In this episode of Rad-Ventures, I’m joined by Emma Boatman, founder of Boatman Admin Services, to talk about life as a virtual assistant and what it really looks like to run a VA agency.
Emma shares her journey from corporate work into virtual assistance, how her business evolved into an agency model over the last 10 years, and why she believes collaboration matters more than competition in the VA world. We talk about trusting associates, managing client relationships, and the realities of growing a service-based business without a rigid master plan.
We also get into tools, productivity, and communication — including Emma’s honest take on project management systems, using your inbox as a to-do list, and adapting to new platforms as the industry changes. The episode wraps up with Emma’s future aspirations, including a growing interest in travel and blogging.
A relaxed conversation about business growth, agency life, and what actually works behind the scenes.
Follow Emma:https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-boatman/
https://www.instagram.com/boatmanservices/
00:00 – Introduction to Emma Boatman02:55 – The evolution of virtual assistance05:53 – Collaboration over competition08:57 – What a VA role really looks like11:49 – Building Boatman Admin Services14:49 – Challenges and business growth
17:48 – Agency model vs freelancing20:43 – Finding and trusting associates23:38 – Personal insights & fun questions30:40 – Productivity tools (or not 😅)37:27 – Managing email & communication48:10 – Travel dreams & future plansIf you’re enjoying Rad-Ventures, you can support the podcast here:
☕ https://ko-fi.com/radmin_assist
🎙️ Patreon: /radminassist
In this episode of Rad-Ventures, Michelle Haslam shares her journey from a career in finance to becoming a TikTok creator and digital marketer. We talk about authenticity, growing an audience at any age, dealing with online negativity, and why social media has no “age limit.”Michelle opens up about navigating trolls, building confidence on camera, and how sharing real experiences can help others feel less alone. We also discuss email management, content pressure, creativity, and the evolving world of digital marketing.Please note: The final few minutes of this episode have a slight audio distortion due to a compression issue — apologies, and thanks for sticking with us.More Michelle: @Michelle_Haslam https://www.instagram.com/michelle.haslam.official/https://www.tiktok.com/@michelle.haslamhttps://www.tiktok.com/@michelle.makes.moneyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/michellehaslam/If you need supportTalking about online abuse and social media pressure can be tough. If you’re struggling:Samaritans (UK) – 116 123 (24/7)National Bullying Helpline – 0300 323 0169Support the ShowEnjoying Rad-Ventures? Help keep the podcast going:☕ https://ko-fi.com/radmin_assist🎙️ Patreon: /radminassistThanks for tuning in — your support means everything.About MeHey! I’m Radmin — founder of Radmin Assist, freelance admin pro, and host of Rad-Ventures. I share real conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, and business owners who are building careers on their own terms. Subscribe for more rad chats every other Thursday.
In this episode of Rad-Ventures, Nikkola Wright talks about her work at Nikcollab, where she supports wellness professionals and retreat hosts with the operational side of their businesses. We chat about how she shifted from general virtual assistant work into a niche where organisation, structure and calm behind-the-scenes support really matters.
Nikkola shares how her background in law shaped her approach to project management, why retreats need solid processes to run smoothly, and the tools she uses day-to-day — including Trello, Google Workspace, and simple, sustainable systems for managing client work and email.
We also get into creating immersive client experiences, the reality of working in the wellness space, and her long-term dream of running her own retreat venue.
A relaxed conversation about work, career paths, tools, and the realities of supporting service-based businesses.
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Nikkola & Nicolab02:31 – Moving from VA to wellness support04:47 – What “business support” looks like in wellness07:45 – Retreat formats and how they work09:57 – Nikkola’s career path from law to wellness12:29 – How education influenced her approach15:14 – Corporate events vs. retreat experiences17:51 – Creating immersive moments20:25 – Quotes and reflections22:54 – Google vs. Microsoft27:48 – Trello, tools & organisation34:06 – Community & networking41:40 – Nikkola’s long-term aspirations46:43 – Wrap-up
More about Nikkola
https://nikcollab.com/
https://www.instagram.com/rebel_businessmethod
Enjoying Rad-Ventures? Help keep the podcast going:
☕ Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/radmin_assist
🎙️ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/radminassist
Thanks for tuning in — your support means the world!
