From Nigeria to VAAEN: Interview with Endurance’s Virtual Assistant Journey

Meet Endurance Yoba’a Peter: A Rising Star in the Virtual Assistant World

Endurance Yoba’a Peter, a Nigerian-born professional, took a leap of faith that transformed her life. With roots in pharmaceutical technology, Endurance was drawn to the structure, growth, and purpose she found at VAAEN (Virtual Assistant & Administrative Empowerment Network). Feeling stifled by the limited career paths in her initial field, she bravely transitioned into the virtual assistant space through rigorous training, hunger for growth, and a mindset shift that changed everything.

Her VA journey began even before she graduated from her previous program, when she enrolled in a two-month intensive VA training with ALX Africa. That experience stretched her limits and gave her clarity that the virtual assistant industry was her calling. Her introverted yet deeply empathic nature found a perfect fit in remote support roles where she could thrive behind the scenes and still make a big impact.

Upon discovering VAAEN through a fellow member, she was immediately impressed by the professionalism and authenticity of the platform, especially the resources designed by Coach Teekwa. Her intuition told her: “This is where I need to grow.” And she hasn’t looked back since.

Introduction & Personal Background

Please tell us a bit about yourself and your journey to becoming a virtual assistant.

My name is Endurance Yoba’a Peter, and I’m from Kaduna State, Nigeria. My professional journey began in the field of pharmaceutical technology, where I learned the value of scientific/analytical precision and great attention to detail. Working in that space taught me a lot, but I eventually realized there was very little room for growth within the pharmaceutical technology world in Nigeria.

And I’m big on growth, I can’t thrive when I feel capped or limited. It honestly felt like hitting a ceiling, and I knew I needed to evolve. So, even before graduating as a Pharmaceutical Technologist, I started exploring new paths. I completed my program in December 2024, but a few months earlier, in August 2024, I had already taken a bold step by enrolling in a two-month intensive Virtual Assistant training with ALX Africa.

That experience completely stretched me (OMG), it pushed me beyond what I thought were my limits. And that’s when I realized: those limits didn’t actually exist. With the right mindset, I could grow, adapt, and achieve far more than I imagined.

The transition from pharmaceuticals to virtual assistance felt natural for me. As an introvert and a deep empath, the virtual assistant space aligns perfectly with who I am. It allows me to work meaningfully, stay organized, and contribute value behind the scenes, all while continuously learning and growing.

What inspired you to pursue an internship through VAAEN?

I was introduced to the platform by an acquaintance, Mubina. After going through some of the resources available on the free membership platform, I immediately knew Coach Teekwa knew exactly what she was doing. The documents and resources just felt right. They were created by someone who truly understands the virtual assistant space and runs a real agency.

So when Mubina mentioned there was an internship opening, it felt only natural for me to want to learn under VAAEN’s guidance. I wanted to add my skill set and the value I bring to a dynamic, structured team. That structure was a big deal for me; VAAEN felt organized, intentional, and purposeful. The idea of being part of a team that knows what they’re doing and what they want from their members really resonated with me.

Even the first time I explored the materials, I found them valuable and insightful (a real eye-opener). I wanted to know more, to learn more, and to grow. So joining VAAEN wasn’t just a choice; it felt like something I needed to do. And honestly, I’m really glad I did.

How did you discover VAAEN, and what made you decide to join as a member?

As I mentioned earlier, I discovered VAAEN through an acquaintance, Mubina, who was already a member. She spoke highly of the platform and encouraged me to check it out. Out of curiosity, I visited the website and went through some of the free resources available on the membership platform.

Right away, I could tell it wasn’t just another random community; the resources were solid, practical, and very intentional. You could sense that Coach Teekwa truly understood the virtual assistant industry and had built a space that supported real growth and learning. That was something I wanted to be part of.

What really sealed the deal for me was the program's structure and clarity. Everything was well laid out, and it gave me a sense of belonging even before officially joining. I wanted to learn from a team that was both professional and genuine, and VAAEN checked all those boxes for me.

