AIM and Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines Launch Elevate to Shape the Next Generation of Enterprise Leaders
Leadership is not defined by the position one holds, but by the ability to see beyond it, bring people forward, and create lasting impact.
This principle takes center stage as the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) School of Executive Education and Lifelong Learning (SEELL) and Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines (CCEAP) come together through Elevate, a Management Development Program designed to strengthen the leadership capabilities of high-potential leaders and prepare them for the opportunities and challenges ahead.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to developing leaders who can think beyond their individual functions and contribute to the organization. For the participants selected for the program, Elevate is more than an investment in their current capabilities—it is a step toward preparing them for bigger responsibilities and broader leadership roles.
In his message to the participants, Chris Pesigan, President and CEO of Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines, emphasized that their selection was based not only on their accomplishments, but also on the potential they possess.
“Do not spend this year trying to prove that you belong here. Because you already do.”
Pesigan challenged the participants to approach the program with curiosity and humility, encouraging them to question what they know, learn from others, and remain open to new perspectives. He underscored that future leaders must move beyond functional expertise and learn to see the organization as an interconnected enterprise.
“Enterprise leaders choose to see the whole business,” he said, challenging the participants to make decisions not only for their respective functions, but for the long-term future of the organization.
He also highlighted the kind of leadership that leaves a lasting legacy.
“The best leaders listen, they learn, and they bring people with them.
Rina Chanco-Estolano, People Vice President of Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines, reminded participants that leadership begins with the willingness to stay humble, remain curious, and have the courage to question even one’s own thinking.
“Stay hungry, stay humble. Be curious enough to admit when you don’t know. Be humble enough to listen and ask for help. And be courageous enough to question conventional or the usual thinking, including your own. Remember that leadership is a privilege, and it’s something we have to earn every day,” she said.
Guided by its People-First culture, CCEAP empowers its associates to grow as leaders, creating positive impact for the business, partners, and communities.
For AIM, the program is an opportunity to create a learning experience that goes beyond traditional classroom instruction. Prof. Alberto G. Mateo, Jr., Clinical Professor and Head of AIM-SEELL, shared that Elevate is designed to encourage participants to learn not only from faculty, but also from one another.
Through learning teams, business simulations, coaching, self-assessment, and an action learning project, participants will be challenged to connect what they learn to real organizational challenges. The program takes a holistic approach to leadership development by focusing not only on the role a manager holds, but the person behind it.
At the heart of that journey is personal investment.
“The company has invested a lot in you. So, as a counterpart investment, you will have to invest in yourself,” Prof. Mateo said.
For him, that investment also means being willing to reflect, reconsider established ways of thinking, and continuously find ways to create greater value for the organization.
The program also created an opportunity for participants to learn directly from experienced leaders through a Fireside Chat moderated by Coach Maria Angelica B. Lleander, featuring three accomplished leaders from diverse industries and backgrounds: Mary Ann “Sam” Santos, EMBA, Global Head of Learning & Development at 2X; Raffa Juan Jacob, Accenture APAC Managing Director; and Ray Gerardo E. “Jerry” Bacaro, a seasoned business leader, coach, and strategic planning consultant. The conversation gave participants an opportunity to hear firsthand perspectives on leadership, transformation, developing people, and navigating a rapidly changing business environment. The panel explored the experiences and challenges that shape leaders, including finding one’s voice, staying grounded in one’s values, navigating change, and responding to emerging technologies such as AI.
The partnership between AIM and CCEAP ultimately recognizes that developing leaders is not simply about preparing people for the next position. It is about equipping them to navigate complexity, challenge conventional thinking, collaborate across functions, and make decisions with the broader organization in mind.
As the Elevate participants begin their journey, they carry with them a clear challenge: to become leaders who do more than deliver results—to become leaders who develop people, shape the future, and create meaningful impact.
With the management education expertise of AIM and CCEAP’s commitment to developing its people, Elevate marks a shared investment in leadership that extends beyond today and toward the organization of tomorrow.
Learn how AIM can help strengthen your talent capabilities and support your organization’s growth. Book a consultation with us: https://go.aim.edu/seellccelevate