More about me
Hey! I’m Radmin — founder of Radmin Assist, freelance admin support pro, podcast host, and small business champion. I created Rad-Ventures to share real, relaxed conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives and business minds from all walks of life.
If you’re into entrepreneurship, freelancing, systems, or just love a good story — you’re in the right place. Subscribe and stick around for more rad chats!
Meet Ali Yates and Debra Paynter — two brilliant Yorkshire-based entrepreneurs and co-founders of Generator Gals and Lunar & Wild. In this episode, we dive into their journeys from corporate chaos to creative control, balancing parenting with productivity, their love/hate relationships with tools like Asana and Moxie, and the reality of freelancing in a digital world.From carpet counters to content creators, this one’s packed with laughs, life lessons, and a whole lot of Yorkshire sass.https://www.debrapaynter.co.uk/https://www.aliyates.co.uk/https://www.instagram.com/debs.does.asana/https://www.instagram.com/aliyatesva/Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Guests03:35 Yorkshire Pride and Banter06:33 Project Management Tools: A Deep Dive09:27 The Journey to Becoming Virtual Assistants15:29 The Reality of Self-Employment24:31 The Birth of Generator Gals28:33 Launching Lunar and Wild31:49 Balancing Work and Family Life35:17 Community Building and Support36:33 Reflections on Age and Personal Growth41:46 Favorite Quotes and Inspirations49:14 Essential Apps for Productivity51:34 Exploring TikTok Trends and Content Creation53:50 The Challenges of Content Creation57:30 Email Management and Organization01:00:16 The Chaos of Life and Work01:07:18 Future Aspirations and Self-EmploymentSupport the ShowEnjoying Rad-Ventures? Help keep the podcast going:☕ https://ko-fi.com/radmin_assist🎙️ https://www.patreon.com/c/radminassistThanks for tuning in — your support means the world!*****About MeHey! I’m Radmin — founder of Radmin Assist, freelance admin support pro, podcast host, and small business champion. I created Rad-Ventures to share real, honest conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, and business minds from all walks of life.If you’re into entrepreneurship, freelancing, systems, or just love a good story — you’re in the right place. Subscribe and stick around for more rad chats!
In this episode of Radventures, I chat with Karen Sigalas, a brilliant business coach who turned redundancy into opportunity. We dive into the power of mindset, navigating career transitions, and the importance of recognition in the workplace. Karen opens up about her own coaching journey, shares tips for embracing social media, and reflects on personal growth, resilience, and the magic of motivational quotes.
Whether you're feeling overlooked at work or thinking about a career pivot, this one's full of empowering insights and honest reflections.
📌 Topics: Career change, mindset shifts, business coaching, feedback, personal branding, LinkedIn, gratitude practices, resilience, and more.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Karen Sigalas and Her Journey
02:58 The Importance of Coaching and Recognition
05:31 From Redundancy to Realization: Karen's Turning Point
07:55 Finding Purpose Through Coaching
10:45 The Shift from Corporate to Coaching
13:21 Mindset and Resilience in Business
15:38 The Impact of Feedback on Performance
18:19 The Role of Education in Shaping Careers
20:50 Encouraging a Growth Mindset in the Next Generation
23:17 Reflecting on Progress and Achievements
29:30 Embracing Social Media and Personal Growth
33:22 Reflections on Age and Personal Development
37:53 Quotes That Inspire and Motivate
39:22 Navigating Technology and Productivity Tools
42:44 Aspirations for the Future and Personal Branding
49:02 Rad-Ventures Outro.mp4
Coach Karen:
https://www.coachkaren.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karensigalascareercoach/
https://www.youtube.com/@UCW81AGY13B29b_1FeE--dmQ
Support the Show
Enjoying Rad-Ventures? Help keep the podcast going:
☕ https://ko-fi.com/radmin_assist
🎙️ https://www.patreon.com/c/radminassist
Thanks for tuning in — your support means the world!
*****
About Me
Hey! I’m Radmin — founder of Radmin Assist, freelance admin support pro, podcast host, and small business champion. I created Rad-Ventures to share real, honest conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, and business minds from all walks of life.
