In the logistics industry, the challenges never stop changing—and neither do the skills you need to succeed. For Dick Arnel Sevilla, Certified Management Accountant and finance leader, the pace of change means one thing: you can never afford to stop learning.
“What we know now can be obsolete anytime soon,” Sevilla tells Financial Adviser PH.
From technological upgrades to shifts in supply chain strategies, Sevilla has seen how quickly yesterday’s expertise can lose its edge. His solution? Treat learning as a lifelong habit, not a one-time achievement.
Why staying relevant means staying in motion
Sevilla’s perspective comes from years of navigating an industry where global markets, regulations, and technology are in constant flux.
“You have to be a lifelong learner to stay ahead and always be competitive,” he says.
For him, it’s not just about keeping up with trends—it’s about anticipating change before it hits. That requires curiosity, humility, and the willingness to step outside your comfort zone.
The comfort zone trap
The best career advice Sevilla ever received was simple but life-changing: don’t stay in your comfort zone.
“Nothing grows there,” he recalls.
Early in his career, Sevilla could have played it safe—sticking to roles he already knew well. Instead, he embraced opportunities in new sectors and positions, even when the learning curve was steep.
Career shifts and the power of adaptability
Sevilla has made multiple career shifts, moving across different roles and environments. Each transition brought its own challenges, but he found that adaptability was the key to thriving.
“The usual challenge is how to adapt, and you can only do this if you have the openness to accept new challenges and the eagerness to learn new skills,” he says.
That mindset doesn’t just help with job changes—it’s essential for keeping pace with evolving business demands, whether that’s adopting a new system, managing a cross-border operation, or integrating digital tools into logistics processes.
Future-proofing your career
Sevilla’s advice for professionals who want to remain in demand is straightforward: update and upgrade your skills constantly.
In his view, future-proofing is less about predicting which skills will be “hot” next year and more about developing the capacity to learn quickly, no matter what comes.
That means building both technical expertise—like finance, logistics operations, and compliance—and soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and strategic thinking.
Why attitude matters as much as skill
Sevilla also believes that a standout job candidate is not defined solely by credentials.
“The ability to convey your message that you have the right attitude and set of skills that will add value to the company” is what separates the best from the rest, he says.
Employers, he notes, look for people who can contribute beyond their job description, especially in fast-moving industries like logistics where roles can shift quickly.
Lifelong learning as a leadership principle
As a finance leader, Sevilla applies the same learning mindset to his management style. He encourages his team to pursue growth opportunities and equips them with the resources to expand their capabilities.
By modeling this commitment himself—whether by attending industry conferences, engaging in professional training, or exploring new business strategies—he shows that continuous learning isn’t just advice. It’s a career necessity.
The takeaway
In a world where business models can change overnight, Sevilla’s message is clear: success belongs to those who are willing to evolve.
“What we know now can be obsolete anytime soon,” he says. “That’s why you have to keep learning, stay curious, and never assume you’ve learned it all.”
For professionals in logistics—and any industry—his rule holds true: the most valuable skill you can have is the ability to learn the next one.
