In a compelling session delivered at Digital Impact Philippines 2025, business consultant John Recto challenged startups, entrepreneurs, and digital professionals to rethink how they operate in an increasingly AI-driven economy. With over 15 years of experience in operations, project management, and digital transformation, John unpacked not just the buzz around AI, but how businesses—especially MSMEs—can practically harness it today.
His core message: AI isn’t here to replace you—unless you fail to adapt. In the age of rapid change, businesses must shift from rigid workflows to intelligent orchestration. AI, when paired with Robotic Process Automation (RPA), can cut operational delays by 50% and drive agility, scalability, and customer-centric innovation.
John provided hands-on strategies and real-world tools to help digital agencies, virtual assistants, and business owners:
Most importantly, he emphasized that improving business processes shouldn't mean cutting people, but rather repurposing human strengths toward roles AI cannot replace—like judgment, empathy, and strategy.
We’re thrilled to announce that Your Business Consultant – #TheJohnRecto – will be joining the powerhouse lineup of speakers at Digital Impact Philippines 2025, happening on June 29 to July 1, 2025 at Gateway Hotel, Surigao City.
In an age where speed, intelligence, and efficiency define business success, John Recto – CEO of STRECTO Management Consultancy – will break down how AI-powered tools and systems can help businesses scale, optimize operations, and thrive in an increasingly digital marketplace.
As a seasoned business consultant known for helping startups, MSMEs, and service-based entrepreneurs streamline their processes, John will share practical frameworks that empower attendees to:
Whether you're a digital freelancer, remote team leader, small business owner, or someone ready to stop guessing and start systemizing, this session is built for action.
John Recto was invited to speak before the NSTP students of PUP San Juan this 2nd semester last June 15, 2025, delivering an empowering session on the essentials of financial literacy. With his signature blend of clarity and practical insight, he guided students through the fundamentals of managing money wisely—covering budgeting, saving, and building a healthy money mindset.
At a time when financial decisions can shape long-term opportunities, especially for students and young professionals, John emphasized that financial empowerment doesn’t start with how much you have—it starts with what you do with it.
The John Recto had the distinct honor of co-hosting the 20th Anniversary celebration of the St. John Paul II Natural Family Planning Center, a vital project under the Commission on Family and Life of the Archdiocese of Manila. The milestone event, held at St. Scholastica’s College, brought together clergy, advocates, volunteers, and partner institutions in a shared celebration of faith, family, and fidelity to Church teachings.
For two decades, the Center has been at the forefront of promoting natural family planning (NFP) rooted in Catholic values, and empowering Filipino families to make life-affirming choices in alignment with both science and spirituality.
The John Recto was honored to lead a high-impact MIC DROP Learning Session on Personal Finance for the resilient and driven learners of the Alternative Learning System (ALS) under the Department of Education in San Juan City.
With clarity and conviction, he guided students through core principles such as budgeting, mindful spending, goal-setting, and financial planning. His goal was simple yet powerful: to equip participants with the tools and confidence to make smart money decisions—regardless of their background or current financial situation.
John Recto kickstarted the year with a powerful and thought-provoking financial literacy session titled “Financial Literacy Genesis,” held at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines – San Juan Campus. The session focused on building financial foundations by challenging students’ existing beliefs about money, spending, and saving in the modern world.
More than just a talk on personal finance, it was a call to rethink habits, reframe priorities, and make values-based financial decisions—starting now.
“Changing how you handle money begins with changing how you think about it,” John emphasized, underscoring that real financial change is rooted in mindset before mechanics.
On May 1, 2024, John Recto delivered another impactful session in his Money Habits —this time for the dedicated officers and employees of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) San Juan City. The talk focused on addressing the core attitudes and behaviors that shape day-to-day financial decisions in the modern world.
Through practical discussions and mindset-shifting insights, John emphasized that financial wellness isn’t just about income—it’s about intentionality, discipline, and vision.
In partnership with two distinguished civic organizations—the Rotary Club of Intramuros and the Rotaract Club of PLM—John Recto took part in a transformative seminar that challenged and empowered youth participants to think beyond academics and into ethical leadership.
Held at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, the session explored practical ways students can promote peace, advocate for social justice, and build inclusive communities starting with their own campus and networks. Drawing from real-world leadership experiences, John emphasized the power of integrity, active listening, and compassion in leadership.
Participants left with a stronger understanding of how to lead with both conviction and conscience, equipped to contribute meaningfully to their organizations and to the broader mission of Rotary International.
In July 2019, John Recto delivered an insightful and energizing talk for the employees of DBP Service Corporation in Makati. Centered around the theme “Challenges of Millennials,” the session explored the unique pressures, expectations, and opportunities facing the millennial workforce in today’s rapidly evolving professional landscape.
With a tone that was both constructive and empowering, John sparked conversation around generational mindset gaps, workplace expectations, digital transformation, and the pursuit of purpose in modern careers.
“Millennials aren’t just navigating their jobs—they’re redefining what work, impact, and success truly mean,” John shared.
In a collaborative initiative aimed at employee empowerment, John Recto joined forces with FEdCenter and CISI to deliver a lecture on Financial Planning for the dedicated staff of CosmetiGroup Inc. Held at their Makati office, the session addressed common financial challenges faced by working professionals—from managing daily expenses to preparing for long-term financial goals.
John's lecture demystified financial jargon and emphasized practical, real-life approaches to money management. Through interactive discussions, participants gained clarity on how to align their income with priorities, avoid common financial pitfalls, and build a more secure financial future—regardless of salary level.
The session reinforced a key message: financial empowerment begins with financial education—and businesses that invest in it, invest in the overall wellness and productivity of their teams.
