How to grow a VA business from $0 to $1m

How to grow a VA business from $0 to $1m

Author: Ash Lonare October 13, 2025 Duration: 51:58

In this episode of the Founders Podcast, Joanna Zhang shares her inspiring journey as a founder, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, personal growth, and the integration of technology in business. She discusses her experiences in building a structured business, balancing passion with reality, and the role of love in her entrepreneurial journey. Joanna also highlights innovative service models that support side hustlers and the significance of energy management over time management. The conversation culminates in a lightning round where Joanna shares her insights on success, productivity, and her unique approach to leadership.


Takeaways


Teamwork is essential for achieving business success.

Founders should keep their dreams wild and real.

Building a structured business helps in managing responsibilities.

Love and compassion are crucial in leadership.

Energy management is more important than time management.

Innovative service models can fill gaps for entrepreneurs.

Personal growth is a continuous journey for founders.

AI can augment human capabilities but cannot replace them.

Understanding one's unique value is key to success.

True success is living in a state of happiness.


Chapters


00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey

02:41 The Importance of Teamwork and Vision

05:26 Building a Business Structure

08:18 Finding Your Passion and Responsibility

11:21 The Role of Love in Business

14:06 Innovative Business Models

16:46 Services for Founders and Entrepreneurs

19:40 Navigating Side Hustles and Time Management

22:24 Creating Efficient Workflows

25:26 Final Thoughts and Advice

28:05 Budgeting for Success

29:26 Integrating AI and Human Collaboration

34:36 The Role of Humans in AI

38:22 Lessons Learned from Setbacks

43:01 Lightning Round: Quick Insights



Ash Lonare hosts Founders Podcast, a series of conversations that go straight to the source. Each episode features a different founder or seasoned expert, but the format feels less like a formal interview and more like a candid exchange you might overhear between colleagues after a long day. The focus is on the tangible details often glossed over in success stories-the specific decisions, the unforeseen obstacles, and the practical strategies that actually worked when theory met reality. You’ll hear about the early doubts, the pivotal moments that changed a company’s direction, and the personal philosophies that guide these leaders through constant uncertainty. This podcast is built on the premise that the most valuable lessons come from those who have navigated the complex journey of building something from nothing. Listening feels like gaining access to a private roundtable, offering perspectives that are both inspirational and immediately useful for anyone involved in their own venture. The discussions are grounded in real experience, providing a resource that feels substantive and directly applicable to the daily challenges of launching and growing a business.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Founders Podcast
Podcast Episodes
5 Proven Steps to Close More Sales Using a System [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:27
Imagine being able to walk into any room, talk to any client, and know exactly what to say to make them feel like you truly understand them. What if you could decode human behaviour and use it to build genuine trust, eff…
Meet the Woman Behind Canada’s Most Game-Changing Startup [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:14
What does it take to build not one, but two award-winning tech products while reshaping industries and championing innovation? Imagine balancing strategic leadership, product vision, and global growth—all while empowerin…
Data-Driven Strategies for Explosive Business Growth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:27
What if the secret to scaling your business lies not in chasing trends but in orchestrating harmony between data, strategy, and creativity? Today's guest has mastered this art. With over a decade leading brands to measur…
Secrets Behind Scaling a Business to 1.8 Million Monthly Users [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:09
Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a simple idea into a data-driven revolution for hundreds of brands worldwide? Imagine navigating the complexities of deep-tech startups, e-commerce marketplaces, and data-powe…
Secrets to Grow Your Business from $5M to $15M in 18 Months [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:24
Imagine taking a company from $5 million to $15 million in just 18 months. Picture transforming a 40-year-old manufacturing firm into a paragon of 98% on-time delivery. Or scaling an internet business that you eventually…
How to Raise Funds as a First Time Founder [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:54
Ever wondered what it takes to turn a bold idea into a thriving global business? Our guest today has done it all—from building startups and leading venture studios to coaching founders on how to unleash their true potent…
How to Build a Seven-Figure Business in Two Years with Sheryl Plouffe [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:03
Are you ready to unlock the secret to skyrocketing your business income? Today, we have a truly inspiring guest, Sheryl Plouffe, co-founder of ICONMAKER®. Sheryl and her team have been transforming the lives of coaches,…