Tonya Thomas has spent more than two decades helping business leaders reclaim their time. As Founder & CEO of Team Delegate, she leads a virtual executive assistant service designed to reduce administrative overwhelm and help entrepreneurs focus on what matters most. Drawing on her early experience running The Small Office Assistant (2001–2019) and her deep industry expertise, Thomas has built a company rooted in professionalism, efficiency and personal service.
Tell us about your business.
Team Delegate is a fractional, U.S.-based executive assistant support service. We provide remote executive assistant support to small business owners and entrepreneurs, helping with everything from managing calendars and inboxes to travel and other administrative needs. We act as a right-hand support person so clients can focus their time on the most critical areas of their business.
What does “fractional” mean in this context?
It means clients can get personal support on a part-time, contractual basis. They don’t have to hire a full-time executive assistant.
How does Team Delegate distinguish itself from competitors?
I’ve been in this industry more than 20 years, since 2001. A lot of businesses like mine haven’t been around that long and don’t have that level of experience. Having been a virtual executive assistant myself, I understand the role deeply. I’ve been on both sides. That gives me an advantage in sourcing talent and understanding what clients need.
What keeps you going as an entrepreneur?
It’s the passion for helping people learn how to delegate. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, and I love what I do. I love helping people run their companies more effectively.
What is something you wish you knew when you started?
I started as a solo entrepreneur but later realized I wanted to scale. That was a huge step. When you’re solo, everything can live in your head. But when you expand, you need systems and processes. Even your marketing and sales approach changes because of volume. I wish I had understood that sooner.
Along with BDC Strategy Group, you’re part of the BOW Collective, a network of high-performing Black women entrepreneurs focused on scaling through capital, communications and contracts. How have you benefited from that connection?
There’s a lot of education around how to run and scale a business, and the relationships are huge. People are open, willing to help and to provide advice and resources. Having that kind of community when you’re running a business is just invaluable.
