Leadership today is no longer just about titles or hierarchy. It is about influence, purpose, and the ability to create meaningful change. Across industries, companies are recognizing that strong leadership cultures are built by people who uplift others while delivering results.
At Jollibee Group, this philosophy comes to life through the stories of women leaders shaping the organization from the ground up. From restaurant operations to global shared services, their journeys highlight how growth, grit, and purpose can drive both business success and people development.
From Restaurant Floors to Executive Leadership
For Ana Lourdes Limbaga Aluyen, leadership has been a journey built over decades of hands-on experience.
She started in 1995 as an Assistant Store Manager in Zamboanga City and steadily rose through the ranks, taking on leadership roles across operations. Today, she serves as President of Chowking Philippines, one of the key brands under the Jollibee Group.
Reflecting on her career, she shared that her growth was shaped by leaders who both challenged and supported her along the way. Her leadership mindset is grounded in accountability and team empowerment.
She put it simply: “If we fail, I take the blame. If we win, celebrate the team.”
This approach reflects a culture where leadership is not just about outcomes, but about building trust and developing people.
Leading a Brand That Connects with Generations
For Dorothy Ching, leadership means balancing performance with purpose.
As Vice President for Marketing of Jollibee Philippines, she plays a key role in keeping the brand relevant to evolving audiences while staying true to its identity.
Since joining in 2022, Ching has led initiatives that strengthen the brand’s connection with Filipinos. But beyond campaigns, she emphasized the deeper impact of her role.
She noted how powerful the brand can be, not only as a business but as a force that touches people’s lives.
Her leadership style reflects this responsibility. She described it as high standards paired with empathy, emphasizing that people perform best when they feel trusted and supported.
Strengthening the Systems Behind Global Growth
While some leaders focus on front-facing roles, others ensure the organization runs seamlessly behind the scenes.
Maria Fe Monina Jayma-Cacayan, Vice President and Head of Finance and Accounting and HR Shared Services at Jollibee Worldwide Pty Ltd, leads efforts that support the company’s global expansion.
Joining in 2020 during the height of the pandemic, she managed complex integrations across markets and brands. Her work ensures that systems, processes, and people are aligned to enable sustainable growth.
For Cacayan, leadership is rooted in enabling others. She shared that she finds joy in making a difference and values being empowered within the organization.
She also highlighted the importance of inclusivity, noting that what truly matters in the workplace is not labels, but the unique strengths and perspectives individuals bring.
Building a Culture Where People Thrive
Across these leadership journeys, a clear theme emerges. The Jollibee Group continues to build a culture centered on growth, trust, and purpose.
Today, women make up 53 percent of the company’s workforce and 48 percent of senior leadership roles.
These numbers reflect a workplace where opportunities are accessible and leadership is shaped by capability and contribution.
Guided by its Choose Joy Employer Value Proposition, the company invests in mentorship, stretch opportunities, and professional development. This creates an environment where individuals are empowered to grow while making meaningful contributions.
Purpose-Driven Leadership in Action
As the Jollibee Group expands globally, leaders like Aluyen, Ching, and Cacayan show what modern leadership looks like. It is not just about driving business results. It is about creating environments where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to do their best work.
For organizations looking to strengthen their leadership culture, the takeaway is clear. Investing in people, fostering trust, and creating opportunities for growth are essential to building teams that thrive in the long term.