Looking back at my working career, my 13-year tenure at one of Malaysia’s premier telco giants has been a profound personal and professional transformation journey.
This adventure, filled with varied roles and extensive learning, not only mirrors the industry’s dynamic nature but also underscores the priceless experiences it provides.
Embracing Versatility in Management Roles
The journey began with a foray into diverse management domains within the company, from research and development (R&D) to billing, network operations, technical functions, product development, and business management.
This unique rotational strategy provide me with an opportunity to see a comprehensive view of the telecom industry’s intricacies and interrelated aspects.
Each position I undertook brought challenges and learning curves, significantly molding my approach to effective leadership and operational excellence.
These roles were instrumental in refining my ability to adapt to rapid changes and adopt innovative solutions to complex problems.
The Thrill of Technological Evolution
The most refreshing part of my tenure was my engagement in technology-centric projects.
Operating in a sector known for its brisk technological progress, I discovered a deep-seated passion for the swiftly changing landscape.
This inclination towards technology revealed a preference for dynamic and innovative environments over monotonous, day-to-day operational tasks.
Challenges in Staff Management
Managing diverse teams was one of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of my career.
The team sizes varied dramatically, some with fewer than five members, while others more than a hundred.
Each group presented unique challenges due to the varying backgrounds and attitudes of the staff.
Developing adaptable management strategies was crucial in these situations.
These experiences were critical in sharpening my abilities in conflict resolution, team cohesion, and empathetic leadership, highlighting the significance of empathy and understanding in managing a diverse workforce.
Synergy Between Technical and Business Needs
My role in product development was particularly enlightening, as it involved striking a delicate balance between technical viability and market requirements.
This period underlined the necessity of aligning technical solutions with business goals, ensuring that our products adhered to technological benchmarks and appealed to and satisfied customer needs.
Navigating High-Stakes Business Management
Taking charge of a division responsible for an annual revenue close to RM 50 million was no small feat.
This high-stakes role required sharp business insight, strategic foresight, and robust risk management skills.
It was a continuous endeavor to balance ambitious growth targets with the need for operational sustainability and efficiency.
Overcoming Challenges in Billing System Migration
A particular testing phase was overseeing the transition to a new billing system.
This project, laden with technical hurdles and customer dissatisfaction, tested my crisis management skills.
Leading a team during such a tumultuous period was an intense lesson in resilience and strategic problem-solving.
On many occasions, I have to buffer the wrath of the customers and the Company’s management.
There are times, I wondered if any our our key staff resigned, it will probably bring the whole company down to its knees because no billing will be able to process and Millions of dollars of revenue will not be able to be collected.
Enduring Bonds of Friendship
One of the most treasured aspects of my time at the telco was the friendships I forged with colleagues.
These relationships, lasting over two decades, are a testament to the strong connections built through shared experiences and mutual challenges.
These bonds, transcending the professional realm, have become a cherished part of my life.
Conclusion
Reflecting on my 13-year journey with the Malaysian telco, it’s evident that it has been a kaleidoscope of challenges, triumphs, and personal evolution.
It has ingrained in me the importance of adaptability, lifelong learning, and the power of human connections in the professional sphere.
I am immensely grateful for the plethora of lessons learned and the deep, lasting relationships formed, which continue to enrich my life on both personal and professional fronts.
This journey has been about more than just achieving professional milestones or acquiring technical expertise.
It has been about understanding the human aspect of business — how to lead, inspire, and connect with people from all walks of life.
These human elements, technical skills, and experiences have shaped me into the leader I am today. My story at the telco is more than just a career narrative; it’s a chronicle of growth, resilience, and the enduring power of human connections.
The story of my first job as an educator:
The story of my third job as a Research Director:
You can also check out my personal Blog here or the latest eBooks I have recently published — here.
Dr. Mazlan Abbas 