Virtually Free with Ashlee

Ashlee Thomas

You started your business for more freedom, so why does it still feel like a job? Welcome to Virtually Free with Ashlee, the podcast for virtual assistants, service providers and digital entrepreneurs who want to scale their business in a way that aligns with their lifestyle, values, and long-term goals—without burnout or overwhelm. I’m Ashlee Thomas, a VA coach and business mentor who’s helped over 400 women grow their businesses on their own terms. In this podcast, I’ll share real talk and proven strategies to help you step into the CEO role, ditch the hustle mentality, and create a business that truly supports the life you want to live. It’s time to work smarter, not harder, and build a business that truly serves you. Hit play and let’s go.

  1. Jun 1

    Radical Responsibility & Navigating Seasons of Business with Angela Henderson

    What does it actually look like to take radical responsibility in your business… and your life? In this powerful conversation, I’m joined by Business Strategist Angela Henderson to unpack what it really means to lead yourself through challenging seasons — whether that’s in business, relationships, or life behind the scenes. We dive into the realities of navigating heavy seasons, making aligned decisions (even when they’re hard), and the truth about growth that most people avoid. This episode is honest, grounded, and full of perspective shifts — especially if you’re in a season that feels messy, uncertain, or a little heavier than usual. In this episode we cover: What “radical responsibility” actually looks like in real life (not just in theory)How to navigate challenging personal seasons while still running a businessThe difference between scaling, alignment, and what you actually wantBoundaries, ownership, and where your responsibility begins and ends in businessWhy sustainable growth often looks “boring” — and why that’s a good thing About Ange: Angela Henderson is a Business Strategist, Speaker, and Founder of The Healing Centre of Australia. With over 15 years of experience, she has supported thousands of women globally to grow sustainable, profitable businesses while strengthening leadership and resilience. Her work combines strategic business growth with a holistic approach — focusing on alignment across health, wealth, relationships, and business to create long-term, sustainable success. Loved this conversation? Come and connect with us: → Follow Angela on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelahendersonconsulting/ → Explore Angela’s work: https://www.angelahenderson.com.au/ → Follow me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ashleethomas.vacoach → Learn more about working together: www.ashleethomas.com.au

    32 min
  2. May 25

    When business doesn't feel so exciting ...

    What happens when the business you once loved… just doesn’t feel that exciting anymore? In this honest episode, I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes look at a season I’ve been navigating — feeling flat, unmotivated, and not as connected to the growth side of my business. After 9 years of genuinely loving what I do, this felt unfamiliar… and uncomfortable. But here’s the truth no one really talks about: Not every season in business is going to feel exciting. Sometimes it feels heavy. Sometimes it feels boring. And sometimes… it just feels like a job. In this episode, I’m unpacking what this has looked like for me, how I’ve been moving through it, and the difference between a season you need to ride out vs a business you’ve outgrown. If you’ve been questioning your motivation, your energy, or wondering if something’s “wrong” — this one is for you. In this episode we cover: Why your business won’t always feel exciting (and why that’s normal)The difference between boredom, burnout, and misalignmentHow to navigate heavy seasons without making reactive decisionsWhat it looks like to lead your business without relying on motivationWhy the most sustainable businesses are often the “boring” ones If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you 💛 Come and connect with me over on Instagram or explore how we can work together: → Follow me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ashleethomas.vacoach → Learn more about my programs + offers:

