Podcast appearances and mentions of john mckenna

Hiring help doesn't automatically solve your workload. Many entrepreneurs believe bringing on a virtual assistant instantly creates more free time, but in reality, a VA simply magnifies whatever systems already exist inside your business. If your processes are organized, documented, and repeatable, a VA becomes a force multiplier. If your business runs on memory, interruptions, and last-minute decisions, adding help often creates even more chaos. That's why virtual assistant systems matter. In our continued conversation with John McKenna, CEO of Peachtree VA, the discussion shifted away from simply hiring an assistant and toward building a repeatable delegation system. The difference between entrepreneurs who succeed with a VA and those who abandon the idea after a few weeks isn't the assistant—it's the system surrounding the relationship. About John McKenna John McKenna is the CEO and Owner of Peachtree VA, a U.S.-based virtual assistant staffing company that helps entrepreneurs, founders, and business leaders reclaim their time through strategic delegation. With a background in executive recruiting and staffing, John specializes in matching businesses with experienced virtual assistants who become trusted extensions of their teams. Under John's leadership, Peachtree VA has focused on helping business owners move beyond doing everything themselves by building scalable delegation systems that improve productivity, streamline operations, and support long-term growth. He is a strong advocate for combining human expertise with modern AI tools, enabling entrepreneurs to focus on the high-value work that drives their businesses forward. Learn more about John and Peachtree VA at https://peachtreeva.com. Why Systems Matter More Than Hiring The first mistake many entrepreneurs make is assuming they can hand off work and immediately become more productive. Delegation doesn't work that way. Every business runs on unwritten rules: where documents live, how customers prefer to communicate, why one process works differently than another. A new assistant doesn't know any of that yet. John explained that the first ninety days of every engagement are the most important, because both sides are learning each other's communication style, workflow, and expectations. That investment builds the foundation for everything that follows. Without it, even an experienced assistant is left guessing. Successful delegation starts with building a repeatable process, not expecting someone else to read your mind. It Starts With Communication One of the biggest surprises from the discussion wasn't about virtual assistants at all—it was about entrepreneurs. According to John, the clients who see the greatest success aren't necessarily the most organized or experienced. They're the ones willing to admit they don't have everything figured out. They ask questions, accept coaching, and communicate consistently. Business owners who disappear after hiring an assistant often struggle because the relationship never gets the chance to develop. Questions go unanswered, expectations turn into assumptions, and small misunderstandings grow into real frustrations. Communication isn't extra work—it is the work. The more clearly you communicate early, the less supervision you'll need later. The strongest delegation systems are built on conversations, not instructions. Coaching Is Part of the System One aspect of Peachtree VA's approach stands out from traditional staffing models: they don't just introduce a client to an assistant and hope it works out. They build relationship coaching into the process. John described how every client works with a relationship specialist during onboarding—someone who acts as coach and facilitator, helping resolve communication issues and keeping both parties aligned through the first several months. That's a lesson worth applying even if you never hire a virtual assistant. Every