In the present labour market where talent is scarce and competition is fierce, many SMEs and family-owned businesses are feeling the pressure to raise wages just to keep key people on board. But reacting with ad-hoc pay rises—especially when employees show up with better offers from competitors—leads to inconsistency, resentment, and financial instability. Building on …
Author: Silvan Mifsud
Succession Planning in Family Business
Yesterday I enjoyed delivering a presentation on Succession Planning in Family Business, in an training seminar organised by the Malta Business Registry and the Family Business Office. During the presentation delivered, I explained all of the below. Succession planning is a critical process for family businesses, yet it is often misunderstood or neglected until it …
The Feast of Servant Leadership
I do not intend the turn my blog into a religious one. However I do believe that the pivotal moment in Christian faith i.e. the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, can be more than just a religious observance, as they embody one of the most powerful and transformative leadership models in history - Servant …
The HR Manager – Just Cost or Badly Needed?
In the fast-paced, often chaotic world of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and family-run businesses, every decision counts. Time is precious. Resources are tight. Yet, amidst efforts to control costs, maintain operations, and grow revenues, one of the most critical roles in building a successful, sustainable company is routinely neglected: the Human Resources (HR) manager. …
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On Leadership
I have recently read the book authored by Tony Blair, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, entitled "On Leadership: Lessons for the 21st Century". I believe this book has valuable lessons applicable to business owners and leaders, even within the context of family businesses. While Blair’s direct experience lies in the realm of …
Servant Leadership – Why Thiago Motta Failed
As many know, I am an avid Juventus supporter. Juventus have recently fired their coach - Thiago Motta. It is quite a rare matter, as Juventus rarely ever fire their coach mid-season. This story sheds a lot of light on the huge importance on leadership - actually on servant leadership. Servant leadership is a philosophy …
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My Purpose
Purpose is the foundational driving force behind everything I do. It is the foundation that shapes my approach to my work as a family business advisor, economic analyst, and council member of The Malta Chamber. Through these roles, I have developed a deep commitment to helping family business grow and become more resilient, whilst giving …
You Need Economic Data to Make Decisions in this period of High Volatility
It seems like every day recently, something new lands in the news cycle—sometimes contradicting what was announced a few hours before. Tariffs are on. Now they’re off again. When world events are moving this quickly, it is hard to keep track of what is actually happening, and what it means for the economy and your …
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Delegation
Delegating can often feel like a daunting task. You might believe it's quicker to do it yourself, worry about missed deadlines, or lack complete trust in your team. However, this struggle is common, and overcoming it is crucial because delegating is not merely about offloading tasks. It's about maintaining momentum, fostering the development of your …
Business & Consumer Confidence
Business and consumer confidence are crucial barometers of economic health, reflecting the sentiment and expectations of key economic actors. These indicators provide valuable insights into future economic activity, influencing investment decisions, spending patterns and overall market dynamics. This article examines the state of business and consumer confidence in Malta, drawing on the latest data and …
A Business Blog for SMEs & Family Businesses 