Virtually Free with Ashlee

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. Duration: 00:34:44

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).

In this episode, I cover:

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...

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 2...

Thinking about adding social media management to your VA services — but not sure where to start? Or if it’s even right for you? In this episode, we’re having a real chat about who social media support is actually for, how to do it without burning out, and how to turn it into a profitable, recurring offer.

If you’ve been craving more strategic or creative work, this might be your sign.

Inside this episode, you’ll learn:

You’ve signed the client, amazing. But now what? If you’re winging your onboarding, second-guessing your communication, or stuck reacting to client demands, this episode is for you. I walk you through how to lead the client relationship from day one, manage expectations clearly, and create systems that help you feel in control. 

This is the real behind-the-scenes work that makes clients stay, refer you, and respect your boundaries.

✨ We cover:

If discovery calls have been feeling clunky, awkward, or downright stressful, this one’s for you. In this episode, I walk you through how to lead calls with calm, clarity, and confidence. Because the truth is, you don’t need to be salesy or scripted but you do need a simple structure, clear intention, and a strong post-call process.

Whether you’ve done 0 calls or 50, this episode will help you feel more in control and way more likely to book a yes on the back end.

Inside this episode, you’ll find:

In today’s episode of Virtually Free, we’re joined by the powerhouse behind Virtual Hustle, Karene Hustle, to talk all things transition — from the early days as a VA to stepping fully into the role of Online Business Manager.

Karene walks us through her personal story of burnout, rebuilding, and finding her niche, as well as:

Thinking about investing in a VA program but not sure what’s right for you? In this episode, I’m breaking down the key differences between going it alone with a DIY course vs joining a group coaching program. If you’re serious about starting and growing your VA business — this will help you make the decision that actually gets you results.

In This Episode, I Cover:

In this episode, I sit down with VA Mastery client Teagan, who went from 17 years in the same job to building her own fully booked virtual assistant business. We unpack her journey, the mindset blocks she had to overcome, and the real strategy that helped her land dream clients early on. This is the behind-the-scenes story you need to hear if you're thinking of starting but holding yourself back.

✨ In This Episode, We Cover:

Think your biggest obstacle is other VAs or a saturated market? In this episode, I’m sharing the real reason so many aspiring VAs stay stuck… imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and fear of getting it wrong. I’m walking you through why these mindset blocks are normal, how to move through them, and why having real support (like VA Mastery) changes everything.

✨ In This Episode, I Cover:

Think AI has made starting a VA business pointless? Think again. In this episode, I break down why AI isn’t replacing Virtual Assistants and how you can use it to become even more valuable to your clients. Whether you’re just getting started or scared you’ve “missed the boat,” this one will shift your mindset and show you what’s really possible.

✨ In This Episode, You'll Learn:

This episode is your permission slip to not rely on social media and start leveraging something way more powerful — your personal network.

I’m sharing the real way my students are landing clients (often their first and fastest ones) — and guess what? It’s not through viral reels or perfectly curated content.

Inside this episode, we’ll cover:

Welcome back to Virtually Free Today! In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of how I signed my very first virtual assistant client in 2018 — while juggling a toddler, zero fancy systems, and no expert title in sight.

Spoiler alert: it wasn’t about being perfectly ready — it was about courage and connection.

You'll hear the full story of how one connection on LinkedIn turned into a $3K project (and eventually a long-term retainer), all because I chose to show up and share authentically.

If you've been sitting in "learning mode" thinking you ne...

Struggling to find the time to start your VA business while working full-time (or around family)? In this episode of Virtually Free, I’m sharing practical strategies for time blocking, energy management and more to get you moving.

One of the biggest reasons people don’t start their VA business?

They think they don’t have the time.

Whether you're working a 9–5, juggling the school run, or just trying to stay afloat in life — I see you. And I promise: you can build your business even in the cracks of your day.

This epi...

We’ve all seen the laptop by the pool, passive income while you sleep promises floating around Instagram... but if you’ve been in the online space for more than five minutes, you know better.

