startup VA Challenge is going live very soon (I got a little excited in this weeks ep ;)

Over 3 huge days, we’ll walk through what to offer, how to find clients, and how to launch your business with confidence. Stay tuned for those details, in the meantime you can download our FREE VA Starter Kit for a taster.

Don't forget to follow me over on IG here and leave a review of this pod

See you next week

Ash

Feeling under-qualified? In this episode, I’m walking you through the exact skills Aussie business owners are hiring for — and how you probably already have them.

In this episode, I cover:

1. The mindset shift you need around “being skilled enough”
2. The top 10 tasks clients are paying VAs to do right now
3. Real client stories from women just like you who got hired
4. FAQs around qualifications, pricing, tech, and what to offer
5. How to start from where you are — even if you’re doubting yourself.

👉 Thinking this might be your next step? Come to my Free VA Info Session in January — where we unpack what a VA does, what’s in demand, and how to start from scratch.

Register here https://ashleethomas.com.au/becomingava-337220

● Instagram: ashleethomas.vacoach

● Website: www.ashleethomas.com.au

● Join the community: Startup Virtual Assistants Australia

Virtually Free is the go-to podcast for virtual assistants, online service providers, and digital entrepreneurs who want to build profitable, flexible businesses that support their lives—not consume them.

Hosted by VA coach and business mentor Ashlee Thomas, each episode is filled with real talk, practical strategies, and mindset shifts to help you scale sustainably, ditch the hustle mentality, and grow with ease.

New episodes released weekly. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!

What even is a Virtual Assistant — and could this actually be your next career move? In this episode, I’m going back to basics to explain exactly what a VA does and how you can start without perfection OR the perfect experience.

In this episode, I cover:

1. What a VA actually does (and all the tasks that fall under it)
2. The reality of local vs offshore VAs and why being Aussie is your edge
3. My first client story
4. Who this path is perfect for — and who it’s not
5. Invite to join our FREE info session.

👉 Thinking this might be your next step? Come to my Free VA Info Session in January — where we unpack what a VA does, what’s in demand, and how to start from scratch.

Register here

● Instagram: ashleethomas.vacoach

● Website: www.ashleethomas.com.au

● Join the community: Startup Virtual Assistants Australia

Virtually Free is the go-to podcast for virtual assistants, online service providers, and digital entrepreneurs who want to build profitable, flexible businesses that support their lives—not consume them.

Hosted by VA coach and business mentor Ashlee Thomas, each episode is filled with real talk, practical strategies, and mindset shifts to help you scale sustainably, ditch the hustle mentality, and grow with ease.

New episodes released weekly. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!

2025, what a year. From personal breakdowns to big breakthroughs in business, I'm reflecting on the highs, the hard moments, and what’s next for me, my business, and this community in 2026.

In this episode, I cover:

• A raw look at my personal life this year and becoming a single parent
• Business wins (and flops), including our worst launch to date
• Launching the Virtually Free podcast + 3.5K downloads since April!
• The growth of VA Mastery + the Mastermind
• Big shifts for 2026: new platforms, updated offers, rebranding elements
• My personal priorities for the year ahead.

Want personalised and group support to start or scale your VA business in 2026?

Learn more about VA Mastery here

Learn more about VA Expansion Mastermind here

● Instagram: ashleethomas.vacoach

● Website: www.ashleethomas.com.au

● Join the community: Startup Virtual Assistants Australia

Virtually Free is the go-to podcast for virtual assistants, online service providers, and digital entrepreneurs who want to build profitable, flexible businesses that support their lives—not consume them.

Hosted by VA coach and business mentor Ashlee Thomas, each episode is filled with real talk, practical strategies, and mindset shifts to help you scale sustainably, ditch the hustle mentality, and grow with ease.

New episodes released weekly. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!

I'm breaking down what will actually get you booked out as a VA in 2026 and it’s not about working harder or doing more. We’re diving into the real shifts in the VA industry and how to position yourself powerfully this year as a recap from my most recent workshop. 

In this episode, I cover:

• Why “being good at admin” won’t cut it in 2026
• The power of magnetic messaging and how to craft yours
• Niching and how to stand out without boxing yourself in
• The rise of hybrid business models and what they can look like for you
• Why trust is the new currency and how to build authority through your content
• What's actually working to attract clients (hint: it’s not just IG)

Want personalised and group support to start or scale your VA business in 2026?

Learn more about VA Mastery here

Learn more about VA Expansion Mastermind here

● Instagram: ashleethomas.vacoach

● Website: www.ashleethomas.com.au

● Join the community: Startup Virtual Assistants Australia

Virtually Free is the go-to podcast for virtual assistants, online service providers, and digital entrepreneurs who want to build profitable, flexible businesses that support their lives—not consume them.

Hosted by VA coach and business mentor Ashlee Thomas, each episode is filled with real talk, practical strategies, and mindset shifts to help you scale sustainably, ditch the hustle mentality, and grow with ease.

New episodes released weekly. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!

It’s easy to feel like you’re always behind when you're running a business and a household. In this expert of the month episode, I’m joined by Sarah from SHE — EA and systems strategist for service providers, to chat about what it really takes to stay productive, streamline your business, and create capacity without burning out.

