This episode is brought to you by our sponsor, Optinizers (https://www.optinizers.com/) — helping entrepreneurs scale smarter with world-class virtual support.
Andy Cheng is an entrepreneur, business strategist, and former President of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) Los Angeles Chapter who has built and scaled multiple multi‑million dollar businesses. In this episode, he’s joined by Trisha, a Filipina operator and Head of Recruitment at OptiNizers, to break down how scrappy founders can stop doing everything alone and finally build the right support around them. If you’ve ever felt stuck at the same level—working nonstop but not really moving forward—this conversation will show you a different way to grow.
In this episode we’ll cover…
- The moment you know you can’t “DIY” your business anymore and what to do instead
- Why Andy believes your first hire should usually be an executive assistant—and how that unlocks both your business and personal life
- The difference between “connecting the dots” and truly empowering remote talent, especially Filipino professionals
- How Trisha went from BPO employee to a founder’s right-hand operator helping scale a team from 2 to 20
- The most common mindset blocks founders have around delegating, and practical shifts to start letting go
- Real examples of what Filipino remote talent can own for you—EA, operations, bookkeeping, video editing, and more
🧭 Timestamps:
00:00 Welcome & why this convo matters for every kind of builder
01:30 Meeting Andy & Trisha + how OptiNizers supports this podcast
03:26 Trisha’s journey from BPO to right-hand operator & Head of Recruitment
06:46 If you feel stuck and keep “starting over” every year…
10:25 Who OptiNizers serves and the most common roles to hire first
13:40 Two types of clients & getting honest about what you really need
19:25 Discovering exploitation in the VA industry
20:45 Starting OptiNizers with a more ethical, balanced model
25:06 When is it actually time to hire support? (Effective hourly rate)
30:40 What to delegate first as a scrappy founder
36:10 How to build healthy relationships with Filipino remote talent
42:00 Letting go of control & focusing on your zone of genius
47:30 Final advice for Filipinas redefining leadership and success
✨ CONNECT WITH ANDY
Instagram (OptiNizers): @optinizers
Website: https://chengandy.com/
📣 Follow Filipina on the Rise
Instagram: https://instagram.com/filipinaontherise
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@filipinaontherise
Website & newsletter: https://filipinaontherise.com
#FilipinaOnTheRise #AndyCheng #OptiNizers #FilipinaLeadership #FilipinaEntrepreneur #FilipinoTalent #AAPIWomen #FilipinaExcellence #VirtualAssistant #RemoteWork #Delegation #WomenInBusiness
As a business owner, podcaster, and multi-business owner, I’ve learned that real progress doesn’t come from doing more — it comes from building the right partnerships. OptiNizers matches you with carefully vetted, continuously trained remote talent aligned with your goals, so you can scale with confidence.
👉 Book a free call with OptiNizers and mention KRYSTL
https://www.optinizers.com/contact