If you’re into entrepreneurship, freelancing, systems, or just love a good story — you’re in the right place. Subscribe and stick around for more rad chats!
In this episode of Rad-Ventures, I’m joined by Becci McEvoy, social media marketer and founder of Be Heard Socials, for an open, honest, and inspiring chat about Instagram, business growth, and redefining success on your own terms.We talk about everything from mindset shifts and managing overwhelm to why simplifying your strategy is often the most powerful move. Becci shares her unexpected path to self-employment, the freedom it's given her, and how tools like Asana help her stay on track — even with ADHD tendencies in the mix.Whether you're a business owner, a content creator, or just someone figuring out your next step — this episode is packed with insight, humour, and plenty of relatable moments.⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Introduction to Be Heard Socials03:12 – The Power of Instagram for Business05:49 – Simplifying Social Media Strategies08:53 – Mindset and Engagement on Instagram11:57 – The Long Game of Impact15:01 – The Journey to Self-Employment17:57 – Finding Freedom in Business24:47 – Navigating Career Transitions27:36 – Finding Purpose and Happiness32:04 – The Power of Manifestation34:46 – The Journey of Self-Employment39:32 – Redefining Success41:15 – Reflecting on Life's Milestones49:23 – Exploring Productivity Tools54:48 – Future Aspirations and Business GoalsMore on Becci:https://beheardsocials.com/https://www.instagram.com/beheardsocials/https://youtube.com/@beheardsocials?si=NrdyjE9eSH5OXKrLhttps://open.spotify.com/show/4GMYLap6caphOdvSwxXl8gSupport the ShowEnjoying Rad-Ventures? Help keep the podcast going:☕ https://ko-fi.com/radmin_assist🎙️ https://www.patreon.com/c/radminassistThanks for tuning in — your support means the world!*****About MeHey! I’m Radmin — founder of Radmin Assist, freelance admin support pro, podcast host, and small business champion. I created Rad-Ventures to share real, honest conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, and business minds from all walks of life.If you’re into entrepreneurship, freelancing, systems, or just love a good story — you’re in the right place. Subscribe and stick around for more rad chats!
In this episode of Rad-Ventures, I sit down with G from Ray Social to talk about everything from homeschooling and redundancy to Canva chaos, freelancing, and finding joy in your business.
G shares her unique path into marketing, how she built a business during the pandemic, and the ups and downs of navigating the freelance life. We dig into the difference between employment and self-employment, the emotional side of leaving a “proper job,” and why your business should reflect you — not a blueprint.
If you’re a creative, freelancer, or just trying to figure out what freedom looks like for you, this episode’s got real talk, laughs, and plenty of practical insight.
00:00 – Introduction to G from Rare Social
03:00 – The Journey of Homeschooling
05:49 – Transitioning into Marketing
08:57 – The Impact of Redundancy and Freelancing
12:12 – Navigating Self-Employment Challenges
15:08 – Reflections on Business Growth
18:02 – The Reality of Freelancing vs Employment
22:36 – The Reality of Employment vs. Self-Employment
25:39 – Finding Security in Creativity
28:21 – The Trade-offs of Self-Employment
29:11 – Reflections on Age and Life Changes
31:12 – Quotes That Inspire and Motivate
34:41 – Choosing Between Google Suite and Microsoft 365
40:10 – The Journey of Content Creation
43:00 – Navigating Essential Apps for Creatives
45:58 – The Love-Hate Relationship with Canva
51:57 – Managing Email Overload
52:59 – The Evolution of Business Focus
57:55 – Finding Joy in Creative FreedomMore on G:
www.rayofsocial.com
https://www.instagram.com/rayofsocial/
Support the Show
Enjoying Rad-Ventures? Help keep the podcast going:
☕ https://ko-fi.com/radmin_assist
🎙️ https://www.patreon.com/c/radminassist
Thanks for tuning in — your support means the world!
In this episode of Rad-Ventures, host Radmin is joined by Rachel and Ciaran McKenna of Woodhazel Consulting to explore the real-world dynamics of entrepreneurship, sales, and marketing in today’s evolving business landscape.
