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.

• 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

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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

It’s the end of the year, and the pressure to plan “the biggest year yet” is real. But what if your goals weren’t about doing more, but about doing the right things?

In this episode, I break down exactly how I‘m planning for a freedom-filled and profitable 2026 — with 25-hour weeks, school holidays off, and a business that’s built around life-first strategy.

From goal-setting and data reviews to campaign planning and capacity management — this is a permission slip to do business differently (and sustainably).

• Why goal-setting starts with your lifestyle, not your income target
• The exact hours I work (and why that’s a non-negotiable)
• The key data I reviewed from 2025 to guide my 2026 strategy
• How I plan campaigns around school holidays and energy levels
• Why community and tracking will be my biggest focus next year.

We’re wrapping up the year with our BIGGEST sale ever — up to 75% off tools, templates, and trainings for VAs at every stage.

🎁 Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up — there’s something for you. All offers expire in 3 days but it is email exclusive. Jump on the NICE LIST here and grab yourself a bargain

● Instagram: ashleethomas.vacoach

● Website: www.ashleethomas.com.au

● Join the community: Startup Virtual Assistants Australia

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!

This time of year can feel like a blur but while everyone else is coasting toward the holidays, you’ve got an opportunity to get clear on what you actually want next year to look like. And no, we’re not talking vague resolutions. This episode will help you start shaping your 2026 business with intention.

If you’re waiting for January to figure everything out, you’re already behind. The VAs who move with clarity in Q1? They start thinking now. This episode is pulled straight from the Vision 2026 Workshop I run with my mastermind and coaching clients — and you’ll get a glimpse into how they’re setting themselves up for a powerful start.

In this episode, we dive into:

• Key questions to help you reflect on 2025 and build a grounded 2026 vision
• What your future self would actually want you to focus on
• Real client stories of VAs who are still making big moves before the year ends
• How to tell what belongs in your next season — and what doesn’t
• Why vision + structure = sustainable growth (without overthinking)

🎄 The 5 Days of Xmas Sale is live - this episode will help you figure out what to invest in based on where you want to be, not where you’re stuck. Templates, mentoring, strategy, there’s something for everyone.

Make sure you’re on my email list you receive the coupon codes attached to each offer released. SIDE NOTE: We have up to 70% off some of my most IN DEMAND resources, trainings & mentoring.

The easiest way to do that? Download one of my freebies

VA Starter Kit (Getting started)

Pricing Playbook (established VAs)

Or simply jump on the Xmas list here https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/w9v3q2