Tag: Careers

The Day I Overcome the Fear of Public Speaking and Become a Keynote Speaker

SELF-IMPROVEMENT

If I can do it, you can too.

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Who isn’t intimidated by public speaking? Anyone who has gone through it would agree: “It is an unforgettable experience, especially the first time.” What about my experience? How did I reach the level of becoming a “Keynote Speaker”? Here’s my journey.

Even though my first job was as a lecturer, many would assume that speaking in public would come naturally to me, given that teaching involves daily presentations to students.

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However, lecturing in front of students and speaking to a broader audience at an international conference are profoundly different experiences.

In my case, delivering lectures to students, speaking at significant international conferences, or appearing on TV required solid confidence.

Building self-esteem and confidence and overcoming fear had to be a step-by-step process.

Without these experiences, I might never have dared to appear on a live TV show.

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Stages I Went Through

Here are the stages I underwent in my journey to becoming a proficient public speaker:

Lectures at the University Level

  • Initially, my audience was just students, which helped me hone my basic presentation skills.

Participating in Domestic and International Conferences (Technical)

  • Presenting at these events enhanced my ability to communicate complex ideas succinctly.

Invited Lectures Domestically and Internationally

  • These opportunities broadened my horizons and exposed me to diverse audiences.

Keynote Addresses

  • Delivering keynote speeches was a significant milestone that tested my ability to engage and inspire larger audiences.

Panel Moderator

  • Moderating discussions taught me to think on my feet and facilitate meaningful conversations.

Panel Member (Scripted and Unscripted)

  • Participating in panels improved my ability to articulate thoughts clearly and respond to impromptu questions.

YouTube Channel Contributions

  • Creating content for YouTube offered me a platform to refine my message and deliver it to digital audiences.

TV Program Segment

  • Appearing on pre-recorded TV segments helped me get comfortable with cameras and studio environments.

Radio Programs

  • Radio appearances sharpened my vocal delivery and timing.

Live TV Show

  • Live television was the ultimate test of my ability to maintain composure and engage with the audience and the hosts in real time.
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Overcoming Confidence Issues in Public Speaking

Here’s how I tackled confidence issues when facing the public:

Tailoring PowerPoint Slides

  • Designing slides that resonate with the audience’s tastes (graphics and content) is crucial.

Choosing Engaging Topics

  • I focus on finding topics that captivate and hold the audience’s attention.

Delving into Current Issues

  • Staying informed on contemporary issues makes your content relevant and engaging.

Frequent Practice

  • Regularly giving speeches is vital to building and maintaining confidence.

Engaging with the Audience

  • Making eye contact and speaking directly to each individual creates a personal connection.

Creating Mind Maps

  • Developing mind maps helps in connecting various aspects of the topic coherently.

Early Preparation

  • Preparing weeks in advance allows for thorough research and practice.

Updating Slides

  • I continually refine my PowerPoint slides until the last minute to ensure they’re current and impactful.

Arriving Early

  • Mingling with attendees before the presentation helps establish a rapport and eases nerves.

Relating Topics to the Conference Theme

  • I ensure my speeches align with the overarching theme for coherence and relevance.

Being Casual and Storytelling

  • Adopting a relaxed demeanor and incorporating storytelling makes the presentation more engaging and relatable.

Injecting Humor

  • A bit of humor can lighten the atmosphere and make the speech more memorable.

Throughout my journey, I learned that effective public speaking requires understanding your material and your audience and how to connect with them meaningfully.

By breaking down the process into manageable steps and continuously seeking opportunities to speak, I transformed the daunting task of public speaking into an enjoyable and fulfilling aspect of my career.

Whether addressing a small seminar or delivering a keynote at a large conference, the core principles of preparation, engagement, and genuine interaction have been my keys to success.

View at Medium.com

About Me (Part-6) — Mazlan Abbas

ABOUT MAZLAN ABBAS SERIES

A glance at my career growth.

Author during the school kid days

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In my career now, there are two things I never envisioned or aspired to: (1) becoming a CEO and (2) starting my own business. Yet, life took me on an unexpected journey.

As a student, my only dream was to become a scientist who could invent robots. That dream remains unfulfilled. Back then, I hardly knew what being a “scientist” entailed.

Author in the teens.

I started my career as a lecturer. At that point, I couldn’t imagine pursuing any other career. I was dedicated to education, evolving from an Assistant Lecturer to a Lecturer and then to an Associate Professor.

Because I didn’t want to relocate to UTM Skudai, I took a bold step to leave academia for the private sector, joining Celcom. Over 13 years, I learned much about various aspects of the business, from R&D and billing to technology and network management. I was fortunate to experience such diversity in my roles.

Author during the young years.

