Early Beginnings in the Royal Navy

My career began at the young age of 17 when I joined the Royal Navy, filled with aspirations of climbing the ranks and making a significant impact. Over 23 years, I embraced the challenges and opportunities that came with military life, which shaped my resilience and leadership skills. My tenure in the Navy was not just a job; it was a formative experience that prepared me for the complexities of the business world.

Transition to the Virtual Assistant Industry

In 2008 my husband and I had a life changing event, which led to me leaving the Royal Navy in 2012, after two decades of naval service. I ventured into the burgeoning field of virtual assistance, a domain I was drawn to because of its flexibility and the potential to support professionals remotely. I wanted to make a difference to those I supported.

Initially, I launched Your Executive Secretary before taking over and buying VACT Limited in 2014. This first step was crucial as it laid the groundwork for what was to come.

Taking over VACT was a pivotal moment in my career. Under my leadership, VACT has flourished, becoming the UK and Europe’s leading Virtual Assistant Training Company, recognised for its high-quality training and mentorship programs.

Championing Military Spouses and Flexible Work

One of my core missions at VACT is to create sustainable and enjoyable employment opportunities for military spouses. These incredible individuals often face unique challenges due to their partners’ commitments, and I believe in empowering them with skills that can be utilised anywhere, anytime. This initiative is not just about business; it’s about making a real difference in people’s lives. Our training programs are specifically tailored to accommodate the dynamic lifestyles of military families, and we support our trainees through comprehensive courses, one-to-one mentoring, and a thriving online community.

A Finalist and a Champion of Women

My efforts to support and uplift women, especially those connected to the military, have not gone unnoticed. I was immensely proud to be a finalist in the 2019 British Ex-Forces In Business Awards in the category of Champion Of Women. This nomination was a humbling acknowledgment of our work at VACT, and it continues to fuel my passion for this cause.

Looking Ahead

As I reflect on my journey from the decks of naval ships to the digital realm of virtual assistance, I am grateful for every experience that has led me here. At VACT, we are more than a training provider; we are a community that nurtures potential and fosters growth. I am excited about the future and the endless possibilities that lie ahead for us and for all the aspiring VAs we aim to empower.  This is one of the reasons I took over the running of the UKVA Conference, UKVA Awards and the BeMyVA directory. 

Thank you for taking the time to read about my journey. There is more to add to this story but I wanted to get a new fresh version on the site… So pop back as I add in some snippets that I don’t normally share elsewhere.

I hope my story inspires you, especially if you are contemplating a career shift or looking to make a difference in your own unique way. Here’s to more achievements, more empowerment, and continued success in the ever-evolving world of VA.

On a personal level, I am a wife to Andrew who runs Yes Mortgage Services and mum to James and Jacob.