    9 min
  3. May 11

    The "Ill Figure It Out Trap" And Where It Actually Leads

    “I’ll just figure it out myself…” Sounds responsible, right? But in this episode, I’m breaking down why this mindset is actually keeping so many VAs stuck in cycles of overwhelm, inconsistency, and second guessing. Because while free content, podcasts, and DIY learning can absolutely help… there comes a point where consuming more information isn’t the thing moving your business forward anymore. I’m sharing the hidden cost of trying to piece everything together alone, the patterns I see constantly with VAs in this phase, and why support, structure, and strategy often become the missing piece. If you’ve been spinning your wheels wondering why things still feel harder than they should… this episode is for you. In the episode I cover: The hidden downside of the “I’ll figure it out myself” mindsetWhy consuming more content isn’t always the answerThe difference between being busy vs making real progressHow second guessing keeps you stuck in inconsistent actionWhat actually helped one client move forward fasterWhy structure and support matter more than “doing more” If you’re done piecing things together alone and ready for more clarity, structure, and direction in your business… Join the LEVEL UP waitlist This is where we focus on refining your business, creating more predictable income, and helping you grow without the constant overwhelm. Plus, waitlist members will get first access + exclusive bonuses when doors open.

    7 min
  4. Apr 29

    I Am Closing Down My Mastermind

    In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of a big decision I’ve recently made in my business… Closing down my mastermind. This wasn’t something I decided overnight. And it definitely wasn’t the “easy” choice — especially when it meant walking away from consistent revenue. But over time, something became really clear. Most of the women I support aren’t in the scaling stage. They’re in the stage before that. The stage where you’ve already started your VA business, you’ve landed clients… but things still feel inconsistent, a bit messy and not quite as stable as you’d like. And what they actually need isn’t more strategies around digital products or building a team. They need refinement. In this episode, I walk you through: • why I made the decision to close the mastermind • what I started to notice in my clients • the gap I believe exists in the online space • the stage of business that’s being overlooked • and the biggest lesson I’ve taken from this (hint: it’s not about money) I also share what this means moving forward… and introduce the new program I’ve created to better support this stage. This decision led me to create something new… Level Up — a coaching program designed specifically for VAs in that in-between stage. If you’ve started your business, have clients, but want: • more consistent income • clearer offers and pricing • stronger messaging • and a business that actually runs smoothly This is for you. Jump on the LEVEL UP WAITLIST here to access exclusive waitlist only bonuses

    9 min
  5. Apr 13

    How to Future Proof your Business using AI with Em Gee

    AI is moving fast… like really fast. And if you’ve been feeling a little unsure about what it means for your business — you’re not alone. In this episode, I’m joined by AI educator Em Gee, who teaches women in business how to save 10–15+ hours a week using AI (yes please 🙋🏻‍♀️). We’re cutting through the noise, the hype, and the fear… and getting real about what’s actually changing, what matters, and how you can stay ahead. Because here’s the truth: AI isn’t replacing you… but it is changing how you work. And the VAs who learn how to adapt? They’re the ones who are going to thrive. Inside this episode we dive into: ✨ How AI is actually changing online businesses (beyond just content) ✨ Why the VA industry isn’t “dying”… it’s evolving ✨ The rise of AI agents — and what that means for your role ✨ The biggest mistakes people make when using AI ✨ Why learning how to think with AI matters more than mastering tools ✨ How to start using AI without going into overwhelm ✨ Real talk on where AI is heading in the next 3–5 years AI isn’t something to fear… It’s something to learn how to work with. The VAs who stay stuck in “task mode” will struggle. The VAs who evolve into thinkers, problem-solvers, and AI managers? They’ll be in demand more than ever. Find Em here: 👉 Instagram: @therealemgee And follow along @ashleethomas.vacoach for more biz tips I'll be in your ears next week ASH

    40 min

About

You started your business for more freedom, so why does it still feel like a job? Welcome to Virtually Free with Ashlee, the podcast for virtual assistants, service providers and digital entrepreneurs who want to scale their business in a way that aligns with their lifestyle, values, and long-term goals—without burnout or overwhelm. I’m Ashlee Thomas, a VA coach and business mentor who’s helped over 400 women grow their businesses on their own terms. In this podcast, I’ll share real talk and proven strategies to help you step into the CEO role, ditch the hustle mentality, and create a business that truly supports the life you want to live. It’s time to work smarter, not harder, and build a business that truly serves you. Hit play and let’s go.