First Impressions & Orientation

How did you feel attending the first intern meeting with VAAEN?

The first time I attended the intern meeting with VAAEN, it was really exciting, although at first, I was very nervous because I didn’t know what to expect. But once Coach Teekwa started with the icebreaker, I immediately felt at ease. It felt like I was with family. I had never been in a team where your expectations or even your mood for the week were asked about before the meeting began.

Questions like “How did your week go?” or “What are you most grateful for from the week's experience” made me realize that this was a team that truly cared, not just about professional performance, but about my personal growth, too. It felt like being part of a team that wanted to see me grow just as much as I wanted to see myself grow.

That first meeting gave me a genuine sense of belonging. It pushed me to do more for the team because I could see they wanted me to do more for myself. It became a kind of fuel (motivation) to keep showing up, learning, and contributing.

Coach Teekwa’s leadership style also stood out to me. She's very patient, and she's not a micromanager; instead, she empowers you. Whether you’ve had prior experience or not, she creates room for learning, improvement, and growth. I honestly thought to myself, “Where else could I find this much value from a coach or a leader?” So yes, that first meeting gave me the push and nudge I needed to keep moving forward with the team. It confirmed that I’m in the right place (I genuinely needed that before going forward with the team), where I’m welcomed, supported, and encouraged to become my best self.

What stood out to you the most during that initial session?

What stood out to me the most was Coach Teekwa’s patience with us, new interns (her tender choice of words and constant encouragement). I also loved the team’s spirit of collaboration and everyone’s willingness to learn and grow, both individually and collectively.

Were there any key takeaways or lessons that resonated with you after that first meeting?

The biggest lesson for me was realizing that I’m not where I want to be yet, but I’m definitely on the right track to getting there.

Intern Experience & Voice

As a new intern, have you had the opportunity to share your ideas or suggestions?

It truly reassured me that I’m in the right place and with the right team. Coach Teekwa handles feedback even from newbies with such openness and humility. She never makes you feel like she’s the most experienced person in the room, and that makes it so easy to work and collaborate with her.

Skills & Strengths

What professional skills do you currently bring to your internship?

Executive Assistance, Administrative Support, Client Communication, Email Management, Conference/Event Management, Travel Planning, and Streamlining Operations.

What are some tools or software you're already confident in using?

Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Asana, Slack, Canva, Zoom, Calendly, TripIt, Time meter, Toggl.

How do you see those skills being valuable to the VAAEN team and the members?

VAAEN, just like other organizations, uses Office applications (Google Workspace & Microsoft 365), Productivity tools (Asana & Slack), Time Management tools (Toggle), Design tools (Canva), Calendar Management tools (Calendly), and Travel tools (TripIt), Timezone tools (Time Meter).

These are all valuable tools I confidently use, and I have badges for them that are most useful for VAAEN.

Are there any areas where you hope to grow or improve during your internship?

I’m hoping to grow in areas that help me retain more clients. As a freelancer, I want to learn how to better navigate working with multiple clients and become more proactive, anticipating my clients’ needs rather than waiting for tasks to be assigned.

Since VAAEN is an international organization, it’s a new and exciting experience for me. Working with global clients feels like a solid foundation for learning and growth. I’m looking forward to improving my communication, proactiveness, and time management skills as I continue this journey.

International Perspective

As a Nigerian virtual assistant, what unique challenges have you faced in trying to secure U.S.-based clients?

Being a freelancer from Nigeria definitely comes with its unique challenges. One of the major issues is the instability of the electricity grid, which isn’t as reliable as in more advanced countries. Internet connectivity is another challenge, even though I’m exploring more stable options like Starlink (it’s quite expensive).

I’ve actually had a few clients turn down opportunities after testing my internet speed because it didn’t meet their required standard. That has been tough, but it’s also motivated me to find solutions. I’m currently saving up to get Starlink because I know it will help me stay consistent and meet the expectations of international clients.

Do you feel there are any communication or cultural barriers? How do you manage or overcome them?

For me, I don’t think there’s really a communication or language barrier because English is practically my first language, and it’s also the main language used by most U.S.-based clients.

