Ateneo de Manila represents the Philippines at the 27th International Leadership Association Global Conference

Ateneo de Manila University's John Gokongwei School of Management (JGSOM) proudly represented the Philippines at the 27th International Leadership Association (ILA) Annual Global Conference, held in Prague, Czech Republic. This annual event brought together thought leaders, scholars, and practitioners from around the world to share insights and advance the field of leadership. It serves as a platform for exchanging ideas, celebrating achievements, and addressing leadership challenges across diverse sectors.

The International Leadership Association is the professional home of a global community of leaders and leadership researchers, educators, and development specialists who believe that leadership is the key to a just and thriving future for all people. For more than 25 years, the ILA has advanced the study and practice of leadership by creating opportunities for members to connect and engage with one another to explore innovative ideas, create new resources, and multiply collective impact.

Led and guided by the Program Director of the PhD in Leadership Studies program of JGSOM, Dr Emerald Jay Ilac, six delegates from Ateneo JGSOM participated in panel discussions, paper presentations, poster presentations, and different networking and learning sessions, showcasing the university's commitment to fostering global leadership and innovation. 

Dr Ilac presented his co-edited book, "Filipino Leadership: Stories and Science", in the Author's Showcase, and had a panel presentation on "Decolonizing and Diversifying Literature Review in Leadership and Followership Studies".

Dr Helen Amante then shared the stage with Dr. Ilac as they co-presented their paper on "Artificial Intelligence in Government: Driving Collaborative Leadership in Public Governance". Afterwards, Dr Ilac then chaired a session on "Alternative Leadership and Sustainability: From Organizational Innovation to Environmental Action."

Dr Enrico Osi and Ms Jiamari Kawachi, MSSM co-presented their paper on "Exploring the Experience of Collegiate Track and Field Athletes in Developing Pro-Environmental Behaviors." Dr Osi then chaired a session on "Leadership in the Age of AI: Transformation, Inclusion, and Strategic Communication." 

Dr Emmanuel Zara, Jr. presented his research on "The Role of Mindfulness in Supporting Women Leaders through Crisis" and his poster presentation on "How AI and Mindfulness Strengthen Leadership Beyond Crisis".

PhD in Leadership Studies student Huoge Zhao presented his paper on "Decolonizing Leadership Epistemologies: Toward a Filipino Leadership Theory in a Postcolonial Globalized World" and his poster presentation on "Harmonizing Confucian and Western Leadership: Trust Dynamics in Singaporean Family Businesses with International Stakeholders."

During the conference, the team had the privilege of meeting Dr Peter G. Northouse, a distinguished figure in leadership studies, who was commemorating the release of the tenth edition of his book "Leadership: Theory and Practice." The team participated in the celebratory reception at the Hilton Prague and engaged in conversation with Dr Northouse.

The participation of the Ateneo team underscored both the Philippines' and the university's significant contributions to the advancement of modern leadership practices and highlighted the value of cross-cultural collaboration. Ateneo JGSOM's engagement demonstrates its strong commitment to excellence, ongoing learning, and international partnerships, thereby reinforcing its stature on the global stage. Looking ahead to the next ILA Global Conference in Toronto, Canada, it is anticipated that increased representation from the Ateneo PhD in Leadership Studies community will further enhance JGSOM's research impact internationally in the field of leadership.