Stress at the Top
Why Leadership in Malta is More Isolated Than You Think We often picture business leaders as confident, driven, and in control. They make big decisions, move companies forward, and often carry the weight of others. But in reality, many leaders do all this while feeling deeply alone. In our recent research conducted through Willingness in collaboration with the Malta Chamber of Commerce, we asked a simple but rarely discussed question: Who is taking care of the boss? The answers we received revealed something striking. Behind the ambition and strength that define many Maltese business leaders, there is a silent,
True Leadership: The Courage to Be Disliked for the Right Reasons
Being willing to be disliked for the right reasons is the true meaning of leadership. It's not about being the most popular person in the room, receiving standing ovations, or hearing constant praise. In its purest form, leadership is about accountability to your people, your mission, and the future you are trying to build. And often, that comes with discomfort, disapproval, and being misunderstood. Some of the most outstanding leaders in history have had to make unpopular decisions to serve the greater good. Think of Winston Churchill and how he was often criticised for his stubbornness and directness, yet
The Lonely Boss
Why Leadership in Malta is More Isolated Than You Think We often picture business leaders as confident, driven, and in control. They make big decisions, move companies forward, and often carry the weight of others. But in reality, many leaders do all this while feeling deeply alone. In our recent research conducted through Willingness in collaboration with the Malta Chamber of Commerce, we asked a simple but rarely discussed question: Who is taking care of the boss? The answers we received revealed something striking. Behind the ambition and strength that define many Maltese business leaders, there is a silent,
Who’s Taking Care of the Boss?
Over the last few months, my team at Willingness and I have had the opportunity to explore a question that’s been lingering in the background of boardrooms, HR offices, and clinic sessions for years. Who is taking care of the boss? As therapists, psychologists, business leaders, and fellow humans, we’ve seen the toll leadership can take, especially in Malta’s private sector. So, we decided to look into it more closely. What followed was a study that merged data collection with lived experience. And the results were eye-opening. Understanding the Psychology of a Leader Let’s start with what kind of
How Becoming Malta’s First Sex Therapist Changed Me as a Man
When I first set out on this journey, I thought I was introducing something Malta desperately needed—open, honest, and professional conversations about sex, relationships, and intimacy. I didn’t realize how much this work would reshape me as a man, how it would influence my relationships, and how it would challenge my perception of love, trust, and even myself. Being Malta’s first sex therapist wasn’t just about breaking cultural taboos. It forced me to question my beliefs, refine my emotional boundaries, and, at times, navigate unexpected struggles in my personal life. It Changed How I Saw Trust—Sometimes for the Worse
Lessons Learned from Being Malta’s First Sex Therapist
When I stepped into the world of sex therapy, I wasn’t just opening a clinic—I was opening a conversation that many in Malta didn’t want to have. I knew it wouldn’t be easy. I knew people would resist. But I didn’t expect just how much pushback there would be, not just from the public but from institutions, educators, and even within my professional circles. The journey has been filled with lessons—some rewarding, some painful, all invaluable. Lessons Learnt Being First Means Facing the Fire Alone Being the first sex therapist in Malta meant I had no blueprint to follow.
How I Work Hard and Live Well: Staying Productive Without Burning Out
People often ask me how I manage to stay motivated and avoid burnout despite working long hours and juggling multiple projects. Over the years, I've developed a system that allows me to be productive while still living a fulfilling life. Here's an inside look at how I make it work. Waking up at 4.30 am - I realise that most people think 4:30 am is absurdly early, but it's been revolutionary for me. I used to feel hurried when I woke up, already behind on emails, and like I was plunging into pandemonium. My secret weapon is getting up
Ikigai vs. Workaholism: Why I’ve Given Up Perfectionism and Workaholic Tendencies
Throughout my career, I've always faced problems head-on. Confronting challenges directly is part of who I am. However, there was a time when my dedication to work tipped into workaholism. I wasn't running away from personal issues or avoiding complex relationships; I tackled those as they came. My workaholic tendencies were more a reaction to external obstacles: authorities who seemed intent on hindering my progress and colleagues who, perhaps out of envy, spread misinformation or tried to undermine my efforts. I could overcome these barriers by working harder and striving for perfection. Perfectionism became both a shield and a
Building Bridges in Mental Health: The Journey and Vision Behind Willingness
Looking back on the road since establishing Willingness in 2011, I am filled with gratitude and a tremendous sense of accomplishment. As a student, I noticed that mental health treatments in Malta were sometimes disconnected, particularly in the private sector. Building a New Model for Mental Health Care At that time, clients seeking assistance faced a fragmented system where experts worked independently, making comprehensive care difficult to access. This experience led me to envision a different approach—one where teamwork and communication would improve care quality and provide clients with more holistic services. With this aim in mind, I founded
The Art of Enough: Lessons on Contentment from the Fisherman and the Businessman
Once upon a time, in a small, serene fishing village in Mexico, there lived a fisherman with a simple routine. Each morning, he set out in his modest boat and sailed into the open sea. By midday, he returned with just enough fish to feed his family and sell a few to his neighbours. With his needs met, he spent his afternoons relaxing, enjoying meals with his family, and chatting with friends. In the evenings, he played guitar and watched the sunset, satisfied with his day's work and content with life. One day, a wealthy businessman from a bustling
