Rumours, Noise and Real Growth: Learning to Keep My Eyes on the Road
“Matthew is a closeted gay.”“Matthew jumps from woman to woman.”“He’s money-minded.”“I’ve heard he sees women for free if they ‘offer favours’.”“I’ve heard he’s manipulative.”“He chose sex therapy because he must be a pervert.”“All talk, no sex.”“Matthew abuses his psychology assistants—slave-driver, really.”“He’s definitely a narcissist on TV all the time.” That is merely a summary of the rumours spread about me over the years. Some of it is unintentionally funny, most is hurtful, and none is true. Yet for a long time, I treated every whisper as an emergency. I drafted clarifications, confronted gossip, and burned hours defending myself to
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
Understanding various personality types will help you lead when “surrounded by idiots”
Have you ever felt like you’re in a room full of complete idiots as a leader? Although managers and employers frequently find this frustrating, the truth is often more nuanced. Recognising and accommodating the wide range of team members' personalities is the key to effective leadership in challenging situations. This blog delves into the four personality types defined in Thomas Erikson’s book Surrounded by Idiots—Red, Yellow, Green, and Blue—and provides practical tactics for effectively leading each one. It draws on the ideas from the book to do so. According to Erikson, there are four main personality types, each of
