When Vlasta Eriksson attended the EVS Level Up Conference, she expected to come away with new ideas, valuable connections, and a few lessons to help strengthen her business.

What she did not expect was to receive the CEO of the Year Award.

And she certainly did not expect to be moved to tears.

During the awards ceremony, Vlasta was announced as the recipient of the recognition, which celebrates leaders who make a positive impact on their teams, organisations, and communities.

However, the most meaningful moment of the evening was not hearing her name called.

It was hearing the nomination message submitted by Aisa Masdo, her virtual assistant.

Aisa joined Signature Staff almost a year ago through Empowering Virtual Solution (EVS), an organisation that connects businesses with highly skilled professionals from the Philippines. Since then, she has become an integral part of the team, working closely with Vlasta and supporting the day-to-day operations of the business.

In her nomination video, Aisa described Vlasta as a leader who inspires those around her.

“Vlasta deserves to be CEO of the Year because she is a natural-born leader,” Aisa said. “She is very supportive and guides us every step of the way. She provides constructive feedback and makes sure that everyone feels like family at Signature Staff.”

Aisa also highlighted the impact Vlasta has both within the business and throughout the wider community.

“She is changing lives by connecting the right people to the right opportunities. She has a natural instinct for identifying the right candidate for a specific role and is setting the standard in recruitment.”

For Vlasta, hearing those words was an emotional moment.

After nearly three decades of leading businesses, developing teams, and helping thousands of people find employment opportunities, the recognition carried special meaning because it came from someone who had experienced her leadership firsthand.

“Sometimes we become so focused on growth, targets, and results that we forget the impact we can have on other people’s lives,” Vlasta reflected after the ceremony. “Hearing Aisa’s message reminded me why I started this journey in the first place.”

Since founding Signature Staff in 1998, Vlasta has built a reputation based on strong relationships, trust, and a genuine commitment to people. For her, every placement has always represented far more than simply filling a position.

Behind every opportunity is a person, a family, and the potential to change a life.

That is why, beyond the award itself, the moment served as a powerful reminder of what leadership truly means.

It is not only about achieving goals or growing a business.

It is about creating opportunities, helping others develop, and making a positive difference that extends beyond the workplace.

And sometimes, that impact is reflected in the words of someone whose life has been touched by that leadership.

For Vlasta, hearing Aisa’s message was exactly that—a reminder that true success is measured not only by business results, but also by the people who grow alongside us on the journey.