Employing or promoting individuals with a strong operator's mindset into managerial positions is a common pitfall for many family businesses. While the dedication and efficiency of operators are invaluable at a certain level, an over-reliance on this skillset in leadership can stifle growth, innovation, and long-term sustainability. This article explores the issues arising from such …
Continue reading Why Managers with an Operator’s Mindset are Traumatic
I have been wanting to write on this delicate subject for years. I was always hesitant as I feared that I might be misunderstood. However, I have decided to run the risk and cross the Rubicon, hoping that my message is clear enough to set you thinking without being deemed to be offensive. I fully …
Being an external non-family CEO of a family business, isn't just a job title; it's an intricate dance. You're not just dealing with spreadsheets and strategies; you're navigating a tapestry of personal histories, deep-seated emotions, and that powerful, almost primal, desire of an owner to protect what they've poured their life into. When that protective …
Continue reading How a CEO should Navigate Micromanagement from a Family Business Owner/s
I firmly believe that Malta stands at a crucial juncture. We have a vibrant economy built on resilience and adaptability, now confronted by a much needed shift. Our economic growth has relied heavily on an ever-increasing influx of foreign labour, masking a stark reality: a rapidly declining indigenous population. This is not merely a statistical …
As a business expands, the demands on its leadership inevitably shift. The hands-on, "doing everything for everyone" approach that might have propelled an early-stage venture to success can quickly become a bottleneck, hindering further growth and frustrating the very leaders who built the company. I was recently listening to a Harvard Business Review podcast that …
Continue reading Evolving Leadership: How to Steer Your Growing Business to New Heights
Across Europe, the heartbeat of local economies is family run businesses. These family businesses form the foundation of Europe’s economic and social fabric, accounting for between 60% and 80% of all enterprises and contributing nearly half of the continent’s private sector jobs and GDP, according to the 2022 European Family Business Barometer by BNP Paribas …
Continue reading Why Family Businesses Must Train the Next Generation—and Elevate Today’s Leaders
In the heart of every family business lies a dream — a vision passed down through generations, driven by hard work, resilience, and the hope of building a legacy that endures. Many family business owners pursue growth with unmatched passion. They invest heavily in marketing, sales and customer acquisition. They expand into new markets, launch …
Continue reading The Growth Trap: Growth vs Sustainable Growth
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 …
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 …
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. …
Continue reading Why Culture is the Lifeblood of a Successful Family Business
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