Imagine a world where algorithms predict your love life, analyze your appliance purchases, and potentially solve global hunger. This isn't science fiction; it's the reality of artificial intelligence (AI) steadily weaving its way into our lives.
But as AI reshapes industries and a new generation of digitally savvy workers takes center stage, the question arises: how can businesses bridge the widening gap between generations to harness the full potential of this technological revolution?
Manuel V. Pangilinan, the business titan affectionately known as MVP, recently delivered a thought-provoking keynote address at the induction of the 77th president of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) on Jan. 15.
Held at the Grand Ballroom of the Shangri-La at the Fort, the event saw a packed audience of business leaders eager to hear MVP's insights on a topic close to his heart: bridging the intergenerational gap in the age of artificial intelligence.
The speech began on a personal note, with Pangilinan recounting his unconventional first encounter with the MAP president, Alfredo “Al” Panlilio, a longtime MVP Group executive.
It was the year 2000, the peak of Y2K anxieties, and MVP, then in his second year at the helm of PLDT, was searching for someone to lead the company's enterprise business. A colleague recommended Panlilio, but MVP's only available time for an interview was at midnight, at the wake of a mutual friend's father.
"An odd backdrop for beginnings," MVP mused, "but isn't that life? In a place of great sorrow and loss, we witnessed the birth of a distinctive career and a lifelong friendship."
This anecdote set the stage for MVP's broader message: that connections can be forged in the most unexpected circumstances, and that understanding is key to navigating the complexities of human relationships, especially in the workplace.
AI: Embracing the future, not fearing It
Turning his attention to the rapidly evolving technological landscape, MVP acknowledged the transformative power of artificial intelligence.
"AI will be impactful," he declared, "For us frontliners in the technology battlefield, it is simply another big challenge."
However, he recognized the anxieties surrounding AI, comparing it to the disruptive technologies of the past. "Every time a new technology arrives, it carries with it the ghost of Macbeth's Banquo," he said, alluding to the fear of obsolescence that haunts many.
But MVP, a leader who has witnessed firsthand the evolution of technology throughout his long career, offered a reassuring perspective. He emphasized that humanity has always adapted and thrived in the face of technological advancements.
"We are defined by the future we create," he asserted, citing examples of how AI is already subtly woven into our lives. From his colleague using ChatGPT to analyze washing machine features to dating apps employing algorithms to match potential partners, MVP illustrated how AI is quietly revolutionizing everyday tasks.
He even hinted at the potential of AI to address global challenges like hunger and malnutrition, suggesting that these "mundane innovations will foreshadow even bigger ones."
However, MVP didn't shy away from addressing the challenges hindering AI adoption in the Philippines. He identified three key factors: data, talent, and infrastructure.
He stressed the need for complete, high-quality data to train AI algorithms effectively. He also highlighted the scarcity of skilled professionals capable of customizing AI solutions for specific business needs. Finally, he emphasized the importance of robust data networks and high-capacity data centers to support AI applications.
Bridging the gap: Understanding, not judgment
The crux of MVP's message lay in his analysis of the intergenerational gap within the modern workforce. With millennials and Gen Z now constituting the majority of employees at PLDT and Smart, MVP acknowledged the widening divide between generations.
He playfully described these younger generations as "a new breed of wolves," disruptive and seemingly addicted to their devices, often perceived as entitled and self-centered. But he also urged the audience to look beyond stereotypes and seek understanding.
"It's quite possible that they're misunderstood," he reflected. "To them, work isn't about the paycheck. It's about their story."
He acknowledged that their values and priorities might differ from those of older generations, shaped by a world that feels both "magical and collapsing."
He humorously recounted the generational divide in communication, mentioning how millennials and Gen Zs might "roll their eyes at our jokes" and use bewildering slang like "MOMOL," "FUBU," and "sanaol."
But beneath these differences, MVP recognized a shared desire for meaningful work and strong leadership.
He emphasized that this new generation craves challenges, inspiration, mentorship, and a sense of purpose in their careers. He called upon business leaders to bridge the gap, not by imposing outdated norms, but by fostering understanding and creating an inclusive work environment where all generations can thrive.
In his concluding remarks, MVP painted a hopeful vision of the future, where different generations and AI work in harmony.
He urged business leaders to view younger generations as allies, not adversaries, and to embrace AI as a powerful tool for progress.
"Together," he declared, "they form the scaffoldings of the next great cathedrals of progress." He reminded everyone that while technology provides the framework, it is ultimately human creativity, ingenuity, and collaboration that will build the future.