Negotiation is something most of us already do almost invisibly in our daily lives, whether running our own business or working for someone else. 

From managing expectations about deliverables, to adapting to a project shifting mid-stage, to handling overlapping deadlines, many core negotiation skills are already being used. 

Additionally, those with children inevitably find themselves becoming negotiators at home. Anyone who’s ever coaxed an overtired infant into bed, halted a toddler’s tantrum, persuaded a preteen to eat their vegetables or got a teenager to…well…do just about anything will know this requires the patience and self control of a diplomat. Persuasion, emotional intelligence, timing and tone are already, perhaps unknowingly, part of the personal operating system.

But the six million dollar question is: have you mastered the art of negotiation when it comes to your professional or financial goals?

The hard-hitting truth is that a clear pattern shows up among women when the scenario shifts from doing the actual work/managing teams or clients/developing service propositions to the more personal matter of advocating for themselves. 

The way women approach negotiation often depends on whether they feel entitled to take up space in a conversation. When that conversation becomes about money, boundaries, workload, or value rather than everyday logistics, the emotional stakes change – and so does the person’s internal framing. 

The fear of being viewed as demanding, unreasonable or greedy frequently enters the picture; and confidence and composure evaporate. Instead of responding from a proven position of competence and delivery, many women begin responding from a place of caution. 

As a result, when freelancers, founders, or professionals try to ask for more money, set boundaries, or push back on scope creep, they often end up with the very opposite of what they’re hoping to achieve. This can look like:

– over-explaining themselves

– agreeing to things they don’t actually want

– feeling compromised afterwards

– quietly resenting the outcome

 

Chris Voss, author of Never Split the Difference, says “he who has learned to disagree without being disagreeable has discovered the most valuable secret of negotiation.” But in practice, many people avoid disagreement altogether which removes the possibility of real negotiation actually occurring!

This is where research by Hannah Riley Bowles, Harvard Kennedy School’s senior lecturer and expert on gender and negotiation is particularly relevant. Bowles has closely examined why negotiation can feel so different (translation: challenging) for women, particularly when speaking on behalf of themselves rather than others. Her work has confirmed the ‘double bind’ that afflicts women. Women frequently carry anxiety not only over the economic outcome of asking but also the potential social consequences of it; there’s an added emotional weight (and even ‘penalties’ that men don’t receive in the same scenarios) because the perceived risk extends beyond the negotiation itself. 

Something very specific often happens: women’s language reflects hesitation and the presumption of inconvenience before the conversation has even started. Phrases like “I thought I’d just ask…” and “if I could trouble you for a moment…” are not negotiation strategies. They are premature admissions of defeat: the terms are already being adjusted before they’re even placed on the table.

If any of this sounds familiar, let us help you course correct with 6 Golden Rules for Mastering the Art of Negotiation. Made up of 38 practical dos and don’ts (yes, we’re serious about helping you), these rules should genuinely help you reframe how you approach negotiation in business, employment and even personal contexts.

RULE 1 – Over-explaining isn’t the same as clarity

Problem: One of the most common negotiation issues is over-explaining. This usually happens because of the human desire to remain likable and the fear of pushback or negative consequences. Instead, this reduces authority, and clarity is totally lost in the process. But without clarity, there is very little to negotiate against. Brené Brown emphasises in her work on leadership and vulnerability that clarity and self-worth are foundational to uncomfortable conversations. 

Do:

– state your position clearly

– be direct about terms

– allow space for response

Don’t: 

– provide a five-minute explanation for a simple request

– justify or answer objections that haven’t even been raised

– keep adding background information after your point has already been made

 

RULE 2 – Rejection isn’t personal

Problem: Having your ask refused can feel like personal rejection or a negative reflection on your professional value. It’s quite common among women when advocating for their self-advancement. Identity and outcome become entangled, and the negotiation becomes emotionally distorted. And yet, a “no” is often simply about timing, budget allocation, internal priorities, or capacity.

Do:

– treat responses as data and seek to understand the information given

– separate identity from outcome

– ask what the “no” is responding to

Don’t:

– assume rejection equals low value and absence of validation

– internalise refusal as failure

– collapse the conversation and capitulate 

 

RULE 3 – Stop negotiating against yourself

Problem: Many negotiations are weakened before they begin because the person making the request dilutes their position in advance. This behaviour signals uncertainty before the other party has had a chance to consider the request. Negotiation strength is not about escalation. It is about restraint. As Linda Babcock and Sara Laschever argue in Women Don’t Ask, the issue is not capability but women’s willingness to make requests based on their value.

Do:

– state your terms once

– hold the initial position

– let the first counter-move come from the other side

Don’t:

– discount before being asked or add “extras” to justify pricing

– apologise for your ask, e.g. “Sorry, but I just thought…”

– weaken your ask in advance, e.g. “I was wondering if maybe…”

– make defensive assumptions  e.g. “I know budgets are tight but…”

RULE 4 – Silence is not a gap to fill

Problem: Silence often feels uncomfortable because most people assume they are expected to keep talking. In reality, silence is frequently the moment when the other person is evaluating options, weighing implications or deciding how to respond. Filling that space too quickly can undermine your own position, because it often leads to unnecessary concessions.

Do:

– state your terms

– pause deliberately

– allow processing time

Don’t:

– rush to fill silence

– over-explain after stating terms

– capitulate immediately after presenting an ask

 

RULE 5 – Value must be stated, not implied

Problem: Not articulating your value downgrades your value by default. This is especially relevant for freelancers, consultants and small business owners where perception of value directly shapes pricing power.  ‘What I deliver’ has far more relevance and power for the listener than ‘what I need.’

Do:

– state outcomes clearly

– define results, not just effort

– articulate your impact

Don’t:

– assume value is obvious

– rely on effort as justification

– frame requests around personal need

 

RULE 6 – The longer game matters more than the single win

Negotiation is not a one-off event. It is a positioning framework. In smaller markets especially, precedent becomes policy very quickly.

Do:

– think about the precedent you’re setting, not just the immediate outcome

– be clear about what is and isn’t included in your fee, service or role

– ask yourself whether you’d be comfortable if today’s agreement became tomorrow’s expectation

Don’t:

– reduce your fee simply to avoid an uncomfortable conversation

– reduce your fee to avoid an uncomfortable conversation

– agree to turnaround times that aren’t sustainable

– say yes to something today that you’ll struggle to honour consistently in future

Negotiation is not confined to rare career-defining moments. Ironically, most people don’t struggle with negotiation because they rarely do it; they struggle because they don’t realise they already do it throughout their conversations in working life. Consequently they tend to approach important ‘high stakes’ negotiations differently from these everyday conversations.

