MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Robert Conrad Gonzales, Chief People Officer of GCash, has been honored as one of Southeast Asia’s 100 Most Influential HR Leaders. This recognition, awarded during the Future Forward Philippines 2025 conference by The Economic Times, highlights HR visionaries whose contributions drive transformative impact across industries. Gonzales joins an elite circle of professionals who are not only innovating in their fields but reshaping the very nature of work amid the rise of artificial intelligence and automation.
Gonzales believes that artificial intelligence (AI) is meant to improve the productivity of their employees rather than replace them. Gonzales, who is the highest ranking Human Resources (HR) officer of GCash, affirmed the company’s unwavering commitment to putting people first in the age of automation. GCash is the Philippines’ leading finance app and largest cashless ecosystem, and an innovative fintech company that has already received several recognitions as one of the best companies to work for.
“HR should champion automation and lead in adapting to technology, including AI, because our people need it, our employees rely on it,” said Gonzales. “If we do this right, our people will become more productive and serve our customers even better. Invest in people, champion leadership development, and embrace innovation. The future belongs to organizations that prioritize their people as their greatest asset.”
The recognition came as part of The Economic Times’ HR forum, which featured a panel titled “The Great Debate of HR at a Crossroads: Driving Business Transformation or Becoming Obsolete in the Age of AI?” Gonzales joined a lineup including Cebu Pacific’s Felix Dan Lopez, Globe Telecom’s Renato Manuel Jiao, and ETHRWorld’s Yasmin Taj. The central question: can HR evolve fast enough to shape the future, or will it be left behind?
Looking to the future, Gonzales sees artificial intelligence as a game-changer in transforming how organizations approach leadership development. “AI-powered talent identification and predictive analytics will revolutionize how we discover and grow high-potential leaders,” he said. “We’re also leaning into personalized, AI-driven learning paths that adapt to each employee’s growth trajectory because in a market that changes overnight, static development models just don’t cut it.”
Gonzales leaves HR leaders with a pointed message: “HR is no longer a support function but rather a strategic driver of growth. Invest in people. Champion leadership development and embrace innovation in workforce planning. The organizations that do this will be the ones leading tomorrow.”
