Briefing In

EP25 Philosophy and Play: A Not-So-Typical CEO Chat

We close the 2nd season with none other than Rick Liston, a wedding photographer turned founder of the fast-growing outsourcing agency Wedding Workflows. Rick has been a number one supporter of the podcast so to have him on for the season finale is a full circle moment.  We chat with Rick about how the wedding photography landscape has evolved over the past few years, and the ways stepping into the role of business owner and leader has challenged and changed him. From building a team grounded in strong values to meeting his VAs in person for the first time, Rick shares honest reflections on what it means to grow a community-driven business—one that supports not just productivity, but a true sense of purpose. This episode is a heartfelt, humorous, and reflective look at what happens when leadership is grounded in curiosity, connection, and care. See you in the next season!! Follow Rick Liston and Wedding Workflows Instagram: @rick_liston [https://www.instagram.com/rick_liston/] @weddingworkflows [https://www.instagram.com/weddingworkflows/] Website: https://rickliston.com/ Don’t miss an episode and get access to exclusive Briefing In content by subscribing to our newsletter! [https://tally.so/r/mZ6BNv] Drop us a message! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2303976/open_sms] Music in episode from TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™ Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briefinginpod/ Find us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briefinginpod

EP24 Finding Your Community: The Seed of Creativity

In this episode, we sit down with the inspiring founder of Cut a Fig (@cutafig), Elise Aguilar, who started a vibrant learning community built on the values of affordability, accessibility, and inclusivity. From poetry writing to SEO Basics, Cut a Fig offers a welcoming space where anyone can explore their creative potential. We picked her brain on topics like why making creative education more accessible matters now more than ever, and how she designs classes that meet people where they are, from total beginners to curious creatives. Let this episode be a beautiful reminder that creativity is a seed we all carry, and it's never too late to nurture it! Follow Cut a Fig Instagram: @cutafig Don’t miss an episode and get access to exclusive Briefing In content by subscribing to our newsletter! [https://tally.so/r/mZ6BNv] Drop us a message! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2303976/open_sms] Music in episode from TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™ Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briefinginpod/ Find us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briefinginpod

EP23 Eat Rejections For Breakfast: Lessons from a Business Coach

Let’s be real… the VA space is saturated with people who are only after the money. At what cost? Undervalued freelancers, underpriced services, and underwhelming standards. Remote work may be a blessing, but thinking it’s a shortcut would be a mistake. You can’t determine your worth if you don’t provide value. Business Coach and Freelance Extraordinaire, Abby Soria, shares her take on this without beating around the bush. For her, freelancing isn’t just landing a gig — it’s operating like a business and being your own boss. With over 5 years of experience building agencies and closing $200,000+ in deals across the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Europe, Abby also shares why she’s no longer chasing the “laptop lifestyle” and how she refuses to be boxed into one job title. Don’t miss an episode and get access to exclusive Briefing In content by subscribing to our newsletter! [https://tally.so/r/mZ6BNv] Drop us a message! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2303976/open_sms] Music in episode from TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™ Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briefinginpod/ Find us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briefinginpod

EP22 Stepping Back: Productivity Isn’t Personality

In this episode, we take a much-needed pause to challenge a powerful but often unspoken belief: that our productivity defines our worth. If you’ve ever felt guilty for resting, equated your to-do list with your identity, or struggled to separate your work from who you are, then this conversation is for you. Noe and Ella get real about their struggles and how overworking has affected their mental health. Hustle culture can sneak into everyday life, and their honest reflection is a reminder that stepping back isn't a sign of weakness, but a necessary act to take in order to find your own pace. P.S. the guests chat in both Tagalog (Filipino) and English for the entire episode. Don’t miss an episode and get access to exclusive Briefing In content by subscribing to our newsletter! [https://tally.so/r/mZ6BNv] Drop us a message! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2303976/open_sms] Music in episode from TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™ Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briefinginpod/ Find us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briefinginpod

EP21 Comparing VA Journeys: Old Practices and Culture Shocks

In this episode, we sit down with two virtual assistants — one seasoned (Noe Deiparine) and one just getting started (Ella Fontanoza) — to talk about the evolving world of remote work, culture shocks, and what's trending in the VA industry today. From comparing Filipino and foreign bosses to the (very real) surprise of receiving compliments from clients, these two Scorpio girlies get candid about the joys and awkward moments of VA life. We all know what it's like to navigate a remote job with uncertainty, so whether you're new to the role or a remote work veteran, you’ll find something to relate to. P.S. the guests chat in both Tagalog (Filipino) and English for the entire episode. Don’t miss an episode and get access to exclusive Briefing In content by subscribing to our newsletter! [https://tally.so/r/mZ6BNv] Drop us a message! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2303976/open_sms] Music in episode from TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™ Find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briefinginpod/ Find us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briefinginpod