Jerry Ilao is a visionary entrepreneur and tech innovator, committed to transforming business education in the Philippines through the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI). He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Marketing Professional (CPM) and Certified Prompt Engineer.
He is the Co-Founder and Founding President of the Philippine AI Business Association (PAIBA) which aims to help Filipino-owned businesses learn and implement AI.
As the Co-Founder and CEO of Olern, an AI-driven training and consulting firm, Jerry leverages the potential of AI to reshape how businesses learn and grow. Recognizing the global impact of AI on industries, he founded the AI-Ready Pilipinas group to help Filipino business leaders harness AI’s potential and prepare for the coming wave of disruption.
Jerry also co-founded MobileOptima, a pioneer in digital transformation. Its flagship product, Tarkie, is an award-winning Sales Force and Field Service Automation solution, boasting over 10,000 users from major companies across sales, distribution, manufacturing, and service industries. Key clients include Globe, Uratex, Bounty, Abenson, Aficionado, Megasoft, and Chooks to Go
Currently serving as the Director for Continuing Education at the Philippine Marketing Association (PMA), which celebrates its 70th year, Jerry plays a pivotal role in advancing marketing knowledge in the country. He is also one of the Founding Trustees of the International Council for Small Business (ICSB) Philippines.
Jerry’s expertise extends beyond entrepreneurship. He is one of the few Certified Prompt Engineers in the Philippines certified by Devin McPaul (the strategist behind AI prompts for companies like ClickUp, Lavender.ai, and many others). This enabled him to craft AI prompts that deliver consistent quality outputs.
He took Disruptive Strategy at Harvard Business School in 2019 and is currently enrolled in the AI Essentials for Business (Competing in the Age of AI) program at Harvard Business School where he plans to share his learnings with local businesses in the Philippines to help them become an AI-First company and compete in the age of AI.
With deep experience in technology startups, SME solutions, and leadership roles in organizations like the Association of Filipino Franchisers Inc. (AFFI), Jerry is a recognized leader in marketing, AI, and entrepreneurship. He remains dedicated to driving innovation and fostering a culture of continuous learning and business growth.
Awards and Recognitions
- Partners of the Year Award – Philippine Marketing Association (2023)
- Outstanding Member of the Year Award – Philippine Marketing Association (2023)
- UnionBank Pathfinder’s SME Award – Unionbank of the Philippines (2022)
- Outstanding New Member Award – Philippine Marketing Association (2021)
- Agora Awards for Entrepreneurship – Philippine Marketing Association (2021)
- Gold Brand Award (2012)
- Outstanding Alumni Award – Ateneo de Naga (2007)
- Oustanding JPIAn of the Philippines (1999)
- Outstanding Student of the Philippines Finalist (1999)