However, one cultural difference I’ve had to adjust to is addressing clients or employers by their first names. Back home, it’s more common to use titles as a sign of respect, so it felt unusual at first. But I’m learning to adapt, and I’m getting more comfortable with it as I continue working with international clients.

How does it feel to be part of a U.S.-based membership community like VAAEN while living internationally?

It feels like connecting with anyone virtually. Because we get to be on virtual video meetings. But I've come to realize that it's a more subtle way of exploring other people's cultures and work ethics. Because this is literally being in an environment I've never been in. So it's exciting —I feel enthusiastic about it and eager to see what's in store for me.

What opportunities do you hope this international connection will unlock for you?

I’m hoping this collaboration opens more opportunities to work with clients, especially in the U.S. I know I have the experience to work within their time zones and deliver a stable, reliable experience.

Having already gained experience with an international team, I can bring the same expertise and skill set and even build on it further. This connection is an opportunity to showcase my abilities, grow my professional experience, and open doors to more opportunities with international clients. I’m excited about applying what I’ve learned and continuing to develop as an executive virtual assistant in a global space.

Using the Membership to Grow a Business

How do you see the VAAEN membership supporting your goals as a virtual assistant?

I especially love VAAEN’s structure; everything from documentation to client communication and productivity is thoughtfully organized. It’s like an all-in-one package, and that’s literally the foundation for any business. You need structure, time management, and productivity, and VAAEN provides all of that.

By navigating the platform well and putting in my best effort, I believe I’m on the right track to establishing myself and offering strong support to any executive. After all, every business needs structure, time management, and productivity, and that’s exactly what a good virtual assistant or executive assistant brings to the table.

What specific tools, resources, or training from the membership do you find (or expect to find) most valuable?

For me, the productivity tools and templates are especially valuable. I’m also looking forward to developing more templates that make work more efficient and faster.

I’m excited to explore additional training on course creation and video production, as I plan to incorporate more video content into my business later. Essentially, any resource that helps me improve productivity, build effective templates, enhance professional skills, or refine my work ethics and coordination would be a huge plus. I’m eager to take full advantage of everything VAAEN has to offer to grow as a virtual assistant.

Have you participated in any of the training or networking sessions yet? If so, how were they helpful?

Not yet.

What are your business goals over the next year, and how can VAAEN help you get there?

Over the next year, my goal is to become the best professional executive assistant in Nigeria and across Africa. I know it’s a big dream, but I truly believe it’s achievable, and with the right guidance and support from VAAEN, I’m confident I can get there.

I’m focused on building and refining my skills as an executive assistant, and I know that the experience, resources, and training I gain through VAAEN will play a major role in helping me achieve this goal. I’m solid in my determination and 100% committed to becoming the best I can be.

Support & Needs

What support do you feel you need most right now to grow as a professional?

Right now, I feel the most valuable support would be mentorship and feedback from experienced professionals, helping me refine my skills and grow confidently in handling international clients. Access to advanced tools, templates, and productivity resources would also be a huge help, allowing me to streamline my work and manage multiple clients efficiently.

Finally, hands-on exposure to international client work would be invaluable; it would give me the experience I need to strengthen my communication, time management, and proactive problem-solving skills, all of which are essential for achieving my goal of becoming a top executive assistant.

Are there any specific areas where you feel the VAAEN membership could help you thrive (e.g., client acquisition, marketing, systems)?

I feel VAAEN can really help me thrive in client acquisition, especially with international clients, which is a key goal for me. It would also be invaluable in systems and productivity, giving me the tools and knowledge to streamline workflows and handle multiple clients efficiently.

Finally, support in marketing and personal branding would be a huge boost, helping me position myself effectively as a professional executive assistant and stand out in the competitive VA space.

What advice would you give other international VAs thinking about joining a U.S.-based network like VAAEN?

For my new VAs (she smiles) if you know what you want and you’re ready to go for it I’d say, go for an agency that has truly experienced it all with both new and seasoned VAs. I especially recommend Coach Teekwa. She’s patient, deeply experienced, and she genuinely knows her stuff.

