Booked Out with Bre cover art

Booked Out with Bre

Booked Out with Bre

By: Bre Cain | Virtual Assistant Wealth Coach
Listen for free

Summary

Welcome to Booked Out with Bre: the podcast for virtual assistants ready to level up and founders building with team who refuse to choose between audacious ambition and a life they actually love.

I'm your host, Bre Cain, mama of three, unapologetic entrepreneur, and founder of a business built from my kitchen table and 4-year-old's bedroom with big energy and zero apologies.

I'm the founder of ICON & Lightning, a remote team agency that hand matches elite virtual assistants to founder-led businesses ... because the right team isn't an operational decision, it's a leadership identity. I'm also the founder of the VA Leadership Academy, where I've trained nearly 500 virtual assistants in the technical skills, emotional intelligence, and leadership identity it takes to become a truly strategic partner; not just a task doer.

Six years ago, I thought I had to choose. Mom or career. Present or ambitious. I went back to my 9-to-5 after my first baby and lasted three months before I realized my entire definition of success had shifted. So I bet on myself and built a business that now approaches $2M in just three years, scaled in part-time hours, alongside my kids, from home.

Here's what I know for sure: you don't have to choose.

You can have the booming business. The clients you're obsessed with. The school pickups, the slow mornings, the spontaneous yes moments. You can build a team that amplifies your vision instead of adding to your mental load. You can scale without sacrificing the life you built the business to protect.

This podcast is for the virtual assistant who's ready to stop trading hours for dollars and start leading like the strategic asset she already is. It's for the founder who's done doing it all alone and is ready to build a team that actually runs. And it's for every ambitious mama who was told to shrink ... and decided not to.

Expect candid conversations, zero corporate fluff, and the kind of real talk that makes you feel seen and activated.

💸Are you a VA ready to get booked out and level up? → Book a Free VA Mentor Call

🚀Are you a founder ready to build your dream team? → Book a Free Dream Team Design Session


Connect with Bre:
📸 Instagram: @heyitsbrecain

Copyright 2023 All rights reserved. Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Parenting & Families Personal Development Personal Success Relationships
Episodes
  • 118. VA Spotlight: From 17 Years of Teaching to a Thriving Virtual Assistant Business with Emma Forrest

    118. VA Spotlight: From 17 Years of Teaching to a Thriving Virtual Assistant Business with Emma Forrest
    May 14 2026
    In this episode of Booked Out with Bre, I’m so excited to bring you a conversation with the wonderful Emma Forrest! Emma is a powerhouse member of the VA Leadership Academy who recently celebrated her one-year anniversary in business. Before she was an expert virtual assistant, she spent 17 years as an elementary school teacher. We dive deep into her transition from the rigid, draining schedule of the classroom to the fluid, high-growth life she has created for herself now. I love Emma’s story because she is so transparent about the reality of starting a business in your 40s. We talk about why your life experience is actually your greatest competitive advantage and how you can leverage decades of "soft skills" to become a high-value virtual assistant. Emma also shares a fun behind-the-scenes look at our shared love for quality children’s movie soundtracks—yes, we’re talking Descendants! Here’s what I dive into with Emma: The breaking point that led her to leave a 17-year teaching career to protect her health and peace. How she landed her first virtual assistant clients by tapping into connections she made 20 years ago. The three pillars of the VA Leadership Academy that helped her move from "newbie" energy to total confidence: Academics, Mindset, and Growth. The advantage of being an "older" entrepreneur and why it’s never too late to pivot. How she found her niche in the Real Estate and Interior Design industries. A realistic look at her daily routine, including time-blocking, dog walks, and being present for her kids' activities. Why the community aspect of Vala is the "magical" element every business owner needs to stay driven. Whether you are a teacher looking for an exit strategy or someone wondering if you have what it takes to start a virtual assistant business later in life, Emma’s journey is the perfect roadmap. Tune in to hear how she went from being reactive and exhausted to becoming a calm, confident CEO! Episode Outline: Introduction and a shared love for the Descendants soundtrack (01:26) Emma’s background: 17 years in elementary education and administration (03:05) The emotional and physical toll of teaching and the need for change (04:36) Deciding to start a virtual assistant business at age 43 (05:35) Why life experience is a massive advantage in the virtual assistant industry (06:50) Using former colleagues and connections to book your first clients (07:30) The power of feedback and clarity gained through the interview process (08:21) Academic, Mindset, and Growth: The three highlights of Vala (09:30) The shift that happens when you start doing identity work (10:44) How to match your passions and dreams with a marketable skillset (11:46) Building a safety net to remove the "desperation" energy from your business (13:56) Finding a specialty in the Real Estate and Professional Organizing space (15:05) A day in the life: Coffee, time-blocking, and paper calendars (16:23) The freedom to schedule hair appointments and grocery runs during the day (18:57) Overcoming the "cheating" feeling of having a flexible schedule (19:30) Why the Vala community is a unique and driven space for virtual assistants (21:00) Using the daily job board to identify market patterns and pricing (22:36) How to connect with Emma Forrest on Instagram (23:28) Reflecting on one year of incredible business growth (24:23) Connect with Emma: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmaforrest_va/ Website: https://www.forrestvirtualsolutions.com/ Ways to Work with Me: Follow Me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/heyitsbrecain/ Mom X VA Free Facebook Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/momxva Apply for the VA Leadership Academy https://caincollectivellc.com/valaapplication Book a Free Dream Team Design Session (for founders building with Team) https://www.breannacain.com/iconandlightningbookacall If you enjoyed this episode, I would love it so much if you left a rating and review! This helps us reach more women looking to become a virtual assistant, book out their business, and scale beyond their wildest dreams.
    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
  • 117. Beyond the Algorithm: Building a Scalable Virtual Assistant Marketing Strategy with Holli Fourniquet