The real shift is not learning how to negotiate from scratch but bringing awareness to your current habits and choosing clearer intent, steadier language, and less self-correction in advance.

Good luck and happy negotiating!

 

Useful books on negotiating:

– Never Split the Difference — Chris Voss

– Women Don’t Ask — Linda Babcock & Sara Laschever

– Getting to Yes — Roger Fisher & William Ury

– Ask for It — Linda Babcock & Sara Laschever

– The Art of Negotiation — Michael Wheeler

Many of us have experienced a professional watershed moment that didn’t look obvious from the outside but that changed everything. It’s not always dramatic. Often it’s quieter; a growing sense that something no longer fits, a role that looks right on paper but doesn’t feel in sync with how you feel internally. 

Across the SHE community, a number of women have made the decision to step away from the familiar into something else entirely; different industries, different paths, different motivations. Beneath the surface, their experiences share more in common than you might expect. We spoke to ten SHE Malta entrepreneurs to find out their unique stories about changing career paths.

The moment something shifted

For some, the turning point was gradual. A pull towards something more creative, as in the case of Vivienne Bajada who transitioned from public policy to co-founding a floral artistry business, The Blooming Bunch. The now Creative Director describes a desire “to work on something multifaceted, a path that allowed continuous learning alongside hands-on implementation.” Kenzie Sammut, who moved from finance to fitness realised she was “captivated by people, connection and tangible support” in any role she had. The energy and connection of a fitness class ultimately led to her move. 

Sephora Zammit, formerly a chef and now a health coach, experienced a personal health transformation that made her reevaluate her own purpose. For others, it was clear cut. After more than a decade, weathering the intensity of JP Morgan’s investment banking trading floor, Helen Chorley reached breaking point. “Burnout forced me to stop and question a life that looked successful but didn’t feel like mine. I rebuilt my life around freedom, impact, and backing people and ideas I genuinely believe in, in a way that’s actually sustainable.” Nickii Mallia has worked in footwear retail, jewellery retail and IT and now pivoted to co-founding Malta’s first paint-splatting experience SPLAT! The pressure of commercial targets, intense travel and time away from loved ones led to anxiety and a search for a different way to work and live. “I wasn’t liking the person I was becoming. I had limited support and a heavy workload,” she candidly reveals.

Sometimes, life itself intervenes. Pavla Borg moved from banking to breathwork and mindset coaching and recalls a period marked by serious family illness and long commutes depriving her of family time. “I enjoyed my work, but I didn’t enjoy my life… so I chose to change it, even without knowing what I was stepping into.”

For Deea Buzdugan, the first shift from seven years as a lawyer to becoming a fashion designer was driven by a passion for haute couture. But the second, into fashion photography, was more pragmatic, dictated by the economic reality of mass production taking over the fashion market and overshadowing bespoke craftsmanship. Moving into the photographic side allowed her to remain in the same domain and continue to be creative.

The uncertainty no one talks about

Almost everyone mentioned having to let go of one’s identity. 

“I had to release myself from the label of chef and not fear calling myself a health coach,” says Sephora. Mette Lorenzen, who moved from a senior leadership role in iGaming to founding Mettelina, a cupcakes and champagne café, describes the feeling of losing what had become closely interlinked with who she was. Helen echoes that in banking, she knew exactly who she was and how she was measured. “Stepping into a world where the rules weren’t written meant trusting myself in a completely different way.” 

Pavla had worked hard and achieved two degrees, amidst raising children, to reach her position at the Central Bank. “So walking away felt like throwing all that away and losing a clear identity.” Her uncertainty was layered. “Starting again at 44 with no roadmap and going back to school was a huge step, especially as I moved into a field that was new and often misunderstood.” 

Proving oneself all over again, perception by others in the industry, securing clients in competitive industries, getting one’s message out there and reaching people… These are just some of the women’s ‘2am worries’. Kenzie raises the impact of a new career and entrepreneurship on family life, while Nickii wondered if the transition would make her happy or fill her with regret.

Vivienne worried about her lack of formal business knowledge and harboured a lingering fear of failure and imposter syndrome. Her Blooming Bunch co-founder, Stephanie Portelli, says “I already knew what the job entailed physically, but not mentally. Managing a business full time requires significant patience, resilience, courage and belief that what you’re doing matters.” 

What they had to unlearn

If career paths were simply about adding new skills, these shifts would be easier and linear. Instead, many spoke about what they had to unlearn. including the need for control.

Vivienne had to let go of expecting a steady routine, consistent rest and even for productivity to be directly proportional to revenue. Her partner Stephanie echoes the concept of having to accept that the rules had changed: “there are no weekends or workdays.”

Helen used to believe that “success only comes from certainty, control, and having all the answers ànd that rest is for wimps. I had to unlearn playing it safe and start making decisions based on intuition as much as data.” Nickii reflects that structure and precision were everything in her previous roles. So she had to unlearn “the idea that everything needs to be fully figured out before you begin.” 

Meanwhile, as a corporate leader, Mette established vision, strategy, and internal culture. Launching Mettelina, she assumed her strengths were mainly relevant for building teams but soon learned that entrepreneurship is also leadership (the difference being self-reliance and having to perform all the necessary roles). “Instead of having to unlearn, I felt it was more about relearning what I knew from a different perspective.”

Pavla describes a similar shift from “predicting outcomes” to “working with what shows up in the moment which requires presence rather than control. In finance there is safety in numbers, models and forecasts but in this work there is no such certainty and I had to learn to trust myself.”

Letting go of the need for everything to make sense is suggested by Claire Galea, a property consultant at Elite Real Estate, who previously worked in telecoms sales, event planning and even as a professional singer: “I had to learn to always believe in myself and trust my journey. If I love what I do and keep learning, it will always be worth it.” For Sephora, the unlearning was internal: “negative self-talk and not believing that I can do it.”

Others had to let go of deeply ingrained beliefs such as the idea “you must follow a single, linear path” or that “not following the classical model is a failure,” says Deea. Kenzie mentions having to explore herself in depth, “breaking down and unlearning the standard ways of being, of living, of delivering.”

Personal lessons learned from changing professional direction

Our past work isn’t wasted in a pivot. It shows up elsewhere. Deea notes that one of the most surprising lessons about changing careers is that “in fact, you’re not starting from zero…all your experience from your past will help you so much in the new one.” 

Mette has come to realise that her identity is not just the work itself but rather the HOW and WHY she does everything she does. “I love to create something new, bring visions to reality, challenge myself and learn new things so my entrepreneurial journey enables all of that.”

For many, success itself has been redefined. Claire puts it simply: “Success used to mean achievement and stability. Today, it means growth, balance, and giving life my all.”

