In a time that we are seeking trailblazers, Grace Bondad Nicolas proves that purpose-driven leadership can transform industries and communities. On April 28, 2025, at the 13th World Women Leadership Congress & Award held at Dusit Thani Manila, Nicolas was honored for her outstanding contributions to leadership and innovation, standing tall among global women leaders.
From the early buzz of registration to the dynamic panel discussions, the event celebrated excellence and the future of human resources. Dr. RL Bhatia, Founder of World CSR Day and the World Sustainability Congress, opened the day with a heartfelt note emphasizing sustainability, diversity, and human-centered leadership—values Nicolas lives by.
Keynote speaker Smiti Bhatt Deorah, Co-Founder and COO of AdvantageClub.Ai, shared insights on how AI is reshaping workplace engagement. This theme continued in a panel titled “Reimagining Workplace Excellence: Agentic AI-led Future of Recognition and Wellness,” exploring the urgent need for empathetic, tech-savvy leaders like Nicolas.
During the awarding ceremony, Nicolas’s leadership story stood out. As COO and Co-Founder of Tag Media Group—publisher of Rising Tigers, InCharge, and TopNewsAsia—she has built a platform that champions entrepreneurship, sustainability, and social responsibility across Asia. She also actively empowers communities through her work with Kiwanis Philippine Luzon District.
In her remarks, Nicolas humbly dedicated her award to every woman leader pushing boundaries and to her supportive mother.
“Leadership is about creating opportunities, inspiring change, and empowering others to rise with you,” she shared.
Beyond business, Nicolas’s advocacy work underscores her belief that leadership extends beyond boardrooms to touching lives and building lasting bridges. Her initiatives promote entrepreneurship development, sustainable tourism, and social impact, inspiring a new generation of leaders.
The day concluded with a lively networking lunch, where discussions centered on evolving leadership models that prioritize AI integration, mental health, and diversity. Nicolas’s journey remained a recurring inspiration, embodying the future of leadership: one that is authentic, inclusive, and visionary.
As dusk fell over Manila, it was clear that leaders like Grace Bondad Nicolas are not just shaping industries—they are shaping societies. Her story is a reminder that true success lies not just in personal achievements but in lifting others and leaving a legacy of empowerment.