delegation system needs feedback. Processes improve because someone is evaluating what's working and what isn't. Whether you're managing employees, contractors, or AI workflows, regular check-ins keep small problems from becoming expensive ones. Delegation without feedback usually becomes frustration. Measuring Success Entrepreneurs naturally want to measure return on investment: how much revenue did the assistant generate, how many hours were saved, what was the financial return. John approaches ROI differently. Instead of focusing exclusively on dollars, he asks clients to compare where they were before hiring a VA with where they are ninety days later. Are they less overwhelmed? Are workflows smoother? Can they focus on revenue-generating activities? Has their quality of life improved? Those questions often reveal value long before the financial metrics catch up. Better decisions create future revenue. More focused leadership builds stronger businesses. Better systems produce long-term growth—not every benefit fits neatly inside a spreadsheet. Systems Should Grow Gradually Another misconception is that entrepreneurs should delegate everything at once. That rarely works. John shared that many of Peachtree VA's most successful clients start with the company's smallest service package. They delegate a few recurring tasks, and as trust grows, responsibilities expand. Eventually, many clients increase their hours dramatically because they've experienced firsthand how valuable delegation can become. This gradual approach offers two advantages: entrepreneurs get more comfortable letting go, and assistants develop a deeper understanding of the business before taking on larger responsibilities. Scaling isn't about moving faster—it's about building confidence one successful process at a time. Great delegation doesn't happen all at once. It compounds through consistency. The Right System Includes the Right Expectations Not every task belongs with every assistant. John shared an example of a client who hired a virtual assistant for administrative support, then later expected that same assistant to become a cold-calling salesperson. The relationship struggled—not because the assistant lacked ability, but because expectations had shifted dramatically. Every system works best when roles are clearly defined. Administrative work, scheduling, customer communication, project coordination, and documentation align naturally with most virtual assistant roles. Business development, specialized technical work, or highly strategic decisions usually call for different expertise entirely. Good systems don't force people into the wrong roles—they match responsibilities with strengths. Create a "Delegation Guide" for your business. List recurring responsibilities, expected outcomes, software used, and success criteria for each task before assigning it to someone else. Building a Business That Doesn't Depend on You Every entrepreneur reaches a crossroads: one path leads toward becoming increasingly busy, the other toward becoming increasingly effective. The difference isn't effort—it's systems. Virtual assistant systems let entrepreneurs replace constant supervision with repeatable processes. Instead of solving the same problems every week, leaders spend more time improving the business itself. That's the true purpose of delegation: not eliminating work, but creating space for better work. Conclusion Virtual assistant systems aren't built the day you hire someone. They're built through communication, documentation, coaching, and trust. The entrepreneurs who see the greatest success aren't necessarily the best managers from the beginning—they're simply the ones willing to improve their systems one process at a time. Because once your business can operate without depending on every minute of your day, you've built something far more valuable than efficiency. You've built scalability. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community

