Tag: Leadership

The Book That Finally Told the Truth About IoT

For years, I’ve watched the Internet of Things evolve—promises, pilots, platforms, and… silence.

We were told IoT would change everything. And yet, here we are. Smart cities still look like science projects. Predictive maintenance rarely gets past a demo. Even in conferences, IoT is the quiet cousin, while AI receives the spotlight.

So when I read “IoT: The Hype No One Knows About” by Afzal Mangal, I didn’t just read it—I felt it.

This wasn’t another technical deep dive. It wasn’t a glossy case study collection either. It was something rare: an honest book written by someone who’s actually done the work, faced the resistance, and survived the grind.

It’s Not the Technology That’s Broken

The core message? IoT works. That’s not the problem. The issue is that no one knows or sees it, and often, no one asks for it.

IoT doesn’t fail in the lab. It fails in the boardroom. It fails when:

  • Decision-makers don’t know what problem IoT solves
  • Internal champions give up after the pilot
  • Sales teams can’t explain it without five slides and a PhD

This hit hard. I’ve seen excellent IoT projects—solid tech, measurable impact—die quietly because there was no momentum to take them further.

Meanwhile, AI Took the Stage

Mangal makes a bold (and fair) comparison: AI and IoT were both hyped. But only one became mainstream.

Why?

Because AI built a tribe, it became aspirational. It had influencers, evangelists, podcasts, and memes. It was everywhere. IoT, on the other hand, stayed niche. It stayed quiet. It stayed technical.

It didn’t show off its wins. It didn’t shout. And that’s where we lost the game.

The Book Offers Solutions, Not Just Complaints

The best part isn’t just the diagnosis. It’s the prescription.

Mangal outlines 70 actions—from marketing to product strategy—that are refreshingly doable. No jargon. Just real advice:

  • Put “IoT” in your product name
  • Sell small and scale later
  • Educate the market like a campaign
  • Speak in stories, not specs
  • Make IoT visible in daily life

It sounds simple, but when did we last do any of that?

My Honest Take

This book isn’t for those looking for another buzzword to pitch. It’s for those tired of being invisible. It speaks to the founders, engineers, salespeople, and educators who want IoT to finally get the recognition it deserves, technically and publicly.

It made me reflect deeply on how I present, pitch, and teach IoT.

We can keep building great tech. But until we start creating awareness, IoT will remain a background actor in a play it should lead.

My Final Thoughts

Afzal Mangal didn’t just write a book—he wrote a mirror. If you’ve ever been frustrated with the slow progress of IoT adoption, this book gives you clarity—and a plan.

I highly recommend it to anyone in the IoT space, especially:

  • Startup founders
  • Product managers
  • Policy-makers
  • Tech educators
  • Marketers are trying to position IoT solutions

The industry doesn’t need more hype. It needs truth, clarity, and action.

This book delivers all three.

A Recognition That Reflects the Journey: Named Among Thinkers360’s Top 100 B2B Thought Leaders in 2025

I stared at my screen, re-reading the email. Was this real? Thinkers360 had just named me one of the Top 100 B2B Thought Leaders, Analysts & Influencers to Work With in 2025 (APAC).

I leaned back in my chair, letting the weight of those words sink in. A flood of memories rushed through my mind—moments of self-doubt, nights spent refining ideas, countless speaking engagements, and articles written with the hope that someone, somewhere, would find them valuable.

This wasn’t just about me. It was about the power of consistency, the impact of sharing knowledge, and the importance of staying true to a vision.

The Journey to This Moment

When I co-founded FAVORIOT, I had one mission: to make IoT accessible, understandable, and impactful for businesses and societies. I wasn’t just building a company but creating an ecosystem, a movement, and a voice for IoT adoption.

It wasn’t always easy.

  • Sometimes, IoT felt like an uphill battle, trying to convince organizations of its potential.
  • There were moments when my writings, podcasts, and speeches seemed to go unnoticed.
  • There were days when I wondered if my efforts were making any real impact.

Yet, I kept going.

I wrote articles when I felt uninspired.
I delivered speeches when I was exhausted from travelling.
I mentored startups when I barely had time for myself.

Because I believed in the power of sharing knowledge.

