Businesses are exploring the next competitive advantage beyond digital transformation.
Global research and advisory firm Gartner Vice President and Fellow David Furlonger, who recently visited Manila in May, offered a strategic look at how enterprises are evolving by becoming autonomous businesses, where machines act independently to create and exchange value.
Gartner conducted sessions with SM Investments Corporation, the parent firm of the SM group, and the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) in partnership with the Nextgen Organization of Women Corporate Directors (NOWCD). Gartner noted a shift in the mindset of leaders who are no longer simply optimizing, but seeking ways to continuously evolve.
Some of the insights from these sessions are:
Disruptions you might not see coming in 2024 to 2029 Mr. Furlonger identified disruptions businesses are contending with today. These are Personalized Cinematic Experiences, Search Engine Optimization, Guardian Agents, Autonomous Drones, Software Defined Semiconductors, Gen AI Avatars, Energy Power Play and Water Scarcity.
He said there is a significant shift over the last 25 years where combinations of disruptions are joining together to make the complexity of the disruption much greater and their impacts and outcomes much harder to deal with.
AI as the Central Catalyst Gartner further said that artificial Intelligence has emerged as the most disruptive force over the next three years, cited by 77% of CEOs far outpacing other emerging technologies. Yet only 29% believe their businesses are structurally prepared for an AI-first world. This signals a major transformation gap.
AI is not just another tool in the tech stack, it is shaping how businesses make decisions, operate, and engage with both human and machine customers. But its real value depends on whether the organization can change its operating model to match the pace and capabilities AI enables.
Building Dynamic Capacity Mr. Furlonger introduced the concept of dynamic capacity, the ability for organizations to flex, scale, and pivot in response to change. This includes increasing or decreasing production, rebalancing workforces, reengineering supply chains, and acquiring or divesting assets all in real time.
This means designing businesses where human and machine collaboration is foundational, allowing companies to thrive in unpredictable markets.
From Digital to Autonomous Business He also highlighted a clear evolution of business maturity: from analog to e-business, to digital, and now toward autonomous business. This new model is defined by systems that can learn, act, adapt, and even transact independently.
Autonomous businesses will rely on four integrated pillars: autonomous operations, self-adjusting products, augmented leadership, and the emergence of machine customers. Together, these elements form a programmable economy where decisions are decentralized and made by intelligent agents.
Challenge: What’s the Real Change? Mr. Furlonger posed a critical question: AI is the tool—what’s the business change? He said that technology adoption alone is insufficient. What’s required is a reinvention of business itself that includes its structures, processes, and mindset. Organizations that stop at digital transformation will soon be overtaken. The next frontier demands intentional design for autonomy, adaptability, and AI-native.
Women, accounting for half of the labor force in the Philippines, are making waves in the business world, shattering glass ceilings. Next Generation of Women Corporate Directors (NOWCD) Chairman Aurora “Boots” Garcia recently said that the number of women directors in boards increased from 18% in 2020 to 21% in 2023, which shows progress. Hopefully, the numbers would still improve.
The NOWCD forum with the theme “Breaking Barriers: Women Leading in Business and Beyond” was held on June 23 at the BPI Wealth Lounge in Ayala Triangle Gardens. The keynote speaker was Mariana Zobel de Ayala, managing director of Ayala Corp., with powerhouse panelists Robina Gokongwei, chair of Robinsons Retail Holdings; Colonel Francel Padilla, spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP); and Dr. Jean Franco, professor at the University of the Philippines’ Department of Political Science. The forum was ably moderated by Julia Abad, executive director of the Far Eastern University Public Policy Center (FEU PPC).
At the forum, Patricia Basilio, FEU PPC data analyst, presented a research paper on gender attitudes. She said that progress has been made in advancing gender equality worldwide, but alarmingly, younger males are becoming more anti-feminist than their older counterparts and female peers.
In the Philippines, a college survey showed that many male college students view gender equality as a “burden” to business. The study also showed that the full potential of women in the workforce remains unrealized due to the presence of gender bias that often perpetuates stereotypes regarding workplace roles (for example, not all men want to be breadwinners, or not all women prefer to stay at home). Also, in both private businesses and the government, there is an underrepresentation of women. The concern is that if unchallenged, these students could carry these biases when they take leadership roles in the future. It is therefore important to engage young people at every opportunity, be it through schools, social media, families, and churches, among others, to help them shift away from their sexist attitudes before they harden.
