Briefing In

We close the 2nd season with none other than Rick Liston, a wedding photographer turned founder of the fast-growing outsourcing agency Wedding Workflows. Rick has been a number one supporter of the podcast so to have him on for the season finale is a full circle moment. We chat with Rick about how the wedding photography landscape has evolved over the past few years, and the ways stepping into the role of business owner and leader has challenged and changed him.From building a team grounded in strong values to meeting his VAs in person for the first time, Rick shares honest reflections on what it means to grow a community-driven business—one that supports not just productivity, but a true sense of purpose.This episode is a heartfelt, humorous, and reflective look at what happens when leadership is grounded in curiosity, connection, and care.See you in the next season!!Follow Rick Liston and Wedding WorkflowsInstagram: @rick_liston @weddingworkflowsWebsite: https://rickliston.com/Don’t miss an episode and get access to exclusive Briefing In content by subscribing to our newsletter!Drop us a message!Music in episode from TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briefinginpod/Find us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briefinginpod

In this episode, we sit down with the inspiring founder of Cut a Fig (@cutafig), Elise Aguilar, who started a vibrant learning community built on the values of affordability, accessibility, and inclusivity. From poetry writing to SEO Basics, Cut a Fig offers a welcoming space where anyone can explore their creative potential.We picked her brain on topics like why making creative education more accessible matters now more than ever, and how she designs classes that meet people where they are, from total beginners to curious creatives.Let this episode be a beautiful reminder that creativity is a seed we all carry, and it's never too late to nurture it!Follow Cut a FigInstagram: @cutafigDon’t miss an episode and get access to exclusive Briefing In content by subscribing to our newsletter!Drop us a message!Music in episode from TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briefinginpod/Find us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briefinginpod

Let’s be real… the VA space is saturated with people who are only after the money. At what cost? Undervalued freelancers, underpriced services, and underwhelming standards.Remote work may be a blessing, but thinking it’s a shortcut would be a mistake. You can’t determine your worth if you don’t provide value. Business Coach and Freelance Extraordinaire, Abby Soria, shares her take on this without beating around the bush. For her, freelancing isn’t just landing a gig — it’s operating like a business and being your own boss.With over 5 years of experience building agencies and closing $200,000+ in deals across the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Europe, Abby also shares why she’s no longer chasing the “laptop lifestyle” and how she refuses to be boxed into one job title.Don’t miss an episode and get access to exclusive Briefing In content by subscribing to our newsletter!Drop us a message!Music in episode from TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briefinginpod/Find us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briefinginpod

In this episode, we take a much-needed pause to challenge a powerful but often unspoken belief: that our productivity defines our worth. If you’ve ever felt guilty for resting, equated your to-do list with your identity, or struggled to separate your work from who you are, then this conversation is for you.Noe and Ella get real about their struggles and how overworking has affected their mental health. Hustle culture can sneak into everyday life, and their honest reflection is a reminder that stepping back isn't a sign of weakness, but a necessary act to take in order to find your own pace.P.S. the guests chat in both Tagalog (Filipino) and English for the entire episode.Don’t miss an episode and get access to exclusive Briefing In content by subscribing to our newsletter!Drop us a message!Music in episode from TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briefinginpod/Find us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briefinginpod

In this episode, we sit down with two virtual assistants — one seasoned (Noe Deiparine) and one just getting started (Ella Fontanoza) — to talk about the evolving world of remote work, culture shocks, and what's trending in the VA industry today.From comparing Filipino and foreign bosses to the (very real) surprise of receiving compliments from clients, these two Scorpio girlies get candid about the joys and awkward moments of VA life. We all know what it's like to navigate a remote job with uncertainty, so whether you're new to the role or a remote work veteran, you’ll find something to relate to.P.S. the guests chat in both Tagalog (Filipino) and English for the entire episode.Don’t miss an episode and get access to exclusive Briefing In content by subscribing to our newsletter!Drop us a message!Music in episode from TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briefinginpod/Find us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briefinginpod

