By Aira Villanueva, PRA
Many might assume Mariana Zobel de Ayala’s path was paved with ease, but her journey tells a different story.
As the 8th generation of the Ayala Group, Mariana carries a weighty legacy, facing pressures and stresses inherent in the business world. Despite appearances, her rise wasn’t handed to her on a silver platter. When questioned about her restless nights, Mariana’s response is firm: “adding value.” And the depth of this sentiment is truly thought-provoking.
In the latest episode of Let’s Talk Retail by the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA), Mariana elaborates on her concept of adding value. She explains, “I have the privilege of belonging to a legacy that spans 190 years. Witnessing the contributions of previous generations to the lives of Filipinos and Philippine society and culture instills in me a profound sense of responsibility. It’s the pressure to continually raise the bar, to create experiences and opportunities that align with the aspirations of the Filipino people.”
Mariana also shares a compelling perspective on what advice she’d offer her 21-year-old self. “In your early twenties, every decision feels monumental,” she muses. “But life is long, with countless phases and opportunities for course correction. I’d urge my younger self to embrace risk, to pursue what excites me rather than what seems ‘right.’ At 21, I felt the need to meticulously plan my life and career. Yet, looking back, a year or two is merely a blip. It’s crucial to take risks, to seize new opportunities.”
Explore Mariana’s profound insights on PRA’s Let’s Talk Retail. Visit the PRA’s YouTube channel or Spotify account now to watch and listen to Mariana Zobel de Ayala, Senior Vice President and Head of Leasing and Hospitality at Ayala Land, as she shares her wisdom.