You know how sometimes you need something but don’t even realize you do? Coach Teekwa is like that, a real-life fairy godmother who somehow knows exactly what you need, even before you do.

So, if you’re looking for an agency that’s structured, supportive, and genuinely invested in your growth, VAAEN is the ideal place to be.

Vision & Future Goals

Where do you see yourself in the next 12 months? What do you hope to have accomplished by the end of your internship?

In the next 12 months, I genuinely want to level up my communication skills and explore how my empathy can evolve into stronger conflict-resolution abilities. I also want to refine my professionalism to become that well-rounded virtual assistant with a structured, organized approach to client onboarding.

From crafting personalized pitches to smoothly onboarding clients, I want to build a system that feels professional, efficient, and authentic. By the end of my internship, I hope to have grown into the complete package, someone with both the heart and the structure for excellence.

How do you envision your ideal VA business—what services would you offer, and who would you serve?

My ideal executive assistant or virtual assistant business would focus on combining executive support with digital marketing. I believe we’re all selling something at some point, and telling the right story to the right audience is what truly makes the difference. That’s why I’d love to strengthen my skills in digital marketing; it complements my administrative and executive support abilities perfectly.

Eventually, I hope to niche down to a specific industry, though right now I’m still exploring different spaces to see where I fit best. My goal is to become an expert executive assistant who partners with executives at a high professional level, streamlining operations, improving business management, and helping them focus on what matters most.

For me, it’s about evolving over time while still offering structured, results-driven support that blends executive partnership, business operations, and digital marketing.

What legacy do you want to create through your work as a virtual assistant?

I want to be known for honesty. People often say “business people can’t always be trusted”, but I want to change that narrative through how I support businesses and individuals.

For me, being a virtual assistant isn’t just about completing tasks; it’s about respecting people’s time, effort, and livelihood. I want to build a legacy of professionalism rooted in integrity.

Productivity, efficiency, and time management are key, but honesty and truthfulness are the values that hold everything together. That’s the kind of professional I want to be remembered as, someone dependable, transparent, and deeply committed to doing things the right way.

Final Reflections

What has surprised you most about your VAAEN experience so far?

It’s definitely the leadership support. I’ll always praise Coach Teekwa because she’s an incredible leader. My journey has only just begun, and some might say it’s too early to tell, but I truly believe leadership is a lifestyle. You’re either a leader or you’re not, and Coach Teekwa truly embodies what great leadership looks like.

In one word, how would you describe your journey with VAAEN?

Promising 😊

Bridging Cultures, Breaking Barriers

Living in Nigeria while working with a U.S.-based organization has presented its share of challenges—unstable electricity, costly internet upgrades—but Endurance is finding solutions. She’s working toward securing reliable access (like Starlink) to improve her delivery for global clients.

While communication isn’t a barrier (English is her first language), she’s had to adjust to cultural norms like addressing leaders by first names. Her ability to adapt, learn, and grow with grace is inspiring.

Want to Be Like Endurance? Here’s How.

If you’re inspired by Endurance’s story and want to grow with VAAEN, we are actively seeking our next round of interns and volunteers. Here’s the difference:

Interns:

Must be an experienced VAAEN professional member, and have at least 1 year of experience in admin, customer service, or basic online tools

You’ll receive training, coaching, and real-world experience while building your VA business.

Must commit to 1 year of active participation while also receiving mentorship.

Volunteers:

Must be an experienced VAAEN professional member.

You are looking to give back and use your skills to help further our mission and vision.

Ideal for those who believe in the power of community and servant leadership.

To intern or volunteer with VAAEN, you must be a professional member of our network. This allows us to equip, train, and support you as you serve. It's a year-long commitment designed to elevate your skills while building your VA business.

We will announce when we are open for the next cohort of interns and volunteers in 2026. If you're ready to grow, give, and thrive—this is your moment!

Join the waitlist and apply here: https://vaaen.org/join-the-vaaen-community-team

Let’s build excellence together.