When it comes to achieving focus with intention, the story behind the Sukha App is one that stands out from the rest. Sukha is a mindful focus tool rooted in a holistic philosophy of healthy productivity and finding joy through work, and we got to talk to its founder. Steven Puri has spent 20+ years leading remote teams — first as an EVP at DreamWorks and a VP at 20th Century Fox and then as a 3x CEO in tech. Along the way, he learned that what actually makes remote work successful isn’t what most people focus on.If you’ve ever questioned your relationship with productivity apps, this episode will offer a refreshing take. It might just inspire you to ask yourself: What am I really spending my time on?Get the Sukha app today and use the code BRIEFINGIN to get 50% off for life.Don’t miss an episode and get access to exclusive Briefing In content by subscribing to our newsletter!Drop us a message!Music in episode from TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briefinginpod/Find us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briefinginpod

Connecting with people online might be easy, but building genuine friendships takes more than just a heart react.In this episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with wedding photographer, Peta Hall, and her VA, Lawrence — the dynamic duo behind the daily operations of "Captured By Peta" a photography business in Bendigo, Victoria. What started as a professional relationship has grown into a true friendship, full of inside jokes, shared values, and deep mutual respect. We also dove into a really thoughtful conversation about work-life balance that we think will resonate with a lot of listeners — especially those juggling creative careers, family, and everything in between. Peta's philosophy? You don’t have to do it all at once. And that’s okay. Don’t miss an episode and get access to exclusive Briefing In content by subscribing to our newsletter!Drop us a message!Music in episode from TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briefinginpod/Find us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briefinginpod

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a graphic designer — beyond the aesthetics and into the everyday reality? In this episode, we chat with Noura Maloloy-on, a freelance designer, about the messy uncertainty of the creative process, balancing client relationships, and staying true to your personal design style while bringing brand visions to life.From brainstorming ideas seemingly out of thin air (that's right, they don't just rely on templates) to navigating feedback, deadlines, and long-term goals, this is a conversation you don't want to miss if you've been craving to turn creativity into a career.Don’t miss an episode and get access to exclusive Briefing In content by subscribing to our newsletter!Drop us a message!Music in episode from TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briefinginpod/Find us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briefinginpod

In this episode, we dive into some of the most eye-opening, thought-provoking, and relatable stories from Reddit about the realities of a modern workplace. From the latest drama that VAs have experienced to workplace struggles like upskilling, gatekeeping, and career growth, we’re breaking down the posts, sharing our takes, and offering some subjective insights.Joining us to tackle these stories is Nicolle "Collai" Bararodin, a dedicated VA with a strong business background and passion for the arts. We talk about why keeping your skills sharp is essential, and read funny, frustrating, and sometimes inspiring moments from Redditors navigating the working landscape. Don’t miss an episode and get access to exclusive Briefing In content by subscribing to our newsletter!Drop us a message!Music in episode from TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briefinginpod/Find us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briefinginpod

In part 2, Bee talks about the reality of her life as an entrepreneur & being honest on social media, & how she doesn't just share highlight reels to appeal to the algorithm. When it comes to her journey in the freelancing industry, Bee will always keep it real.But showing up on social media isn't just a matter of starting conversations -- it's also her strategy for building credibility & ensuring profitability for her business. It's safe to say that Bee is here to play the long game & she is going by her own rules. Don’t miss an episode and get access to exclusive Briefing In content by subscribing to our newsletter!Drop us a message!Music in episode from TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briefinginpod/Find us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briefinginpod

Have you ever wondered what it truly takes to run a successful 6-figure business? Spoiler alert: it’s not as glamorous as it looks on social media.Through the incredible power of the internet, we got to connect with Barbara "Bee", a Cebu-based VA mentor and the founder of Your Virtual Sidekick PH. Passionate about the virtual landscape, she instantly got to discussing the realities of her life as a virtual business owner for the past ten years. She gets candid about the criticisms she faced and the sacrifices she's had to make to get to where she is now, and there's no sign of Bee slowing down anytime soon. Leading her own company has toughened Bee up and she doesn't hold back as she reveals just how much she's changed from her early years in the VA industry.Don’t miss an episode and get access to exclusive Briefing In content by subscribing to our newsletter!Drop us a message!Music in episode from TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briefinginpod/Find us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briefinginpod

