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In this Behind the Laptop episode of Virtual Ventures, we’re joined by SVAI member Donna McCullagh, founder of Foundry HQ, to talk about her journey from corporate life to building a thriving online business and team.
Donna shares how she started out in web design while working full time, discovered the Virtual Assistant industry, and gradually evolved her business from a solo service provider model into a growing collective offering operational, administrative, and digital support to businesses.
We talk about finding those first clients, learning difficult lessons around pricing and boundaries, the importance of networking, and why social media wasn't actually the source of most of Donna's growth.
The conversation also explores bringing associates into a business, building trust with clients, managing a team, avoiding burnout, and creating a business that supports the life you want to live.
Tune in to hear Donna's honest reflections on growth, leadership, confidence, and doing things before you feel fully ready.
New episodes of Virtual Ventures are released every second Tuesday.
About SVAI
The Society of Virtual Assistants Ireland is a professional community supporting Virtual Assistants and Online Service Providers to build sustainable, well-run businesses.
Learn more about us: https://virtualassistantsireland.ie/about/
Join SVAI: https://virtualassistantsireland.ie/join-as-a-va/
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virtualassistantsireland/
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/virtualassistantsireland/
0:00 Intro
0:12 Behind the Laptop with Donna McCullagh
1:21 Donna's journey from corporate life to Foundry HQ
6:05 Learning web design and landing a first client
11:02 Building a business around what you enjoy
14:07 First VA clients and early lessons
16:02 Networking, referrals and finding clients
21:23 Why networking matters more than social media
23:04 Growing a team and scaling the business
27:10 Leadership, delegation and trust
31:15 Building the right team
36:00 Client trust and communication
39:31 Avoiding burnout and creating boundaries
46:01 Advice that changed everything: Do it scared
49:50 Donna's recommendations for VAs and OSPs
51:10 Connect with Donna
52:04 Outro
