Behind every great marketing leader, there’s always a mentor—someone who’s been there, guided them, and challenged them to think bigger, and to even think differently. Mentorship is one of those things in our industry that truly shapes the future. It’s not just about sharing knowledge—it’s about sparking something in someone that drives them to push boundaries and see new possibilities.
This year, Mansmith and Fielders, Inc. celebrates four extraordinary marketing leaders who have not only excelled in their careers but have given so much back by mentoring the next generation of Filipino marketing talent. These are the people who are shaping the future of our industry, one mentee at a time.
The 2025 Mansmith Market Mentors Award recipients are:
- Paul E. Albano, General Manager – International, GCash
- Gregory Francis H. Banzon, EVP & COO, Century Pacific Foods, Inc.
- Kristine A. Go, SVP Wireless, Smart Communications
- Fernando V. Villar, Chief Marketing Officer, AXA Philippines
These four are not just figures of authority. They are the kind of mentors who see the potential in others—even before those others can see it themselves. And they’ve made it their mission to pass on the lessons they’ve learned so that the next generation doesn’t just follow—they lead.
Mentorship: The Game-Changer
We all know the feeling—the first time a mentor took the time to challenge us, to point us in the right direction, or to simply believe in us when we weren’t sure we believed in ourselves. That moment isn’t just a nice memory; it’s a turning point.
Mentorship is one of the most powerful forces for change in our industry. When a mentor believes in you, they don’t just give you advice, they open up new worlds. They teach you how to approach challenges, how to think strategically, how to be brave with data, and how to tell a story that resonates. They challenge you to think beyond the problem in front of you and into the future.
And when you’re mentored by someone who’s truly invested in your growth, you don’t just succeed. You thrive. You begin to see yourself as more than just the role you’re in today—you begin to see your potential, to believe that you can be part of shaping the future of the industry. That’s the kind of mentorship these four recipients exemplify.
Mentorship Through Sharing
But these four are doing something even more exciting: they’re opening up their treasure trove of wisdom for all of us to learn from.
This year, they’ve agreed to share their insights and experiences during the 16th Mansmith Market Masters Conference on March 11, 2025, at the SMX Aura. Imagine that—four of the industry’s most respected leaders, all in one room, talking openly about what they’ve learned, how they’ve led, and the mentoring strategies that have helped them succeed.
It’s not just about celebrating their achievements. It’s about taking mentorship to the next level—making it available to a wider audience, so that more people can grow, develop, and take action in their own careers.
This willingness to share their knowledge publicly speaks volumes. It’s one thing to mentor within the walls of your own team or organization—but to step up and offer your insights to the whole industry? That’s the mark of someone who truly understands the power of giving back.
The Power of Mentorship
The truth is, mentorship is as much about learning as it is about teaching. Sure, it’s great to help others grow, but we also grow when we mentor. We get to reflect on our own journey, sharpen our ideas, and challenge ourselves to be better leaders. But the real reward? Watching someone you’ve mentored rise, grow, and go on to do amazing things—that’s what makes all the effort worth it.
The most important part of mentorship is not just teaching skills—it’s instilling confidence. It’s about believing in someone’s potential when they may not yet believe in it themselves. It’s about seeing greatness in others before they’ve fully realized it. And that’s how we build a community of leaders who trust each other, learn from each other, and support each other.
A Legacy of Leadership and Growth
The Mansmith Market Mentors Awards isn’t just about recognizing a few standout individuals. It’s about highlighting the incredible value of mentorship itself. These four leaders have already built successful careers—but their lasting legacy will be how many people they’ve influenced, how many future leaders they’ve inspired, and how many lives they’ve touched through their guidance.
By helping others rise, they’ve helped elevate the whole industry. And that’s something worth celebrating.
As we honor their achievements, we’re reminded that the true measure of success isn’t just in what you accomplish—it’s in how much you help others accomplish along the way.
The Call to Action: Be the Mentor You’ve Always Needed
So, let’s reflect: How can we, in our own way, give back? How can we mentor the next generation of leaders? The future of our industry doesn’t just depend on the work we do today—it depends on how much we invest in the growth of those who will follow.
Being a mentor isn’t just about offering advice—it’s about helping others find their own voice, encouraging them to take on challenges, and showing them what’s possible. The more we find time to mentor, the stronger our industry becomes.
Now, it’s our turn. Let’s take a step back, look around, and ask ourselves: Who can we mentor? And more importantly—how can we help them become the leaders of tomorrow?
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Josiah Go is the chairman and chief innovation strategist of Mansmith and Fielders Inc. The search for the 20th annual Mansmith Young Market Masters Awards (YMMA) is ongoing. For details, please visit www.youngmarketmasters.com. Only Mansmith Awards winners are eligible to nominate their mentors for the Mansmith Market Mentors Awards.