From confidence in selling to aligning your business philosophy with client needs, this conversation dives into the human side of business. They explore how systems and automation can support—but not replace—authentic communication, why AI is a tool, not a threat, and how personalisation remains at the heart of success.
Whether you're starting your business, building a team, or navigating change, this episode is packed with insights on leadership, continuous learning, and staying grounded in your “why.”
More WoodHazel:
https://woodhazel.ie/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-mckenna-25a56237/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ciaran-mc-kenna-3b24318b/
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Woodhazel Consulting02:52 – The Philosophy of Selling06:06 – Building Confidence in Sales08:45 – The Journey to Entrepreneurship12:02 – Navigating Life Changes and Business14:56 – The Importance of Team Dynamics17:46 – Marketing and Sales Integration20:49 – Understanding Individual Motivations23:59 – The Role of Choice in Business26:55 – Risk and Reward in Entrepreneurship29:56 – Team Management and AI Dynamics40:31 – Embracing Change and Innovation43:10 – The Role of Systems in Business45:49 – Personalisation vs. Automation47:12 – The Importance of Personal Touch49:19 – Experience and Continuous Learning50:51 – Reflections on Life Stages53:17 – Quotes that Inspire54:53 – Technology Preferences56:45 – Essential Apps for Communication58:57 – Future Aspirations and Growth
Support the Show Section
Enjoying Rad-Ventures? Help keep the podcast going:
☕ Buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/radmin_assist
🎙️ Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/radminassist
Your support helps make more episodes (and caffeine-fuelled edits) happen. Thank you!
******👋 About Me
Hey! I’m Radmin — founder of Radmin Assist, freelance admin support pro, podcast host, and small business champion.
I created Rad-Ventures to share real, honest conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, and business minds from all walks of life.
If you’re into entrepreneurship, freelancing, systems, or just love a good story — you’re in the right place.
Subscribe and stick around for more rad chats!
In this episode of Rad-Ventures, I chat with Kendall Breitman, community manager at Riverside FM and former political reporter, about her remarkable journey from aspiring author to breaking news journalist — and now, community-builder in the podcasting/ Video Creator world.Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Kendall Breitman and Riverside FM
02:48 The Role of a Community Manager
05:49 The Diversity of Podcasting
08:55 Kendall's Journey from Journalism to Community Management
11:53 Life as a Political Reporter
14:57 Transitioning to Community Management
17:47 Living in Tel Aviv and Its Culture
21:00 Quotes and Life Mantras
23:53 Final Thoughts and Preferences
25:51 The Shift to Google and Apps in Journalism
26:43 Essential Apps for Daily Life
28:02 Managing Unread Emails and News Subscriptions
30:20 The Importance of Community Newsletters
31:52 Exploring Riverside's Features
41:04 Future Aspirations and Writing a Book
More on Kendall...
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kbreitman/
More on Riverside...
https://riverside.fm/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/riversideconversationcreators/
Support the Show
Hey there! If you loved what you heard today, please consider supporting the podcast. 😊
Every bit of support – whether it’s listening, sharing, or contributing – helps us keep the mics on and the content flowing.
Buy Me a Coffee ☕ – A one-time “thank you” to fuel our podcasting energy - https://ko-fi.com/radmin_assist
Patreon 🎉 – Join our Patreon community -https://www.patreon.com/c/radminassist
Thank you so much for tuning in and being part of our journey. 💖 Your support means the world to us and keeps the show going. 🙏✨
In this episode of Rad-Ventures, we meet Yasmin Batting—travel marketer, content creator, and self-proclaimed Sunshine Pop enthusiast.
From a creative childhood to the hustle of London and back to the serenity of the South Coast, Yasmin shares her journey through burnout, career pivots, and rediscovering joy in freelance life.
We talk social media for small businesses, the power of authentic content, and the rise of the “realfluencer.” Yasmin shares how niching down to travel marketing helped her fall back in love with social media, and why turning 30 can feel like a fresh start.
🎧 Expect chat about Canva love, Google Suite preferences, musical influences, and big lessons from the ocean (and Sylvia Earle). If you're navigating a freelance journey, this one’s packed with grounded wisdom, relatable moments, and fresh inspiration.