Beyond Social Media Influence: Thought Leadership with Purpose

What makes this recognition by Thinkers360 truly meaningful is its holistic approach to thought leadership. Unlike many influencer lists focusing purely on social media metrics, Thinkers360 looks deeper—at the ideas shared, the conversations sparked, and the tangible impact created.

Thought leadership isn’t just about posting viral tweets or LinkedIn updates. It’s about:

  • Writing articles that challenge conventional thinking.
  • Delivering keynotes that shift perspectives.
  • Mentoring the next generation of innovators.
  • Contributing to industry policies that shape the future.

And that’s what I’ve strived to do, not just as an IoT advocate but as someone who believes in building smarter cities, empowering businesses, and fostering innovation.

Why This Matters for the IoT & Smart City Ecosystem

This recognition isn’t just a personal milestone—it’s a signal that IoT and digital transformation are no longer just buzzwords.

They are critical forces shaping the future of industries, economies, and societies.

From smart agriculture to intelligent traffic management, from AI-driven automation to predictive analytics—IoT is no longer a “nice-to-have” but a necessity.

This award reminds me that our work—whether through FAVORIOT, industry collaborations, or global partnerships—is making a difference.

It also reaffirms my belief that sharing knowledge is the most powerful way to accelerate innovation.

What’s Next? The Mission Continues

Recognition is a moment.
Impact is a lifetime journey.

This award doesn’t end my thought leadership journey—it fuels the next chapter.

I’m more committed than ever to:

  • Bringing IoT education to more businesses and policymakers
  • Expanding the FAVORIOT ecosystem through strategic global partnerships
  • Mentoring and inspiring young professionals to enter the tech industry
  • Driving real, measurable impact in smart city development

Thank you to everyone who has followed my journey, read my articles, attended my talks, or engaged with my content. Your support, feedback, and discussions have been invaluable.

This recognition belongs to everyone working tirelessly in the IoT and digital transformation.

Let’s continue building the future—one idea, one conversation, and one innovation at a time.

Final Thoughts

As I close my laptop, I take a deep breath. This recognition was unexpected, but perhaps it was always on the horizon. When you consistently show up, share your knowledge, and contribute with genuine passion, the world eventually takes notice.

For more on my journey, visit mazlanabbas.com and favoriot.com.

A Letter to My Future Self

ABOUT ME SERIES

Reflecting on a Journey of Innovation and Inspiration

Photo by jules a. on Unsplash

My article “A Letter to My Younger Self” inspired this story.

I’ve often wondered what I would say if I could write a letter to my future self.

What advice would I give? What warnings, insights, or words of encouragement would I offer?

Dear Future Mazlan,

I contemplate our journey as I begin composing this letter. I trust that this letter will prompt recollections of our ambitions, hopes, and the wisdom we’ve gained.

It’s a warm day in July 2024, and the buzzing energy of FAVORIOT surrounds me. The office is alive with the sound of collaboration and innovation.

Our team is working tirelessly to bring the next big idea to life. I hope you’re reading this with a sense of pride, knowing that we’ve stayed true to our vision and continued to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of IoT.

As you read this, I hope you remember the early days when we first dreamed of creating a company that would be a leader in technology and a beacon of inspiration for future generations.

FAVORIOT was born out of a desire to make a difference, transform the way we interact with technology, and build smarter, more connected cities. Wherever you are now, that vision has been realized in ways we could only have imagined.

Remember the countless hours spent brainstorming and strategizing, the late nights and early mornings, and the unwavering belief that we were on the right path.

A deep sense of purpose always counterbalanced those moments of doubt and uncertainty. We knew that our work mattered and that it had the potential to change lives. And it did.

The stories of how our solutions have improved the quality of life for so many people are the true measure of our success.

I hope you’ve continued to share your knowledge and experiences with others. Writing has always been our passion, and through platforms like Medium and our blog, we’ve reached and inspired countless readers.

I hope you’ve kept up with that, using your voice to educate and motivate. Your words have power; they’ve helped many see the potential within themselves and the world around them.

Do you remember the thrill of speaking at conferences, the excitement of standing in front of an audience and sharing our vision? Those moments were exhilarating, not just because of the applause or recognition but because of our connections and impact on others.

I hope you’ve continued to embrace those opportunities, stand on those stages, and inspire others with your journey.

Our family has always been our anchor, grounding us through the highs and lows. The support and love from our wife and children have been unwavering.