We all run on caffeine, and this week's guest is no exception. As a Brisbane-based wedding photographer and business owner, Samantha Li juggles a hundred ideas at once, but hiring a Virtual Assistant may be more vital for her business than coffee ever could be. In this episode, Sam openly talks about the standards she sets for herself and her team, how a VA has transformed her workflow, and the unexpected challenges that came with delegation. But it isn't all rainbows and butterflies, as Sam reflects on how she also had to put in the time and effort to have a fruitful, collaborative relationship with her VA. Because a great VA isn't just a fix -- they're a partnership (and sometimes, people forget that). Buckle up for real-life experiences that every entrepreneur looking for a VA can relate to!Don’t miss an episode and get access to exclusive Briefing In content by subscribing to our newsletter!Drop us a message!Music in episode from TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briefinginpod/Find us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briefinginpod

Think landing a VA job is all about skills? Think again. When it comes to the hiring process, you need to know what really matters because it can make or break your chances.Our guest, Trish, who's worked as a journalist, financial advisor, and VA recruiter, came ready with practical tips for applicants to help you put your best foot forward. And while you may be able to count on one hand the number of years we have in this industry, we already know that this job is just as much about your attitude as it is about your skills and abilities. We also give real talk about doing things half-baked as a VA. After all, no one wants someone in their team who has one foot out the door.Don’t miss an episode and get access to exclusive Briefing In content by subscribing to our newsletter!Drop us a message!Music in episode from TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briefinginpod/Find us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briefinginpod

Why is money such a tricky topic for so many of us? While some discuss it freely, others shy away from the conversation. This is why it was so great to have an open conversation about accounting & personal finance with Hyfa, a Business Administration graduate & Finance Head at a start-up. In this episode, we talk about the realities of her role, building systems with her team, & using different invoicing tools, as well as her journey of financial literacy as a young adult. This may be the first episode of 2025, but it's already starting to look like a year full of deep conversations about growth, grit, & getting comfortable with career challenges. Don’t miss an episode and get access to exclusive Briefing In content by subscribing to our newsletter!Drop us a message!Music in episode from TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briefinginpod/Find us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briefinginpod

IG feed inspos, unique marketing tactics, and deleting social media -- there's nothing like getting the crew together for the holidays to spill on some BTS madness. The Briefing In team may be an introverted bunch, but they're showing off their "top-tier professionalism" (or so they claim!) in this special episode. We can't think of a better way to end the year than by having a crazy fun time with the Briefing In crew!Don’t miss an episode and get access to exclusive Briefing In content by subscribing to our newsletter!Drop us a message!Music in episode from TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briefinginpod/Find us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briefinginpod

You don’t need to know sports to understand the weight of a good pitch. In baseball, it controls the game. And in a sales call, it can make or break a deal. Briefing In is back for season 2! And in this episode, we're talking sales. Head of Sales and Client Success Manager, Barbs, sat down with us to walk us through how discovery calls work and how shaping the client experience isn't a one-dimensional process. Who knew that it also involved a bit of matchmaking?Don’t miss an episode and get access to exclusive Briefing In content by subscribing to our newsletter!Drop us a message!Music in episode from TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briefinginpod/Find us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briefinginpod

