Leading without borders with Maxis business leader

As global careers increasingly transcend borders and cultures, the Centre for Corporate and Community Development (CCCD), the Faculty of Accountancy and Management (FAM), and Maxis Berhad brought industry insight directly to campus through the CEO Talk Series held at UTAR Sungai Long Campus on 9 December 2025. The session featured Mr Prateek Pashine, Chief Enterprise Business Officer of Maxis Berhad, who delivered a thought-provoking talk titled Leading Without Borders: Building Global Careers and Organisations.

The session offered participants valuable perspectives on global leadership in an increasingly interconnected world. Drawing from his extensive industry experience, Mr Prateek emphasised the importance of cultural intelligence, adaptability, and continuous learning for individuals aspiring to build global careers and lead diverse organisations.

One of the key frameworks shared during the talk was the concept of a “personal compass”, anchored by what Mr Prateek described as life’s four Cs: chaos, confusion, control, and command. He explained that effective leaders must learn to move swiftly between these stages, as leadership is a continuous journey rather than a fixed destination. While it is important to take charge and move into command when necessary, he cautioned against staying there for too long, as prolonged command can limit learning and growth. Instead, leaders should remain agile, curious, and open to acquiring new skills.

Mr Prateek also encouraged participants to adopt a mindset of lifelong learning and healthy risk-taking, echoing the philosophy of “stay hungry, stay foolish.” He stressed that growth often requires stepping out of one’s comfort zone, being unafraid to make mistakes, and embracing calculated risks, noting that “no risk means no reward.” Innovation, he added, thrives when individuals dare to challenge absolutes and think beyond conventional boundaries.

In discussing leadership beyond the self, Mr Prateek highlighted the value of consistency and integrity, contrasting what he described as being a “consistent realist” rather than a “fickle idealist.” Transparency, he explained, is a critical leadership trait, as bad news is always better than no news. Not knowing, he warned, is far more damaging than recognising a problem early and taking steps to resolve it.

Using metaphors, he urged participants to become “warriors for the ocean rather than swimmers in puddles,” encouraging them to pursue meaningful, large-scale impact rather than settling for limited ambitions. He concluded by reinforcing that innovation often requires a rebellious spirit, questioning norms, thinking independently, and not being afraid to challenge the status quo.

The CEO Talk Series reflects UTAR’s ongoing commitment to connecting students and the wider community with industry leaders, equipping them with the mindset and skills needed to thrive in a globalised and rapidly evolving professional landscape.