“Running SPLAT! gives me a sense of fulfilment and connection that I didn’t have before. In my previous role, the impact I had on my clients was through a laptop screen. With SPLAT! I get to see people walk in one way and leave completely different,” Nickii shares.

Confronting fears, learning to regulate one’s feelings about leaving familiar territory, resilience, willingness to face uncertainty head-on… The paths of these women may be different but the universal thread running through them is trust. Trusting in oneself, in one’s work ethic, in the people around them. And above all, simply trusting in the process.

With thanks to:

Claire Galea, Property Consultant

Instagram | Facebook
“We have one shot but we can live many versions, and I know I am definitely not just one version.”

Deea Buzdugan, Visual Storyteller

Instagram 1 | Instagram 2
“ The only person that needs to be happy with your choices is yourself, not your family, not your friends, not anyone.”

Mette Lorenzen, Founder, Mettelina Gourmet Cupcakes, Coffee and Champagne

Website | Instagram
“My identity is not just my work, but how and why I do everything I do.”

Sephora Zammit, Health Coach

Instagram
“I learned I can have more than one identity and even merge them.”

Helen Chorley, Investor & Advisor

Website | Instagram | Linkedin
“You can’t hide behind a brand when you are the brand! I’ve had to own my voice, my visibility, and my value at a completely different level.”

Vivienne Bajada, The Blooming Bunch, Co-founder and Creative Director 

Website | Instagram

“Giving myself permission to fail—and staying endlessly curious—has been key.”

Nickii Mallia, SPLAT! Malta, Co-founder, Director of Operations & Digital Strategy

Website | Linkedin | Instagram

“Building a business taught me that creativity thrives in a bit of chaos.”

Kenzie Sammut, The Wellness Zest, Health & Fitness Coach

Instagram
“The biggest reward is seeing the real impact on people’s lives.”

Pavla Borg, My Heroic Wellness, Mindset Coach & Breathwork Specialist

Website | Linkedin | Instagram
“Living in integrity with my values became more important than being understood or seeking approval.”

Stephanie Portelli, The Blooming Bunch, Co-founder and Creative Director
“I don’t miss the micromanaging and the postponed deadlines but I do miss my wonderful colleagues.”

If there’s one takeaway from all of this, it’s that there’s no single way to change direction and no perfect moment to do it.

But there is a common thread: the willingness to question what’s no longer working, and to choose something else anyway.

“When I think of community building, I think of SHE. It is more than a professional network. It is a space in which you can be fully seen and heard; a space where you can grow, collaborate and contribute – Sarah Woods, Director.

Whether you’ve been your own boss for some time, have recently started a business or are working on building something of your own while holding down a day job, you’re bound to experience certain challenges that most female entrepreneurs invariably face at some point. Whatever industry or field of specialisation you’re in, there’s no such thing as zero competition. It just goes with the territory (whether you’re a business owner or employee.) 

Being in business, particularly as a female, can feel overwhelming, confusing and lonely, all at once.

But what if you could find a safe, encouraging space for female-led businesses in Malta? 

? A community where you can surround yourself with women who would willingly mention your name in a room full of opportunities.

✊ A network of potential collaborative partners and new clients

?? A space that boosts your confidence, lifts you with a dose of optimism and regularly provides tips and tools to keep you on track.

? A genuine, nurturing tribe of other females who want nothing but the best for you and where you feel you belong, rather than an elitist club where you feel like you’re on the outside.

Sounds too good to be true? 

Erm, hello SHE Malta…

Co-founded in 2017 by Director Sarah (Sass) Woods and former partner Julia Perry, SHE Malta is an ever-growing family of aspiring founders, freelancers, business owners and women with an entrepreneurial mindset.

The SHE mission is clear: to support women in business. And its ethos of “collaboration over competition” is a lived one. The sense of community is evident walking into the monthly members’ meetups where a welcoming atmosphere awaits you, ahead of sessions delivering practical advice, enlightening and thought provoking discussions, and substantial networking.

No matter where you are in your business journey, how established you are or how far you feel/know you still have to go, Malta’s first network for female business owners is here to support YOU: uniting women from different industries on a monthly basis to share experiences, teach relevant lessons and have crucial conversations that can shape business direction.

Brimming with variety and value, ​the SHE Malta membership provides the perfect mix of online and in-person meet ups tailored for entrepreneurs and freelancers. As a member you’ll gain access to;

1. Informative Online Workshops 

Need help understanding your web analytics? Or maybe you could use some tips and tricks to become more confident with managing your finances? The online workshops such as the recent “From Clicks to Clarity” are structured with small businesses in mind, featuring experts who delve into the nitty gritty challenges and concerns that come with running your own business. Workshops are presented in a supportive way with a no judgement, no jargon promise and are delivered within 60 to 90 minutes max to honour your busy schedule.

 

2. In person meetups and seminars

SHE events come in diverse flavours, themes and formats; the phrase ‘something for everyone’ truly applies! 

Do you love hearing motivational stories from leaders, behind-the-scenes sharings from founders on how they scaled their business, and candid conversations about failures, lessons learned, running a family business and “Building Dreams”? SHE’s got you covered with monthly talks that give the floor to both SHE members and external business leaders.

Are you looking for an alternative to lecture style seminars? Step this way for the high energy, constructive experience of ‘networking express’. AKA speed dating for business owners, this addition to the SHE events calendar was one of 2025’s highlights. 

Do you long to leave your desk and use your hands for something other than constant texting and typing? SHE’s enjoyable creative sessions are sure to itch that scratch, giving you numerous opportunities to get handy (literally) with paint, clay or cosmetics! Meanwhile, exercise has even made its way into the events line up.

From individual guest speaker presentations, to discussion panels, to interactive workshops with group brainstorming, you can expect to hear insightful Q&A’s, experience valuable engagement, and come away with nuggets of wisdom and inspiration to help you in your new or existing business. The range of topics and domains covered is endless, and includes (to name a few):

business fundamentals such as: 

> accounting and legal essentials

> intellectual property considerations

> budgeting realities

> EU funding access

> leveraging PR for strategic branding

soft skills and self development are given equal spotlight:

> improving negotiation skills

> self care strategies

> evolution and reinvention

> mastering authentic leadership

> mindset and emotional intelligence

> protecting creativity

The list goes on. Held in different locations around Malta, events include:

> “Bridging Communities”: this series teams up with other organisations to present important, topical matters. An earlier edition, partnering with Silicone Valletta, provided lively and eye-opening discussion on “Women in Tech”. 2025 included “Level the Playing Field: Women, Talent & Sport” in collaboration with the European Parliament Liaison Office, as well as “Networking that Works” with the Foundation for the Promotion of Entrepreneurial Initiatives. Meanwhile, the annual International Women’s Day in collaboration with the Malta Chamber of SMEs is a highly popular fixture in the calendar, like a live TED talk with your local superwomen. 

