Virtually Free with Ashlee

Feeling under-qualified? In this episode, I’m walking you through the exact skills Aussie business owners are hiring for — and how you probably already have them.
In this episode, I cover:
The mindset shift you need around “being skilled enough”
The top 10 tasks clients are paying VAs to do right now
Real client stories from women just like you who got hired
FAQs around qualifications, pricing, tech, and what to offer
How to start from where you are — even if you’re doubting yourself.

👉 Thinking this might be your next step? Come to my Free VA Info Session in January — where we unpack what a VA does, what’s in demand, and how to start from scratch.
Register here https://ashleethomas.com.au/becomingava-337220
Connect with Ashlee:
● Instagram: ashleethomas.vacoach
● Website: www.ashleethomas.com.au
● Join the community: Startup Virtual Assistants Australia

More about 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!

What even is a Virtual Assistant — and could this actually be your next career move? In this episode, I’m going back to basics to explain exactly what a VA does and how you can start without perfection OR the perfect experience.
In this episode, I cover:
What a VA actually does (and all the tasks that fall under it)
The reality of local vs offshore VAs and why being Aussie is your edge
My first client story
Who this path is perfect for — and who it’s not
Invite to join our FREE info session.

👉 Thinking this might be your next step? Come to my Free VA Info Session in January — where we unpack what a VA does, what’s in demand, and how to start from scratch.
Register here
Connect with Ashlee:
● Instagram: ashleethomas.vacoach
● Website: www.ashleethomas.com.au
● Join the community: Startup Virtual Assistants Australia

More about 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!

2025, what a year. From personal breakdowns to big breakthroughs in business, I'm reflecting on the highs, the hard moments, and what’s next for me, my business, and this community in 2026.
In this episode, I cover:
A raw look at my personal life this year and becoming a single parent
Business wins (and flops), including our worst launch to date
Launching the Virtually Free podcast + 3.5K downloads since April!
The growth of VA Mastery + the Mastermind
Big shifts for 2026: new platforms, updated offers, rebranding elements
My personal priorities for the year ahead.

Want personalised and group support to start or scale your VA business in 2026?
Learn more about VA Mastery here
Learn more about VA Expansion Mastermind here

Connect with Ashlee:
● Instagram: ashleethomas.vacoach
● Website: www.ashleethomas.com.au
● Join the community: Startup Virtual Assistants Australia

More about 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!

I'm breaking down what will actually get you booked out as a VA in 2026 and it’s not about working harder or doing more. We’re diving into the real shifts in the VA industry and how to position yourself powerfully this year as a recap from my most recent workshop.
In this episode, I cover:
Why “being good at admin” won’t cut it in 2026
The power of magnetic messaging and how to craft yours
Niching and how to stand out without boxing yourself in
The rise of hybrid business models and what they can look like for you
Why trust is the new currency and how to build authority through your content
What's actually working to attract clients (hint: it’s not just IG)

Want personalised and group support to start or scale your VA business in 2026?
Learn more about VA Mastery here
Learn more about VA Expansion Mastermind here

Connect with Ashlee:
● Instagram: ashleethomas.vacoach
● Website: www.ashleethomas.com.au
● Join the community: Startup Virtual Assistants Australia

More about 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!

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.
In this episode we cover:
The truth about productivity when you're juggling business and motherhood
Why time-blocking and calendar planning still works (and how to do it right)
Sustainable scheduling when your work hours are limited
How to reset when the day goes off-track (sick kids, surprise calls—we get it!)
Where to start if you’re stuck in catch-up mode
The underrated mindset shifts mums in business need to hear

CONNECT WITH SARAH FROM SHE
Access your FREE Calendar Makeover Checklist
Join the Dubsado 2026 Waitlist
Register for the Jan 2026 Waitlist: Set the Goal. Make the Plan. Do the Thing
Follow Sarah on IG www.instagram.com/she.executiveassistant

STAY CONNECTED WITH ASHLEE
If this episode hit home, make sure you:
✅ Follow the show and leave a review on Apple or Spotify
✅ Head to www.ashleethomas.com.au to learn more about my core services and how I can support you in 2026
✅ Follow me on Instagram @ashleethomas.vacoach