    117. Beyond the Algorithm: Building a Scalable Virtual Assistant Marketing Strategy with Holli Fourniquet
    May 6 2026
    In this episode of Booked Out with Bre, I’m sitting down with the absolute marketing queen, Holli Fourniquet! Holli has spent 20 years in the marketing world—from wearing all the hats in the non-profit sector to managing million-dollar budgets for major destination agencies. She eventually hit a point where she was done building someone else’s dream and decided to launch Fifteen58 Productions so she could have the freedom to homeschool her son. I am so excited for you to hear her story because Holli is the perfect example of "savage" action—she literally launched her business and booked a client in just three days! She’s also joining us at VA Fest Live to lead a hands-on Marketing Lab. This isn't just about listening to a PowerPoint; it's a roll-up-your-sleeves workshop where she’s helping our attendees build out an actual marketing strategy that fits their specific business. Here’s what we dive into in this episode: Holli’s journey from high-level corporate marketing to building a business rooted in motherhood and homeschooling. Why cookie-cutter marketing plans don't work and how to create a strategy that actually feels good to you. The incredible story of how she launched her business in a single weekend. How she built The Launch Ladies, a powerful networking community where women actually do business with each other. The massive ROI of getting in the room at in-person events and how "fangirling" over someone can lead to deep friendships and professional partnerships. Why the value of a single session at VA Fest Live often exceeds the entire cost of the ticket. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the "algorithm" and all the complicated marketing tactics out there, Holli’s perspective on simplification and intentionality is going to be a breath of fresh air. Get ready to be inspired to move fast and build a brand that stands out! Episode Outline: Introduction and welcome to the episode (01:43) Meet Holli Fourniquet: 20 years of marketing expertise and non-profit roots (02:44) The transition from million-dollar corporate budgets to fifteen58 Productions (04:46) Motherhood as a catalyst: The decision to homeschool and build a business (05:40) Ditching cookie-cutter marketing plans for a personalized virtual assistant strategy (06:42) What to expect at the VA Fest Live Marketing Lab (08:12) The power of moving fast: How Holli launched her business in just 3 days (10:30) Building community through The Launch Ladies networking group (11:00) Generating ROI through authentic connections and referrals (13:02) Simplifying the algorithm: Ditching the complex marketing tactics as a virtual assistant (19:33) The "fangirl to friends" transition: Real-life networking success (21:55) Analyzing the massive value of VA Fest Live for a virtual assistant (23:28) Where to find Holli and join The Launch Ladies community (25:42) Closing thoughts and next steps with Bre Cain (26:30) Connect with Holli: Launch Ladies Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thelaunchladies Done-for-you Marketing Strategy: https://fifteen58-productions.kit.com/products/biz-boost Social Media Audit: https://fifteen58-productions.kit.com/products/social-media-audit Brand Audit: https://fifteen58-productions.kit.com/products/brand-audit Website: https://www.fifteen58.com Ways to Work with Me: Follow Me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/heyitsbrecain/ Mom X VA Free Facebook Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/momxva Apply for the VA Leadership Academy https://caincollectivellc.com/valaapplication Book a Free Dream Team Design Session (for founders building with Team) https://www.breannacain.com/iconandlightningbookacall If you enjoyed this episode, I would love it so much if you left a rating and review! This helps us reach more women looking to become a virtual assistant, book out their business, and scale beyond their wildest dreams.
    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
  • 116. VA Spotlight: Finding Your Influence & Scaling Your Virtual Assistant Business with Meghan Braun

