FOR Shiela Astrero, the journey to a global executive suite began in the quiet village of Guimba, Nueva Ecija.
Though her professional life now spans 11 countries, she still finds her greatest sense of peace returning to her provincial roots during long weekends — a necessary unwind for a woman tasked with bridging the world.
Earlier this year, Astrero made a pivotal career move, joining Kango Express in January as the Vice President for Global Franchise Liaison. The transition followed a nearly eight-year tenure at Grab, where she developed the grit required for high-stakes operations.
“I chose to leave my former company because after nearly eight years with Grab, I felt ready for a new challenge and broader professional growth,” Astrero told The Manila Times. “Kango Express offered a role that aligns strongly with my experience and long-term goals.”
Bridging global markets
The position of VP for Global Franchise Liaison is a newly created role designed specifically for Astrero’s skill set. Her immediate priority is the architecture of communication — ensuring that headquarters and the company’s global partners move in lockstep.
“Handling social media marketing and business development for 11 global franchise partners will be a new challenge,” Astrero admitted. “However, I view this as an opportunity to bring a fresh perspective. I expect to collaborate closely with each franchise to ensure effective support across all markets.”
Astrero’s background at Grab as a support professional involved the high-pressure task of assisting consumers, drivers and merchants. While her new role is different in scope — shifting from individual support to global coordination — she finds the broader impact deeply fulfilling.
Astrero’s professional ambition is fueled by a personal history defined by resilience. As the eldest of five children, she once dreamed of becoming a civil engineer, born out of a childhood love for drawing houses.
That dream was deferred at age 13 when her mother unexpectedly passed away.
“I had to grow up quickly and become a ‘mother’ to four younger siblings while my father was out working every day,” she shared. “That severely limited my educational opportunities, and I had to abandon my dream of becoming a civil engineer.”
Despite the setback, Astrero turned her responsibility into a catalyst for success. She effectively became the head of the household, navigating the odds to ensure her siblings had the opportunities she was denied. Today, she is gratified by a singular achievement: all four of her younger siblings have completed their college degrees.
“The added responsibility forged my ambition to be successful,” she said. “That’s what drove me to succeed at Grab, and it’s what motivates me at Kango Express.”
Pushing limits
Astrero’s tenacity extends to her physical life. Despite identifying as a person with disability (PWD), she refuses to let physical limitations define her pace. She is an avid distance runner who enjoys pushing her boundaries.
One of her proudest personal milestones was finishing the 5-kilometer Flash Elorde marathon in Alabang. “Something I didn’t expect to do as a PWD,” she noted. Her endurance isn’t limited to sanctioned races; in May 2023, she clocked approximately 25,000 steps while exploring the Great Wall of China.
Outside of the office, Astrero remains active in “Big Dreams Little People,” a fraternity dedicated to community support. She credits her father as her primary role model, citing him as the source of her work ethic and patience.
“The biggest lesson I learned from him is to stay humble, keep pushing forward and never give up,” Astrero said. “He always reminds me, ‘Just remember, there’s always hope!’”
Her daily routine remains focused and disciplined. Working on weekends with her “days off” falling on Thursdays and Fridays, she balances rest with errands and occasional travel, such as a recent culinary exploration of Iloilo with friends.
From the households of Guimba to the global franchises of Kango Express, Shiela Astrero’s career is a testament to the idea that a “mother’s heart” and an executive’s mind are a powerful combination.
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Quick questions
What is your biggest fear?
Failure
What really makes you angry?
Disrespect
What motivates you to work hard?
Growth
What makes you laugh the most?
Friends
What would you do if you won the lotto?
Invest
If you could share a meal with any individual, living or dead, who would they be?
Mom
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Successful
Which celebrity would you like to meet for a cup of coffee?
(Hollywood actress) Lindsay Lohan.
What is the most daring thing you have ever done?
Faced my fear.
What is the one thing you will never do again?
Overspend