One of the hardest transitions every founder faces is delegation. Building a business often starts with doing everything yourself—sales, customer support, scheduling, bookkeeping, marketing, operations, and everything in between. That's usually necessary early on, simply because there's no one else to do the work. Eventually, though, success creates its own bottleneck. The same habits that helped launch your business start preventing it from growing. Instead of finding new customers, improving your products, or building strategic partnerships, you end up consumed by maintaining what you've already built. During our conversation with John McKenna, CEO of Peachtree VA, one message came through clearly: entrepreneurs don't usually struggle because they lack ambition—they struggle because they never develop the skill of delegation. Learning to let go isn't something you do after becoming successful. It's one of the reasons successful businesses keep growing. About John McKenna John McKenna is the CEO and Owner of Peachtree VA, a U.S.-based virtual assistant staffing company that helps entrepreneurs, founders, and business leaders reclaim their time through strategic delegation. With a background in executive recruiting and staffing, John specializes in matching businesses with experienced virtual assistants who become trusted extensions of their teams. Under John's leadership, Peachtree VA has focused on helping business owners move beyond doing everything themselves by building scalable delegation systems that improve productivity, streamline operations, and support long-term growth. He is a strong advocate for combining human expertise with modern AI tools, enabling entrepreneurs to focus on the high-value work that drives their businesses forward. Learn more about John and Peachtree VA at https://peachtreeva.com. Why Delegation Feels So Difficult Entrepreneurs are natural problem solvers. They built the business, they know the customers, and they understand every process, shortcut, and exception. That knowledge makes it easy to believe nobody else can do the work quite as well. John admitted he faced the same challenge. He described delegation as a muscle you have to exercise, not a switch you flip. Most entrepreneurs aren't naturally good at it because they've spent years conditioning themselves to solve every problem personally. That mindset works during startup. It becomes a liability during growth. Every hour spent organizing calendars, answering routine emails, updating spreadsheets, or scheduling meetings is an hour not spent generating revenue or improving the company. The hidden cost isn't the task itself—it's the opportunity you're giving up. Delegation isn't about giving work away. It's about protecting your time for the work only you can do. Delegation Starts With Your Calendar Many founders assume they need to hire an employee before they can delegate. John recommends starting somewhere much simpler: review your calendar. Look back over the previous week, or even the last month, and honestly evaluate where your time went. Ask yourself three questions: Which tasks absolutely require me? Which tasks could someone else complete? Which tasks should already belong to someone else? This exercise removes emotion from delegation. Instead of asking whether another person is capable, you're asking whether your time is the best investment for the business. Many entrepreneurs discover they're spending most of their week maintaining operations rather than growing the company. That's usually the first sign it's time to delegate. Being busy doesn't automatically mean you're being productive—growth comes from working on the highest-value activities, not simply filling every hour. Delegation Is Built Through Trust One of the biggest misconceptions about delegation is that you hand someone a list of tasks and everything magically works. Real delegation is built through relationships. John explained that successful business owners usually start small. They assign a few responsibilities, learn how each other communicates, and build trust from there. As confidence grows, so does responsibility. Over time, the virtual assistant becomes much more than someone checking boxes—they become a trusted extension of the business. Instead of constantly reviewing completed work, entrepreneurs begin thinking strategically because they know routine operations are under control. That's when delegation stops being outsourcing and starts being leverage. Trying to delegate everything on day one usually creates frustration. Start with repeatable tasks, build confidence, and expand from there. AI Doesn't Replace Delegation Artificial intelligence naturally entered the conversation. Many business owners now ask whether AI can replace a virtual assistant entirely. John's answer was refreshingly practical. AI is changing business, but it's still a tool, not a replacement for human judgment. Many small businesses know they should be using AI but don't know where to start. Rather than competing against it, Peachtree VA trains assistants to use AI tools on behalf of their clients—which changes the conversation. Instead of entrepreneurs learning every new AI platform themselves, they can focus on leading the business while someone else applies those tools effectively. That's a powerful distinction. Delegation today isn't just assigning work to another person. Sometimes it's delegating the responsibility of understanding technology itself. The future isn't AI versus people. It's people who know how to use AI creating more value than either could alone. The Real Return Isn't Immediate Revenue One reason many entrepreneurs hesitate to hire help is that they immediately calculate the financial cost. John encourages a different perspective. Instead of asking whether delegation immediately increases profits, ask yourself: Are you making better decisions? Are you spending more time with customers? Are you focused on revenue instead of administration? Has your quality of life improved? Those benefits often show up before the financial gains do. Founders who spend less time buried in administrative work naturally have more energy for strategic thinking, and that eventually produces stronger results. The first return on investment is clarity. Revenue follows later. Review the last two weeks on your calendar. Highlight every recurring administrative task—that list becomes your first delegation roadmap. Leadership Means Creating Capacity Perhaps the most valuable lesson from the discussion is this: delegation isn't an administrative skill; it's a leadership skill. Founders who insist on doing everything eventually become the largest bottleneck inside their own companies. Every decision waits for them. Every approval depends on them. Every process slows because nothing moves without their involvement. Businesses don't scale because founders work longer hours. They scale because founders build systems—and trusted relationships—that let the business operate without requiring their constant attention. Delegation creates capacity. Capacity creates growth. Growth creates freedom. Those outcomes don't happen overnight, but they begin the moment a founder decides they no longer need to carry every responsibility alone. Conclusion Delegation for entrepreneurs isn't about working less. It's about making every hour count. Every successful founder begins by wearing every hat. The difference between businesses that plateau and businesses that scale is recognizing when it's time to stop wearing all of them. Learning to delegate isn't giving up control—it's creating the freedom to focus on the work that actually grows the business. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community

