As a family business advisor, one of the most disheartening patterns I witness—again and again—is the tendency of business owners to default to inaction when faced with difficult decisions. Even when they’ve engaged in deep discussions, sought professional guidance, and intellectually recognised the need for change, many reach a precipice... and then step back into …
The Future Population & Labour Market in Malta and how this will affect YOUR business
On the the 12th May, 2025, the Central Bank published a policy note that examines the demographic trends in Malta, specifically the native Maltese population, and projects its future evolution and implications for the labour supply. The Policy Note concludes that foreign migration has been the primary driver of Malta's recent rapid population growth, particularly …
Why Culture is the Lifeblood of a Successful Family Business
In family businesses, culture is not a “soft” concept — it’s a strategic cornerstone. While business owners often spend countless hours fine-tuning operations and chasing growth, many overlook the one factor that ultimately makes or breaks their business: culture. Peter Drucker’s famous line — “Culture eats strategy for breakfast” — isn’t just a clever quote. …
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Habemus Papam – Succession Lessons from the Papacy for Family Businesses
The Church is not a democracy, but it is deeply concerned with continuity. The succession of popes in the Catholic Church is one of the most enduring and emblematic examples of leadership continuity in human history. From St. Peter, believed to be appointed by Christ himself, to the new pontiff, the papacy has seen over …
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Breaking the Cycle: Why Family Business Leaders Must Escape the Crisis Trap
In the heart of every family business lies a powerful story—one of legacy, resilience and relentless commitment. These businesses often start with a spark of ingenuity, a deeply personal mission, and a vision passed down through generations. But somewhere along the way, many of these stories get stuck—repeating the same chapter over and over again. …
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Remuneration Strategy
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 …
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 …
A Business Blog for SMEs & Family Businesses 