Successful Entrepreneurs – Dr. Mazlan Abbas

Transforming challenges into opportunities.

Once Momentum Shows Up, Take Advantage of It

Photo by Sunder Muthukumaran on Unsplash

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.

Have you gained that momentum in you?

STARTUP STORIES

Stop being too hard on yourself; your startup journey is on the right track!

This article is a chance to pause and reflect. Take a deep breath and allow yourself a moment to appreciate your progress and what you’ve achieved in your startup so far.

Here are 19 indicators, some clear and others more subtle, that suggest you’re doing better than you might think:

You frequently second-guess decisions.
Doubt isn’t a sign of weakness; it indicates you’re open to growth and self-improvement. Reevaluating decisions means you’re thoughtful and forward-thinking.
You’ve secured some funding.
Whether it’s from savings, angel investors, or a venture capital round, securing funding means someone believes in your vision. Celebrate that vote of confidence.
Your team is growing.
Even if it’s just hiring your first employee or a co-founder joining you, growth in your team is a sure sign of startup success.
You’ve evolved from your original idea.
Pivoting doesn’t mean failure; it shows you’re learning from interactions with the market and adjusting accordingly. That’s innovation at work.
You’ve experienced failure.
Each failure is a lesson that refines your business model. If you’ve failed but kept going, you’re in the resilient minority.
You don’t worry about immediate shutdown.
Having enough runway to plan beyond the next few months is a small luxury in the startup world. If you’re not in survival mode every day, you’re doing something right.
You have loyal customers.
Even if it’s just a handful of loyal customers who love what you do, their continued support is a sign you’re adding real value.
You’ve received unsolicited customer feedback.
Whether it’s praise or constructive criticism, feedback means customers care about your product enough to want to see it improve.
You’ve declined opportunities.
Saying no to wrong fits, whether potential clients, hires, or partnerships, means you’re focusing on what truly aligns with your mission.
Your product has iterated several times.
Each iteration means you’re closer to finding the best market fit. Continuous improvement is a cornerstone of successful startups.
You understand your market better than when you started Insight into your market is invaluable.
If you know your customer well, you’re leaps ahead of many startups.
You’ve survived more than one “make-or-break” scenario.
Getting through tough challenges means your startup has the resilience to face the ups and downs of the business world.
You have a dedicated workspace.
Having a specific place where your team can focus and collaborate is a sign of establishing a solid foundation.
You’ve let go of what doesn’t work.
Knowing when to cut losses is as important as knowing when to push forward. This ability to adapt is crucial for long-term success.
You’re excited by challenges.
Seeing challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles is a sign of a positive mindset, crucial for entrepreneurial success.
You know how to manage stress
Balancing the high pressures of startup life is no small feat. If you’ve developed coping mechanisms, you’re setting yourself up for sustained effort.
You’re thinking about scaling.
Planning for growth, even if it’s just preliminary, means looking towards the future with optimism.
You’ve established a brand identity.
Having a clear brand identity helps in making your startup memorable and recognizable. This is key in crowded markets.
You’re still passionate.
Continuing to have passion for your venture is perhaps the most telling sign that you’re on the right path. Many lose this spark, but if you’ve still got it, you’re more than on track.

You’re laying down the tracks for future success, so keep pushing forward and stay grounded in your own progress, not someone else’s.

Your journey is unique, and you’re doing better than you think!

Tag: Successful Entrepreneurs