Transforming challenges into opportunities.
Once Momentum Shows Up, Take Advantage of It
Momentum has always been an elusive yet powerful force.
It is a reminder that opportunities, once they present themselves, must be seized with both hands.
I often think back to the early days of my career, when momentum was not a concept I fully understood.
But over time, I learned that it is about recognizing momentum and leveraging it effectively to propel yourself forward.
In this article, I will share my experiences and thoughts on how to harness momentum.
This reflection is a recollection of past events and a dialogue with myself on the lessons learned and the wisdom gained over the years.
The Early Days: Recognizing Momentum
When I started my career, fresh out of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia with a degree in Electrical Engineering, I clearly envisioned becoming a scientist.
My fascination with science fiction, from the vivid adventures in DC comics to the futuristic tales in “The Jetsons,” fueled this dream.
However, the reality of my career path soon diverged from these early aspirations.
“Why didn’t I get to study abroad after Form 5?” I would often ask myself.
It felt like a missed opportunity, a moment when momentum could have been seized.
But looking back, I realize that not getting to study abroad was just the beginning of understanding how momentum works.
It was a challenge, a test of resilience. It taught me that sometimes, momentum comes disguised as obstacles.
As an assistant lecturer at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, I immersed myself in academia.
Teaching, researching, and contributing to the faculty was fulfilling, but I felt something was missing.
I was waiting for momentum, for that push to take me to the next level.
Transitioning to the Corporate World
The transition from academia to the corporate world took a lot of work.
After earning my Ph.D. in Telecommunications, I joined CELCOM Axiata.
Here, I was exposed to the dynamic world of telecommunications, where I had to adapt quickly and learn new skills.
“Is this where I’m supposed to be?” I questioned myself.
The answer wasn’t clear initially, but as I dug deeper into my roles, I began to understand the importance of flexibility and adaptability.
Momentum, I realized, often comes from stepping out of your comfort zone.
At CELCOM, I encountered various opportunities that pushed me to grow.
Each role demanded a different skill set, from R&D to billing and technology to network management.
This period was crucial in shaping my understanding of momentum.
It taught me that to create momentum, one must be willing to embrace change and take on new challenges.
The Turning Point: Leadership at MIMOS and REDtone
My tenure at MIMOS Berhad as the Senior Director of the Wireless Communications Cluster marked a significant turning point in my career.
Here, I aimed to elevate the nation’s R&D standards.
However, after eight years, I felt my role had plateaued.
It was then that I faced a critical decision.
“Should I stay where I am comfortable or seek new horizons?” This internal dialogue was crucial.
I realized that staying in a stagnant role could stifle my growth.
Momentum needed a new direction.
Taking on the CEO role at REDtone IoT was both exciting and daunting.
Moving from a technical role to a leadership position was a significant leap.
Establishing an IoT-focused subsidiary required vision, strategy, and, most importantly, the ability to inspire and lead a team.
“Can I do this? Am I ready for such a challenge?” These questions haunted me.
But I knew that hesitation could kill momentum. I decided to embrace the challenge wholeheartedly.
Leading REDtone IoT was a transformative experience.
Here, I truly understood the power of momentum in driving innovation and growth.
The Birth of FAVORIOT: Embracing Entrepreneurship
The decision to co-found FAVORIOT was a culmination of my experiences and a leap of faith.
Starting a business from scratch requires technical expertise, a deep understanding of the market, a clear vision, and the ability to navigate uncertainties.
“Am I crazy to leave a stable job to start my own company?” This question lingered.
But the excitement of building something from the ground up was too compelling to ignore.
Momentum was on my side, and I knew I had to take advantage of it.
At FAVORIOT, our mission was to provide comprehensive IoT solutions for businesses seeking digital transformation.
The early days were challenging, with sleepless nights and endless brainstorming sessions.
But the thrill of seeing our ideas come to life kept us going.
Lessons Learned: Harnessing Momentum
Looking back, there are several key lessons I have learned about harnessing momentum:
1 — Embrace Challenges as Opportunities
Challenges are often the catalysts for momentum. They push you to think creatively and adapt quickly. Every obstacle is an opportunity in disguise.
“How can I turn this setback into a stepping stone?” This mindset has helped me navigate many difficult situations.
2 — Be Flexible and Adaptable
The ability to adapt to new roles and responsibilities is crucial. Flexibility allows you to pivot when necessary and take advantage of new opportunities.
“What new skills do I need to learn to excel in this role?” Continuous learning and adaptation are essential.
3 — Seize the Moment
When opportunities present themselves, it’s essential to act quickly and decisively. Hesitation can kill momentum.
“Is this the right time to make a move?” Trust your instincts and leap.
4 — Build a Strong Network
Networking is vital in creating and sustaining momentum.
Building strong relationships with peers, mentors, and industry leaders can open doors and provide valuable support.
“Who can I reach out to for advice or collaboration?” Never underestimate the power of a strong network.
5 — Stay Resilient
Momentum can be unpredictable.
There will be highs and lows, but resilience is key to maintaining progress.
“How can I stay motivated during tough times?” Focus on your long-term goals and keep pushing forward.
The Future
As I continue my journey with FAVORIOT and beyond, I remain committed to leveraging momentum to drive innovation and growth.
The IoT and digital transformation landscape is fast-moving, and staying ahead requires constant vigilance and adaptability.
“What’s next for FAVORIOT? How can we continue to innovate and lead in the IoT space?”
These questions keep me motivated and excited about the future.
I also believe in giving back to the community.
As an adjunct professor and speaker at global conferences, I strive to share my knowledge and experiences with the next generation of leaders.
“How can I inspire and mentor others?” This question drives my passion for teaching and mentoring.
I want to help others recognize and harness their momentum.
In conclusion, momentum is a powerful force that can propel you to new heights.
It requires recognizing opportunities, embracing challenges, and staying resilient.
My journey has taught me that momentum is not a one-time event but a continuous process of growth and adaptation.
By leveraging momentum, we can achieve our goals and impact the world meaningfully.
“Am I ready for the next challenge?”
Absolutely.
With each new opportunity, I am reminded that once momentum shows up, we must take full advantage of it.
Dr. Mazlan Abbas 