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PJ talks to John McKenna who puts together the paper's list of great restaurants and finds out why Cork's Dede, Goldie, St Francis Provisions, 51 Cornmarket and The Glass Curtain all made the grade. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John McKenna, Food critic behind the 100 Best Restaurants in Ireland joined Anton on the show this morning as the best restaurants in Ireland are revealed!

John McKenna, Food critic behind the 100 Best Restaurants in Ireland joined Anton on the show this morning as the best restaurants in Ireland are revealed!

Publicado originalmente en 2022.

In this episode of the ListenABLE Podcast, your hosts Dylan and Angus are joined by John Mckenna, a renowned disability advocate, podcaster, and expert with over 60 years of lived experience navigating life with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita. John is a passionate advocate for disability rights, independence, and the importance of community support for people with disabilities. John's journey highlights the evolution of assistive technologies, from early electric wheelchairs to cutting-edge gadgets, and explores the challenges of growing up with a disability in the 1960s and 1970s. The conversation also delves into the societal impacts of institutionalisation of that time and the critical role of disability advocacy in shaping more inclusive communities for the future. As a key figure in the development of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), John shares his insights on how lived experience informs policy and why inclusive disability policy is crucial for social change. The episode also covers the often-overlooked intersection of disability and sexuality, discussing the importance of representation and breaking taboos. Want to support John? Check our the links below! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmckennajp/ Website: https://johnmckenna.com.au/ Watch the Full Episode with Captions Here: https://youtu.be/mnWV0tVApPkGrab our first merch release at our website Session in Progress.https://fromyourpocket.com.au/work/listenable/merch Recorded, edited and produced by Angus' Podcast Company: www.sessioninprogress.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A grieving father. A forgotten town. A Western reborn in Cochise County. In this episode, we explore The Return, a 25-minute short film by Peter Reese, filmed entirely on location in southern Arizona. From Mescal Movie Set to Texas Canyon, Reese blends personal loss with frontier storytelling and shares what’s next for John McKenna.Support the show: https://www.myheraldreview.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A grieving father. A forgotten town. A Western reborn in Cochise County. In this episode, we explore The Return, a 25-minute short film by Peter Reese, filmed entirely on location in southern Arizona. From Mescal Movie Set to Texas Canyon, Reese blends personal loss with frontier storytelling and shares what’s next for John McKenna.Support the show: https://www.myheraldreview.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I sit down with John McKenna, CEO of Peachtree VA, to discuss the importance of Scaling with the Right People and how it impacts business growth. As the leader of Peachtree VA, John has helped countless businesses scale efficiently by building strong, dedicated teams. We dive into the strategies for hiring, developing, and retaining top talent to ensure long-term success. John shares insights on how Scaling with the Right People leads to increased productivity, better company culture, and sustainable growth. Tune in to learn how to avoid common pitfalls and set your business up for success by Scaling with the Right People from the start.

In this episode, Lynda A. Bennett continues her conversation with Matt Sabino and John McKenna, managing partners at ARC Excess and Surplus; Justin Kudler, senior vice president and senior claims counsel for ARC Excess and Surplus; and Scott H. Moss, Co-chair of Lowenstein's Investment Management Group, about the new regulatory environment in the second Trump Presidency and how the D&O insurance market is reacting.  The panel discusses risks and concerns from an underwriter and policyholder standpoint; they also assess the state of existing regulatory claims, the potential change in risk profile that may impact future claims, and the prospective decrease in regulatory claims. Speakers: Lynda A. Bennett, Partner and Chair, Insurance RecoveryScott H. Moss, Partner and Co-chair, Investment Management GroupMatthew Sabino, Managing Partner, ARC Excess & SurplusJohn McKenna Jr., Managing Partner, ARC Excess & SurplusJustin Kudler, Senior Vice President/Senior Claims Counsel, ARC Excess & Surplus  

Jeff and Jenna are invited to MSU's Campus to learn about healing in the form of art and activism, “artivism”. They are joined by Scott Boehm, Assistant Professor of 20th/21st Spanish Culture and the Founder/Director of the MSU Latinx Film Festival. He is a Core Faculty member of the Global Studies in the Arts & Humanities Program, as well as an Affiliated Faculty member of the Film Studies Program. Dr. Boehm, currently working on a four-part documentary series highlighting the mass shooting that took place at MSU, is joined by his colleague John McKenna, Country Director (USA) for the Non-Violence Project (NVP), who works to inspire, motivate and engage people to manage and prevent conflicts without ever resorting to violence. With an educational focus based on both prevention, intervention and on measures that address root issues rather than punish behaviors or feed the blame. Together we discuss the Soul Box Project at MSU's Broad Art Museum in recognition, remembrance , and healing after the shooting that took place at MSU two years ago.