    116. VA Spotlight: Finding Your Influence & Scaling Your Virtual Assistant Business with Meghan Braun
    Apr 29 2026
    In this episode of Booked Out with Bre, I am sitting down with the amazing Meghan Braun, founder of The Marigold Collective and a true leader in the virtual assistant industry. Meghan’s story is a beautiful example of how identity work can take you from a "coordinator of chaos" to a calm, empowered Influence Architect. Meghan shares her journey from climbing the corporate ladder to realizing that her soul had a much higher calling. We talk about the transition from being a generalist virtual assistant to stepping into the role of a CEO, and how she used subconscious healing to stop attracting chaos and start building a business that supports her life as a homeschool mom and homesteader. Meghan is also one of our incredible speakers for VA Fest Live this June, and today she’s sharing a sneak peek into the "God nudges" that led her to the stage. Here is what I dive into with Meghan: How she left the corporate "girl boss" mold to find freedom in the virtual assistant world. The power of identity work and how changing her internal labels shifted her external reality. Why "influence" isn't about your follower count, but about your lived experience and authenticity. The "before and after" of her business once she moved from a generalist mindset to a CEO identity. How she navigates big business moves with the support of her husband and her faith. Why in-person events like VA Fest Live are the ultimate way to elevate your business into a new dimension. Meghan’s advice for any woman who feels like she’s trying to fit into a mold that isn't hers. If you are ready to stop playing small and start building a business based on your unique purpose and influence, you are going to love this conversation with Meghan! Episode Outline: Introduction: Meet Meghan Braun, founder of The Marigold Collective (01:40) The Influence Architect: Defining purpose and impact at scale (02:49) Meghan's corporate journey and the decision to walk away (04:41) Finding the virtual assistant industry through community and mentorship (05:40) The identity shift: Moving from generalist virtual assistant to CEO (06:00) From "Coordinator of Chaos" to calm leadership (08:37) The neuroscience of labels: How our brain finds what we focus on (09:55) What it really means to be an Influence Architect in the VA industry (10:32) The magic of getting in the room at VA Fest Live (13:20) Following the calling to apply for the speaker panel (14:51) Navigating partner support and communication in business (16:34) Why virtual assistant conferences are essential for professional growth (18:57) Finding yourself again outside the daily noise of motherhood (20:48) How to get your VA Fest Live tickets through Meghan (22:15) Connect with Meghan: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meghanatmarigoldcollective/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghan-braun-26396148/ Ways to Work with Me: Follow Me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/heyitsbrecain/ Mom X VA Free Facebook Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/momxva Apply for the VA Leadership Academy https://caincollectivellc.com/valaapplication Book a Free Dream Team Design Session (for founders building with Team) https://www.breannacain.com/iconandlightningbookacall If you enjoyed this episode, I would love it so much if you left a rating and review! This helps us reach more women looking to become a virtual assistant, book out their business, and scale beyond their wildest dreams.
    Show More Show Less
    23 mins
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_c
No reviews yet