About Paul John M. Peña

I started working young—juggling university lectures by day and newsroom deadlines by night. At 20, I was already managing teams. By 23, I was in a foreign market, helping build Vietnam’s largest online platform. Since then, my career has taken me across industries, borders, and disciplines—but always with the same throughline: helping people and organizations make better decisions through strategy, insight, and storytelling.

Today, I lead Strategy Consulting and Enterprise Analytics at McDonald’s Philippines. My role is part integrator, part navigator—I work closely with the Managing Director and leadership team to align enterprise plans, shape long-term direction, and translate strategy into execution. Before this, I held leadership roles in digital, brand, and communications—at Globe Telecom, Leo Burnett, and in the Philippine Senate—always working to bridge the gap between vision and delivery, systems and people.

Alongside industry work, I’ve published policy research on inclusive growth, digital innovation, and human capital development. I’ve also spent time in the classroom—teaching philosophy, economics, and corporate planning. I learn as much from the students as I hope they learn from me.

What I value most is thoughtful work—the kind that doesn’t just move fast, but moves right. I care about frameworks, yes, but I care more about how they land. Whether it’s building a roadmap, shaping a narrative, or facilitating strategic alignment, I try to bring clarity, generosity, and integrity to the table.

I still say yes to projects that don’t have a playbook. I still believe in the power of good thinking and quiet leadership. And I still think the best strategy is the one that gets built with people, not just for them.