In the season finale of Briefing In, get ready to meet our talented podcast editor, Dani. You sent in questions about everything you wanted to know regarding the podcast, and we answered them! Well, at least we tried to. We talked about how we found our way to the fundamental question every podcaster faces: "What are we doing this for?" Then we stumbled upon topics such as the concept of being an "expensive person" and guilty pleasures. In this episode, we reflect on our journey this season, and we couldn't have done it without you, our listeners. Thank you for all your support!The Briefing In team is briefing out for the season xxDon’t miss an episode and get access to exclusive Briefing In content by subscribing to our newsletter!TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) - Opening Theme(00:49) - Introducing Dani(03:34) - Chapter 1: Finding Wedding Workflows(14:02) - Chapter 2: I Volunteer for Tribute(18:54) - Chapter 3: Q&A(21:27) - Chapter 4: Guests and Topics(28:21) - Chapter 5: Best Moments & Edits(33:26) - Chapter 6: How It All Started(37:30) - Chapter 7: Motivation, Difficult Clients, and Work Ethic(50:54) - Chapter 8: Our Guests & the VA Life(57:20) - Chapter 9: Desktop Jams and R&DSTART YOUR VA JOURNEY:As part of “The VA’s Playbook: Productivity Series”, you can now get a FREE copy of The 5 Essentials Guide for Virtual Assistants! Head over to our Instagram and click the link in our bio to access this guide!Read the full transcript of Episode 10 here.Drop us a message!Music in episode from TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briefinginpod/Find us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briefinginpod

From freelancer turned business owner, this episode’s guest, Royce, reflects on her 10 years of experience in the industry to unpack how she’s learned to equip herself with strategies in setting herself up for success. We kick off by discussing the art of negotiating rates with clients, emphasizing the importance of understanding your worth and setting clear expectations. We also explore the benefits of being a specialist in certain platforms, highlighting how focusing on a specific niche can help you stand out in a crowded market. Don’t miss an episode and get access to exclusive Briefing In content by subscribing to our newsletter!TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) - Opening Spiel(00:44) - Introducing Royce(02:42) - Chapter 1: Starting from scratch(05:54) - Chapter 2: Why and how?(07:53) - Chapter 3: Being choosy with your clients(16:09) - Chapter 4: Avoid getting overwhelmed as a newbie(29:08) - Chapter 5: Never too late(35:33) - Chapter 6: Hurdles, experiences, and the next chapter(44:14) - Chapter 7: Mentoring sessionsCONNECT WITH ROYCE:Instagram: @royceisonlineTravel Agency: @romeandrollinSTART YOUR VA JOURNEY:As part of “The VA’s Playbook: Productivity Series”, you can now get a FREE copy of The 5 Essentials Guide for Virtual Assistants! Head over to our Instagram and click the link in our bio to access this guide!Read the full transcript of Episode 9 here.Drop us a message!Music in episode from TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briefinginpod/Find us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briefinginpod

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Mike, a seasoned freelancer and mentor in the creative industry, to discuss pivotal moments and career-defining experiences. Mike opens up about his long and winding journey from the corporate world to freelancing, and shares the exhilarating moment when he felt like he had truly "made it." We didn’t shy away from the hard questions either, such as the challenges posed by heightened competition, shifting market demands, and the pursuit of going viral in order to stand out in a saturated industry. With a series of bold statements, Mike discusses the delicate balance between pursuing lucrative projects and staying true to one's artistic vision, and how he learned to protect his creativity while pursuing this balance. Tune in for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation with a passionate creative who bares it all.Don’t miss an episode and get access to exclusive Briefing In content by subscribing to our newsletter!TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) - Opening Spiel(00:54) - Introducing Mike(02:01) - Chapter 1: Where it all started(07:44) - Chapter 2: New chapter, new opportunities(18:28) - Chapter 3: The lifeline as a creative(23:18) - Chapter 4: Your value as a creative(28:46) - Chapter 5: How do you stand out?(37:43) - Chapter 6: The community, struggles, and one upping yourself(46:54) - Chapter 7: A new perspective(52:42) - Chapter 8: Quality over quantity, input & output(56:59) - Chapter 9: Last wordsCONNECT WITH MIKE:Instagram: @tridentofcebuBusiness Page: TsukeSTART YOUR VA JOURNEY:As part of “The VA’s Playbook: Productivity Series”, you can now get a FREE copy of The 5 Essentials Guide for Virtual Assistants! Head over to our Instagram and click the link in our bio to access this guide!Read the full transcript of Episode 8 here.Drop us a message!Music in episode from TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briefinginpod/Find us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briefinginpod

