About
How did I get started as a Virtual Executive Assistant?
In high school, I had the opportunity to work for the new burger joint called Burger King. I was very excited that out of hundreds of people that applied, I was the one hired. My manager was a very patient, soft-spoken, and kind man. He started me out as a burger flipper. I was terrible at it! He then moved me into the assembly line of making the burgers; again, I was just awful! Elliot decided to move me into a cashier position where I was better but not good enough.
I think he felt sorry for me and decided that perhaps I could better serve the business as an assistant to him. One time, Elliott asked me to take his car and drive to Kmart across the street. I hadn’t had my license very long, and I said, “Elliott, I’m very nervous about driving your car. What if I wreck it?” He laughed and said, “Kid, that’s why we have car insurance! Now get out of here!” That was my first professional experience as a Personal Assistant. I will always be grateful to Elliott as I believe it helped me to learn how to be of service to others.
Years later, I’m driving my client’s Mercedes-Benz S600 and shopping with her Black American Express card! Quite a difference; I’ll always remember my humble beginning.
About Kathleen
What’s my story?
When I was in third grade, we moved to a tiny, rural town called Alpena on a 40-acre farm. It was a massive adjustment for me as a young child, but I quickly learned that it allowed me to have dogs, cats, chickens, cattle, rabbits, and horses with that much open space. I soon ventured into showing cattle and showing Western horses and racing barrels. I became very passionate and lost myself in showing and racing gymkhana horses. By moving to the country, I am sure this accounts for my vast love of all animals, nature, gardening, and part of the reason I am now vegan.
Fast forward to 25 years ago and I am headed for a complete burnout.
That began my journey of some profound soul searching, which led to what I want to do with my career and life? I started attending Unity Church, a non-denominational church that welcomes all religions as there are many paths to God. Finally, a Church that spoke my language and did not judge anyone else or their religion!
Through Vision Board class and daily meditation, I realized that I enjoyed working in the executive offices but was quickly getting burned out on the 10-12 hour days, the long commutes, and, quite frankly, the corporate politics and gossip. I also wanted to start a family and not rely on daycare. I wanted to be physically and emotionally there for my children while still having a career I loved.
I find that some entrepreneurs are afraid to hand off work and to delegate to their VA. They are overwhelmed with too many tasks and still doing it all! To them, I say, “Embrace your fears and LET GO!”
“It doesn’t matter how slow you go as long as you do not stop”
~ Confucius
Personal Highlights
As a Virtual Assistant, I am always improving my craft with classes, podcasts, books, and webinars. Here I am with Arielle Ford the leading personality in personal growth and spirituality. She is well known and recognized as the publicist for Deepak Chopra, Jack Canfield, Neale Donald Walsch, Don Miguel Ruiz, and many more. She is a well-known author and speaker. Learn more about Arielle at ArielleFord.com
Birthday celebrations with my husband, friends, Chef JP Alfred, owner and Executive Chef of Peace Pies, a raw, vegan, organic, and gluten-free eatery in Ocean Beach, CA. Whether you are vegan, raw foodist, vegetarian, gluten intolerant, soy-sensitive, or just a lover of fantastic tasting food, be sure to check out www.peacepies.com and the fabulous recipe book by Chef JP, which my husband published, “Fresh, Funky, and Raw” at FreshFunkyandRaw.com. We were blessed to have this fantastic restaurant in our neck of the woods when we lived in San Diego! Out of all the things I miss about CA, this restaurant is at the top of my list!
Pictured with dear friends and musicians Dean and Dudley Evenson, https://soundings.com/, and graphic designer and musician, Bob Paltrow. I told you we love music! Dean and Dudley are founders of the wildly successful musical business Sounding of the Planet.
I had the distinct pleasure and honor of meeting Shariff Abdullah, J.D., at a Unity Church when he was the guest speaker.
Shariff Abdullah, J.D., is a consultant, speaker, author, and advocate for societal transformation. His mission is to align currently dysfunctional systems and structures with our common human and spiritual values to create a world that works for all living things.
Shariff consults with people and organizations on the leading edge of change, including government agencies, businesses, and social service organizations. His leadership and societal change books include the award-winning Creating a World That Works for All and Seven Seeds for a New Society.
To learn more about Shariff or to schedule him for speaking engagements, please go to http://shariff.commonway.org/