In this episode of Virtually Free, I’m breaking down 6 of the biggest myths that keep service providers stuck, second guessing, and chasing someone else’s version of success.

Whether you’re just getting started or you’re deep in the work and wondering “Why doesn’t this feel like freedom?” this one’s for you.

In this episode I cover:

In this episode I am pulling back the curtain and walking through the real structure of this our Expansion Mastermind so you know exactly how it’s built to help you create predictable income, simplify your business model, and finally have the space to grow without burning out.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

🧠 The exact structure of the mastermind:

📦 What’s inside the VA Expansion Slack space:

🎯 The 3S Framework (Strategy, Systems, Structure)

→ Strategy: Refine what you sell and how you grow

→ Systems: Clean up t...

Most VAs and service providers are familiar with courses. Some have worked with coaches. But masterminds? They’re often misunderstood or dismissed entirely because no one’s ever really explained what they are or how they work.

In today’s episode, I’m breaking it all down.

We’re talking about what makes masterminds so powerful when you’re already established  and why I created Expansion Mastermind specifically for VAs, social media managers and creatives who are established, busy, talented and... stuck.

You’ll hear why a mastermind isn’t just “a group program,” and how i...

In this episode, I chat with content strategist and former VA Expansion Mastermind client Bree, about how to shift your content from “just blending in” to standing out and calling in the right-fit clients. Bree is a content strategist and mentor for service providers ready to elevate their messaging and attract aligned, premium clients. After starting as a virtual assistant, she now helps others step into their next level of business with strategy-led, personality-packed content that converts 

In this episode we dive into what personality-driven content really looks like (hint: it’s not oversharing or being fake relatab...

This year has tested me in more ways than one.

The kind of season that forces you to pause, reassess, and redefine what really matters, not just in life, but in business too. While I’m all about transparency, I also believe in sharing from a place of reflection, not reaction.

In this episode, I’m walking you through the biggest takeaways from this heavy season and what it’s taught me about the way I’ve structured my business, including:

This episode is a must-listen for any VA, OBM, or freelancer who feels like they’re constantly juggling too many clients and not making enough money. In this episode, I explore what it would look like to grow your business by simplifying it. 

We’re covering:

After launching as a VA to rebranding as a digital marketer - this episode is packed with insights, mindset shifts, and some serious gold if you’re thinking about leveling up your offers or positioning

Mon helps creative service providers build presence and attract leads, without burning out or selling out. She is not only a powerhouse when it comes to socials and overall marketing strategy, but she’s also a previous client inside the Expansion Mastermind. I’ve had the privilege of watching her evolve her brand and business over the past year, and I knew I had...

If you’ve built a solid client base, stayed booked, and kept busy but still feel like things aren’t quite working, this one’s for you. In this episode, I am revealing three of the most common (and overlooked) reasons your business may be stuck and the shifts you can make to change direction.

You’ll hear:

If you’ve ever felt like your applications go into a black hole, this episode is for you as I sit  down with Fiona Campbell, founder of the Virtual Assistant Lead Network and Thought Penny, to dig into what really works (and what doesn’t) when applying for VA roles and attracting high quality leads.

With 17+ years of experience across PA, EA, and VA roles, Fiona shares insights from behind the scenes of one of Australia’s most trusted VA networks, plus practical ways you can stop winging it and start getting noticed for all the right reasons...

You don’t need more clients. You don’t need more hours. You need to face the big stuff - the rebrand, the pivot, the long-awaited offer, the thing that’s been sitting in your notes for months.

In this episode of Virtually Free, I’m getting honest about the resistance that shows up when you're about to grow and why the real freedom in your business is often buried under the tasks you keep avoiding. I’ll share my own experience launching Expansion Mastermind (after avoiding it for over a year), the imposter syndrome that came with it, an...

The New Financial Year is here and I’m taking you behind the scenes of exactly how I’m planning, resetting, and setting myself up for success. This isn’t about getting more done. It’s about doing the right things, with intention.

