When Sanjeev Soosaipillai first considered acquiring Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery, he described it as “an impossible mountain to climb.” However, within months of its acquisition, the facility was fully integrated into the Prax Group’s supply chain.
The acquisition exemplified a principle that guided Soosaipillai throughout his career in the energy business: concentrate on solutions rather than dwelling on obstacles.
This mindset, which Sanjeev Soosaipillai identified as one of the most important lessons he learnt, permeated his entire experience building the Prax Group with his wife Arani Soosaipillai.
“In every situation, there’s an opportunity to move forward, and by maintaining a positive, solution-oriented mindset, I’ve been able to drive results even when faced with adversity,” he said during Learning at Work Week in May 2025, when he and co-founder Arani Soosaipillai shared career reflections with staff.
What does it really look like to “focus on solutions, not problems”? These leadership principles show how anyone can put Sanjeev’s lessons into practice.
Maintain a Solution-Oriented Mindset
This approach emerged from necessity. When the Soosaipillais started their business in 1999 with a single petrol station, their first employee started at home before the business moved to what they described as a “broom cupboard” office with four desks.
When faced with setbacks, Soosaipillai focused on staying calm and maintaining clarity rather than becoming discouraged. He asked himself two questions: “What can I learn from this?” and “How can I use this experience to improve?” When external factors impeded progress, he searched for creative adaptation methods that maintained momentum.
The philosophy shaped how he conceptualised challenges from the outset. Rather than viewing difficulties as insurmountable barriers, he treated them as problems requiring practical solutions. This framing allowed him to take action even when circumstances appeared daunting.
Turn Problems Into Practical Action
Soosaipillai’s solution orientation didn’t mean ignoring difficulties. Rather, it meant converting them into actionable steps. Early growth at Prax demanded relentless working capital management.
This pattern of identifying pathways through constraints characterised major decisions throughout his tenure. When acquiring interests in Natref Refinery in South Africa from TotalEnergies, along with terminal, commercial and retail networks in Botswana, the transaction was framed as solving multiple strategic objectives: diversifying geographically, building presence in Southern Africa, and creating a regional hub.
Be Proactive Rather Than Reactive
Soosaipillai rejected reactive responses, preferring proactive anticipation of potential difficulties. “Moving forward, I focus on being proactive rather than reactive, anticipating potential challenges before they arise and preparing for them in advance,” he explained.
This forward-thinking mindset connected to his belief in continuous learning and professional development. Understanding that greater knowledge equipped him to navigate unexpected circumstances, he actively sought feedback and embraced opportunities to expand his expertise.
“Whether it’s finding a more streamlined way of doing things or rethinking strategies to better align with my business goals, I see obstacles as chances to create long-lasting solutions that add value to the organisation,” he stated.
The company’s ability to resolve demurrage issues quickly affected customer satisfaction directly, preventing delays and reducing extra charges whilst strengthening relationships during the period when these improvements were implemented.
Adapt Creatively to Constraints
Soosaipillai viewed adaptability as key to career longevity. “The business world is constantly evolving, and so one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of adaptability,” he said. “Whether it’s a shift in market conditions, technology, or company strategy, being able to pivot and embrace change has been critical to my career.”
Build Strong Collaborative Relationships
Whilst Soosaipillai’s solution-focused approach was deeply personal, he recognised that implementation required collaboration. “No matter how skilled or capable an individual may be, success is almost always achieved through effective collaboration,” he said. “Building strong relationships, fostering trust, and ensuring that communication is clear and respectful has allowed me to achieve more within my teams.”
See Obstacles as Opportunities for Learning
Soosaipillai approached challenges as learning opportunities. “I now approach every challenge as an opportunity to innovate, optimise processes, and improve efficiency,” he stated. “I see obstacles as chances to create long-lasting solutions that add value to the organisation.”
When asked whether he would have done anything differently over decades of building the business, Soosaipillai responded candidly. “I would have done loads of things differently,” he said. “I can give you 20 different volumes of things I would have done differently. You just live and learn, don’t you? Sometimes, you do something two or three times before you realise you need to do it differently.”
The commitment to learning shaped how he approached his work. “I’ve also become more committed to continuous learning, understanding that the more I know, the better equipped I am to navigate any unexpected circumstances,” he stated. “I actively seek feedback and embrace professional development opportunities to ensure I stay ahead in my field.”
Maintaining Forward Momentum: Where Will a Solution-Oriented Mindset Take Your Career?
Throughout his career, Sanjeev Kumar Soosaipillai demonstrated that a solution-oriented mindset was a practical framework for navigating complexity and turning constraints into action. The approach centred on identifying what needed doing, mobilising resources, adapting when constraints emerged, and maintaining momentum towards objectives, even when outcomes remained uncertain.