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 – Introduction and Background
02:56 – Yasmin's Journey into Social Media Marketing
05:59 – The Challenges of Social Media for Small Businesses
08:58 – Navigating Career Paths and Early Influences
11:59 – The Transition to London and the Music Industry
14:58 – Burnout and Returning to the South Coast
24:05 – The Coastal Connection: Finding Freedom in Nature
25:29 – Transitioning to Freelance: Embracing Change
27:33 – Social Media Insights: The Digital Landscape
28:25 – Embracing Age: The Joy of Turning 30
29:05 – Inspiration from the Ocean: Sylvia Earle's Wisdom
30:43 – Tech Preferences: Google Suite vs. Microsoft 365
33:06 – The Essential App: Canva for Creatives
34:29 – Desert Island Dilemma: Apps vs. Freedom
38:36 – Musical Tastes: A Blend of Genres
39:51 – Creating Sunshine Pop: Music and Emotion
42:21 – The Journey of a Freelancer
45:10 – Social Media Evolution
48:33 – Niche Marketing and Content Creation
55:36 – The Rise of the Realfluencer
01:01:36 – Authenticity in Social Media
Aloha Work and Chill https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5sJbGc9wsSeRphOQYUba8A?si=462a6111bf8b40da
Yasmin's Music - https://open.spotify.com/artist/4i9Gzk5P9z9ypukm2PU4s4?si=MggyPep5Tbu297yFbgHF-Q
💬 Connect with Yasmin Batting
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisisalohasocial/
Website: https://www.thisisalohasocial.com/💥 Support Rad-Ventures
Love the show? Share it, leave a review, or buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/radmin_assist
YouTube: @RadminAssist
In this episode of Rad-Ventures, we sit down with Harriet Evans, a Portsmouth-based Client Experience & Systems Strategist. From events management to virtual assistance, Harriet’s journey is full of lessons in adaptability, growth, and rebranding.
We dive into the tech tools she swears by (hello, Dubsado & ClickUp!), why Google wins over Microsoft, and how she creates systems that make clients go “WOW.” Harriet also opens up about the fears of rebranding, managing a tech stack, and how she uses onboarding strategies to build trust from the get-go.
This episode is a must-listen for freelancers, VAs, and anyone building a business around people, process, and purpose.
Follow Harriet:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harrietevans.ops/
Website: https://www.harrietevans-obm.com/ Sign up for her onboarding resources or challenges directly through her Instagram bio links!
💛 Support the Show
If you’re loving Rad-Ventures, here’s how you can help us keep the good vibes going:
☕ Become a supporter: https://www.patreon.com/c/radminassist
📲 Follow, share, and tag us when you’re listening – it means the world!
⭐ Don’t forget to rate and review on your favourite podcast platform.
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Harriet Evans and Her Journey
04:59 – From Events Management to Systems & Strategy
09:58 – How Furlough Sparked a New Direction into Virtual Assistance
14:58 – Social Media Struggles & Wins for Small Biz Owners
20:00 – Finding Yourself in Business: Growth & Identity
26:09 – Embracing Change: “Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes”
31:02 – Google vs Microsoft: The Great Tech Debate
32:43 – Harriet’s Go-To Apps: WhatsApp & More
34:17 – Dream Cars & Personality Vibes
36:25 – Freelance Life: Freedom, Isolation & Reality
37:31 – Tech Stacks: What to Keep, What to Ditch
47:32 – Rebranding: Fears, Identity & Starting Fresh
50:24 – Branding That Reflects You
53:28 – Using Tech to Create Rave-Worthy Client Experiences
59:29 – Onboarding Challenges That Build Trust
01:02:05 – Where to Connect with Harriet
In this episode, I chat with Ilona about her journey from traditional admin roles to becoming a successful virtual assistant. We dive into the realities of client management, the freedom (and chaos) of being your own boss, and the tools that keep her productive—like Google Suite, Canva, and Xero.Chapters:00:00 – Intro: Meet Ilona & Her Journey into Virtual Assistance06:00 – Building a Business: Clients, Niches & Freedom
12:09 – Music Matters: How Playlists Fuel Productivity
18:00 – Personal Growth, Age & Embracing Change
23:55 – Tech Talk: Google Suite vs Microsoft 365
30:53 – Done > Perfect: Productivity, Systems & Workflow
40:00 – Design Tools: Canva Love & Why It’s Not Everything
46:03 – Bookkeeping & Financial Management as a VA
51:20 – Big Dreams: Fireworks, the Circus & Life AspirationsWhere to Find Ilona
Follow Ilona and find out more about her work:
🔗 https://www.ilonamckieva.com
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ilonamckieva
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilona-mckie/
Support the Show
If you're enjoying Rad-Ventures, you can support the podcast and help it grow:
☕ Become a patron: https://www.patreon.com/c/radminassist
📢 Share, like, and review on your favourite platform – it really helps!
