111. Team Talk Show Premiere: "Did I Adopt an Adult?" & The Unpaid COO Problem

In this episode of Booked Out with Bre, I'm SO excited to launch a brand new format: the Team Talk Show! This is the live call-in show where founders, VAs, and our emotionally attached Slack threads all come together. As a founder who has built a multi-million dollar business with an incredible team and as a mentor to thousands of elite VAs, I've seen both sides of the table, and today, we're getting into the real and raw questions.   I'm answering two juicy "call-in" questions that get straight to the heart of team dynamics. First, a tired founder asks, "I hired a VA to work less, but now I'm answering more questions than ever. Am I delegating wrong, or did I accidentally adopt an adult?" Then, a VA calls in with a classic case of scope creep: "My client keeps asking me what to do... I'm basically the COO without the pay. How do I bring this up without getting fired?"   In this first-ever Team Talk Show, you'll learn: Why your new VA might feel like more work, and the two critical components to fix it: hiring for character and clearly defining "what done looks like." My proven strategy for vetting VAs with test projects before you even get on a call. The non-negotiable step every founder must take to empower their team: creating a Company Handbook. For VAs: The exact script to use when "scope creep" happens, allowing you to renegotiate your role and pay from a place of power. Why setting firm boundaries is the sexiest thing you can do as a VA and will earn you more respect from your clients, not less.   This is a must-listen for both founders who want to build a truly supportive team and for VAs who are ready to step into their leadership. Plus, I'm sharing my big vision for where this "Team Talk Show" is headed (hint: think in-person studio!).   Episode Outline: Welcome to the First-Ever Team Talk Show (01:38) Caller #1: A Founder Who is Tired - "Am I Delegating Wrong or Did I Accidentally Adopt an Adult?" (03:11) Why This Happens: The Two Core Issues (Hiring & Expectations) (05:00) Hiring the Right Person: Look for Character & Aptitude, Not Just Tech Skills (06:00) The Power of the Test Project to Vet Real-World Skills (08:00) Founder Leadership: Clearly Articulate "What Done Looks Like" (09:28) Your Homework: Create a Company Handbook (Mission, Vision, Values, Standards) (10:30) How to Lead a "Team Reset Call" to Reinvigorate Your Team (14:00) Caller #2: A VA Who is the Unofficial COO - "How Do I Ask for More Pay Without Getting Fired?" (15:13) The Importance of Having a Clear Contract from the Start (16:30) Identifying "Scope Creep" and How to Address It (19:28) The Script: How to Open the Conversation with Your Client (22:30) Why Your Boundaries Earn Respect & Attract High-Caliber Clients (21:07) The Founder's Perspective: We Invest in Team Members Who Are Invested in Us (24:00) Behind the Scenes: The Big Vision for Team Talk Show (25:15) Future Topic Teaser: Intimacy, Vulnerability, and Team Dynamics (28:30) Closing Remarks (29:30)   Ways to Work with Me: Follow Me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/heyitsbrecain/ Mom X VA Free Facebook Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/momxva Apply for the VA Leadership Academy https://caincollectivellc.com/valaapplication Book a Free Dream Team Design Session (for founders building with Team) https://www.breannacain.com/iconandlightningbookacall If you enjoyed this episode, I would love it so much if you left a rating and review! This helps us reach more women looking to become a virtual assistant, book out their business, and scale beyond their wildest dreams.