We all want to be effective and efficient at our jobs, but what does that actually mean? And what’s the first step we need to take to get there? In this episode, we go back to the basics with Charm, an Account Executive for an international Digital Marketing company who has experience as a Project Manager, and we talk about how you don’t need to look at 10-20 different ways of doing things in order to be productive. The simpler, the better.Charm and Chelsea explore the critical importance of mastering basic productivity tools, and how these are the backbone of efficiency, enabling freelancers and Virtual Assistants to get ahead of the game by understanding how to manage their time effectively, streamline tasks, and maintain a high level of organisation. From project management software to communication platforms, we've got you covered!START YOUR VA JOURNEY:Do you want to know more about the tools mentioned in the episode? Then check out our most recent FREE PDF: The 5 Essentials Guide for Virtual Assistants! Head over to our Instagram and click the link in our bio to access this guide!Don’t miss an episode and get access to exclusive Briefing In content by subscribing to our newsletter!TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) - Opening Spiel(00:53) - Introducing Charm(06:25) - Chapter 1: The importance of productivity tools(09:43) - Chapter 2: What and how?(20:33) - Chapter 3: Common mistakes(26:30) - Chapter 4: Experience with rejection(30:22) - Chapter 5: Learning and experience(36:30) - Chapter 6: What does having a career mean?(42:48) - Chapter 7: Goals and ambitions CONNECT WITH CHARM:Instagram: @cndcharmRead the full transcript of Episode 7 here.Drop us a message!Music in episode from TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briefinginpod/Find us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briefinginpod

Briefing In is back after a short hiatus with more relatable conversations about the world of Virtual Assistance! And this time, we’re exploring the qualities and mindset that define a "Perfect VA" (and if there really is such a thing?). Our guest, Ande, possesses a fighter’s mindset, using criticism to help him grow and only ever looking at failure as an opportunity to learn more about himself. In this episode, Ande gets real about what he wished he knew about the industry when he first started out, and he also reflects on what he would have done differently with the knowledge he has now. Tune in to listen to Ande’s insights on the significant role that mindset and perspective play in one’s professional life, and how humility and continuous improvement are essential for becoming exceptional in what you do. Want to be part of the conversation? Then let us know which work-related qualities you value the most by sending us a message with our new Fan Mail feature! We can’t wait to hear from you!Don’t miss an episode and get access to exclusive Briefing In content by subscribing to our newsletter!TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) - Opening Spiel(00:30) - Introducing Ande(03:18) - Chapter 1: Very first job experience(06:48) - Chapter 2: Getting started with no experience(15:19) - Chapter 3: If you could do it all over again?(19:44) - Chapter 4: Describing an exceptional VA(26:52) - Chapter 5: Getting into video editing(33:55) - Chapter 6: Being in a creative rut(36:22) - Thomas Edison quoteSTART YOUR VA JOURNEY:As part of “The VA’s Playbook: Productivity Series”, you can now get a FREE copy of The 5 Essentials Guide for Virtual Assistants! Head over to our Instagram and click the link in our bio to access this guide!Read the full transcript of Episode 6 here.Drop us a message!Music in episode from TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briefinginpod/Find us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briefinginpod