🎧 Subscribe so you never miss an episode.
In this engaging episode of Rad-Ventures, host Radmin sits down with Ben Stickland—a former army aspirant turned personal branding expert. Ben shares his diverse career journey, from teaching in Spain and working in customer service to launching the Private Healthcare Guy business and eventually pivoting toward personal branding.
Discover how authenticity, risk-taking, and the right productivity tools have shaped his success.
Key Insights Include:
Communicating unique value and building an authentic personal brand
The challenges of transitioning careers and overcoming academic struggles
How COVID-19 reshaped the health insurance industry and ignited new opportunities
Tips on productivity, email management, and content creation
The influence of family support and personal experiences on his journey
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Ben Stickland & Personal Branding
01:00 – From Army Aspirations to Teaching in Spain
09:01 – Transitioning Careers: Teaching to Customer Service
14:03 – The Road to Private Healthcare Guy
20:08 – COVID-19 and the Health Insurance Surge
24:58 – Pivoting to Personal Branding
31:01 – From Super Yachting to Branding Expertise
37:44 – Reflections on Youth, Risk, & Challenges
38:10 – Overcoming Academic Struggles
39:08 – Embracing Business Risks
40:31 – Productivity Tools & Email Management
42:44 – Essential Apps for Content Creation
45:23 – Personal Preferences & Dream Cars
49:11 – Passion & Career Aspirations
51:30 – The Role of Family in Branding
56:15 – Top Tips for Building Your Personal Brand
👍 Enjoyed the episode?
Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe!
💙 Support the Show: Become a Rad-Supporter on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/c/radminassist
More on Ben:
https://www.thepersonalbrandingguy.com/
https://www.instagram.com/thepersonalbrandingguy/
https://www.tiktok.com/@thepersonalbrandingguy
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thepersonalbrandingguy/
https://linktr.ee/Thepersonalbrandingguy
In this inspiring episode of Rad-Ventures, host Radmin chats with Kirsty Heap—a former HR pro turned self-employed public speaker, author, and neurodiversity advocate. Kirsty reveals how affirmations, creativity, and even quirky inspirations (think cows, carrots, and marathon training) helped her transition into a fulfilling career of empowerment and adventure.Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Kirsty Heap and Neurodiversity
09:53 Transition to Self-Employment
18:39 Becoming an Author and Creative Exploration
25:11 Empowerment Through Affirmations
32:34 Navigating Technology: Google Suite vs Microsoft 365
42:02 Passion for Cars and Driving
47:18 A Love for Cows: The Beauty of Highland Cattle
53:28 Marathon Training: The Journey and Challenges
01:01:47 Future Endeavors: Books and Publishing Goals
01:04:29 Rad-Ventures Outro.mp4
Support & More About Kirsty:
Learn more at kirstyheap.com
https://www.instagram.com/kirstyheapcoaching/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstyheap/
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe.
Consider supporting Rad-Ventures on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/radminassist
🎙️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions on grief, including premature and child loss. If this topic is sensitive for you, please listen with care.
In this episode of Rad-Ventures, Amanda Johnson, military veteran and founder of VACT (VA Coaching & Training Academy), shares her journey from military life to becoming a leader in the Virtual Assistant industry. Amanda opens up about the personal challenges and defining moments that shaped her career, including the impact of loss and how it influenced her path.