In the first of two episodes, Lynda A. Bennett talks with Matt Sabino and John McKenna, managing partners at ARC Excess and Surplus; Justin Kudler, senior vice president and senior claims counsel for ARC Excess and Surplus, and Scott H. Moss, co-chair of Lowenstein's Investment Management Group, about the new regulatory environment in the second Trump Presidency and how the D&O insurance market is reacting. In episode one, the panel discusses anticipated risk changes for financial line companies and how they will intersect with premium pricing, underwriting processes and policy terms and conditions.  The guests discuss how fund managers may be less of a focus for regulatory enforcement, how the underwriting industry handles the back-and-forth of federal policies over time, and the impact of Trumps initial policy initiatives.  Speakers: Lynda A. Bennett, Partner and Chair, Insurance RecoveryScott H. Moss, Partner and Co-chair, Investment Management GroupMatthew Sabino, Managing Partner, ARC Excess & SurplusJohn McKenna Jr., Managing Partner, ARC Excess & SurplusJustin Kudler, Senior Vice President/Senior Claims Counsel, ARC Excess & Surplus  

'Leonard Cohen taught us that even in the midst of darkness there is light, in the midst of hatred there is love, with our dying breath we can still sing Hallelujah.' - The late Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks'Among the finest volumes on Cohen's life and lyrics ... An exploration which would have intrigued and engaged Leonard himself.' - John McKenna, writer and friend of Leonard CohenHarry Freedman uncovers the spiritual traditions that lie behind Leonard Cohen's profound and unmistakable lyricsThe singer and poet Leonard Cohen was deeply learned in Judaism and Christianity, the spiritual traditions that underpinned his self-identity and the way he made sense of the world. In this book Harry Freedman, a leading author of cultural and religious history, explores the mystical and spiritual sources Cohen drew upon, discusses their original context and the stories and ideas behind them.Cohen's music is studded with allusions to Jewish and Christian tradition, to stories and ideas drawn from the Bible, Talmud and Kabbalah. From his 1967 classic 'Suzanne', through masterpieces like 'Hallelujah' and 'Who by Fire', to his final challenge to the divinity, 'You Want It Darker' he drew on spirituality for inspiration and as a tool to create understanding, clarity and beauty.Born into a prominent and scholarly Jewish family in Montreal, Canada, Cohen originally aspired to become a poet, before turning to song writing and eventually recording his own compositions. Later, he became immersed in Zen Buddhism, moving in 1990 to a Zen monastery on Mount Baldy, California where he remained for some years. He died, with immaculate timing, on the day before Donald Trump was elected in 2016, leaving behind him a legacy that will be felt for generations to come.Leonard Cohen: The Mystical Roots of Genius looks deeply into the imagination of one of the greatest singers and lyricists of our time, providing a window on the landscape of his soul. Departing from traditional biographical approaches, Freedman explores song by song how Cohen reworked myths and prayers, legends and allegories. By the end the reader will be left with a powerful understanding of Cohen's story, together with a far broader insight into the mystical origins of his inimitable work.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-opperman-report--1198501/support.

