Trust, Culture, and Growth: Stacey Golucan’s VA Success Story

Stacey Golucan didn’t set out to become a Virtual Assistant—it was a role she stumbled into when life threw her a curveball. “I didn’t have an option before,” she admits. “I was in the corporate world, then the pandemic hit.” Like so many others, Stacey found herself navigating a new reality where traditional jobs became scarce and adaptability was essential. That’s when she discovered virtual assistance, a career that would not only sustain her through uncertain times but also transform her life in ways she never imagined.

Facing Challenges Head-On

Starting out wasn’t easy for Stacey. “As a Gen Xer, I am not updated with the latest technology applications,” she shares. It was a daunting hurdle, but one she tackled with determination. “I overcame it by being confident and, of course, at the same time, researched and learned.” Stacey’s willingness to adapt and put in the work allowed her to thrive in an industry where staying up-to-date is key.

A Day in Stacey’s Life

Stacey’s typical day begins with a routine that keeps her organised and productive. “I start my day by checking emails and responding to them,” she explains. From there, she dives into tasks requested by her clients, seamlessly switching gears to assist colleagues with tenant-related issues. It’s a dynamic role that requires multitasking, problem-solving, and a genuine commitment to helping others.

Mastering the Art of Multitasking

When it comes to balancing multiple projects, Stacey thrives under pressure. “I’m a person who is used to multitasking,” she says. Her approach is straightforward but effective: prioritise. “To start, I check out which project is the most pressing, then more pressing, and so on.” This method has become second nature to her, allowing her to juggle responsibilities without missing a beat.

Moments of Pride and Connection

For Stacey, the trust she’s built with her clients is one of her greatest accomplishments. “I am very proud that my clients trust me, and I am careful not to destroy that trust,” she says. It’s a responsibility she takes to heart, and it’s one of the reasons her clients value her so deeply.

She also cherishes the personal connections she’s made along the way. Stacey recalls two standout moments with her clients, Gabe and Alec, when they visited the Philippines in 2023 and 2024. “I was able to show them how Cordillerans and Filipinos are great VAs,” she beams. She took the opportunity to share her culture, introducing them to the food and the places she grew up in. These experiences were not just about work—they were about bridging cultures and building relationships.

Tackling Tough Situations

Not every day is smooth sailing, though. One of the toughest challenges Stacey has faced is working with two clients who are business partners but don’t always agree. “Sometimes their decisions are not the same,” she explains. When that happens, Stacey focuses on what she can control. “If it’s about a task I usually do, I tackle it by doing what I know should be done, going with the other. For some other concerns, I wait until they give me a definite answer.” Her ability to navigate these situations with patience and professionalism has earned her respect and trust.

Life-Changing Opportunities

Becoming a Virtual Assistant has completely changed Stacey’s life. “It totally changed my life,” she says, reflecting on the opportunities this role has afforded her. “The main reason is the salary. I was able to pay most of my debt and am now able to travel easily without having issues with money. I am able to put food on our table without being too frugal.” Beyond the financial stability, the flexibility of the role has given her the freedom to balance work and personal life in a way that was never possible before.

Life-Changing Opportunities

Becoming a Virtual Assistant has completely changed Stacey’s life. “It totally changed my life,” she says, reflecting on the opportunities this role has afforded her. “The main reason is the salary. I was able to pay most of my debt and am now able to travel easily without having issues with money. I am able to put food on our table without being too frugal.” Beyond the financial stability, the flexibility of the role has given her the freedom to balance work and personal life in a way that was never possible before.

Skills That Keep Growing

Through her journey, Stacey has developed invaluable skills. “Being adept with new technology applications” is just one of them. Her adaptability, resilience, and commitment to continuous learning have been key to her success, proving that it’s never too late to learn and grow.

Stacey’s Advice to Aspiring Virtual Assistants

For those just starting out, Stacey’s advice is simple but heartfelt: “Believe in yourself and what you can do.” She firmly believes that many Filipinos have untapped potential, waiting for the right opportunity to shine. “It is innate to a lot of Filipinos that our skills come out as long as we are given the chance to showcase it,” she adds.

Stacey Golucan’s story is a powerful reminder that life’s challenges can lead to unexpected opportunities. Her journey from the corporate world to becoming a trusted and successful Virtual Assistant is an inspiration to anyone looking to start fresh, adapt, and thrive in the face of change.