In this open interview in Partner World Asia 2025 Conference, Daily Sparkz sits down with Jay YapCEO and founder of Leadspring.
Jay talks about his journey from a humble start as a virtual assistant (VA) to a seven-figure SEO affiliate marketer and investor.
The discussion covers his professional development, strategies for navigating the ever-changing SEO landscape, and his personal philosophies on success, wealth, and life.
Jay’s Journey: From VA to SEO Expert
Jay’s path to success began in an unexpected way. He started as a virtual assistant on Upwork, building backlinks for a “sex toy” company, even though he didn’t know what SEO was at the time.
From there, Jay worked for Kurt Phillip of Convertica and eventually became Leadspring’s first virtual assistant.
Jay’s attitude was the key to his success – he always asked himself, “What else can I do?” His proactive approach helped him rise from VA to project manager, then to partner, and finally to CEO of Leadspring.
His relationship with Matt Diggity, a prominent SEO personality, played a huge role in his success, which was based on trust and hard work and which he sees as a “shortcut” to his achievements.
Navigating Google Updates and the Rise of AI in Search Engine Optimization
Jay talks about the impact of Google updates and the rise of AI on affiliate websites. He admits that Leadspring’s websites have been “hit hard” by some updates.
There was fear and uncertainty at first, but Jay emphasizes that the company’s ability to adapt and embrace change helped him weather the storm.
To recover, Leadspring shifted its focus from pure affiliate marketing to a broader strategy that included lead generation, e-commerce, and JV partnerships.
They also diversified traffic sources, using YouTube videos for high-priced products and implementing paid advertising (PPC) to increase sales.
Wealth creation and investment strategies
Jay reveals that Leadspring now generates monthly revenue in the mid-five figures. In addition to his affiliate business, his personal agency, founded last year, is reported to generate $600,000 in annual revenue.
A significant portion of Jay’s wealth comes from investments in assets such as gold and cryptocurrency.
He shares that he made a seven-figure investment in cryptocurrencies as he sees it as a calculated risk due to the global shift towards digitalization and tokenization.
“Cryptocurrency is the future. It is a global change and I believe in its long-term potential.”
Mindset for success and daily habits
Jay emphasizes the importance of concentration. He warns would-be entrepreneurs about “shiny object syndrome,” advising them to focus on one thing, master it, and then “double their efforts” before moving on to something else.
His success is also based on strong routines. Jay wakes up at 5:30 a.m. every day and follows a strict morning routine that includes meditation, stretching, and a few hours of uninterrupted work.
To deal with stress, he practices box breathing and meditation and advocates the need to retreat from stressful situations.
“The key to success isn’t just about hard work – it’s about being disciplined and managing your energy.”
Personal reflections and lessons learned
When asked about his biggest regret, Jay admits that he wished he had gotten his life together sooner.
He believes he wasted valuable years in his youth and now sees those years as wasted time on his path to personal development.
He also points out that there are downsides to being well known in the industry, particularly the constant requests for favors without anything in return.
However, the greatest compliment he ever received came from his father, who told him that he had “achieved beyond his expectations,” especially after he dropped out of college – a feeling that meant even more to him, given that he comes from an Asian family that values education.
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
This quote tattooed on his arm serves as a reminder to Jay Take risks and pursue your goals with full commitment.
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Final advice for aspiring entrepreneurs
Jay’s biggest piece of advice is to not be afraid of change.
In the fast-paced world of SEO and digital marketing, success can make people feel comfortable, but to stay on top, entrepreneurs must be willing to adapt quickly, especially with the rise of AI in the industry.
“The digital landscape is constantly changing. Those who don’t adapt will be left behind.”
