About Sherpa VA
Based in the heart of Marlow, Sherpa VA provides high-impact operational support and executive administration to busy professionals, solopreneurs, and scaling businesses across Buckinghamshire and beyond.
Running a business is a significant climb, but you do not have to carry the weight alone. I specialise in streamlining internal processes, auditing software applications, and managing complex projects. My goal is to build the calm, robust structures your business needs, giving you the operational freedom to focus entirely on the view from the top.
About the founder
Hi, I’m Nick, the founder of Sherpa VA.
Before becoming a virtual assistant, I spent 10 years as a headteacher leading special needs schools. When you have managed the complex logistics of a school while supporting students with autism, ADHD and dyslexia, you learn two things very quickly: how to stay calm in a crisis and the importance of genuine kindness.
I founded Sherpa VA to bring that same level of stability, integrity and understanding to business owners.
My background is a unique blend of the scientific and the human. With a degree in psychology and media, and early roots as a science teacher, I approach problems with a detail-oriented, analytical mind. However, my time in customer service taught me that efficiency means nothing without a personal, caring touch.
From education leadership to business partnership
After 20 years in education, including 10 years in Headship across both the maintained and independent sectors, I decided to chart a course to a new peak. My goal was to create a more flexible working life that would allow me to continue using my skills and experience to help people grow and succeed, whilst having more time to pursue my creative passions and spend quality time with family and friends.
My experience includes not only running, but opening and setting up a new school. Having built a school from the ground up, designing all operational systems, establishing rigorous compliance frameworks, and leading teams through major growth. designing all operational systems, establishing rigorous compliance frameworks, and leading teams through major growth.
Having worn every single business hat, I intimately understand the executive load that small business owners carry being the business manager, HR, marketing, admin, customer service, health and safety, CPD, compliance officer, IT systems manager, head of communications...
I know what it takes to scale sustainably. Today, I partner with businesses, such as clinical practices and specialised educational consultancies, to translate their big-picture goals into structured, daily realities.
Whether you need to refine your workflows, manage a system migration, or plan your next phase of growth, I provide the strategic oversight and meticulous execution required to reach your next peak.
How my experience benefits your business
Strategic Communication
Clear communication is the compass of any successful project. With 20 years of experience in schools and leadership, I am an expert at navigating high-pressure environments where calm, sound judgment and communication is essential.
How this helps your business:
I act as a professional extension of your brand, capable of handling sensitive stakeholder interactions with empathy and producing high-quality written reports that turn complex data into actionable insights.
Planning, Research & Project Delivery
I don’t just manage tasks; I deliver legacies. My background includes building evidence-based curricula from the ground up; initiatives that required deep research, periodic adjustment and a focus on long-term outcomes. I am a specialist at taking a vision and breaking it down into a time-sensitive, manageable project.
How this helps your business:
I bring an outcome-driven approach to your operations. Whether you need market research or the implementation of a new service, I juggle multiple priorities independently while ensuring every milestone is met.
Advanced Digital Administration
I view administration as the engine room of business growth. I am highly proficient in Microsoft office suite and Google workspace applications, using these tools to streamline workflows and maintain a consistent brand ethos. My approach to data is analytical; I don't just "fill in" spreadsheets, I use excel and CRM systems to evaluate performance and support high-quality service delivery.
How this helps your business:
You gain a tech-savvy partner who ensures your data is accurate, your documents are professional and your systems are working for you, not against you.
Organisational Agility
In a school environment, the pace is relentless, teachers make an average of 3–4 decisions per minute. I have spent two decades honing the ability to manage competing priorities simultaneously without losing sight of the details. I thrive in dynamic settings where resources must be accessed quickly and systems must be foolproof.
How this helps your business:
I bring that "classroom-ready" level of planning and organisation to your business. I handle the mental load of scheduling and logistics, allowing you to prioritise your core operations.
Empathetic Leadership & Support
I have over 10 years of experience recruiting, onboarding and training teams, often taking individuals with no prior experience and helping them flourish. I understand the human element of business and the importance of nurturing professional relationships.
How this helps your business:
If you are looking to scale, I can help you make decisions about your team, refine your onboarding processes or provide the steady, mentorship-style support you need as a founder to navigate the challenges of growth.