May Ann S. laughs when she remembers how her client described their working relationship: she was their “guinea pig.” As the company’s first Virtual Employee and HireSmart’s first placement with them, neither side knew exactly what they were doing. Fourteen months later, Ann leads a team of five and holds the title “Ate Ann” (pronounced “AH-teh” not “eight”) — meaning “big sister” to teammates who now benefit from the path she helped forge. 

When Ann joined the company in October 2023, her interview stretched well beyond its planned 30 minutes. 

“I’ve always believed you can tell a great fit by the quality of their questions, and Ann asked all the right ones,” the client said. 

As the pioneer VE, Ann played a pivotal role helping the company build its training process. Her thoroughness and attention to detail made the onboarding program stronger for every VE who came after. Because of her exceptional performance, the company expanded from one VE to five. She was recently promoted to Senior Data Miner, overseeing quality control, onboarding new team members, and working across multiple lines of business. 

Ann said she didn’t expect HireSmart’s 2025 Team Award, which was announced by HireSmart Co-founder Anne Lackey at the company Christmas Party in December. 

“When Anne called me, I was really shocked,” she said. “I already told my client, thank you so much for the good words that you put for me. It’s already enough for me.” 

For Ann, the award carries responsibility to help newcomers align their work with client goals and show them how to function as a team despite working on different tasks. 

Her client observed that for someone who describes herself as shy, Ann has a natural ability to lead through kindness, patience, and positivity, setting the tone by modeling excellence daily. She also recognizes the value in being completely forthright when she makes a mistake. 

One morning, Ann overslept. She was 17 minutes late, and her client wasn’t even online to notice. She messaged him anyway. 

“I really overslept,” she said. “And then he told me that if I didn’t tell him that I was late, he wouldn’t know. And I think that’s the turning point where I somehow earned his trust, because even if he doesn’t know, I told him I am late.” 

Her client told her to simply add 17 minutes to the end of her shift. 

“I was thinking, this will be deducted from my day, and it should be deducted because I am late,” she said. “And he told me just extend 17 minutes and you’re still eight hours in my book.” 

40 DAYS IN TRAFFIC 

After more than a decade in Manila’s BPO industry across food delivery, telecommunications, and energy accounts, Ann did the math on her three-to-four-hour daily commute. 

“I realized that in a year, I spent 40 days for traveling,” she said. “I thought to myself, those 40 days I can spend with my family or with just myself resting, and that’s what led me to apply to HireSmart.” 

She researched extensively before applying, watching TikTok videos and attending live streams to vet the company. She chose an agency over direct clients to maintain a sense of company structure. 

“I still want to hold on to the feeling that I’m part of the company, right? I have colleagues, I have boss, I have HR, so that it won’t be a true detachment from BPO call center setting,” she said. 

Ann’s role involves data mining for internet and TV services. The most challenging part? Finding the right person when there are hundreds of John Williams in the States. She maintains transparency about challenges in her daily close-of-business emails, collaborating with her client to solve problems. 

Ann advises new virtual employees to be open to new experiences. 

“Don’t be afraid to try new things,” Ann said. “I’ve been with HireSmart with no knowledge at all about being a VA, who would be my client, how can I speak with my clients.” 

Her key advice? Ask questions. 

“Don’t be afraid to ask your client about anything,” she said. “It is better to do it right the first time. We have all the liberty to ask, to ask for guidance. There are also times that we get confused. We need some guidance as well. So it is important to have good, clear and concise communication with your client.” 

BUILDING A LEGACY 

Ann is married with two children — Kyle, graduating college this May, and Kate, entering college. When not working, she enjoys diamond painting, a craft involving small beads that create artwork. 

Five years from now, Ann pictures herself exactly where she is. 

“I still picture myself working with my client under HireSmart,” she said. “They’re the very best people. I don’t know I can put up any more good words for them.” 

Her hopes extend beyond her own career. She wants good things for her fellow VEs. 

“I also want them to experience what I experienced with my client,” she said of her four teammates. “I also want my other four VEs to be with the company for years to come.” 

HireSmart Virtual Employees connects U.S. clients with talented Filipino professionals like Ann who bring integrity, leadership, and commitment to building something meaningful. Ann’s journey from solo pioneer to Team Award winner demonstrates how the right partnership can transform both individuals and organizations. 

If you’re interested in finding an employee like Ann for your team, click here to schedule a free consultation at your convenience. 

If this environment of personal development and genuine support sounds like the right place for you, click here to apply to HireSmart Virtual Employees.