As part of the Morning Lazziness series highlighting empowering women who are making a remarkable impact with their ideas, I had the pleasure of interviewing Joanna Zhang.
Joanna Zhang is the founder of The Operations Genius, creator of the world’s first Fractional VA Service, and recipient of the 2024 Stevie International Business Award for innovation. She broke the rules of traditional operations by turning a team she built for her own ventures into a shared, on-demand resource for growth focused entrepreneurs. Proving that scaling doesn’t require full-time/part-time hires or burnout. Blending high-level systems with empathy, conscious leadership, and a human-centred approach, Joanna is redefining how entrepreneurs grow: with flexibility, accountability, and a deep commitment to uplifting people, purpose, and profit together.
In this interview, she reflects on the pivotal moments, hard-earned lessons, and defining wins from her journey in building thriving online ventures.
What inspired you to start your business, and what problem were you passionate about solving?
I started The Operations Genius because I knew what it felt like to be stuck: brilliant ideas in my heart, but drowning in the daily grind. I saw so many small business owners just like me: exhausted, wearing all the hats, and losing the joy that made them start in the first place. I wanted to change that. My vision was to create a way for entrepreneurs to access world-class operational support without the weight of a full-time or part-time team. Not just to free their schedules, but to restore their energy, their creativity, and their connection to the work they love.
How has your business evolved since its launch, and what key decisions have helped drive that growth?
I began with a dedicated team to support my own business operations. Over time, I realised the systems, structures, and people I had cultivated could help others facing the same struggles I once had. I then started to share these resources with other entrepreneurs. The turning point was formalising this into the world’s first Fractional VA Service, allowing us to offer high-level, on-demand operational support without the cost and constraints of full-time or part-time hires. This decision gave us the flexibility to serve a diverse range of clients while staying deeply accountable to each one.
In your view, what truly sets your brand apart in today’s competitive market?
Our main competitive strengths are flexibility and accountability. We adapt quickly to each client’s evolving needs while holding ourselves fully responsible for delivering what we promise. It’s a partnership built on trust, clients know we’ll be there when they need us, and they can rely on us to keep our word. Combined with our blend of practical systems and genuine care for the human behind the business, we go beyond being a service provider to becoming a trusted ally in their growth.
What has been your most effective marketing strategy to date, and why do you think it worked so well?
A combination of authentic storytelling, networking, and word of mouth. We share real client stories that focus on the transformation, not just the metrics, which allows people to connect with the heart of our work. Networking has opened doors to collaborations and opportunities traditional marketing can’t reach, and word of mouth remains the most powerful trust-builder. When someone shares their genuine experience, it resonates far more than any ad could.
How do you stay connected to your ideal audience and understand their needs or behaviours?
I stay connected by listening, really listening. From casual check-ins to structured feedback, I want to know not just what’s working, but how they’re feeling. Trends are useful, but my compass is always the lived reality of my clients. It’s about sensing their needs before they have to say them out loud.
What’s one branding move or campaign that helped elevate your business to the next level?
Winning the 2024 Stevie International Business Award for innovation was a milestone, but it wasn’t just the recognition; it was what it symbolised. It validated that you can build a business that is both operationally excellent and deeply human. Sharing that win invited others into the story and sparked partnerships that continue to open new doors.
What does success look like for you, not just in numbers, but in purpose or impact?
Success is hearing a client say, “ That was such a relief for me, thank you.” It’s knowing they’ve gained not just revenue, but time, peace, and the ability to live the life they imagined when they started their business. If my work helps them breathe easier and dream bigger, that’s success.
How do you personally define success, beyond revenue and growth metrics?
For me, success is alignment! Running a business that honours my values, supports my family, empowers my team, and uplifts the people we serve. Money follows meaning. If I’m making an impact that feels true to my soul, then I know I’m on the right path.
Can you share a challenge or setback that ultimately became a turning point for your brand?
In the early days, I tried to serve everyone. It came from a good place that wanted to help, but it stretched me thin and left me burnt out. I realised that my best work happens when I work with clients who share my values. Setting those boundaries was hard, but it was the moment my business shifted from survival mode to soul-driven growth.
What daily habits or rituals keep you focused, creative, and grounded as a leader?
I start each day by checking in with myself to ensure my intentions are rooted in love and care to uplift myself, others, and the world around me. From that place, I allow myself to go with the flow, trusting my intuition to guide the day’s priorities. At the same time, I remain determined to deliver on every promise I’ve made. This balance of flow and follow-through keeps me grounded, aligned, and effective.
How do you approach innovation and risk in your business strategy?
I see innovation as an act of growth. Every improvement we make is designed to lift the weight off our clients’ shoulders. Risk, for me, isn’t about chasing trends; it’s about sensing the opportunities that align with our mission and stepping into them with courage and clarity.
What advice would you give to someone starting a business in today’s fast-changing digital world?
Start with soul before strategy. Know who you want to serve, why they matter to you, and what transformation you want to create for them. The tools and trends will change, but if your foundation is rooted in purpose, you’ll adapt with ease and authenticity.
Where can our audience connect with you and learn more about your work or offerings?
You can connect with me via LinkedIn or visit Operations Genius to learn more about our Fractional VA Service and how we help entrepreneurs scale with operational freedom, sustainability, and a human touch.
