Blog – Page 33 – VA Training Academy®

An Interview with Francesca Scomparin

16th May 2022

Meet Francesca, the Manchester-based Italian entrepreneur who traded the corporate finance world for a life of “espresso and efficiency.” Through her business, Kaffeina VA, she provides a vital bridge for companies navigating both the UK and Italian markets. From the initial spark of inspiration found in a digital nomad article to building her own website from scratch, Francesca shares her journey of overcoming self-doubt and the “ugly” side of self-employment to build a business that truly serves her lifestyle.

An Interview with Abigail Langridge

10th May 2022

After realizing her corporate desk was no longer serving her mental or financial health, Abigail Langridge set out to redefine the Virtual Assistant industry. From navigating “jack of all trades” syndrome to finding her niche in the private sector, Abigail shares the gritty reality of building Poppins PA from the ground up without savings—and why trusting your gut is a business superpower.

An Interview with Katie Stone

16th March 2022

Katie became a virtual assistant after over a decade of working in primary schools, both as a TA and a teacher. She is now a VA who works with educational businesses. She loves helping edupreneurs to smooth out their systems and processes so that they can become more effective and efficient.

An Interview with Laura Taylor – The Collaborative VA

23rd February 2022

Laura Taylor, founder of The Collaborative VA, successfully transitioned from a 22 year corporate career to running her own business, EA2VA. Specialising in events and employee engagement, Laura combines high level executive support with a mindful, people first approach. Her journey highlights the importance of strategic planning, the power of networking, and the resilience needed to move from the security of employment to the freedom of being your own boss.

An Interview with Jules Taylor – Taylor Made PA

20th February 2022

Jules Taylor isn’t your average VA. With a background at M&S HQ and over 30 years in the travel industry, she provides a unique blend of HR admin and travel management. Jules shares her journey from corporate PA to “Chief Planner” of her own award-winning service.

An Interview with Caroline Marshall

3rd November 2021

Caroline Marshall went from C-Suite NHS support to founding her own agency, Upsource, during the 2020 pandemic. She shares the reality of building a team while pregnant, the importance of a solid support network, and why “being bold” is the only way to grow.

VACT Ltd purchases UK VA Awards, UK VA Conference and BeMyVA

18th October 2021

VACT Ltd purchases UK VA Awards, UK VA Conference and BeMyVA. The VACT team are hugely excited to have the opportunity to take over the responsibility and running of the UK VA Conference and UK Awards. The Awards were originally started in 2007 by VACT and it does feel as if they are coming home.

Armed Forces Covenant: Silver Employer Recognition Scheme Award!

28th July 2021

Today, I am hugely excited to share the news that VACT has been awarded a Silver Employer Recognition Scheme Award. This award is given to companies who demonstrate support for service personnel issues and employ at least one member of the Armed Forces community.

How to Effectively Manage Social Media for Multiple Clients

26th April 2021

Managing social media for multiple clients requires more than just creativity; it demands a solid system. Learn how to maintain brand individualisation, build effective cheat sheets, and use batch scheduling to scale your VA business without burning out. This guide covers everything from buyer personas to content curation tools for the busy Virtual Assistant.

Are you working on the wrong priorities?

26th February 2021

Working from home often leads to a blur between being “busy” and being “productive.” If you find yourself stressed despite a full schedule, you are likely working on the wrong priorities. Here is how to audit your business and align your tasks with your actual goals.

About AMANDA

Amanda Johnson is not just a mentor; she is a catalyst for transformation in the Virtual Assistant industry, helping professionals not only start but scale their businesses to new heights. Her dedication to her clients’ success is matched only by her commitment to integrity, honesty, and empowerment.