IESE Business School x ZMG Group Event on Strategy and Execution
IESE x ZMG Group Event Explores Turning Strategy Into Execution
Business leaders, executives, and professionals gathered in Makati City for the IESE x ZMG Group event, a morning session focused on one of the most pressing challenges in modern organizations: how to turn strategy into measurable execution.
Organized by ZMG Group in collaboration with IESE Business School, the event “From Strategy to Implementation Through Strategic Project Management” brought together industry practitioners and thought leaders to discuss leadership, innovation, and effective strategy execution.
Held on March 3, 2026 at the JMZ Center in the Athenaeum Building in Makati City, this executive networking event created a space for meaningful dialogue between senior leaders, executives, and business leaders across industries seeking to strengthen organizational performance through better strategic alignment.
Opening the IESE x ZMG Group Event
The program opened with welcoming remarks from Toni Aguilar, Associate Director for Business Development at Asia Select, Inc., who set the tone for the morning by highlighting the purpose of the gathering. The session focused on exploring how organizations can bridge the gap between strategy formulation and real-world implementation.
Attendees began the morning with registration and networking, exchanging introductions and insights with fellow professionals before the formal program began. The collaborative atmosphere reflected the event’s goal of bringing together individuals from different industries who share a commitment to leadership and innovation.
The event was formally opened by Regina Zulueta-Perlas, Group CEO of the ZMG Group and concurrently the President and CEO of ZMG Ward Howell and Asia Select. In her remarks, she highlighted the importance of aligning people, processes, and leadership in order to successfully execute strategy in today’s rapidly changing business environment.
Her message emphasized the broader vision behind the ZMG Group’s collaboration with IESE Business School. The goal was to create conversations that help organizations translate strategic thinking into tangible impact.
Highlight from the Strategic Forum
The event featured a keynote presentation by Professor Jaume Ribera, Professor Emeritus in Operations, Information, and Technology at IESE Business School.
Professor Ribera’s session engaged participants with his expertise in strategic leadership and project management, providing valuable perspectives for executives and organizational leaders. Attendees had the opportunity to hear from a thought leader renowned for bridging theories and practical application in operations and corporate strategy.
The keynote reinforced the importance of translating strategy into action and fostering disciplined execution within organizations, leaving the audience inspired to apply these principles in their own leadership roles.
Industry Perspectives from the Panel Discussion
Following the keynote presentation, the program transitioned into a panel discussion moderated by Raymond Hicks, Associate Director at ZMG Ward Howell.
The panel featured respected leaders from different sectors who shared practical experience in implementing strategy within complex organizations.
Panelists included:
- John Baluyot, CEO and Co-Founder of Positive Workplaces
- Beatrice Teves, HR leader recognized for talent and leadership development across Asia
- Kit Cutler, President of Rellatrix and former procurement leader at major technology firms
The discussion focused on how organizations can align leadership, talent strategies, and operational processes to support long-term strategic goals.
Panelists highlighted the importance of building cultures that support innovation, empowering teams to work in agile environments, and maintaining strong leadership alignment during periods of transformation.
The conversation also reinforced the value of strategic project management frameworks in ensuring that business objectives are translated into clear initiatives and measurable outcomes.
Executive Networking and Collaboration Opportunities
A key component of the executive networking event was the opportunity for participants to connect with peers and experts throughout the session.
Before and after the formal program, attendees engaged in discussions about leadership challenges, project execution strategies, and emerging business trends. These interactions reinforced the collaborative spirit of the event and reflected its broader mission.
By convening leaders across industries, the session facilitated practical conversations that sharpen how organizations execute strategy in real-world settings.
Strengthening Leadership Through Collaboration
The success of the strategic forum demonstrates the growing demand for conversations that bridge academic insights with operational leadership challenges.
Through the partnership between IESE Business School and ZMG Group, participants gained valuable frameworks and perspectives that can help organizations navigate the complexities of strategy implementation.
From Professor Ribera’s keynote on strategic project management to the panel discussion featuring industry practitioners, the session provided leaders with actionable insights on aligning three main things: strategy, people, and execution.
As organizations continue to operate in an environment defined by rapid technological change and evolving business models, initiatives like this serve as an important platform for strategic insight, cross-industry collaboration, and the development of leadership capabilities.
With strong engagement and meaningful dialogue throughout, the event set the stage for ongoing collaboration and future leadership conversations; not just between IESE Business School and ZMG Group, but also among organizations looking to strengthen their leadership impact.
