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VA Interviews

VA Interview with Philippa Pearson

7th May 2025

philippa pearson
This is a guest blog from Philippa Pearson of Witts End Business Services, within it she is offering you a truly open and honest glimpse into her journey as a Virtual Assistant. As many of you considering or embarking on this path know, every VA business is unique, a personal adventure shaped by individual experiences and passions.

Why VACT is not the right fit for you?

21st November 2024

amanda right fit for you
Here at the VA Training Academy®, we give you all you need to create, grow and scale your VA business. No matter what stage of the VA journey you’re at, we have something that will help you progress and cannot wait for you to get started. But we also appreciate that we may not be the right fit for everyone. So, here’s how you can tell if the VACT is not the right fit for you.

Amanda joins the PA Show Advisory Board

21st October 2024

amanda joins pa show advisory board
I’m thrilled to share some exciting news with you all. I’ve been honoured with an invitation to join the PA Show Advisory Board as their Virtual Assistant advisor. This opportunity not only recognises the growing importance of virtual assistance in our industry at this event but also allows me to contribute my expertise to ensure the VA message continues to build and grow in the UK.

Amanda Johnson – My Story

2nd June 2024

AMANDA aged 17 at HMS RALEIGH. Photo taken at very early in the morning to send home to parents
From Naval Officer to VA Industry Leader Hello I’m Amanda Johnson, the proud founder of VACT Limited, and I’m excited to share my journey from a dedicated Royal Navy junior rate, through to officer to now a thought leader in the Virtual Assistant (VA) industry.

How the UK VA Conference turned my business around

14th December 2022

An Interview with Francesca Scomparin

16th May 2022

francesca scomparin feature
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

abigail langridge feature
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 stone feature
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 feature
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 feature
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.

About AMANDA

Amanda Johnson, Founder of VA Training Academy®, Military Veteran, VA Coach Trainer and Mentor - wearing her miniature medals

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.

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!