When I moved to Mimos, I aimed to elevate the nation’s R&D standards. Working for a government agency fueled high hopes and ambitions, but my role remained unchanged after eight years. It felt as though my previous experiences were underutilized, a stark realization of potential wasted.

In my 31-year career, my resume only listed my aspiration to become a CTO until REDtone offered me a CEO position to establish a new IoT-focused subsidiary. That’s where I truly understood the nuances of running a business, especially in dealings with government entities.

After 2.5 years, I ventured into my own business with colleagues, which is a story for another time, focusing on my journey with FAVORIOT.

Author during the University’s days.

So, what have I learned through all this?

  1. Even if our dreams don’t materialize, the path life takes us on is a blessing in itself.
  2. We must excel in any task given to us, understanding that challenges will elevate us and lead to better opportunities.
  3. Our career journey teaches us lessons no book can offer. Facing real challenges helps us apply our knowledge to overcome adversities.
  4. Who says a career in academia can’t transition into the corporate world?
  5. Who says technical background folks can’t excel in business?
  6. Who says you can’t become a CEO one day?
  7. Who says bitter experiences can’t turn sweet eventually?
  8. Who says corporate professionals can’t be effective educators?
  9. Who says early retirement is necessary?
  10. Who says we can’t create something that shakes up the industry or the world?
  11. Diverse work experiences are invaluable and unique, whether in academia, private or government sectors, business, technical, operations, research, or product development.
  12. This doesn’t mean I’ve reached the end of my career or aspirations. There’s much more to achieve. I’m keen on giving back to the community and the younger generation, and there’s still so much more I want to learn. Learning never ends.

Each career phase has taught me that our aspirations evolve with our experiences and the roles we undertake.

What seemed unattainable at one point becomes just a step in our journey.

Whether transitioning from academia to the corporate world, embracing technical roles, or stepping into leadership positions, each transition brings its own set of lessons and opportunities for growth.

My journey from a passionate educator to a CEO and entrepreneur reflects the unpredictable yet rewarding nature of a career that embraces change, lifelong learning, and the pursuit of giving back.

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Lessons Learned During My 13 Years Stint at One of the Biggest Telco in Malaysia

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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.

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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:

View at Medium.com

The story of my third job as a Research Director:

View at Medium.com

You can also check out my personal Blog here or the latest eBooks I have recently published — here.

An Entrepreneur as My Last Career – Is It The End?

Where do I start and where do I end of my career?

You can only ink the dot upon reflection, not in the moment of progression.

Here’s my journey.

The short story of my life.

A Career’s Humble Beginnings:

In the sunlit corridors of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 1984 found me embarking on a voyage as a lecturer, cradling the dream of sculpting young minds.

This esteemed institution wasn’t just my workplace; it was where my academic roots fiercely grew, intertwined with its rich tapestry of knowledge.

View at Medium.com

The Pivot Towards Telecommunications:

Upon completing my PhD, the winds of change gently nudged me towards a divergent path.

1994 was a pivotal year; Celcom’s looming towers beckoned, and I heeded the call, stepping into the vibrant and dynamic world of telecommunications with a position as Manager of Research and Development.

Ascension at Celcom:

Within the bustling hive of Celcom, I wasn’t just a cog in the machinery.

With each sunrise, I took on my roles diligently, and with each sunset, I observed my responsibilities expand.

From the inception, leading the Research and Development team, the journey meandered through 13 years, culminating with me assuming the Vice President role, a position glistening with challenges and opportunities alike.

A Foray into Research:

Post-Celcom, the canvas of my career was splashed with a different shade of intrigue as I immersed myself in the universe of wireless technology at Mimos.

As the Wireless Communications Cluster Director, my gaze was firmly set on the horizon of innovation, contributing to the realms of IPv6, WiMAX, and the burgeoning Internet of Things (IoT).

The Entrepreneurial Leap:

2015 whispered promises of a different adventure, as I allied with Redtone IoT, aiding in the inception of a subsidiary pulsating with potential.

Yet, the entrepreneurial spark within me flickered impatiently, yearning for a canvas of its own.

This longing bore Favoriot, my startup, a brainchild born out of passion and vision at the epoch of my 60th year.

A Sunset Tinged with Pride:

The twilight of my career isn’t shadowed by impending darkness but illuminated by the glow of achievement and satisfaction.

As I stand on the precipice of retirement, Favoriot isn’t just a company; it’s a legacy, a tapestry delicately woven with threads of hard work, dedication, and an unyielding spirit of entrepreneurship.

Concluding Reflection:

Each chapter of my career is a story, a melody composed with notes of perseverance, adaptation, and relentless pursuit of dreams.

As the curtains gently lower, heralding the imminent end of my professional sonata, I gaze back not with regret but with a heart swelling with pride and a soul whispering tales of a journey well traversed.