Most professionals spend their careers trying to avoid failure. But according to Eduard Ortega, a Certified Management Accountant (Australia) and founder of Remotely Philippines, there’s a much bigger threat than falling short—and it’s called complacency.
“Failure pushes you to grow,” Ortega says. “But complacency? It keeps you comfortable, stagnant, and out of touch.”
In today’s fast-moving business landscape, where technologies evolve rapidly and client demands shift overnight, staying still is no longer safe. Ortega, who transitioned from a traditional corporate role into entrepreneurship, has seen how quickly once-relevant skills can become outdated. “You can have a strong résumé, but if you’re not evolving, you’re already falling behind.”
That’s why Ortega emphasizes continuous learning and adaptability as the true career safeguards. Whether it’s taking on new certifications, learning emerging tools, or simply asking better questions, the professionals who stand out are those who actively resist the urge to coast.
“The accounting and audit industry is being reshaped by automation, data analytics, and global collaboration,” he says. “The ones who thrive are the ones who treat their careers like startups—constantly iterating and improving.”
Ortega doesn’t just talk about change—he lives it. After leaving corporate employment to build Remotely Philippines, he found himself learning how to manage remote teams, navigate cross-cultural client relationships, and even market his services—all outside the traditional finance playbook.
And while failure came with the territory, he embraced it as part of the process. “Every misstep taught me something new. That’s how growth works. But I never let myself get too comfortable. That’s when you start falling behind.”
So what’s his advice to professionals today?
“Don’t fear failure. Fear staying the same. Get uncomfortable. Learn something new. Challenge your own process. That’s how you stay relevant—and how you future-proof your career.”
Because in a world that’s constantly changing, the biggest risk isn’t failing. It’s thinking you’ve already made it.
