Behind the Scenes with My VA: Building a Team Culture of Trust, Systems, and Zero Drama

Streamlined CEO

What happens when both the CEO and the VA oversleep their first meeting… and still end up building a thriving, drama-free working relationship?

In this very special (and final guest!) episode of The Streamlined CEO Podcast, I’m joined by my amazing VA, Deborah Fanth (@dathevirtualassistant). We’re pulling back the curtain on what it really looks like to build a business rooted in clarity, systems, and mutual trust—without micromanaging or constant Slack messages.

We’re talking:

• How strong systems make onboarding actually smooth
• Why feedback is neutral (and how we practice that weekly)
• The #1 mistake CEOs make when hiring a VA
• What it’s really like to work with a CEO who values self-awareness and streamlined ops

If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to actually work inside a values-driven business (or you’re dreaming of building one), this is your backstage pass.

👀 Links + Resources Mentioned:

• Connect with Deborah on IG: @dathevirtualassistant
• Take the Burnout Bottleneck Quiz: https://www.theproductivityimpact.com/bottleneck-quiz
• Get free tools to streamline your business: https://www.theproductivityimpact.com/links

💬 LOVED this episode? Send it to a business friend, share on IG and tag us, or leave a review to help more CEOs find this kind of honest, behind-the-scenes insight.

Have a question, want to chat with Karalee?

• Send a DM on Instagram or email me [email protected]
• Visit the Website: Head over HERE to learn more about the Operations Assessment Blueprint and how it can transform your online business.
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Chapters

1. Intro – Oversleeping & Still a Perfect Fit (00:00:00)

2. Meet Deborah – VA & OBM for Creative Entrepreneurs (00:01:29)

3. Why Our Working Relationship Works So Well (00:02:06)

4. First Impressions: Behind-the-Scenes Systems (00:04:41)

5. How SOPs Helped Deborah Onboard with Ease (00:05:13)

6. The Power of Neutral Feedback (00:07:01)

7. What CEOs Get Wrong About Working with VAs (00:10:11)

8. Communication Breakdowns: Why They Happen (00:11:33)

9. What It’s Like to Work with a Systems-Loving CEO (00:13:00)

10. Deborah’s Growth + Learning ClickUp (00:13:30)

11. Final Thoughts – Building a Drama-Free Business (00:15:16)

12. Where to Find Deborah + Resources (00:19:59)