Chinkee Tan Interviews Ms. Katherine Padilla: A Remarkable Journey from Corporate to Freelancing Success

In a surprising and heartfelt moment during a recent virtual event, Sir Chinkee Tan, one of the Philippines’ most influential wealth coaches and motivational speakers, spotlighted Ms. Katherine Padilla, the co-founder of the School of Virtual Assistance (SOVA) and founder of Katvantage Outsourcing. Ms. Katherine Padilla shared her inspiring journey of transitioning from corporate life to becoming a trailblazer in the freelancing and entrepreneurial space.

From Corporate Beginnings to Entrepreneurial Excellence

Ms. Katherine Padilla, fondly known as Coach Katherine, began her career as a sales and marketing manager at Waterfront Hotel. In 2014, she and her husband, Coach Leandro Padilla, took a bold leap by leaving their day jobs to start an e-commerce makeup store. Just six months after its launch, their business was featured in Forbes, marking a significant milestone. This success paved the way for other ventures, including delivery services, a physical cake shop, and the establishment of SOVA in Cebu.

SOVA: A Hub for Virtual Assistance Training

The School of Virtual Assistance (SOVA), co-founded by Coach Kath and Coach Leandro, has become a premier institution for aspiring freelancers. SOVA offers comprehensive training courses designed to equip students with in-demand skills. Coach Kath is the main instructor for the General Virtual Assistant training course, while Coach Leandro, who is also the founder of PinoySEO.ph, specializes in SEO and WordPress training.

PinoySEO.ph is a trusted platform offering SEO training courses, and through this collaboration, SOVA has become a hub of knowledge and mentorship for Filipino freelancers. The institution stands as a testament to the Padillas’ dedication to empowering others to achieve financial independence and career growth.

Starting Small and Thinking Big

Reflecting on her entrepreneurial journey, Coach Kath revealed that their initial e-commerce venture started with a modest capital of less than one thousand pesos. Leveraging her husband’s expertise in web design and SEO, they created a simple website and utilized dropshipping to minimize costs. With no warehouse, branding, or products on hand, the couple demonstrated that creativity, resourcefulness, and determination are key to success.

Freelancing as a Gateway to Opportunities

Today, Coach Katherine is a vocal advocate for freelancing, highlighting its potential as a low-capital pathway to financial freedom. She frequently emphasizes the importance of strategy (diskarte), courage, and a growth mindset. “No matter how many tools are available, if you don’t have the willingness to learn and the mindset to invest in growth, nothing will happen,” she shared.

A Heartfelt Reflection

In a heartfelt social media post following the event, Coach Kath expressed her gratitude and excitement:

“One of the Best 3 Minutes of My Life! 😍 God truly has a mysterious way of making our hearts kilig! Thank you jud kaayo, Lord! ❤️ I’ve been following Sir Chinkee Tan for a while now, and I even have his books. So imagine my surprise when, out of almost 400 participants, he called out my name to share my freelancing journey.

At the end of my story, I emphasized this: yes, freelancing offers countless opportunities to earn. But diskarte is key. Find a mentor, and if you’re blessed, find a good partner—I’m so grateful I found mine, awww Rene Leandro Padilla hahaha!

Freelancing isn’t easy. Standing out takes grit, resilience, and a lot of prayers. But keep fighting, keep learning, and keep moving forward. The hard work you put in today will pay off tomorrow. Plant the right seeds, and you’ll reap the rewards.

Thank you, Sir Chinkee, for giving me that wonderful opportunity. It was truly one of the best 3 minutes of my life!”

Our Very Own Coach Katherine

At SOVA, Coach Kath continues to inspire students with her unwavering dedication and passion for teaching. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of vision, hard work, and faith. Under her guidance and the expertise of Coach Leandro, SOVA has become a beacon of hope and success for countless Filipinos aiming to thrive in the freelancing industry.

Her journey reminds us all that with the right mindset, support system, and determination, success is within reach. SOVA and its mentors stand ready to guide aspiring freelancers every step of the way.

Want to hear Coach Katherine share her story firsthand? Watch the interview below and be inspired by her incredible journey!

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Chinkee Tan Interviews Coach Kathy Padilla: A Remarkable Journey from Corporate to Freelancing Success

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