From Starting Over to Standing Out

When Christopher Cordoviz had to stop working as an IELTS teacher during the pandemic, he began searching for a way to work from home. He had heard about virtual assistants, but knowing the opportunity existed was different from knowing how to get started.

The encouragement he needed came from someone close to him: his wife.

Watching her thrive as a Virtual Assistant helped Christopher see a possible future for himself. She recommended him to Summit VA Solutions, where he qualified as an applicant and received training before working with his first client.

What began as a practical response to an unexpected career change would become a new professional path, bringing challenges, recognition, and more time with his family.

Taking the First Step Before Feeling Ready

Christopher brought a background in IT to his new career, but he had never worked as a Virtual Assistant. He wondered what the role would require and whether his existing skills would be enough.

The uncertainty went beyond learning unfamiliar tools. He also had to work through doubts about his ability to start again.

What was the biggest challenge when you were starting out?

“I learned that sometimes, the biggest challenge isn't learning the job itself. It's believing that you can do it.”

Building that belief took time. Christopher worked on changing his mindset, developing confidence, and reminding himself that he could learn something new. Training from Summit VA Solutions gave him a starting point, while his willingness to keep learning helped him move forward.

He did not begin with every answer. He began by giving himself the chance to find them.

Becoming Part of the Team’s Everyday Success

Today, Christopher’s work touches several parts of his team’s operations.

His day usually begins with checking messages and emails before moving into client care, MLS listing management, and training. He helps onboard new agents and conducts additional training when systems or processes change.

With responsibilities spread across different areas, no two days look exactly alike. An agent may need guidance on a process, a listing may require attention, or a system update may mean learning a new way of doing things.

For Christopher, the satisfaction comes from completing the work accurately and knowing that agents, the operations team, and management are happy with the results. Each completed task contributes to a team that can move forward with confidence.

That kind of consistency requires organization. Over time, Christopher has developed his own checklist system to track CRM management, operational updates, listings, social media responsibilities, and training schedules.

By identifying priorities and keeping a clear picture of the day’s goals, he gives each responsibility the attention it needs.

Learning Something New, Then Helping Others Learn It

One of the more demanding parts of Christopher’s role is being among the first to learn the systems his team adopts.

Before he can train or support anyone else, he has to understand the tools himself. That means reading, attending training, testing features, and working through unfamiliar processes.

Sometimes, it has also meant putting in extra hours to get up to speed.

There is a particular challenge in becoming the person others turn to while still learning something yourself. Christopher has learned to approach that responsibility with patience and persistence.

Each system he masters adds to his skills and gives him another way to support the team. The person who once questioned his ability to learn now regularly helps others navigate change.

Recognition That Made the Work Feel Seen

Christopher counts being recognized as one of Summit VA Solutions’ VAs of the Month across four consecutive years among his proudest accomplishments. In one of those years, he received the recognition twice.

For him, those honors reflect the dedication and consistency he has brought to his role. They are also a reminder that work done behind the scenes is noticed and appreciated.

One especially memorable moment came when that appreciation reached a much larger audience.

During a Tom Ferry conference, Christopher’s client, who was speaking at the event, featured his name and picture and introduced him to thousands of attendees. His client acknowledged the support Christopher had provided to the team behind the scenes.

What made that experience especially meaningful?

“It also reminded me that I had made a real impact on the team and fulfilled the promise I made during my initial interview: to be someone they could count on and who would make a difference.”

That public recognition connected back to a promise made at the very beginning of his journey. Christopher had wanted to become a dependable member of the team. Hearing his client recognize his contribution showed him how much that commitment had mattered.

Growing Beyond Technical Skills

As Christopher’s responsibilities have grown, so has his understanding of what makes a strong Virtual Assistant.

Technical knowledge remains valuable, but one of the most important skills he has developed is emotional intelligence. Working with different personalities has taught him to listen more carefully, communicate more effectively, and better understand the people around him.

He has also learned how to present himself professionally when working with senior leaders and management.

These lessons shape how he handles everyday interactions, whether he is supporting an agent, communicating with his client, or helping someone understand a process.

For Christopher, doing the job well includes building trust. Knowing how to use a system matters, and so does knowing how to work with the people who depend on it.

What Working From Home Has Made Possible

The impact of Christopher’s career extends beyond his workday.

Working from home has removed the daily commute and reduced expenses such as transportation and lunches outside the home. He no longer has to account for traffic, bad weather, or waking up extra early to prepare for a trip to work.

Those changes have helped him save more and become more financially stable. But the benefit he values most is being able to spend time with his family and be present for everyday moments.

How has being a Virtual Assistant changed your life?

“For me, being a VA isn't just about having a job. It's about having a better balance between work, family, and life.”

The career he first explored out of necessity has given him a different way to build his days, with meaningful work and more room for the people who matter most.

Christopher’s Advice: Give Yourself Room to Learn

For anyone considering a similar path, Christopher encourages preparation. Research the role, understand its responsibilities, and be honest about the skills you bring and the areas you still need to develop.

He also knows how easily self-doubt can keep someone from taking the first step.

What would you tell someone beginning their VA journey?

“You don't have to know everything from day one. Stay positive, be willing to learn, remain teachable, and always conduct yourself professionally.”

Christopher’s story gives that advice weight. He entered the field unsure of what to expect and uncertain whether he could learn what the job required. Through training, practice, and consistent effort, he became someone trusted to support daily operations, guide agents, and help his team adapt.

When his client introduced him at that conference, the recognition captured years of work in a single moment. Behind it were the checklists, questions, training sessions, and completed tasks that had helped him keep his original promise: to be someone the team could count on.