Meet Swasi-Ann Bradley

 

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Swasi-Ann Bradley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Swasi-Ann , so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

Being the only one in the room used to make me question if I belonged. But building my business gave me confidence because I had to show up, speak up, and lead, even when no one looked like me.

I learned to stop shrinking just to make others comfortable. I stopped trying to blend in and started letting my voice, perspective, and presence lead. I realized that what made me different wasn’t something to hide, it was exactly why I was needed in the room.

When you’re the only one, you have two choices: dim your light or let it shine anyway.
I chose to shine. And in doing that, I found success not by becoming someone else, but by standing fully in who I am.

Now, when I walk into rooms where I’m the only one, I don’t wait for permission. And I make sure the next person behind me knows they belong there too, by encouraging them to show up.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

What I Do and What Makes It Special:

My name is Swasiann Bradley, and I’m the founder of GJI Elite Assist, where I provide executive support and visibility services for purpose-driven entrepreneurs, small business owners, and visionary women who are building something bigger than themselves.

What makes my work special is that I don’t just help people “stay organized” I help them stay visible, consistent, and supported in the areas that matter most to their growth. I bring calm to the chaos. I take things off their plate. I help them build systems that feel like peace, not pressure.

At GJI Elite Assist, I support everything from digital organization and inbox management to social media content strategy, email marketing, client onboarding, and task coordination. But beyond the task list, I create space for my clients to breathe, to lead, and to grow without burning out.

I know what it’s like to build something while being a mom, working full-time, managing responsibilities, and still trying to show up online. I know what it’s like to be the only one in the room. That’s why my business is built on values, faith, excellence, clarity, and care.

This past year, I officially celebrated the one-year anniversary of launching GJI Elite Assist LLC. I’m currently expanding my services, building out digital content products, and preparing for my official ribbon-cutting celebration on August 21st, a major milestone for me as a solo founder. I’m also growing my local visibility in the Utica/Mohawk Valley area through community support, and partnerships that uplift purpose driven leaders.

Long term, I would love to be a mentor to other women building their own VA or online service-based businesses. I know how powerful it is to have someone walk alongside you while you’re figuring it all out.
My journey has been full of lessons, and I want to help others navigate theirs with less overwhelm, more confidence, and a clear plan forward.

GJI Elite Assist isn’t just a business, it’s a bridge. A bridge to structure. A bridge to visibility. A bridge to peace. And I’m honored to support the women and leaders walking across it.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Self-trust
You have to believe in your ability to figure things out even before anyone else does.
Starting GJI Elite Assist required me to move even when I didn’t have every answer. I had to trust that my work, my voice, and my pace were enough.

Advice: Practice listening to your own gut. Start by making small decisions confidently. Self-trust is a muscle you build it by using it.

Networking as an Introvert
As someone who naturally prefers quiet and intentional spaces, networking didn’t come easy. But I learned that building relationships isn’t about being loud it’s about being authentic. Some of the biggest opportunities in my journey came from simply showing up, being curious, and offering support.

Advice: Redefine networking as connecting. Start with one person, one conversation. Let your presence speak louder than pressure.

Systems & Time Management
Juggling full-time work and building a business demanded structure. Learning how to manage my time, streamline tasks, and stay organized was the difference between burnout and balance.

Advice: Don’t wait until things feel chaotic to create a system. Start now. Use tools that work for you not against you.

Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?

My ideal client is a purpose-driven entrepreneur or consultant, often a coach, creative, or service-based business owner who’s deeply committed to their work but overwhelmed by the day-to-day tasks that keep them from showing up fully.

They’re not looking for just a checklist assistant, they want a strategic partner. Someone who sees the bigger picture, brings clarity to the chaos, and helps them stay consistent in both visibility and operations.

I also love working with mission-driven founders and CEOs who are building something bigger than themselves, whether it’s a nonprofit, a growing team, or a community-centered brand. They know they can’t scale without strong systems and trusted support.

My ideal clients value communication, integrity, and collaboration. They’re building something meaningful and know they can’t do it all alone.

The best clients I’ve worked with trust me to support their mission and respect the behind-the-scenes work it takes to keep their business moving forward. They’re open, honest, and ready to delegate with intention, so they can stay in their zone of genius.

If you’re growing, vision-led, and tired of doing it all yourself, you’re my kind of client.

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