I hope you’ve continued to cherish those relationships to make time for them amidst the chaos of work. They are, after all, our most outstanding achievement.

Looking back, it’s clear that the road wasn’t always easy. Some challenges tested our resolve, and there were moments when giving up seemed like an option. But we persevered, driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a belief in our mission.

I hope that in the years that have passed, you’ve found new ways to innovate, to stay ahead of the curve, and to keep that fire burning.

I trust that you have maintained a mindset of curiosity and open-mindedness as we anticipate the future. The technology landscape is constantly advancing, presenting us with continuous opportunities for learning and overcoming new challenges. Maintain a strong thirst for knowledge, continue to explore, and persist in dreaming without limits.

I wonder what new horizons you’ve explored.

Have you ventured into new areas of technology, perhaps even beyond IoT? Have you taken on new roles, maybe as a mentor or advisor, helping the next generation of innovators find their path? Whatever it is, I hope you’ve found fulfillment and joy in your endeavors.

Lastly, remember to take a moment to breathe and appreciate the journey and progress made. It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of daily life, but it’s essential to pause and reflect on how far we’ve come.

Celebrate the victories, big and small, and learn from the setbacks.

As I write this, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for our experiences, the people we’ve met, and the impact we’ve made. I hope you carry that gratitude with you always.

It’s been an incredible journey, with so much more to come.

So, here’s to the future, new adventures, and the enduring spirit of innovation that drives us. Keep pushing boundaries, keep inspiring, and keep making a difference.

With warm regards and unwavering belief in our shared future,

Mazlan Abbas

Ready to Be a Thought Leader? — A Book Review

Thought Leadership — Book Review by Mazlan Abbas

This is the book where I started my thought leadership process.

[Note: Click here to have FREE access to this member-only story]

Oh boy, where do I even start with “Ready to Be a Thought Leader?” by Denise Brosseau?

This book popped onto my radar at just the right time. You know, one of those moments when you’re scrolling endlessly, looking for that spark of inspiration to hit?

Well, hit it did, and let me tell you, it was more like a lightning bolt. I’ve been toying with the idea of dipping my toes into the thought leadership waters, but honestly, I didn’t have a clue where to start.

Enter Denise Brosseau and her book, which might as well have been titled “Ready to Be a Thought Leader? : How to Increase Your Influence, Impact, and Success,” because it’s accessible and enlightening.

First off, Denise doesn’t just talk the talk; she’s walked the walk. With a resume that’ll make your head spin, she’s the real deal, and she’s generous with her insights.

The book lays out a seven-step process that’s like a treasure map to becoming a thought leader.

And the best part?

You can start this journey from wherever you are in your career. No need to be the CEO of a Fortune 500 company or a Silicon Valley wiz kid.

If you’ve got expertise and a network, Denise shows you how to harness them to make waves in your field.

What really got me were the real-world examples. Reading about folks like Robin Chase of Zipcar and Chip Conley felt like having mentors whispering in my ear, telling me, “Hey, you can do this too!” It’s one thing to read a how-to guide; it’s another to see that guide brought to life through stories of people who’ve actually been there, done that.

But let’s get down to brass tacks — this book isn’t just a feel-good read.

It’s a workbook, a planner, and a mentor all rolled into one.

Denise doesn’t let you off easy. She’s got this knack for making you want to roll up your sleeves and get to work. And work you will.

With tips, strategies, and what feels like a personal success coach by your side, you start to see how even 15 minutes a day can set you on a path to making a real impact.

“Ready to Be a Thought Leader?” is more than a book; it’s a call to action.

It’s for anyone ready to take their career beyond the conventional success metrics and venture into the realm of lasting influence and legacy.

Denise Brosseau has crafted not just a guide but a companion for this journey, one that I’ll be keeping within arm’s reach as I take my first steps toward thought leadership.

If you’re sitting there, wondering if this book is for you, let me save you some time: it is.

Whether you’re looking to spark sustainable change, create a movement, or simply have a deeper impact in your field, this book holds the keys to the kingdom.

It’s a gem, and I’m just grateful to have stumbled upon it. Time to stop dreaming and start doing, folks.

Let’s get thought-leading.

Get this book from Amazon — “Ready to Be a Thought Leader? : How to Increase Your Influence, Impact, and Success” (Note: This is an affiliate link)

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