I walk you through the exact questions I’m asking, the way I audit my time and income, and how I’m using the NFY Planning Workbook (yes, the same one I share with clients AND those attending the NFY planning session)  to reverse engineer my next season of business growth.

In This Episode...

Feeling like there’s never enough time to do it all? In this episode, I’m unpacking why it’s not always about adding more hours, it’s about having a plan that actually works for your life and business. If you’ve ever said, “If I just had more time,” this one’s for you.

 In This Episode, I Cover:

✔️ Why time isn’t the problem and what is

✔️ What capacity led planning looks like in real life

✔️ How to align your offers with your actual goals

✔️ The power of quarterly planning rhythms...

In this week’s episode of Virtually Free, I’m coming to you from a holiday park during the school holidays because this business was built to give me the freedom to do exactly that. This isn’t about switching off completely. It’s about pausing with purpose, creating space to reflect, and leaning into a slower season strategically.

If you’ve been feeling stretched or scattered, this is your reminder: freedom doesn’t come after success - it comes from how you build it.

In this episode, I share:

✔️ My 90-day planning rhythm...

Let’s be honest systems can feel like the biggest hurdle when starting your business. Between the CRMs, automation tools, and endless templates, it's easy to feel like you need it all set up before you start. But what if we told you that simplicity is the real secret?

In this episode of Virtually Free, I’m joined by the wonderful Jo Draper - a Creative Mentor and Digital Designer who’s been supporting VAs and self-led creatives to build a backend that makes business feel easier (and more fun). Jo is also a current mastermind client, busine...

What worked online a few years ago? It’s likely out.In this episode, Ishares the real trends worth paying attention to in 2025, and the ones to finally let go of. From content strategy and launch planning to messaging and visibility, this is the update your marketing plan needs.

In This Episode, We Cover:

✔️ What’s in for online marketing in 2025

✔️ The mindset shift behind slow, sustainable launches

✔️ Why community content > polished perfection

✔️ Permission-based selling and what it really looks like

✔️ The trends we’re ditching (and why)

Connect Wit...

Tech overwhelm is real but it doesn’t have to stop you from growing your business. In this episode, I’m walking you through my current tech stack: the no-fluff, easy-to-use tools I recommend for VAs and service providers who want to run a smooth business backend without wasting time (or money) on stuff you don’t need.

If you’ve ever Googled “best tools for VAs” and left more confused than when you started, this is for you.

In This Episode, We Cover:

✔️ My go-to platforms for client onboarding, payments & scheduling

✔️ Free (or l...

You're eager to sign your first client but are you really ready to deliver?

In this solo episode of Virtually Free, I share the real reason many VAs struggle to gain traction (even when they're doing “all the things” online), and why the most successful service providers take time to build the foundations before they start selling.

Whether you're just getting started or feeling stuck mid-launch, this episode will give you clarity on what clients are actually looking for and what you need to have in place to confidently sell your offer and build a busi...

In this episode, Ashlee sits down with her client Steph from Rural Data Services to chat about what it really looks like to start a VA business from scratch, and become fully booked within 3 weeks of launching. From juggling family life on the land to confidently building out her service suite, Steph shares her wins, mindset shifts, and honest reflections from inside both VA Mastery and Expansion Mastermind. 

Whether you’re thinking about getting started or want a behind-the-scenes look at what’s possible, this one will light a fire under you.

✨ In this episode, we dive...

If you’ve been caught in “learning mode,” waiting until you feel more qualified or ready before really showing up  this episode is your wake-up call. In today’s solo episode, I share why taking messy, imperfect action will grow your business faster than any certification ever could and how to shift from stuck to momentum, starting today.

✨ In this episode, we dive into:

✔️ Why more courses and certifications aren’t the solution to growing your VA business

✔️ The common signs you’re stuck in learning mode (and how to spot it)

✔️ How...

