I didn’t set out to become an Online Business Manager. In fact, if you’d asked me just over a year ago what an OBM was, I’d have met you with a blank stare. But here I am – running my own business, helping other entrepreneurs take control of theirs, and knowing (without a doubt) that I made the right decision.

So how did I get here? Let’s rewind a little.

A crossroads moment

Like all of my career pivots, this one wasn’t planned. For years, I had always been employed—working in investment banking, corporate fundraising and corporate social responsibility. I’d built a career in fast-paced, high-pressure environments, and while the experience was invaluable, it was time for change.

Then life threw a curveball. My personal circumstances changed. I needed to be at home more. At then also came the backlash against hybrid working —companies pushing employees back into the offices five days a week, with long, stressful and expensive commutes to boot. The traditional 9-5 (or more like 7-7 in my case) wasn’t going to cut it anymore. It’s not for me.

So now what?

I knew one thing for certain—I wanted to work for myself. I wanted control over my time, my work and my lifestyle. I wanted build something for myself. But I had no idea what that actually looked like.

At first, I explored becoming a Virtual Assistant. It seemed like a logical step, but as I researched, something didn’t quite stick. The role didn’t fully click with my skills or the level of strategic input I knew I could offer.

Then, I stumbled across the term Online Business Manager. 

A lightbulb moment

The more I read about OBMs, the more I felt that butterfly feeling in my stomach—you know, the one that tells you this might be it. The role blended everything I am good at: strategy, project management, problem-solving, communication and empathy. It’s not just about supporting business owners; it’s about helping them grow and thrive.

In the UK, OBMs are still relatively unknown. Most people I speak to have never heard of it, which means there’s a lot of explanation to do. But I’m fine with that. It feels like an opportunity to carve out my own place in an emerging industry.

A steep learning curve (and the self-doubt)

Of course, deciding to become an OBM and actually becoming one are two very different things. I needed training, structure and the right skill sets. So I threw myself into it—completing two rigorous OBM accreditations, refining my skills and learning everything I could about creating value for my clients.

And yes, I did two OBM programmes. At the same time. It wasn’t my intention at first—it happened on impulse. But something was nagging at me that this was what I needed to do. And when I get an idea like that, I tend to run with it. 

Both programmes aimed to simulate real-life scenarios as closely as possible—just like the situations I face with clients. And they did that very well. They complemented each other perfectly, adding layers of depth to my expertise. 

The skills that changed everything

Going through these programmes wasn’t just about theory—it was about applying what I learned in real, practical ways.

→ Finding answers on my own. As an OBM, no one hands you a step-by-step manual. You have to problem-solve, research and embrace a ‘figure-it-out’ mentality. The training pushed me to do just that.

→ Getting comfortable with discomfort. Growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones. There are plenty of moments where I don’t know how to approach a situation, but that’s exactly the kind of challenge OBM training prepares you for.

→ Real-world readiness. No matter how much you prepare, in the real world, there will always be situations where you don’t know what to do. OBM training isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about knowing how to find them.

An ‘aha’ moment?

Well, there wasn’t one. Instead, there was a slow and steady realisation that yes, I can do this. And not only can I do this—I actually want to do this. The doubts got quieter, the confidence grew and I started to see how everything I had learned could be put into practice to help real businesses thrive.

The future is bright

2024 was about laying the foundations. Now, I’m focused on building, growing and helping other business owners do the same.

I lead the operational side of your business – so you don’t have to!