> “Real talk” series features SHE members presenting the up-close-and-personal truths of their own lived business experiences.

> Pop-up co-working sessions are a bonus addition to the annual events calendar. Community members swap their usual daily work environment for delightful alternative settings such as Ruby Coworking or cosy Baker Street cafe – we’ve even taken our laptops to the beach! Knowledge sharing and conversation flow as much as the coffee at these popular gatherings.

> Special ticketed events hosted in collaboration with SHE members who are leading experts in their field 

> Community give back days have taken us to the Soup Kitchen.

3. Online Membership Directory 

Joining the membership gives you the opportunity to list your business in our private directory, where you can browse fellow members and the services or products that they offer. We make it easy for you to reach out and connect with community members directly. 

 

4. Community Support Online Chat Group

Our members-only Whatsapp group offers an indispensable sounding board and infinite well of information, thanks to the active participation of SHE members. Got a question about the latest government grants and schemes for businesses? Urgently need venue recommendations for your event? Need advice on a work automation tool? You’re sure to find at least one person who’ll quickly respond with clear information or a pointer in the right direction for useful resources. 

 

5. Social Meet-ups

SHE’s social series take the fear out of networking and create memories among people who are not just members but now friends. Members have been treated to countryside sunset picnics, shared their yearly wins and efforts over festive drinks and nibbles, met for a soul-nourishing Autumn swim – and somehow in between it all, paused to celebrate SHE. Because there’s always a good time for cake.

6. Exclusive, Industry-Specific Perks

Fun fact: when you become a SHE member, you will get a monthly reward. You read that right. In addition to ALL the above benefits, you’ll also receive a special discount or gift highlighting local businesses that we love. After all, you work hard and deserve to be treated. So there’s always a thoughtful and relevant surprise around the corner, not as just as a one-off but every month for the duration of your membership!

 

Can’t wait to become a member? There are several membership options:

3 months at EUR120. 6 months at EUR210. And 12 months at EUR360.

 

Stop putting your success on hold and invest in yourself. Sign up directly at shemalta.com. 

Want to know more? Don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected]

As the summer season fades and (dare we mention it) the autumn months approach, it is a good time to refocus, reorganise and remotivate ourselves for the last four months of the year. Let that sit for a minute, people: we are into the final quarter of 2024!

Irrespective of whether you went abroad, opted for a staycation or simply replaced an official break with slower, less loaded days to enjoy summer’s benefits, September can often mark a mental shift from ‘summer mode’ to ‘new term’ (even if you’re still wearing flip flops in your home office). However, the transition from a relaxed summer mindset back to a more intense work routine can be challenging. If you have got out of your productive routine over the summer months, reestablishing it will prove essential for a productive 2024 home stretch.

Never fear: SHE Malta is here with 12 constructive tips to help you increase your work mojo and get a positive momentum going this Autumn.

1. Ease into your workload gradually

Launching yourself headfirst into a heavy workload after a break can be overwhelming and counterproductive. Instead of jumping into complex projects immediately, start with smaller, manageable tasks. A gradual adjustment, addressing easier accomplishments first, boosts confidence and can be a powerful motivator and energiser for the heavier lifting of more demanding projects as the month progresses.

Tackle your inbox as the first priority, instead of getting swept into meetings, calls and projects, straight out of the gate upon your return. Divide emails into those that require a quick, simple response and those that need deep thinking and/or potentially time-consuming, consultation with other parties and if possible, respond to them in that order. Complete low maintenance administrative tasks. 

Tip: Set up an email autoresponder, informing colleagues/clients that you are having a ‘housekeeping day’. | Use the “two-minute rule” for your inbox: if a task will take less than two minutes to complete, do it immediately to keep things moving efficiently.

2. Revisit your goals

As the year advances, our focus and time can get diverted by unforeseen demands not part of our original plan. Additionally, the quieter, more relaxed pace of Summer can disconnect us from our primary objectives. The post holiday period is the perfect time to mentally regroup and realign your focus, take stock of what has been achieved to date and what is outstanding, in order to recalibrate goals where necessary. 

If you don’t already carry out regular goals assessments, start by revisiting the goals set at the year’s outset. Measure your progress honestly. Are you on track? Have you fallen behind? Are there tasks that are now more urgent relating to your existing goals? Have potential new collaborative or client relationships come into the picture, influencing your objectives? Adjust your goals according to what has become more appropriate or achievable for 2025 and add new ones that are relevant and realistically achievable in the last four months of 2024. 

Tip: Conduct a sustainability audit of your business processes to set goals for more sustainable practices. | Compile a new client pitch list of people to approach. 

3. Reorganise your to do list

Look at your existing to-do list and reprioritise to make sure it is in line with your business objectives re-evaluation. Are there projects listed that no longer align with your goals (that are taking up your time unnecessarily)? 

Create an action plan with new milestones or updated project deadlines, focusing on what needs your attention and when. Rank projects based on importance and break down larger projects into smaller, actionable steps to ensure to keep you on track for the remainder of the year.

Tip: Use the Eisenhower Matrix (urgent vs. important) to categorise tasks and focus on high-priority items first. This helps you stay focused on tasks that move the needle for your business.

4. Seek new challenges for professional and personal development

After the haze of summer, re-energising yourself with a new challenge is a good idea. Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, and investing in yourself, doing something different can do wonders for sense of purpose and confidence. It does not have to be work-related necessarily…even the completion of personal challenges, unconnected to work life, can evoke a sense of satisfaction that carries over into one’s work life, creating a positive, motivating impact. Learn a new digital skill, engage in an online course, pursue an exciting side venture, seek out training, attend workshops that will have a positive impact on you or your business.

Break down challenges into weekly or monthly targets to help you stay on track. By setting short-term milestones, you are more likely to stay the course and see steady progress.

Tip: Check Udemy and Coursera for their comprehensive online course offerings | Consider setting up a “challenge accountability group” with a few trusted peers or colleagues. Share your goals and check in regularly to discuss progress, setbacks, and successes. 

5. Get reading and expand your knowledge

As the saying goes, when we stop learning, we die. Providing new perspectives and engaging the mind, the simple pastime of reading expands our knowledge and can serve to reignite our passion and help tackle challenges with renewed vigour. There has probably never been a better time for literature about business motivation, stress management, goal-setting, career management and alternative ways of thinking. 