Sarah shares her personal journey from public sector EA to online business owner, the challenges she’s faced as a mom of two, and the practical systems that have helped her (and her clients) gain back precious time and energy.

• The truth about productivity when you're juggling business and motherhood
• Why time-blocking and calendar planning still works (and how to do it right)
• Sustainable scheduling when your work hours are limited
• How to reset when the day goes off-track (sick kids, surprise calls—we get it!)
• Where to start if you’re stuck in catch-up mode
• The underrated mindset shifts mums in business need to hear

 Access your FREE Calendar Makeover Checklist 

Join the Dubsado 2026 Waitlist

Register for the Jan 2026 Waitlist: Set the Goal. Make the Plan. Do the Thing

Follow Sarah on IG www.instagram.com/she.executiveassistant

If this episode hit home, make sure you:

✅ Follow the show and leave a review on Apple or Spotify

✅ Head to www.ashleethomas.com.au to learn more about my core services and how I can support you in 2026

✅ Follow me on Instagram @ashleethomas.vacoach

It’s the end of the year, and the pressure to plan “the biggest year yet” is real. But what if your goals weren’t about doing more, but about doing the right things?

In this episode, I break down exactly how I‘m planning for a freedom-filled and profitable 2026 — with 25-hour weeks, school holidays off, and a business that’s built around life-first strategy.

From goal-setting and data reviews to campaign planning and capacity management — this is a permission slip to do business differently (and sustainably).

• Why goal-setting starts with your lifestyle, not your income target
• The exact hours I work (and why that’s a non-negotiable)
• The key data I reviewed from 2025 to guide my 2026 strategy
• How I plan campaigns around school holidays and energy levels
• Why community and tracking will be my biggest focus next year.

We’re wrapping up the year with our BIGGEST sale ever — up to 75% off tools, templates, and trainings for VAs at every stage.

🎁 Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up — there’s something for you. All offers expire in 3 days but it is email exclusive. Jump on the NICE LIST here and grab yourself a bargain

● Instagram: ashleethomas.vacoach

● Website: www.ashleethomas.com.au

● Join the community: Startup Virtual Assistants Australia

Virtually Free is the go-to podcast for virtual assistants, online service providers, and digital entrepreneurs who want to build profitable, flexible businesses that support their lives—not consume them.

Hosted by VA coach and business mentor Ashlee Thomas, each episode is filled with real talk, practical strategies, and mindset shifts to help you scale sustainably, ditch the hustle mentality, and grow with ease.

New episodes released weekly. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!

This time of year can feel like a blur but while everyone else is coasting toward the holidays, you’ve got an opportunity to get clear on what you actually want next year to look like. And no, we’re not talking vague resolutions. This episode will help you start shaping your 2026 business with intention.

If you’re waiting for January to figure everything out, you’re already behind. The VAs who move with clarity in Q1? They start thinking now. This episode is pulled straight from the Vision 2026 Workshop I run with my mastermind and coaching clients — and you’ll get a glimpse into how they’re setting themselves up for a powerful start.

In this episode, we dive into: 

• Key questions to help you reflect on 2025 and build a grounded 2026 vision
• What your future self would actually want you to focus on
• Real client stories of VAs who are still making big moves before the year ends
• How to tell what belongs in your next season — and what doesn’t
• Why vision + structure = sustainable growth (without overthinking)

 🎄 The 5 Days of Xmas Sale is live - this episode will help you figure out what to invest in based on where you want to be, not where you’re stuck. Templates, mentoring, strategy, there’s something for everyone.

Make sure you’re on my email list you receive the coupon codes attached to each offer released. SIDE NOTE: We have up to 70% off some of my most IN DEMAND resources, trainings & mentoring. 

The easiest way to do that? Download one of my freebies

VA Starter Kit (Getting started) 

Pricing Playbook (established VAs)

Or simply jump on the Xmas list here https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/w9v3q2

If you’re feeling pulled in a hundred directions during selling season.. selling, buying, planning, and panicking — you’re not alone. This episode is here to help you slow down and make smarter, more aligned decisions about how you invest in your business moving into 2026! 

Let's be real, everywhere you look right now, there’s a sale… but not everything you buy is actually going to move your business forward. Whether you’re investing in mentorship, tools, or digital products, this episode will help you filter the noise and make choices that serve the business you want to build in 2026 not the overwhelm you’re feeling right now! 

In this episode I dive into: 

• The difference between emotional spending and empowered investing
• What I’m personally investing in this season
• How to know if a product, offer, or support container is the right move
• Why clarity, support, and simplicity beat more “stuff” every time
• A smarter way to think about mentorship and digital resources.

Our 5 Days of Xmas Sale is just around the corner and there’s something for everyone no matter what stage of business you're in. From mentorship to DIY digital offers, you won’t want to miss it. We kick off on December 1 and there is up to 70% off some of my most IN DEMAND products and services available (crazy I know) but you do need to be on my email list to grab the coupon code when each offer is released. The easiest way to do that? Download one of my freebies

1. VA Starter Kit (Getting started) 
2. Pricing Playbook (established VAs)
3. Or simply jump on the mailing list herehttps://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/w9v3q2

PS you can view my website and all the ways I can support you here