Done is Better Than Perfect
In this engaging episode of That's Audacious, host Lauren Clemett speaks with Francesca Moi, a dynamic speaker and the founder of Empowering Virtual Solution. Known for her no-fluff approach, Francesca’s agency is Australia's most human-focused VA agency, designed to help 7-figure CEOs with overwhelmed teams reclaim their time, build high-performing offshore teams, and master the art of smart delegation.
Francesca candidly shares her journey, which wasn't initially aimed at entrepreneurship. A pivotal moment came while working in a corporate role where her efficiency was discouraged.
This, coupled with personal challenges, ignited a profound personal development journey. This transformation, inspired in part by attending a Tony Robbins event (which she resourcefully earned a free ticket to by selling 100 tickets for him!), revealed her innate talent for sales and community building. She realised that if she could sell for others, she could sell for herself, setting audacious goals that she ultimately achieved.
The Power of Authenticity and Pivoting Through Adversity
Francesca's path led her to become an event specialist, filling rooms and generating commissions, eventually being encouraged to speak herself. Despite initial self-doubt and a “crap” first presentation (as a friend honestly put it!), she embraced her authentic, upfront style, which became her unique signature and resonated deeply with audiences. She champions the idea that the less polished the videos, the better it is for genuine connection, contrasting it with overly professional content that can create distance.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced an unexpected pivot. Faced with the stark reality of her events business collapsing, Francesca confronted the worst-case scenario head-on. By accepting the possibility of failure, she liberated herself to see new opportunities. She realised that a core part of her academy, virtual assistant services, was gaining traction. This insight led her to focus solely on the VA agency, which miraculously grew to $1 million in just 14 months, providing a powerful lesson in resilience and adaptation.
Overcoming Delegation Hurdles: Mindset and Growth
A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the common challenges business owners face with delegation. Francesca highlights two key hurdles:
- 1Fear of Imperfection: The worry that a VA won't do the job as good as they want it to be.
- 2Cash Flow Concerns: The apprehension that hiring a VA will shrink the bank account.
Francesca counters these fears with a powerful mindset shift: "Done is better than perfect." She emphasises that if tasks aren't delegated, they might never get done, leading to overwhelm and stagnation. She provocatively asks, "Would you hire a CEO for $200,000 to do your Canva, emails, and bookkeeping?" Her point is clear: CEOs delegate to focus on growth, and business owners should too. If you're in growth mode, every profit should be reinvested into the business, including hiring support, to unlock your time for strategic activities.
For Francesca, delegation became almost an "addiction" once she saw the benefits of freeing up her time. She outsourced everything from cleaning to cooking, allowing her to focus on high-value activities like learning, networking, and maintaining her health, all crucial for running a thriving business without exhaustion.
Cultivating an Authentic Personal Brand
When asked about building her profile and reputation, Francesca stresses authenticity. She receives consistent feedback that she is exactly the same whether online or in person, a quality she believes people crave. She encourages others to embrace their true selves, even if it means not always looking perfect, as this genuine approach fosters stronger connections.
Francesca's final, powerful advice to her past self is to never, ever, ever stop working on your mindset. She attributes every business roadblock to neglecting her personal development practices – meditation, coaching, networking, and staying updated. She passionately encourages listeners to actively seek knowledge, surround themselves with ambitious individuals, and continuously invest in their personal and professional growth.
If you're an overwhelmed CEO ready to delegate, reclaim your time, and step into your true role as a business leader, Francesca Moi offers the no-fluff, human-focused solutions you need. Find links to her book and VA business below.
Don't wait for perfect; just get out there and be audacious!
