What I Do Now

I am a founder of Kayana Virtual Assistants, The Topaz Group, and a partner in several real estate ventures.  My role spans overseeing AI-driven staffing solutions that connect Philippine Virtual Assistants, developing innovative solutions using modern outsourcing, data, and process automation, and AI, and helping steer and grow a multifamily real estate platform with over 1,000 units.

We utilize advanced AI to connect entrepreneurs and professionals worldwide with skilled virtual assistants from the Philippines. 

We focus on real estate opportunities that promise value, from agricultural lands to multifamily units, leveraging market trends to secure profitable outcomes. 

A network of top-tier therapists providing mental health services, supporting large health organizations, and contributing to child-centered mental health causes. 

This platform is dedicated to rethinking the viability of last-mile retail by investing in small, necessity-oriented shopping centers designed to withstand the evolving e-commerce landscape. 

Life Purpose

My business philosophy is fundamentally about creating and nurturing opportunities that allow people to flourish- making things easier, more efficient, and more fulfilling. This principle has guided my career and continues to shape my daily decisions. I like to travel, work, and connect with people from other places.  It’s about making meaningful impacts, not just pursuing profits.  My passion for these things and my interest in sharing led me to find The Can-do CEO brand. 

How I Spend My Days

Supervision: I maintain close communication with leadership teams across my businesses, from strategic reviews to regular updates that keep our goals aligned and our actions accountable.   

Special Projects: I tackle key initiatives ranging from leadership transitions to launching new ventures, always with a strategic eye and a commitment to long-term value. 

Learning and Investing: I wake up every morning, read 3 newspapers, and check the markets.  Most of my career growth has come from reading up on companies that I find promising (and hopefully cheap) and putting my money where my mouth is.   There is no better teaching device than losing money.   I enjoy listening to podcasts that challenge my frame of mind.   I’m a hands-on learner, so I like tinkering.  I try to take on projects that can become something much more meaningful.   

Free Time: I practice playing the cello and play games with friends.  I have four kids, so much of my free time involves time with them in their pursuits – music, sports, and video games.  

Professional Journey

My career began in finance and strategy, with each role and company building on the latter to deepen my expertise in technology, real estate, and business operations. For most of my professional career, I controlled my time, but I had the most latitude to pursue business opportunities working for the Marcus family in Milwaukee and being head of their family office, Marcus Investments.   The journey from an analyst in New York to the head of multiple innovative companies has been driven by curiosity, a deep commitment to learning, and adaptation. 

The Future

As I look to the future, I focus on nurturing the enterprises I’ve started and supporting new ones seeking to make substantial impacts in their industries. My goal is to enhance the capabilities of my teams and extend our reach responsibly and effectively.  I am always willing to discuss modern outsourcing, data and process automation, and AI.