In the 5th episode of Briefing In, we sit down with Cess, a “Jill of All Trades.” Cess is a seasoned Virtual Assistant and Freelancer who’s been navigating the world of freelancing for 8 years. Building her own brand, she has left a mark in Digital Marketing and continues to look forward to what’s next in her career. Discover how the market has evolved over the years, the biggest challenges facing freelancers today, and how the role of a VA has changed since she first started. She shares how things aren’t always what they seem, and gets real about the different ways freelancers are hurting the industry.Don't miss this insightful discussion! Listen to the full episode and hear firsthand experiences from a veteran who has witnessed the industry's growth and transformation. If you liked this episode, feel free to reach out to us on IG and Tiktok. We love hearing from our listeners and welcome your feedback!Don’t miss an episode and get access to exclusive Briefing In content by subscribing to our newsletter!TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) - Opening Spiel(00:42) - Introducing Cess(02:12) - Chapter 1: Getting started(06:03) - Chapter 2: Journey into freelancing(11:38) - Chapter 3: Embracing marketing(14:02) - Chapter 4: Building a personal brand(20:29) - Chapter 5: Perceptions and realities of freelancing(29:27) - Chapter 6: Challenges and advice(44:22) - Chapter 7: Defining successSTART YOUR VA JOURNEY:As part of “The VA’s Playbook: Productivity Series”, you can now get a FREE copy of The 5 Essentials Guide for Virtual Assistants! Head over to our Instagram and click the link in our bio to access this guide!Read the full transcript of Episode 5 here.Drop us a message!Music in episode from TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briefinginpod/Find us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briefinginpod

This is a special episode brought to you by Briefing In! In the 4th episode of the podcast, we not only talk about our VA guest, Chad, but also dive into some real-life VA stories! Get your popcorn ready as we learn more about what a Virtual Director’s Assistant does and also get deep into some juicy VA stories.Chad reveals the difference between the work culture of an office environment and a work-from-home setting, and gets honest about how it isn’t all just rainbows and butterflies. We also talk about the pros and cons of what it is like to work from home, reading interesting VA Reddit stories and of course, spilling some VA tea.Let us know what you thought of this episode!Don’t miss an episode and get access to exclusive Briefing In content by subscribing to our newsletter!TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) - Opening Spiel(00:50) - Introducing Chad(01:54) - Chapter 1: Discussion on VA and director’s assistant role(08:01) - Chapter 2: Reddit stories discussion(08:23) - Chapter 3: Time fraud story(15:35) - Chapter 4: VA scammed story(23:58) - Chapter 5: Pros and cons of working from home story(39:17) - Chapter 6: Micromanaging client story(48:10) - Chapter 7: Work from home vs onsite/hybrid story(56:19) - Chapter 8: Low wages for VAs storyCONNECT WITH CHAD:Instagram: @chadc137START YOUR VA JOURNEY:As part of “The VA’s Playbook: Productivity Series”, you can now get a FREE copy of The 5 Essentials Guide for Virtual Assistants! Head over to our Instagram and click the link in our bio to access this guide!Read the full transcript of Episode 4 here.Drop us a message!Music in episode from TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briefinginpod/Find us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briefinginpod

Briefing In is back with our 3rd episode! This time we’re talking double life stuff with Den, a part-time VA and full time Communications and Media student. Den gets candid about what it’s like to live the 007 lifestyle, and if it really is possible to have the best of both worlds. There’s so much more than meets the eye when it comes to balancing different priorities in life, as Den shares her insights into the daily intricacies of being a VA, discussing the excitement of stepping into this dynamic role and getting real about the sacrifices that she’s had to make, demystifying the glamorized aspects of remote work. We also do an IG Q&A segment, where Den shares tips and advice on how to balance both professional and personal lives. Listen to an enriching conversation with Den!Don’t miss an episode and get access to exclusive Briefing In content by subscribing to our newsletter!TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) - Opening Spiel(01:07) - Introducing Den(02:32) - Chapter 1: Conversation with Den(03:40) - Chapter 2: Initial experiences and pandemic influence(07:40) - Chapter 3: Adapting to face-to-face classes(09:50) - Chapter 4: Advice for balancing school and work(14:37) - Chapter 5: Maintaining productivity and setting boundaries(18:54) - Chapter 6: Pros & cons of a working student(21:43) - Chapter 7: Education system and workforce preparation(26:06) - Chapter 8: Romanticizing work-from-home jobs(33:31) - Chapter 9: Disconnecting and avoiding burnoutSTART YOUR VA JOURNEY:As part of “The VA’s Playbook: Productivity Series”, you can now get a FREE copy of The 5 Essentials Guide for Virtual Assistants! Head over to our Instagram and click the link in our bio to access this guide!Read the full transcript of Episode 4 here.Drop us a message!Music in episode from TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briefinginpod/Find us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briefinginpod