Tip: Don’t know where to start? Why not start by checking out SHE Malta’s recent superb (if we say so ourselves) roundup of personal and business development books. | Set aside at least 15-20 minutes a day for reading, and create a “to-read” list that includes books that align with your current business challenges and goals.

6. Declutter and reorganise your workspace and digital space

A cluttered working environment can create mental clutter, making it harder to concentrate and stay motivated. Making the effort to tidy and reorganise your workspace can dramatically improve mental clarity and boost productivity. We can’t help saying it…a clearer workspace creates a clearer headspace.

Clear your desk, discard out of date papers including business cards you know you will never look at again, rearrange book shelves and drawers that have built up mess over time. Go beyond your physical space and address your digital space. Update email folders, DELETE unnecessary emails (including those never ending threads you got inexplicably cc’d on), delete outdated files and free up that online storage.  

Tip: Spending time on this task now will bring you time rewards later, reducing frustration and delays spent searching for important documents or information. | Schedule regular digital decluttering sessions, such as at the end of each month, to maintain an organised workspace continuously.

7. Update processes and embrace new tools

If you have not recently reviewed your business processes, nine months into the year is probably a good time to do it… Whether it’s updating paper filing systems (yes people do still use paper), refining templates such as your media kit, pricing card or agreements, implementing small improvements can lead to significant efficiency gains. 

If you are frustrated with your work organisation and systems, consider researching and trialling software tools that can help improve this situation. If you are not already using one or find your current one is no longer serving you, consider using a project management app to streamline your workflow and ultimately enhance your productivity. If you are more of a paper planner type, make sure you are using yours effectively – as the habit of planning, recording tasks and ticking things off can easily slide during the summer.

Tip: The search for the app that best suits your business needs or the way you work can take a bit of trial and error. This roundup may help you choose the right work organisation/project management platform/app (This writer is a ClickUp fan myself thanks to SHE owner Sass Woods’ recommendation.) 

8. Reassess your routine, time management and boundaries

If you felt your typical daily time management and schedule was not disciplined before the summer, this may be a good time to rethink how to manage things. Defining realistic, healthy working hours and setting boundaries between work and personal life is especially for self-employed individuals and freelancers who often work from home and can end up working much longer hours than their office-based peers. Look into time blocking as a method to structure your day. By dedicating specific blocks of time to specific tasks, you can enhance focus and productivity, ensuring that your most important work gets done. 

Tip: Consider a time tracking app to help you manage your time, stay productive and minimise stress and burnout. This is usually a paid feature with most project management apps such as ToDoist and Trello but is free with Actitime, Clockify and the simple Pomodoro app (based on the Pomodoro technique).

9. Reconnect with your network 

Networking takes a backseat during the hot summer. Rebuilding connections after a quiet summer is crucial for reenergizing your business. Reaching out to clients, partners and other business contacts can provide valuable insights into market needs and potential collaborative opportunities. Networking doesn’t just help in maintaining relationships; it also keeps you informed about industry trends and shifts that can influence your strategy. Whether this means touching base with former colleagues, attending members’ events such as those offered by the SHE Malta membership programme (of course we were going to mention it) or simply engaging with your audience on social media, nurturing your professional connections can pay off in numerous ways, opening doors to new opportunities and collaborations.

Tip: Reach out to at least three people in your network each fortnight. Whether it’s through a quick email, a LinkedIn message, or a coffee meet-up, these small efforts can help you maintain and strengthen your professional relationships.

10. Incorporate inspiration from your break into your business and work routine

The inspiration you gain from time off or just taking things more slowly during the summer can be a powerful tool for driving innovation in your business. Reflect on the experiences or ideas that resonated with you during your break and ask yourself if or how they might be applied to your business operations or strategy. Whether it’s a new approach to customer engagement, an innovative product idea or a fresh marketing concept, the energy from your time away can fuel your creative thinking. 

On a more personal level, think about whether and how you can integrate elements of this inspiration into your daily work routine. This might mean scheduling regular breaks, finding time for creative activities or even altering your workspace to reflect a more relaxing environment.

Tip: Keep a “break ideas” journal: Write down any ideas or inspiration that came to you during your downtime. Refer back to this journal periodically to see if any concepts can be applied to your current projects or business strategies.

11. Prioritise self-care and mental wellbeing

Returning to a full schedule after a break can be disheartening and tiring, even if you love what you do. As an entrepreneur and a driven professional, it is very easy to overlook self-care as you start ramping up your post summer workload. But as a business owner, freelancer etc, making regular selfcare a normal part of your routine is crucial to the functioning and success of your business. Pay attention to how you’re feeling and if you notice a dip in energy, take proactive steps such as adjusting your schedule and projects to allow for downtime that helps your current energy levels. Incorporate stress management techniques into your workday such as meditation breaks, stretching, deep breathing exercises (eg. the belly, square or 4-7-8 breathing methods) or simply allowing yourself to step away from your desk for some fresh air or a short walk to clear your head – without guilt. 

Tip: Sustained productivity, motivation and success come from working smarter, not harder.

12. Celebrate small wins

As you work through the last quarter of the year, it’s important to recognise and celebrate your small victories along the way. Acknowledging and celebrating small achievements – rather than waiting for the big stuff to happen – is a powerful way to build momentum and maintain motivation to continue pushing forward. 

Tip: Create a “win list” where you jot down your accomplishments. Review this list regularly to remind yourself of the progress you’ve made.

The transition from the leisurely pace of summer back to a focused work routine can be challenging. However, with the right mindset and strategies, you can turn the post-summer slump into a period of renewed energy and accomplishment. By revisiting your goals, decluttering your workspace, updating processes and investing in professional development, you can set yourself up for a successful end to 2024.

Remember to balance work with self-care, reconnect with your network, and celebrate your wins along the way!

Getting past the first three years of running a business and then reaching the five-year mark is good going, requiring financial viability, operational stability and strong understanding of one’s customer base/audience.  As time goes on, however, a business (or rather its management suite) needs to display even more resilience and aptitude for market adaptation, continuity and creativity. 

Recently, SHE Malta marked eight years of building, empowering, supporting, educating and sustaining a community for female entrepreneurs, freelancers and aspiring founders.  That is eight years of business continuity by a small company that started out hosting a few annual public events which grew in momentum, before  making a strategic pandemic-led pivot to launch a membership programme and online events.  

SHE Malta’s eighth anniversary presents the perfect opportunity to hear from the community on what SHE means to them and what it has done for them.  But first, let’s delve into the company’s back story and hear from SHE co-founder and director Sass Woods.

“The SHE Malta journey began in 2016 when I teamed up with Julia Perry as we had both already been pursuing our own projects highlighting women’s achievements and supporting small businesses.  We never thought that a casual chat between the two of us would evolve into such a beautiful community that has inspired so many other female communities to do the same! 

