7 - Tech Meets Talent: The Modern Path to Entrepreneurial Success
From Grit to Growth: Renee Hastings on Building a Tech-Forward Business with Heart
In this episode of Bridging Success, host Bo Jakins sits down with Renee Hastings, President and CEO of Executive Help Now, to explore her remarkable journey from humble beginnings to leading a thriving virtual assistant firm. What began as a side hustle has evolved into a dynamic service agency powered by AI, systems thinking, and strong values. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, executives, and operations leaders looking to blend personal purpose with modern tools for scalable success.
Leading with Purpose, Powered by Technology
Renee’s story is grounded in resilience. Raised in a family that instilled work ethic and integrity, she entered the workforce early, juggling motherhood, education, and multiple jobs. Those early experiences shaped how she built Executive Help Now—with an unwavering commitment to excellence, even in the face of obstacles. She shares how the business transitioned from administrative support into a full-service remote operations hub, offering everything from podcast production to social media and tech stack optimization. Her mindset? Start small, listen deeply, and stay ready to evolve.
Technology is central to Renee’s business model. Platforms like Slack and ClickUp support internal operations, while AI tools such as ChatGPT elevate responsiveness and scalability. Rather than fearing automation, Renee embraces it—viewing AI as a teammate that enables her lean team to deliver enterprise-level results. She also emphasizes the importance of data privacy, ethical AI use, and staying current with trends. The key, she says, is training people as much as you train your systems.
What stands out is Renee’s focus on aligning business with individual strengths. She encourages founders and professionals alike to recognize their unique skills and turn them into scalable solutions. Her passion for community shows up not only in her client work, but also in her podcast Renee Speaks, where she amplifies stories of business growth and practical wisdom. Her philosophy is simple but powerful: stay authentic, stay innovative, and serve people well.
About Renee Hastings
Renee Hastings is the President and CEO of Executive Help Now, a virtual assistant and remote operations firm helping entrepreneurs and organizations stay organized, visible, and competitive. With a background in administrative support, business development, and tech enablement, Renee leads with heart and a sharp eye for efficiency.
About Executive Help Now
Executive Help Now provides virtual assistant services, podcast production, content support, and operations strategy for small businesses and service-based entrepreneurs. Known for combining high-touch service with AI-powered efficiency, the company helps clients delegate with confidence and scale with ease.
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Key Highlights from the Episode
Renee’s transition from side hustle to full-time business owner
How platforms like ClickUp and ChatGPT streamline service delivery
The importance of aligning your business with your personal values
Why AI adoption is a competitive advantage for lean teams
Practical advice for recognizing and leveraging your unique strengths
Conclusion
Renee Hastings shows us that success isn’t about having all the answers—it's about staying grounded in your values while staying open to what’s next. Her story blends hustle, humility, and innovation, offering inspiration for anyone building a business in today’s fast-moving, tech-enabled world.
Looking to build a smarter, more efficient business using strategy and systems? Explore how BridgeNet Technology Consultants helps leaders implement scalable solutions that drive results.
Have a story like Renee’s to share? Apply to be a guest on Bridging Success.
