Building an Energy Empire: A Q&A with Sanjeev and Arani Kumar Soosaipillai

Sanjeev Kumar Soosaipillai met his wife, Arani, at the University of Kent, and together they built what would become the Prax Group: an integrated energy conglomerate with revenues of $10 billion, gross assets of $2.3 billion, and over 1,400 employees at its peak. Their path from a single leased petrol station in St Albans in 1999 to a multinational operation spanning retail, refining, storage, and trading required not only commercial acumen but also a willingness to risk everything they owned. In this interview, Sanjeev and Arani Soosaipillai reflect on the business principles that guided their decisions during more than two decades of growth.

Q: When you think about your careers, what trait has been most important to your success?

Sanjeev Soosaipillai: “The business world is constantly evolving, and so one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of adaptability. 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. I’ve learned that flexibility, being willing to learn new skills, and approaching challenges with an open mind enables growth.”

Arani Soosaipillai: “No matter how well you plan, things will change. Being flexible and open to learning new skills or perspectives is therefore crucial to success.”

Q: How do you approach working with others?

Sanjeev Soosaipillai: “No matter how skilled or capable an individual may be, success is almost always achieved through effective collaboration. Building strong relationships, fostering trust, and ensuring that communication is clear and respectful has allowed me to achieve more within my teams. I’ve learned that shared success is far more fulfilling than working in isolation.”

Arani Soosaipillai: “Success is rarely a solo effort. Building strong relationships, whether with colleagues or mentors, has been invaluable.”

Q: How do you handle setbacks when they come up?

Sanjeev Soosaipillai: “Throughout my career, challenges have been inevitable, but they’ve also been opportunities for growth. When I’ve encountered setbacks, I’ve focused on staying calm under pressure and maintaining a clear head. Instead of getting discouraged, I’ve always asked myself: ‘What can I learn from this?’ and ‘How can I use this experience to improve?’ Moreover, when external factors impacted progress, I found creative ways to adapt to new constraints, ensuring that we remained on track, despite the challenges. I’ve learned that being resilient and maintaining a forward-thinking mindset is essential for overcoming adversity.”

Arani Soosaipillai: “Setbacks are inevitable, but how you respond to them defines your path forward. Persistence and maintaining a long-term perspective help navigate tough times.”

Q: What about when you’re facing uncertainty and don’t know what the next move should be?

Arani Soosaipillai: “There have been moments where I wasn’t sure what the next step should be, but leaning into uncertainty with curiosity, rather than fear, has helped me grow.”

Q: How do you think about solving problems?

Sanjeev Soosaipillai: “One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned is the importance of focusing on solutions, rather than dwelling on the challenges themselves. 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.”

Arani Soosaipillai: “Instead of viewing challenges as roadblocks, I’ve learned to see them as opportunities to improve.”

Q: When you’re stuck on a difficult decision, where do you turn?

Arani Soosaipillai: “Sometimes, the best response to a challenge is getting fresh insight from someone else who has been through it before.”

Q: Looking at where you are now, how have your experiences changed the way you work?

Sanjeev Soosaipillai: “The challenges I’ve faced and the lessons I’ve learned have fundamentally shaped how I approach my work. I focus on being proactive rather than reactive, anticipating potential challenges before they arise and preparing for them in advance. I now place even more value on strong relationships with my colleagues, as collaboration and communication are the foundations of success.”

Arani Soosaipillai: “My experiences have reinforced the importance of continuous learning, staying humble, and always being open to evolving.”