In a world where industries are constantly disrupted and job roles are being redefined, staying relevant has become a career in itself. For Wilbert Bayani, a Certified Management Accountant (Australia) with over three decades of cross-industry leadership experience, the key to career longevity lies in more than just technical knowledge.
Speaking to Financial Adviser PH, Bayani shared his blueprint for future-proofing your career—and it’s built on adaptability, continuous learning, and a sharp sense of purpose.
Build Skills That Translate
“To thrive in my industry, technical proficiency must be coupled with a strong understanding of its practical application,” Bayani said. From his early roles in accounting to leadership positions across global companies in automotive, banking, insurance, and IT, he learned that hard skills open doors, but it’s the soft skills that sustain growth.
Bayani emphasized the importance of internal and external customer relationship management. Being able to navigate teams, clients, and partners with professionalism is now a core requirement in any finance-related field. Soft skills such as communication, empathy, and negotiation are no longer optional—they’re non-negotiable.
Stay Ahead Through Lifelong Learning
In a dynamic job market, where industries shift and skillsets evolve rapidly, Bayani believes that professionals must treat education as a career-long commitment. “Staying competitive necessitates adaptability to change, along with the ability to take calculated risks concerning both actions and limitations,” he noted.
Throughout his career, Bayani has invested in continuous learning—not just in certifications but also through advanced programs at institutions like the University of Oxford, Harvard, MIT, and the Asian Institute of Management. But for him, the real differentiator is applying what you learn.
“Continuous learning paired with practical application and effective knowledge transfer is key to remaining relevant,” he said.
Redefine Setbacks as Stepping Stones
For Bayani, some of the most pivotal career moments came from stepping outside his comfort zone. “I made a career shift as part of both horizontal and vertical growth, which propelled me to a Management Committee position at 29,” he shared.
While the promotion was a milestone, it wasn’t without obstacles. “The transition presented challenges such as resistance to change and venturing into uncharted territory,” he said. But those uncomfortable moments were the catalyst for personal and professional transformation.
Own the Mission—Even When It’s Not Yours
One of the most powerful pieces of advice Bayani received was deceptively simple: take your boss’s challenges and treat them as your own.
“It taught me to accept defeat gracefully, but always to bounce back with meaningful impact,” he said. That mindset not only strengthened his resilience but also helped him gain trust and credibility as a leader.
What Makes a Standout Professional Today
When it comes to hiring and team building, Bayani looks for more than just what’s on paper. “A standout job candidate possesses a compelling combination of attitude, relevance, a strong user story, and clear value propositions,” he said.
In a competitive market, demonstrating how your skills translate into business value is just as important as having the right credentials. It’s about showing up with intention, adaptability, and a willingness to grow.
Final Thoughts
Future-proofing your career isn’t about playing it safe. It’s about consistently learning, evolving, and embracing risk with the same passion you apply to your daily tasks. Wilbert Bayani’s journey proves that with the right mindset and a commitment to growth, professionals can not only weather the storm—they can lead through it.
