Celebrating Women’s Month with the Network for Enterprising Women: Empowering Filipina Entrepreneurs with AI
March is a month of celebration for women worldwide, and one event I eagerly anticipate each year is the annual conference hosted by the Network for Enterprising Women (N.E.W.). This event is always thoughtfully organized, addressing the most current and relevant needs of women entrepreneurs. It also provides a wonderful opportunity to connect with like-minded women who own or manage their own businesses. This year’s conference was no exception.
The focus of this year’s conference was on bridging the gap between traditional business practices and the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI). There is an urgent need for small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) to future-proof their businesses, and no Filipina entrepreneur should be left behind in this technological revolution. It’s time for women entrepreneurs to harness the power of AI to revolutionize their businesses and stay competitive in an increasingly digital world.
A Powerhouse Lineup of Speakers
This year’s event featured an impressive lineup of guest speakers, beginning with Undersecretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque of the Department of Trade and Industry’s MSME Development Group. As the President and CEO of Kamiseta, she delivered the opening remarks, highlighting how the government collaborates with SMMEs to create programs that help businesses thrive in today’s challenging environment.
The conference also featured three leading experts in Artificial Intelligence:
- Ms. Sam Carvajal, CEO of Sam Carvajal Marketing, who emphasized the importance of integrating AI into business processes.
- Mr. Jerry Ilao, Founder and CEO of Olern, who discussed how AI can be leveraged for business efficiency and sustainability.
- Mr. Rey Lugtu, Founder and CEO of Hungry Workhorse and a fellow at the Institute of Digital Transformation, who provided valuable insights into the practical applications of AI in business and its future prospects
Key Takeaways and Practical Applications
The three hours I spent at the conference were incredibly valuable. The speakers shared practical strategies for automating routine tasks to save time, reduce costs, and boost overall productivity. I was introduced to AI-driven insights that can influence customer behavior and empower my business decisions.
The conference also showcased a variety of AI tools and applications that can be immediately applied to enhance business outcomes. Tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, HubSpot, Jasper, 7th Sense, and Flick were demonstrated, with practical exercises allowing us to test these tools for our own business needs. I gained a deeper understanding of how to extract valuable insights from vast datasets to support strategic decision-making.
Implementing AI in My Business
Since returning to my workplace, I’ve begun exploring some of these AI tools, and I’m already seeing a positive impact. My work has become easier, my decision-making more informed, and I’ve even found creative and engaging ideas for my social media posts. AI is not just a trend; it’s a game-changer for women entrepreneurs like me.