In this episode of Briefing In, we are joined by Lawrence, a golden retriever to his friends and a secret weapon to his clients. Prior to being a VA, he was set on a career path in Finance and was a struggling corporate worker who wanted to make a name in the business world. However, he had to make several career pivots, and the rest, as you know, is history.Get ready to listen to Lawrence and his empowering journey of self-discovery. Amidst the pandemic-induced lows, he realized the importance of self-care and by prioritizing his well-being and nurturing himself, he began to rebuild his confidence and sense of self-worth. This is an open conversation with Lawrence who shares his story, his rejected applications, and his ticket to the world of virtual assistance, packed with lessons on balancing success and personal well-being.Don’t miss an episode and get access to exclusive Briefing In content by subscribing to our newsletter!TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) - Opening Spiel(00:58) - Introducing Lawrence(02:01) - Chapter 1: Being a part of the corporate world(06:36) - Chapter 2: Pandemic and digital marketing shift(11:24) - Chapter 3: Transition to a VA career(16:05) - Chapter 4: Joining Wedding Workflows and client relationships(22:26) - Chapter 5: Taking on a leadership role(28:07) - Chapter 6: Challenges of leadership(32:19) - Chapter 7: What is your definition of success?START YOUR VA JOURNEY:As part of “The VA’s Playbook: Productivity Series”, you can now get a FREE copy of The 5 Essentials Guide for Virtual Assistants! Head over to our Instagram and click the link in our bio to access this guide!Read the full transcript of Episode 2 here.Drop us a message!Music in episode from TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briefinginpod/Find us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briefinginpod

In the first ever episode of Briefing In, Wei talks about her unconventional career path and how once upon a time, she thought being a VA wasn’t an actual “job.” From becoming a receptionist for her Nihongo professor to finding her way to the virtual assistant realm, she’s been on a journey full of unexpected turns. Along the way, Wei shares the surprising skills she's acquired and the invaluable lessons she’s learned that have not only helped her nurture her career, but find balance within herself. Even though the role of a Virtual Assistant was a completely foreign concept to her, she took everything in stride, embraced the dynamic aspect of the job, and recognized the value of open communication. She also got to say goodbye to three-hour-long commutes, which was a bonus!Don’t miss an episode and get access to exclusive Briefing In content by subscribing to our newsletter!TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) - Opening Spiel(02:26) - Introducing Wei(03:30) - Chapter 1: Getting to know Wei’s journey(10:38) - Chapter 2: Assumptions and realities of VA work(13:49) - Chapter 3: Transferable skills and client relationships(22:00) - Chapter 4: Work dynamic and communication(31:26) - Chapter 5: Challenges and the adjustment period(39:05) - Chapter 6: Rapid fire questions(41:13) - Chapter 7: Most important skillsSTART YOUR VA JOURNEY:As part of “The VA’s Playbook: Productivity Series”, you can now get a FREE copy of The 5 Essentials Guide for Virtual Assistants! Head over to our Instagram and click the link in our bio to access this guide!Read the full transcript of Episode 1 here.Drop us a message!Music in episode from TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briefinginpod/Find us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briefinginpod

Welcome to the Briefing In podcast, a podcast for VAs by VAs. Tune in to casual conversations with Virtual Assistants as they share personal journeys, insights, and unique moments of their work from home lives. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, or even just a curious ear, there's something here for everyone in the world of virtual assistance.Drop us a message!Music in episode from TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briefinginpod/Find us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briefinginpod