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About Us

EMPOWER YOUR VA BUSINESS TO THRIVE WITH PROVEN STRATEGIES.

I AM NOT JUST A COACH, TRAINER, MENTOR OR BUSINESS ADVISOR; I AM STILL A PRACTITIONER.

With ongoing roles in business and leadership, I am in the trenches with you, navigating the same daily challenges of balancing professional commitments with personal life — from managing family duties to staying up to date with marketing, and from Zoom meetings to diving deep into business analytics.

Coach・Trainer・Mentor・Speaker ・Consultant・Advisor

Let me share my

Top tips for success

Your core values are what will stand you apart from the next VA, be true to them, ensure they are not just words but that you live your life by them and run your business with them in mind.

Build relationships. We  know that generally people do business with people, they know, like and trust.  So become a networking tart!

Charge your worth.  Focus on the outputs and value delivered. 

Market your business daily, you never know when you might lose a client and need a new one!

Always be learning, embrace technology including AI.  It is here to help.

Communication is critical – keep talking.  Decide what methods you are happy to use with clients and stick to them.This is about knowing your boundaries.

Be the CEO of your business and not just the Do’er. This includes remembering that business is a long game and not a short game. Swim in your own lane and don’t compare your start to another VAs start, middle or end!

Honesty・Integrity ・Loyalty・Freedom ・Flexibility・Communications・Commitment

Our Mission

AUTHENTIC TRAINING TO LAUNCH OR GROW YOUR VA BUSINESS

To provide you with straight talking, friendly, and trustworthy guidance to empower you in establishing and growing a thriving Virtual Assistant (VA) business, whether you’re beginning your journey or seeking to expand your existing venture.  It’s all about the freedom and flexibility.

HI, I'M AMANDA - VA COACH AND MENTOR

While my brand might appear playful; my coaching and mentoring style is grounded in leadership, being of service, authenticity and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. 

After 23 years in the Royal Navy, I translated these values into entrepreneurship, leading a successful VA team that supported businesses worldwide through to my current mission of empowering VAs through training and mentorship. 

I am an approved VA Trainer on the Society of Virtual Assistants (SVA)  Approved Trainers List and also a Member of their Advisory Board. 

Outside of the VA Training Academy, I run the UKVA Conference, UKVA Awards, the BeMyVA Directory, I keep my hand in by supporting Yes Mortgage Services Limited and the Dairy with their HR, Finance, Marketing and Operational Management.

I am a wife to a great husband, Andrew who is a Mortgage Consultant, a Mum to 2  boys (James and Jacob) and live on the Dorset / Hampshire border. We love to travel in our motorhome, which we lived in while building our new home.  Life is always a little chaotic! 

FAVOURITE BUSINESS book:

THE GO GIVER

MY HUMAN DESIGN:

MANIFESTING GENERATOR 1/3

MY Enneagram TYPE

Enneagram 6

MY Favourite Drink:

Hoegaarden Rosee

Meet Our Team Members

Cupcake ipsum dolor sit amet bear claw pie. Powder ice cream ice cream cake tart tart. Ice cream cupcake apple pie pastry shortbread sweet roll halvah caramels pudding.

Chelsea

COO & Project Manager

Jillian

Content Marketing Expert

Destiny

Community Director

Tiffany

Customer Support

Coach・Trainer・Mentor・Speaker ・Consultant・Advisor

Take a look back

Our Timeline

2024

We reviewed, refreshed our core offerings and the support we provide to Virtual Assistants on a global basis.

2021

VACT Limited bought the rights to the UK VA Conference and Awards and the BeMyVA Directory.

2016

Amanda sold her VA “doing” business; to focus on coaching, training and mentoring. She also rebranded to VACT Limited.

2014

Amanda bought VA Coaching and Training Company from Carmen running it alongside her VA business.

2012

Amanda left the military, launched her own VA business, Your Executive Secretary Limited having trained with Carmen.

2003

Originally founded in 2003 by Carmen MacDougall and called The Virtual Assistant Coaching and Training Company

Wait, before you go

Choose Your Path

We’ve helped over 2,000 Virtual Assistant business owners get clear with their business strategy and either launch, establish or build and grow their VA BUSINESS.

Over the years, literally thousands of people have downloaded my free training and been through my paid for courses. If you don’t know where to start, the links on the right should help but if still confused reach out and chat.  Click the pink speech bubble to talk to me now.

Coach・Trainer・Mentor・Speaker ・Consultant・Advisor

Amanda Johnson, Finalist in the Champion of women category of the Ex Forces in Business Awards

military spouses and military veterans

awarded a bronze award in 2017, followed by a silver award in 2020 BY THE ARMED FORCES COVENANT

VACT Limited’s Silver Award for the Armed Forces Covenant showcases its unwavering commitment to supporting the military community, including support to Military Veterans,  and their families, as well as working closely with military spouses.

This prestigious recognition not only enhances VACT’s reputation as a Forces-friendly organisation but also demonstrates the support and guidance given to those from this background in the VA industry. Ultimately, prioritising engagement with the Armed Forces community brings increased diversity, unique perspectives, and a competitive edge to the organisation.

As both a military veteran, and a military spouse, I (Amanda) totally understand the pressures this community face when it comes to setting up a business and running it successfully.  Our courses take into consideration your unique circumstances and needs. 

PA Show Advisory Board

I am delighted to announce my invitation to join the PA Show Advisory Board as their VA Advisor, an opportunity that resonates deeply with my commitment to supporting and empowering professionals in the administrative sector.

The PA Show is a premier event dedicated to showcasing the latest innovations, trends, and best practices in the industry. In my role on the Advisory Board, I am eager to contribute to elevating the authority of virtual assistants within this arena, ensuring that their invaluable skills and contributions are recognised and celebrated.

The Advisory Board plays a crucial role in shaping the direction of the PA Show, bringing together a diverse group of industry leaders who are dedicated to enhancing the skills and knowledge of PAs and VAs alike. I look forward to collaborating with fellow board members to create impactful experiences that inspire our community, foster networking opportunities, and ultimately elevate the professional standing of virtual assistants in the industry. Together, we can drive meaningful discussions and initiatives that highlight the essential role VAs play in today’s dynamic work environment.

VACT logo - home of the VA training academy, the UK VA Conference and the UK VA Awards

Welcome to our refreshed home!

We’ve given VACT’s VA Training Academy® a makeover, but your favourite resources are still here. 

Check it out, update your bookmarks, and let us know what you think of our new look – we’re excited!

Be sure to explore our updated courses and free resources too. We’ve got awesome new stuff coming that you won’t want to miss.

Thanks for joining us!

VACT logo - home of the VA training academy, the UK VA Conference and the UK VA Awards

Welcome to our refreshed home!

We’ve given VACT’s VA Training Academy® a makeover, but your favourite resources are still here. 

Check it out, update your bookmarks, and let us know what you think of our new look – we’re excited!

Be sure to explore our updated courses and free resources too. We’ve got awesome new stuff coming that you won’t want to miss.

Thanks for joining us!