If you’ve been trying to "figure it all out" by yourself - piecing together freebies, podcasts, and second-hand advice,  this episode is your reminder that guessing your way forward isn't a real strategy. In this solo episode, I break down why staying stuck in DIY mode leads to overwhelm and slow growth and what to focus on instead to create real, sustainable momentum in your VA business.

✨ In this episode, we dive into:

✔️ Why “figuring it out” keeps VAs stuck in overwhelm

✔️ The signs you’re running your business without a real strategy

✔️...

In this milestone episode, I reflect on 8 years of building a freedom-based business and the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way. From mindset shifts to sustainable growth strategies, this episode is packed with real talk, hard-earned advice, and encouragement for anyone building a business on their terms.

✨ In this episode, we dive into:

✔️ Why fear is part of the process and how to move through it anyway

✔️ How staying in your own lane protects your business (and your peace)

✔️ Why discipline matters more than bursts of motivation

In this episode of Virtually Free, I’m joined by the amazing Stacey Morthorpe - founder of Virtual Beauty Solutions, social media manager for beauty professionals, and a long-term client inside my coaching programs. 

Stacey started out as a VA after 16 years in the beauty industry and has since grown a business that supports her lifestyle and personal commitments

We dive into the real shifts she made to go from an overwhelmed VA to visible and in-demand (with boundaries, structure and offers that reflect her zone of genius)

This is a must-listen if you...

Welcome back to Virtually Free! This is Episode 6 and we’re getting real about decision fatigue, second-guessing and stepping into your CEO era.

If you’re constantly tweaking Canva templates, avoiding client convos, or saying yes just to “keep the peace,” it’s time to shift.

Because being a business owner isn’t about hitting six figures, it’s about how you lead.

This episode is your permission slip to stop overthinking and start making confident, aligned decisions that support your long-term vision.

🔍 In this episode we dive into:

Welcome back to Virtually Free! You’re listening to Episode 5.

Last week we talked about business structure - and one key piece we touched on was communication and boundaries. Today, we’re diving deeper.

If you’ve ever felt like a full-time help desk, replying to clients at all hours, feeling guilty for logging off, or always available but constantly drained… this episode is for you.

Because boundaries don’t just protect your peace — they help you grow.

Clients don’t know your expectations unless you clearly set them. And if you’re not lea...

If you’ve been building your VA business on vibes, this episode is your nudge to build something stronger.

In this solo episode, I’m breaking down the 5 essential areas of business structure every virtual assistant needs -  whether you’re just starting out or fully booked and flustered.

Because sustainable growth doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when your business has structure, boundaries, and space to breathe.

In this episode we dive into:

Welcome back to Virtually Free with Ashlee! In this episode, we’re tackling one of the biggest mindset and strategy blocks for virtual assistants and service providers: pricing.

If you’ve ever felt stuck charging low rates because you're afraid clients will leave, you're not alone and this episode is going to shift that.

I’m breaking down why so many VAs stay underpaid and overworked, and I’ll walk you through exactly how to raise your rates with confidence without scaring off dream clients.

In this episode I dive into: Duration: 00:10:36

Struggling to find clients? This episode breaks down practical strategies for VAs and service providers to attract aligned clients at any stage of business.

One of the biggest challenges I see VAs and online service providers face—whether you're just starting out or scaling—is finding consistent, aligned clients. And let's be real—without clients, you don’t have a business.

In this solo episode, I’m sharing practical, proven strategies my clients are using right now to book out their services—many of which have nothing to do with Instagram.

Whether you're brand new an...

How I built a profitable, flexible business as a VA and coach without hustle or long hours and how you can too.

Welcome to the very first episode of Virtually Free with Ashlee! 

In this solo episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of how I went from resume writer to virtual assistant to business coach - building a profitable, flexible business that works for me, not the other way around.

If you're ready to ditch hustle culture, get clear on your business model, and create more freedom in your day-to-day, this one...

Welcome to Virtually Free with Ashlee. 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!

Connect with Ashlee:

● Instagram: ashleethomas.vacoach

● Website: www.ashleethomas.com.au