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Join Peta as she speaks with John McKenna, a lifelong disability advocate, about the critical role of support coordinators in the disability community. John shares his personal experiences and emphasises the importance of truly knowing and connecting with the individuals they support. This episode delves into the challenges and triumphs within the NDIS system and highlights how genuine, invested support can transform lives. Pick My Brain: https://www.pickmybrain.world/ Palliative Care Victoria: https://www.pallcarevic.asn.au/ Valid Easy Read Palliative Care: https://valid.org.au/ppalliative-carew-easy-read Valid On Advocacy: https://valid.org.au/advocacy/  Connect with John: Website: https://johnmckenna.com.au/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/johnomckenna/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmckennajp/ Connect with Peta: Instagram: @petahooke Website: www.icantstandpodcast.com Email: icantstandpodcast@gmail.com Episode Transcript: https://www.icantstandpodcast.com/post/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Are you eager to be a leader who truly connects with your team but not sure how to get there?Many leaders find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of their positions, struggling to connect with their teams and make a positive impact. It's easy to fall into the trap of leading with authority and ego, but this approach often leads to dissatisfaction and disconnection from those we aim to inspire.In this enlightening episode, we dive into the heart of what truly makes a great leader. Joined by Dr. Walter Polka and Dr. John McKenna seasoned leadership experts from Niagara University, we explore the transformative power of leading with empathy, kindness, and genuine care for others. Discover why effective leadership is all about building strong relationships, understanding the needs of your team, and being open to feedback. You'll learn actionable strategies to become more self-aware and reflective, enabling you to embrace vulnerability and foster a culture of teamwork and mutual respect. If you're ready to transform your leadership style and create a more connected, effective team, tune in to this episode. Let's get started!Stay empowered,JenLet's keep the conversation going! Find me at:Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | LinktreeInstagram: @jenrafferty_Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty RoomAbout Dr. Walter Polka:Dr. Walter Polka has held numerous professional positions throughout his 45 years as an educator. His positions include: high school social studies teacher and advisor for various clubs and organizations as well as an interscholastic coach at Lewiston-Porter High School; Williamsville Central School District social studies/science curriculum coordinator K-12; assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction and superintendent of schools of the Lewiston-Porter School District.Since 1970, Dr. Polka has also served as an adjunct professor at various institutions of higher education including Brockport State College, Buffalo State College, Medaille College, Niagara County Community College, Niagara University, SUNY Buffalo and Loyola University in Maryland. Dr. Polka's full-time university professional responsibilities also included associate professor of educational leadership; doctoral dissertation chair; and doctoral program coordinator in educational leadership at Georgia Southern University. He is currently the leadership and policy doctoral program coordinator and full tenured professor in the professional programs department at Niagara University.wpolka@niagara.eduAbout Dr. John McKenna:Dr. John McKenna joined Niagara University in 2023 as an Assistant Professor in the Leadership Studies Department after a long and distinguished career in public administration. Before coming to Niagara University, Dr. McKenna served as a public school administrator and educator for over 35 years.Dr. McKenna has been recognized for his achievements and contributions to the profession with the SAANYS New York State Outstanding Educator of the Year Award, the NYSPTA Advocate in Action Award, a New York State Senate Proclamation for Outstanding Leadership, and a New York State Senate Resolution for Dedication and Service. Additionally, he was recognized with the SUNY at Buffalo Alumni Association's Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award as well as UB's Graduate School of Education Distinguished Alumni Awardmckennaleadership.comJohnMcKenna@McKennaLeadership.com

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Are you struggling to keep up with the day-to-day tasks of your business, leaving you with less time to focus on growing your business? If so, then you don't want to miss today's Guest Teacher lesson with John McKenna on How to leverage a virtual assistant to scale your business.John McKenna, CEO of Peachtree VA, shares his expertise on using virtual assistants to help grow your business, taking you through the process of how to hire them and delegate tasks effectively.  To determine which tasks to delegate, business owners should conduct a time study, identify pain points, and keep a list of tasks they want to do more or less of. Also Omar provides a simple method for business owners to determine which tasks to delegate by assigning a dollar value to each task. Listen in to this episode for practical tips on delegating and scaling your business with the help of a virtual assistant. Click Play!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS Stitcher | Spotify| Podcast Feed| How To SubscribeGive us a Rating & Review Show LinksPeachtree VA

Are you struggling to keep up with the day-to-day tasks of your business, leaving you with less time to focus on growing your business? If so, then you don’t want to miss today's Guest Teacher lesson with John McKenna on How to leverage a virtual assistant to scale your business. John McKenna, CEO of Peachtree […] The post MBA2325 Guest Teacher – John McKenna – How to leverage a virtual assistant to scale your business appeared first on The $100 MBA.

Are you struggling to keep up with the day-to-day tasks of your business, leaving you with less time to focus on growing your business? If so, then you don’t want to miss today's Guest Teacher lesson with John McKenna on How to leverage a virtual assistant to scale your business. John McKenna, CEO of Peachtree […] The post MBA2325 Guest Teacher – John McKenna – How to leverage a virtual assistant to scale your business appeared first on The $100 MBA.