London CEO Meets Davao VAs: Insights Over Coffee and Pastries

On August 28, a carefully selected group of Davao Virtual Assistants gathered at Café Gervacios for a rare opportunity. They were about to meet Phillipa, CEO of Almond Marketing, a London-based digital marketing agency with global reach.

The coffee and pastries shared around the table set the scene for something truly special. This meetup was made possible by Coach Julianne Cosning, who has been a key part of Phillipa's global team at Almond Marketing for years.

Witnessing the curiosity and ambition of Davao's VA community regarding international opportunities, Coach Julianne had an idea. “Why not bring this select group together for a direct conversation with Phillipa herself?”

Phillipa's visit to the Philippines was part of her exploration of Asia, with a particular focus on meeting some of her VAs who are based in Davao.

The participants, eager for insights from an international perspective, came prepared with thoughtful questions that made the discussion even more engaging. Their inquiries ranged from "What skills do international clients value most?" to "How can we differentiate ourselves in the competitive online job market?"

One particularly thoughtful question came from a VA who asked Phillipa for advice on handling situations when their boss assigns tasks outside their area of expertise or niche. Other participants were curious about what it really takes to build lasting client relationships.

Phillipa responded with honesty and warmth, emphasizing that adaptability, continuous learning, and exceptional communication skills form the foundation of VA success. When addressing the question about working outside one's niche, she encouraged open communication with clients about skill gaps while expressing willingness to learn. 

She explained that clients often appreciate honesty and the proactive approach of asking for guidance or additional resources when facing unfamiliar tasks. While technical expertise matters, she explained, the qualities that truly set VAs apart are integrity, reliability, and critical thinking abilities.

Throughout the afternoon, conversations flowed naturally, creating moments of genuine insight and renewed motivation among attendees. Coach Julianne also shared her own professional journey with Phillipa, offering valuable insights into how their years of collaboration have built a foundation of trust and professional growth. 

She highlighted the learning curve of working with international clients, the importance of consistent communication, and how building genuine relationships goes beyond just completing tasks. Her stories provided practical examples of how dedication and professionalism can lead to long-term partnerships that benefit both VAs and their clients.

As the meetup drew to a close, it became clear that this experience went beyond coffee and conversation. It represented growth, inspiration, and the irreplaceable value of learning through authentic conversation. 

For the VAs present, this was a rare chance to hear directly from a CEO operating at the forefront of international digital marketing.  It was also a reminder that opportunities will always be accessible to those who consistently demonstrate the right kind of mindset, values, and skills.

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