I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of community in business that has not only helped countless women step into their power and build confidence but has also shaped me into the leader I am today. Starting as a co-founder and now serving as the sole owner and director since Julia’s 2020 relocation to the UK, I have found my voice through the unwavering purpose of our mission.  Each day, I am fueled by the incredible stories of our members; women who embark on new ventures, forge meaningful collaborations and pursue their dreams with renewed self-assurance.  I’m super proud that through this community, women have banded together to support one another’s endeavours, pass on knowledge and mentor other women who wish to carve out their own unique path.  It truly embodies the SHE motto of ‘collaboration over competition’.  

My biggest highlights from the last eight years would be:

> hosting Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament for an exclusive SHE online member event in 2021.

> featuring the likes of Helga Ellul (one of Malta’s top business leaders and founder of management consultancy firm Advise Ltd) in 2021 for an “Ask-the-Expert session” on negotiation

> building an on-going relationship with the Malta Chamber of SMEs, working closely with CEO Abigail Agius Mamo

> winning the JCI Entrepreneurial Accomplishment Award in 2018 for my work with SHE

> hearing the accomplishments of SHE members during a ‘sharing circle‘ at a Christmas event at Marilu’s in 2023.  The positive feedback about the community was nothing short of priceless.

> and an event that will always remain very close to my heart is the 2019 Luzzu event where Amy Camilleri Zahra, Claire Zammit Xuereb, Trudy Kerr and Gulja Holland allowed themselves to be so vulnerable on the panel.  Hearing how they overcame major life obstacles and hurdles put so much into perspective.

Some of my favourite pearls of wisdom from SHE event past speakers and collaborators are:

“If you don’t innovate, you get left behind.” – Bettina Falzon, Co-owner, Director & COO of Lovin Malta: IWD collaborative event with Malta Chamber of SMEs, Palazzo Parisio, March 2023.

“Just show love. If you show love, it will come back to you.  Find loyal people because without them you have nothing.” – Claire Abela, Director Franks: ‘Leading with Love’ event, Lucy World, April 2024.

“Not making a decision is making a decision…except you’re making it as a victim instead of making it as a winner.” – Catherine Hurley, Head of Global Accounts at AIS Interiors, Energy Specialist, NED on Confident Decision Making: Ask-the-Expert online session, February 2022.

“Finding balance and what feels right is a very personal choice for each woman and one that takes time to resolve.” – Elisa Krantz Co-founder  & CEO at Mindbeat.app on entrepreneurship, personal struggles and triumphs as a wife, mother and leader of a growing firm: Lily Agius Gallery event 2017.

“Channel competition to something positive; always surround yourself with people better than yourself and you will do better.” – Sarah Kennard, Public Relations Consultant, MPS Marketing Communications on staying focused and open to constant learning: Active Spirit event, 2018.

And so we come to some thoughts from the SHE community.

As a member of SHE, I have had the incredible opportunity to connect with numerous business owners who are brimming with innovative ideas. This experience has been transformative for me in several ways as it provided me with a platform where I can engage with like-minded women who are passionate about their different ventures. The diversity of perspectives and the wealth of knowledge shared within this community have expanded my horizons and inspired me to think creatively about my own business endeavours. Every event I attend leaves me feeling more empowered to face challenges. Through SHE, I have learned that no idea is too small and no dream is too big. I am grateful for the friendships and professional connections I have made, and I look forward to continuing this journey of growth and inspiration with SHE. – Giannella Barbieri, GB Legal 

I always look forward to SHE Malta sessions and make sure to be available because it’s a place where I can truly be myself, meet genuine people and find inspiration for my work’s next stages. There’s no pretence from anyone; it feels like a community of newfound friends.  SHE has helped me believe in my projects, work on them and share them with people who genuinely support them.  I always take away something valuable from each event and have grown to love the creative sessions because they helped me tap into my creativity which was probably buried before. The IWD event in particular, affirmed that creating innovative projects will keep our culture alive and encouraged me to keep working on them.  – Stephanie Bonello, Co-founder, Crispy Studio

I think my biggest take away from SHE was one session where succession planning was touched upon. The insights shared were incredibly valuable and have significantly impacted my understanding of this critical topic. The expertise and practical advice provided will undoubtedly help many SHE community members to plan for the future of our businesses more effectively. Thank you SHE  for organising such an enlightening and empowering event.  Rebecca Bonnici, CEO, BELS Malta 

After one year of being a SHE Malta member, I can strongly state that the decision to join SHE was one of the best!  I found a community of amazing women who never stop learning or evolving and who genuinely support each other.  In SHE, I found the beauty of sincere human interaction, inspiration and motivation.  Thank you Sass for creating and curating SHE and thank you to all the extraordinary women who are part of it!  Happy anniversary and many, many years to come! – Deea Buzdugan, Photographer 

Since the beginning of my journey as an entrepreneur in Malta with Sip and Paint, this group of empowered women has been a cornerstone of my experience.  Every month, I look forward to our meetings where I’ve found support and a sense of family.  As an expat, finding a community can be challenging but here I’ve discovered a welcoming hive.  Thank you.  I eagerly anticipate many more wonderful moments together. – Victoria Chan, Founder, Sip and Paint

When I think of community building, I think of SHE.  It is more than a professional network.  It is a space in which you can be fully seen and heard; a space where you can grow, collaborate and contribute.  The SHE community becomes a family and even though I am often far away physically, there is a constant connection with other members.  Everyone is always ready to support you professionally and personally from recommendations and brainstorming solutions to emotional and mental support.  I love the culture within the group, the value of togetherness and collaboration and the variety of meeting types. I highly recommend SHE for both new and seasoned female entrepreneurs. Best wishes and Happy Anniversary! – Hannah Cremona, Business and Marketing Strategist

I joined SHE Malta six months ago and was immediately struck by the friendliness and sense of belonging.  There is a genuine intention to collaborate and support which is not easy to come across in the business world.  As a solo entrepreneur, this network of formidable women helps me feel a bit less ‘solo’ in the journey. – Elaine Dutton, Business and HR Consultant, Founder, The Change Agent 

SHE Malta is such a pivotal part of my entrepreneurial journey!  Before I discovered SHE, I felt utterly lost as an entrepreneur.  I was just finding my way, hesitant even to write down the name of my business or explain what I did.  SHE transformed that uncertainty into confidence, allowing me to proudly declare “I’m the owner of Little Isle Studio”.  It gave me a place to call home when I felt adrift and alone on this new path and provided a network of incredible people and invaluable friendships that have blossomed over the years.  It took the loneliness out of entrepreneurship and gave me the colleagues I had dearly missed. I am incredibly proud to be part of this remarkable network of special women. SHE has spurred my personal and professional growth and I’ve learned so much through all that SHE offers.  The collective strength, resilience and support of this community continually inspire me to push forward in my entrepreneurial journey.  Well done sass on creating such an amazing community! – Rebekah Kamsky, Digital Strategy and Ecommerce, Little Isle Studio

