How did you get started in the logistics industry, and what has your journey been like up to this point?
Bryan: Besides carrying an inner passion for business, my engagement with a wide range of topics and projects since the second year of my International Business major at an Australian university has sparked a deep and lasting interest in the field. Building on this, I applied for a position in overseas business development at WorldWide Link. I believe this early experience not only enhances my academic performance but also enables me to proactively apply what I learn in real-world contexts. Through continued work and learning within the company, I’ve developed numerous goals and passions within the logistics industry, which have helped shape me into a more professional and capable salesperson.
Ken: I’m still relatively new to the logistics field—just about a year in. Prior to this, I spent 10 years working as a restaurant manager. After so long in the same industry, I was ready to take on a new challenge. Logistics captured my interest because it’s dynamic, global, and offers continuous opportunities to learn. The transition has been significant, but I’ve enjoyed every step of the journey. I’m learning something new every day, and that ongoing growth is what keeps me motivated.
What do you enjoy most about the logistics industry, and what makes your role particularly fulfilling?
Ken: What I enjoy most is the constant opportunity to learn. Each day brings new situations, which keeps the work engaging and dynamic. I also appreciate connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and gaining insight into how each part of the logistics process fits together. Being part of a system that helps move goods across countries feels both meaningful and rewarding.
Bryan: What I enjoy most is the dynamic nature of the industry. Working in logistics requires me to stay adaptable and well-informed about global developments. This has encouraged me to build a valuable habit of reading news in my free time and actively seeking out sources to deepen my professional knowledge.
In addition, my role in overseas business development gives me the opportunity to network with people from a wide range of cultural backgrounds. This aligns perfectly with my personal goal of continuously improving my interpersonal skills. Since starting this role, I’ve gained insights into the cultures of major regions and have begun developing tailored networking strategies for each.
What do you see as the biggest challenge in the logistics today, and how do you think the industry is handling it?
Bryan: One of the major challenges in the logistics industry is the impact of geopolitical tensions and the trade policies of the world’s largest economies. Trade wars, for instance, can lead to rising shipping costs or disrupt key routes—such as those between the U.S. and China or Australia and China. These disruptions create uncertainty for businesses as they plan their supply chain strategies.
To address this, portfolio diversification is essential. This is where logistics providers in developing countries with favorable trade environments—like Vietnam—have a significant opportunity. They can offer seamless logistics solutions and give businesses greater peace of mind amid global uncertainties.
Ken: For me personally, the biggest challenge has been keeping up with the fast pace and constant movement in the industry. There are countless details to manage, and situations can change rapidly. Across the logistics sector, I believe everyone is striving to stay agile and adopt better tools and technologies to ensure smooth operations. In this context, strong teamwork plays a crucial role in overcoming these challenges.
Sustainability is a hot topic in logistics. How is your organization approaching eco-friendly practices?
Both: At WorldWide Link, sustainability is becoming increasingly central to everything we do—both in our operations and in our broader commitment to the community. Although we are a medium-sized business, we have organized over 40 donation trips, contributing more than $140,000 to support sustainable development efforts. This funding comes directly from the monthly contributions of our staff, demonstrating that we care not only about profitability but also about the social well-being around us.
Operationally, we’re also taking steps to reduce our environmental impact. From minimizing waste and optimizing fuel-efficient route planning to exploring smarter resource management, these initiatives reflect a shared responsibility across the company.
If you could change one think about the logistics industry, what would it be and what impact do you think it would have?
Ken: If I could change one thing, it would be to make the onboarding process easier for newcomers—through more hands-on training, clearer guidance, and stronger mentorship. Starting out can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, new team members could build confidence more quickly and grow into their roles faster.
Bryan: One thing I would emphasize is the importance of international standards. Having standardized processes across countries helps streamline import and export operations, especially in the regions where we conduct shipments. It reduces the uncertainty around unfamiliar regulations or special transportation requirements. Ultimately, this creates a more efficient environment for global cooperation and fosters greater trust among business partners.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone just starting in your line of work?
Bryan: To work effectively in an Overseas Business Development role, it’s essential to continuously update your professional knowledge—especially in areas like international trade, foreign market practices, cultural norms, politics, and economic conditions. Personally, I believe the more we understand about other countries, the better equipped we are to connect meaningfully with both new and existing partners. The core mission of this role is to build long-term, trustworthy relationships, and having a deep, well-rounded understanding of global dynamics is a critical skillset that every business development professional should possess.
Ken: Don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if they seem small. Logistics is full of details, and everyone starts somewhere. Stay open-minded, be flexible when things don’t go as planned, and always look for ways to improve. Learning never stops in this field.
What motivated you to join ALFA network, and has it met your expectations so far?
Both: What stands out to us about the ALFA Global Family is the quality and engagement of its members. Unlike larger networks with thousands of participants, ALFA offers a more focused and tightly connected environment. Every greeting and rate request is treated with genuine attention, which reflects the kind of proactive, reliable partnerships we’re looking to build. The smaller size doesn’t limit opportunities—it actually enhances collaboration and trust.
We joined this network not only to grow our international reach but also to step outside our comfort zones and learn from others with more experience in logistics. Being part of ALFA has given us access to real stories, practical advice, and a strong sense of community. It’s been a great platform for exchanging ideas, gaining insights, and continuing to grow both individually and as a team.
When you’re not focused on logistics, how do you like to unwind and enjoy your free time?
Ken: Outside of work, I enjoy playing sports—it helps me stay active and clear my mind. I also really value spending time with my family. Whether it’s sharing a simple meal or just having a conversation, those moments help me recharge and stay balanced for the week ahead.
Bryan: I have a variety of habits that help me unwind after work—going to the gym, playing sports, reading books or listening to audiobooks, and watching movies. Among these, two that I enjoy most are watching movies and reading. Both allow me to absorb new knowledge in a passive yet effective way.
Movies help me better understand body language, cultural nuances, and historical or current events, while books offer stories and insights on a wide range of topics that I can later apply in my professional life. These activities not only help me relax, but also keep me learning and growing outside the workplace.
If you had to describe your logistics journey using a movie title, what would it be?
Bryan: The title would be The Pursuit of Happiness. It captures how a journey can feel uncertain at the beginning; however, with perseverance and dedication in the industry, it becomes rewarding in the end—perfectly reflecting the nature of the international logistics market.
Ken: Rush Hour.
My logistics journey feels like a fast-paced adventure, where every day brings something new and unexpected. There’s always a fresh challenge—whether it’s learning a new system, solving problems on the spot, or adapting quickly to changes.
Thank you, Bryan and Ken, for sharing your journey, insights, and energy!