Keynote speaker Ms. Mariana shared about her experiences in the Ayala Group. She highlighted standout Ayala women leaders like MeAnn Dy, the first woman president of Ayala Land, Inc.; Martha Sazon of GCash; executive vice-president Ginbee Go of BPI Consumer Banking; and Theresa Marcial, head of BPI Wealth.
AFP Spokesperson Francel spoke about her own difficult experiences in the male-dominated military sector. “You need to bring your own chair to get a seat at the table,” she said. Still, there is hope as technology is opening doors. Artificial intelligence is leveling the field, with women topping the military exams. How can men offer help? Her immediate response: “Just letting go. Give [them] a free hand.”
A number of women leaders were also present at the event: former Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Tess Herbosa, Maritess Pineda, KPMG’s Sharon Daoyon, Aboitiz InfraCapital President Cosette Canilao, Vanee Gosiengfiao of Sanofi, Philippine Bank of Communications President Patricia May Sy (her home made breads are so good!), Karen de Venecia, PLDT director Marife Zamora, and Karen Roa, president of Filipina CEO Circle, among others.
At my table was Karen Roa who recently completed her PhD in Leadership Studies from Ateneo despite having a full-time job as president of First Metro Asset Management. Even while at the top, one has to learn continuously. When I asked about her thesis, she responded: “The study explores the moral identity traits of Filipino finance executives and examines their influence on ethical leadership behavior. The findings revealed a distinct moral identity profile among Filipino finance leaders highlighting traits such as integrity fairness, responsibility, and respectfulness. However, regression analysis showed no significant relationship between moral identity traits and perceived ethical leadership behavior. This suggests that there is a moral identity within the Philippine context, but it doesn’t translate into observable ethical leadership in organizational settings.” A disconnect seems to exist — a sign that values must be clearly communicated, and reinforced by actions, systems and even culture.
Thank you to the amazing NOWCD Events team headed by Gianna Montinola, supported by Tere and her BPI Wealth Team who ensured quality service from parking, to greetings, to a wonderful lunch setup, and even tokens. Congratulations! Women power indeed!
The NOWCD event was inspiring, with excellent learnings not only from the speakers but the attendees as well. The forum is certainly a push forward towards NOWCD’s goal to develop women to become drivers of visionary and effectiveboards.
The views expressed herein are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of her office as well as FINEX.
June 24, 2025 – Makati City — Women leaders from various sectors came together on June 23 for the Breaking Barriers: Women Leading in Business and Beyond forum, an event organized by the Far Eastern University Public Policy Center (FEU PPC) in partnership with the NextGen Organization of Women Corporate Directors (NOWCD). Held at the BPI Wealth Lounge in Ayala Triangle Gardens Tower 2, the forum underscored the importance of inclusive leadership and empowering women across business, government, and academia.
The event opened with a keynote address by Mariana Zobel de Ayala, Managing Director of Ayala Corporation, who shared insights on navigating leadership roles in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. Her speech was introduced by Atty. Gianna Montinola, Trustee of FEU PPC.
A panel discussion followed, moderated by Julia Andrea Abad, Executive Director of FEU PPC. Panelists included Robina Gokongwei-Pe, Chair of Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc.; Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, Spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; and Dr. Jean Franco, Professor of Political Science at the University of the Philippines. Each shared their personal leadership journeys, highlighting the value of mentorship, inclusive policies, and the need to challenge traditional gender norms in male-dominated industries.
The forum also featured a research presentation by Thea Basilio, Data Analyst at FEU PPC, which provided a data-driven look at the current state of women’s leadership in the Philippines. Her presentation offered valuable context to the broader conversation, reinforcing the systemic challenges that continue to limit women’s participation in leadership roles.
In her closing remarks, NOWCD Chairperson Boots Geotina-Garcia emphasized the critical need for collaboration across sectors to accelerate gender equity. “This is more than a women’s issue,” she said. “It’s a leadership imperative.”
The Breaking Barriers forum marked another step forward in advancing inclusive leadership and opened up new conversations about how institutions can better support and prepare the next generation of women leaders.