I have been a member of the SHE community for over two years and I can say confidently that the sessions and topics are always well-planned, well delivered, interesting and in line with the continuous community feedback. There hasn’t been a single session from which I didn’t take away something and there is always some special insight.  What amazes me every time within this community is that you realise that people at all stages of their life/business journey have common fears, doubts and struggles – even those who have succeeded!  That truly is a proof that we are all human and highlights the need for genuine connection and support – priceless.  Sarah always manages to make each space feel safe and supportive whether it’s online or in person. Well done to her as the brains along the way – and also to us members for always interacting and pushing each other in the right way! – Kenzie Sammut, Owner, Health Coach & Fitness Trainer at Body Dynamics 

As for yours truly, like I said last summer on my first anniversary of writing the SHE blog, SHE Malta has a special place in my heart.  It has brought me camaraderie and unexpected friendship with humble,  approachable women in business.  It has exposed me to inspiring commercial stories that I wouldn’t have known about without SHE.  It provides eye-opening exposure to the drive, determination and guts of the female entrepreneurs whom I meet through the events.  The SHE motto of ‘collaboration over competition’ is not a fashionable mantra that is trotted out mechanically; Sass has accomplished the real deal…  I ‘feel the motto’ simply walking through the door to a member event or conducting interviews for the blog articles with fiercely intelligent yet genuine and warm businesswomen.  It’s an honour to be part of the story through my blog contributions.  – Prabs (Prabjit) Chohan-Patel, Writer & Editor, WriteContent

The conclusion belongs to the brains behind SHE Malta: 

“SHE has always been about putting purpose first…and it has been an interesting journey of self-discovery to say the least. Our community is a testament to the strength that comes from unity and mutual support and it continues to inspire me as we grow together.  I look forward to what the future holds for SHE and thank all the wonderful ladies that have shared the SHE space until now.” – Sass Woods, Co-Founder & Director, SHE Malta.

The Wonder Women of Malta

Business Wisdom from 15 years of Creative Purpose 

Leaving permanent employment to redefine her purpose and goals, Maltese artist and entrepreneur Stephanie Borg couldn’t have predicted how integral she would eventually become to the preservation of Malta’s cultural heritage.  It is no exaggeration to say that 15 years of creating products that have become prized treasures in many people’s homes (even making their way to different corners of the world) have turned Stephanie herself into something of a Maltese treasure. Her award by the SME Malta Business Awards for “Local Cultural Contributor” is surely proof of the place she has quietly and modestly carved out in the fabric of the national identity.

So the first edition of the new blog series, “The Wonder Women of Malta”, is the perfect opportunity to share the wealth of lessons that emerged from a recent SHE members’ event held in Stephanie’s beautiful Rabat store. 

Embracing change and rediscovery

Interestingly, Stephanie’s entrepreneurial narrative didn’t start with a grand vision or a meticulously crafted business plan.  Instead, its origins lay in life’s unpredictable twists and turns.  Following a significant upheaval in her personal life, she found herself at a crossroads, disillusioned with her life’s path and feeling unfulfilled in her career.  After years as a graphic designer, Stephanie longed to be free from management briefs and external directives.  Fueled by the desire to reclaim her creative autonomy, she left her job, the risky move leading her to seek solace and inspiration in daily life around her and look to her artistic skills for a new perspective.  Observing Malta’s different environments, from nature to urban locales, through (as the artist herself says), the eyes of a tourist, she started sketching, drawing and painting. 

This would subsequently mark the inception of her eponymously-named business, her initial foray into self-employment involving a collection of intricate ink drawings and greeting cards.  Starting out as a homestead business exhibiting at Malta’s established artisan market stalls, Stephanie Borg® has since evolved into a stunning retail haven and online shop. 

Lesson: Bold leaps can lead to reinvention, autonomy and the discovery of your true path in life.

Drawing Inspiration from Heritage and Culture

Stephanie’s journey is deeply intertwined with her Maltese heritage and her time in the Middle East.  A childhood fascination with the tiles in traditional Maltese homes provided a canvas for some of her very first products.  She now possesses an archive of 400 patterns (from photographing and salvaging tiles discarded from construction sites) which continue to serve as an inspiration for her creative expression and product range.  Meanwhile, six years in Oman exposed her to vibrant colours and hues. The region’s unique kaleidoscope of patterns all indelibly influenced Stephanie’s artistic style, imbuing it with a bold, eclectic flair that she admits would not have occurred without such exposure to an alternative culture given that European trends are more dominated by dark and neutral colours.

Innovation and Diversification

Stephanie’s business longevity has required constantly staying on her toes re product development.  “One of the things about running this type of business on a small island like Malta is that people regularly expect the next new thing”, the creativepreneur says.  So ideas must come from somewhere and just like any artist, she goes through stages of intense creative fertility.   Whether drawing inspiration from travels, the Maltese surroundings or the circle of life (including personal bereavement), Stephanie’s capacity for innovation – coupled with a patient intuition on when to release new products – has been a key tenet of her business strategy, driving her brand evolution and strengthening its product offering.  

By reimagining and repurposing, she has been able to create unique and desirable products that resonate with local customers, the island’s visitors and an international clientele.  Then there is diversification.  Extending beyond selling, the Stephanie Borg® brand now offers rental of the Nwar dinnerware collection for special occasions as well as tablescape design services.  Merging creativity with financial viability while staying true to one’s USP is no easy task.  Stephanie has had to strike the balance between aesthetically pleasing and also commercially successful products to ensure operational sustainability.

Lesson: A willingness to experiment and seek new sources of inspiration is essential for a creatively-driven business to stay relevant.  

Navigating the Challenges of Entrepreneurship

Stephanie admits the transition from solitary artist to successful business owner has naturally had its trials.  Like any business owner, she has experienced periods of self-doubt and financial strain and candidly speaks of the weight of running a small business testing her and causing overwhelm. Yet she has repeatedly found resolve when facing adversity (even likening chance meetings or unexpected phone calls to divine intervention helping to reignite her passion and determination and reconfirm she is on the right path).  “When you are open, things happen..and those things can be what keep you going,” she adds.

Lesson: Obstacles are inevitable in business. But resilience and an open mind about opportunities for growth can help you overcome them.

