Cargo Champion – Sebastiaan Scholte

REMEMBERING the simple pleasures of life have long been overshadowed by our alarmingly acquisitive global society, where celebrities are elevated to gods, commanding more newspaper column inches than they deserve and footballers are paid more money in a week than many earn in their entire lifetime. 
Federico Felliini famously advised: “You have to live spherically – in many directions. Never lose your childish enthusiasm – and things will come your way.”
Sebastiaan Scholte’s philosophy on the vicissitudes of life is in keeping with the vivacious spirit of the late and much celebrated Italian scriptwriter and film director who tantalised cinema audiences with his iridescent portrayal of love, life and death.
“I look at my children and they have this light in their eyes. A bright look of strength, fun, curiosity, excitement – eyes that speak and I think that’s something as an individual you have try to hold onto,” says the father-of-two.
“If I won US$20m in the lottery, I might be less happy than I am right now – because I still have desires, something to aspire to, which sometimes can be nicer than owning.”
Born in the city of Groningen, northern Holland, Scholte’s passion for travelling was ignited by his dentist father’s decision to move his family to Spain when he was a teenager.
The dramatic change in environs not only fuelled his desire for experiencing different cultures but was also instrumental in him electing to embark on an internship at a paint factory in Brazil, one of the most captivating countries in the world, while studying for a business economics degree.
During his spare time he immersed himself in books about the history and politics of Latin America. The move resulted in a job opportunity at Aeromexico Cargo serendipitously setting him on his air cargo path, aged 24. Within two years he was vice-president of sales in Europe, based in Madrid.
“I was in the airline industry for almost 15 years. From Aeromexico, I moved to Cargolux. I still have a lot of kerosene DNA in my blood, you could say,” jokes the chief excecutive of Jan de Rijk Logistics.
His passion for the industry and his drive to be best is evident in the innovative work under way at Jan de Rijk. “One day you are talking to somebody about rail traffic, the next, about airlines – 40 per cent of our business is still being a road feeder service supplier for airlines. There is not a single day I am not learning,” he enthuses.
“I am excited by my ability to make changes within the organisation, take it in different directions and then see the results. I am able to realise my own vision for the company. I am also excited by how diversified we are and our continued expansion.” The company plans to operate a train terminal – and double its intermodal traffic in the next three years. 
But Scholte is well aware that all work and no play can make a dull boy. Although the 42-year-old would never describe himself as a thrill-seeker per se in search of the next bungee jump, he admits he cannot sit still.
He swims three times a week, runs and occasionally indulges in windsurfing. He prescribes laughter as the perfect antidote to a demanding lifestyle, and is also partial to the odd tipple with industry buddies.
“I drink once in a while, of course. It’s almost impossible in this industry not to, but there should be a good balance. Everything in excess is not good.“What’s great about this industry is that it is very sociable. It’s almost like a cargo family. You meet the usual suspects everywhere – and this is nice.”
But it is also apparent that problem-solving is his lifeblood.“Obviously, I live for my family and I would sacrifice my life for them, but the two main rules I live by are: ‘Always acknowledge your mistakes, and keep on finding challenges so you don’t become complacent.’.”
Share this story

Related Topics

Latest uncategorized news

Mixed cargo revenue performance for US carriers in Q2

US carriers reported rising cargo volumes in the second quarter of the year but there was a mixed performance on…

Read More

Share this story

Logistics UK reiterates call for dedicated logistics minister following election announcement

Logistics UK has reiterated its call for the creation of a dedicated logistics and supply chain minister following the announcement…

Read More

Share this story

Air Partner targets time-critical cargo with latest appointment

Charter broker Air Partner has appointed Patti Cole as head of time-critical services for North America as it looks to…

Read More

Share this story

Air Cargo News

Air Cargo News
Established in 1983, Air Cargo News is the leading source of news, information, interviews, analyses and reports to the global airfreight industry. Our leading portfolio includes print, digital and events that give businesses in the airfreight industry the ability to connect with decision-makers in this sector.