Join Radmin and Amanda as they discuss:
✅ The evolution of the VA industry and its future
✅ The power of collaboration and community in business
✅ How to let go of external pressures and find freedom in work
✅ Insights into job titles, business structure, and career transitions
✅ Retirement aspirations and the UK VA Awards
Whether you're a Virtual Assistant, an entrepreneur, or someone navigating a career change, Amanda’s story is filled with valuable insights and inspiration.
📢 More About Amanda
Amanda Johnson is a VA mentor, trainer, and coach, helping aspiring and established Virtual Assistants through her platform, VACT. She is also an advocate for community-driven growth and business education in the VA industry.
🔗 Connect with Amanda & Learn More:
❤️ Support the Show!
Love Rad-Ventures? Help us keep the podcast going:
👉 Subscribe, Review & Share this episode!
👉 Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/radminassist
Buy me a coffee - https://ko-fi.com/radmin_assist
Riverside - https://www.riverside.fm/?via=radmin-assist
With Moxie - https://www.withmoxie.com/radmin_assist?_get=richard52
In this episode of Rad-Ventures, host Radmin sits down with Paul Smart, co-founder of Smartual, to explore his bold transition from the corporate world to empowering small entrepreneurs. Paul shares how his early aspirations—once rooted in sports and even dreams of joining the army—evolved into a passion for business support and virtual assistance.
During this engaging conversation, you'll learn:
Whether you're considering a career transition or looking to level up your business support strategy, Paul’s story offers practical advice and inspiring lessons for personal growth and success.
👍 Enjoyed the episode?
Remember to like, comment, and subscribe, and consider becoming a Rad-Supporter on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/radminassist
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Paul Smart and Smartual
02:13 – Understanding Smartual's Business Model
03:57 – Paul's Early Aspirations & Corporate Beginnings
12:43 – Transitioning from Corporate to Small Business
18:25 – Traveling & Finding New Opportunities
23:07 – The Evolving World of Virtual Assistance
34:10 – Tech Preferences: Google Suite vs. Microsoft 365
35:43 – Essential Apps for Daily Life
38:09 – Dream Cars & Personal Aspirations
39:04 – The Importance of Business Support
42:29 – Community & Networking in Business
45:42 – Listener Engagement & Wrap-Up
In this episode of Rad-Ventures, host Radmin interviews Jools Aspinall—a neurodiversity trainer, consultant, coach, mentor, and speaker. Inspired by the quirky charm of 90s TV show Ally McBeal, Jools initially pursued a law degree with dreams of becoming a lawyer. However, her passion for inclusivity and authentic connection led her down an unexpected path toward entrepreneurship and neurodiversity consulting.
In this engaging conversation, Jools discusses:
Join Radmin and Jools as they dive into a candid discussion about the ups and downs of entrepreneurial life, the power of inclusivity, and why sometimes, you just have to blame Ally McBeal for your career twist!
👍 If you enjoyed this episode:
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Jools Aspinall
06:00 – Early Career Aspirations & Law Dreams
12:03 – The Pivot: From Law to Neurodiversity Consulting
18:10 – Marketing Strategies & Business Development
26:37 – Navigating Social Media & Productivity Tools
32:35 – Reflections on Age, Career, & Personal Growth
40:24 – Tech Preferences & Project Management
47:39 – Overcoming Procrastination & Adulting Challenges
54:43 – Future Aspirations & Final ThoughtsMore on Jools:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jools-aspinall/https://www.instagram.com/simply.jools/
Simply-jools.com - coming soon
Join host Radmin as he chats with Sarah Townsend, a freelance copywriter of 25 years, who once dreamed of being a spy or detective. In this candid conversation, Sarah shares how her passion for birdwatching, her ADHD diagnosis, and a drive for self-acceptance shaped her career. From transitioning out of the corporate world to discovering the power of work-life balance, Sarah reveals the ups and downs of building a thriving freelance business. They also dive into the Android vs. Apple debate, the evolution of movie streaming, and the challenges of social media engagement in a rapidly changing digital landscape.Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Sarah Townsend
03:03 – Sarah’s Journey into Freelancing
05:58 – Childhood Aspirations & Early Interests
09:03 – Birdwatching for Calm & Connection
12:04 – ADHD & Personal Diagnosis
15:09 – From Finance to Freelancing
18:01 – Evolving a Freelance Career
20:58 – Work-Life Balance & Giving Yourself Time Off
24:00 – Quickfire Questions & Personal Insights
33:33 – Tech Wars: Android vs. Apple
35:37 – Essential Apps & Daily Productivity
38:44 – The Evolution of Movie Watching
41:02 – Understanding ADHD & Autism
49:12 – Future Aspirations & Social Media Challenges
51:52 – Closing Thoughts & Key Takeaways
Useful Links & Resources
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahtownsendeditorial/
https://www.instagram.com/thecopywritersday
Survival Skills for Freelancers - 2025 edition now out: all-new stats, links, references and resources: plus advice from 20 more freelancers!The Little Book of Confusables
The Little Book of Confusables 2
https://buy-my-bestselling-books.sumupstore.com/products
https://www.adhdwomenswellbeing.co.uk/
https://www.instagram.com/kate_moryoussef/
Join our community & become a Rad-Supporter on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/radminassist
Be sure to check out these links for more insights, resources, and updates from Sarah and Rad-Ventures!
In this Rad-Ventures episode, host Radmin interviews Nataleigh (Nat) Elzein from Pinch Studios, a creative agency helping industry disruptors stand out through video marketing. Nat shares how she went from dreaming of an acting career to launching her first business during COVID-19, eventually rebranding into Pinch Studios. Discover her insights on building bold marketing strategies, understanding human motivations, and maintaining a ‘no urgency policy’ to foster productivity and better client relationships.
They also discuss:
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a marketer looking to innovate, or simply curious about how to thrive in a rapidly changing digital world, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways.
Enjoyed this conversation?
Check Nat out:
https://www.pinchstudios.com.au/
https://www.instagram.com/pinchstudios.au/
Affiliate Links:
Buy me a coffee - https://ko-fi.com/radmin_assist
Riverside FM - https://www.riverside.fm/?via=radmin-assist
Moxie - https://www.withmoxie.com/radmin_assist?_get=richard52
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Nataleigh & Pinch Studios
03:03 Acting Dreams & Early Aspirations
06:10 The COVID-19 Pivot to Entrepreneurship
08:59 Rebranding from Digital Fairy Godmother to Pinch Studios
15:05 Video Marketing & Understanding Human Motivation
25:41 Communication Tools & The “Necessary Evil” of Instagram
29:47 Rise and Fall of Clubhouse
30:42 Threads & Setting Social Media Boundaries
35:05 Embracing a No Urgency Policy
37:16 Spreadsheets for Business & Life
45:25 Collaborative Tools: Microsoft vs. Google
49:53 Client Management & Project Management Evolution
58:11 Future Aspirations: Interior Design & Ongoing Innovation
In this episode of Rad-Ventures, Jemma Broadstock shares her journey from virtual assistant to business coach, revealing the challenges of burnout, public exposure, and identity shifts along the way. She and Radmin dive into the messy middle of entrepreneurship, the power of authentic connections, and how embracing imperfection can lead to growth.🚀
Topics Covered:
✅ Transitioning from VA to coaching
✅ Overcoming burnout & self-doubt
✅ The power of honesty in business
✅ Building genuine connections & community
🎧 Note: There are some sound quality issues in the middle of the episode—apologies for this! We’ve done our best to improve it, and we appreciate your patience.
👍 Enjoyed this episode?
Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring content from Rad-Ventures.
💙 Support the Show: Become a Rad-Supporter on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/radminassistChapters
00:00 Introduction to Jemma Broadstock
03:18 The Journey of Virtually Done
06:24 The Challenges of Being a VA
09:33 The Impact of Public Exposure
12:25 Early Aspirations and Entrepreneurial Spirit
15:18 Transitioning to Psychology and Coaching
18:33 The Evolution of Jemma's Business
21:14 Navigating Identity and Business Changes
24:32 Quickfire Questions and Personal Insights
32:45 The Desert Island Analogy and Learning from Mistakes
41:04 The Evolution of Jemma's Podcast
50:59 Navigating the Messy Middle of Business
56:25 Embracing the Messiness of Life and Business
59:29 Promoting Connections and Resources
01:00:43 Reflections on Podcasting and Networking
01:01:09 Rad-Ventures Outro.mp4