Commercial continuity has also involved recognising the need to build a strong team of people to shoulder the load of running a business.  Delegating tasks yet still preserving the essence of one’s brand is daunting for many entrepreneurs but Stephanie has been careful to find people that are aligned with her service proposition and therefore ensure a cohesive and professional output.

Lesson: Knowing when to adapt and delegate can be the key to survival and long-term success.

Cultivating a Legacy of Excellence

Two more core values in Stephanie’s operating toolkit are honouring one’s authenticity and maintaining high standards.  Unswayed by external pressures to conform to the ‘conveyor-belt’ commercial route, Stephanie has held firm to her identity and direction.  Every product is infused with a distinctive blend of heritage, superb quality and attention to presentation, differentiating her brand from the conventional souvenir market.  From her eye-catching and iconic tile and doors ranges to the exquisite Nwar dinnerware collection to the breathtaking Mediterranea cup and saucer series named after real people, each creation is instantly and unmistakably recognisable as a Stephanie Borg® creation.  

Such authenticity and excellence has earned her repeat customers who have become unofficial brand ambassadors, resonating with the brand and the stories behind the products – this writer included.  (These principles have also quietly played a role in elevating the standards of craftsmanship of her peers.)  

Lesson: Total clarity on your brand identity and knowing where not to compromise are two business superweapons. 

Fostering Connection and Cultural Celebration

Central to Stephanie’s journey is her sense of social responsibility and giving back to the community.  Her collaboration with a church is an example of the power of shared vision and art serving as a catalyst for positive change.  Part of the proceeds from her (now annual) limited-edition scarf collection are going towards the restoration of old paintings by Maltese artist, Salvatore Micallef.  As Stephanie aptly says, “something new is helping to give back to the old for us all to keep”.

Given all this, it’s no exaggeration to say that the artist sees her work almost as a platform beyond commerce or business operations. “If money was my motivation, really and truly I would have packed it all up after two or three years,” she confides.  Instead, Stephanie seeks to elevate Maltese traditions, spark conversations and foster a deeper appreciation for Malta’s rich cultural tapestry.  Clearly it is working, if the growing awareness among the younger generation is anything to go by, including stories of school projects on ‘the successful female entrepreneur’.  

Lesson: Engaging with meaningful causes can increase brand loyalty and foster a positive reputation.

Looking Towards the Future

The many accolades adorning the walls of Stephanie’s Rabat location may be testament to the growth of Stephanie Borg®, the brand.  But Stephanie Borg, the woman, remains firmly grounded and led by a singular creative purpose.  Her evolution from graphic designer to entrepreneur displays business acumen, endurance and unwavering connection to her roots.  Providing a guiding light for future generations of artists and entrepreneurs, her trajectory is an intriguing one that reflects many of the realities of entrepreneurship and is relatable to those of us navigating the terrain of running a business.  

A Wonder Woman of Malta indeed.

Images by Diana Iskander

As Dr Susanna Grech Deguara of Chetcuti Cauchi Associates says, starting a business can feel like going on a rollercoaster ride – one where the last thing on your mind generally is the associated legal implications. 

Yet the legal ramifications of starting a business cover a huge domain, including among other areas, compliance (data protection, environmental, regulatory etc), licensing, employment law, taxation, insurances, exit strategies (including mergers and acquisitions) and so on.

This article features succinct but important recommendations by four experts from Malta’s legal – and the SHE – community, addressing several other key legal aspects of operating one’s own business: company structures, agreements and protection of interests (eg. IP and dispute resolution precautions). 

Dr Daniela Azzopardi Bonanno, Themis Advocates (Founder, Advocate & Legal Consultant)

My key piece of advice, keeping in mind that I work in litigation and not corporate, is to put everything in writing even if it is just a simple follow-up email after a meeting. This way, you’ll always have everything on record and if the other party has understood things differently, this is the perfect opportunity to clarify without any repercussions. 

On the same lines, working arrangements/conditions have to be detailed in a proper contract that covers  legal matters such as intellectual property, confidentiality and competition clauses and methods of payments.

Ideally, companies should consider engaging legal counsel on a retainer basis as it means they can build a set monthly fee for legal advice into their budget, enabling them to run everything by their counsel in advance. This is usually more cost-effective and advantageous than only seeking legal advice and having to take legal action when things turn sour.    

Dr Lara Ferris, Ferris Legal (Independent Legal Professional – Commercial / Corporate / Regulatory)

One of the foremost tips at start-up phase is to consider the different legal vehicles or structures through which to run your business (eg. amongst others, sole trader, company or partnership entity). Despite the advantages of limited liability associated with company set ups, it is not always the most efficient or cost effective set up to start off with for small one-person operations. Personal circumstances, preferences as well as an appreciation of the different legal implications come into play.

Also, if you are joining forces with other business partners, be aware that a clear understanding breeds lasting relationships. I cannot stress enough the importance of thinking ahead to anticipate any matters that could create conflict or points of contention down the road. This also applies – even more so perhaps – to family businesses where emotions can be involved and tend to run high. Relationships change; some grow and evolve while others can unfortunately turn sour. 

Aside from choosing partners wisely, it is advisable to agree at the outset (and then establish in writing) the main terms you wish to have in place to govern your business relationship and how to deal with problematic situations throughout your business journey.  This can prove highly valuable in the event of challenging situations.  Reassuringly, however, this does not require you to get lost in the formalities and complexities of drafting lengthy agreements.   As long as you discuss and draw up key terms beforehand (respective contributions of time, focus and financing), clearly defining expectations and setting clear roles, responsibilities and duties, profit sharing arrangements, decision-taking, transfer of business interest, exit clauses etc, this is enough.  

Dr Susanna Grech Deguara, Chetcuti Cauchi Associates (Senior Associate, Intellectual Property Lawyer with an interest in technology and Start-ups)

Protect from early on.  Not all brand names are eligible for legal protection so one should consider legal requirements before investing time and energy in a brand name. Caution is also crucial in terms of being careful not to let your ideas out of the bag too soon. Having a holistic intellectual property strategy is not only essential for the protection of your start-up but also adds value.  Studies show that start-ups holding intellectual property are 10.2 times more likely to secure funding. 

Keep it Simple. Entrepreneurs are often known for their ‘outside the box’ thinking which drives them to create unique incentives or accommodate infrequent investor requests. However, this can sometimes lead to overly complex legal requirements. While there may be situations where complexity is needed, it typically ends up increasing legal costs. It is important for founders to be mindful of costs especially in the early stages. This is where having a knowledgeable startup lawyer can really make a difference in avoiding such pitfalls.

Dr Marylyn Hili, LL.M., (Intellectual Property Attorney, Malta and EU)

Your company’s intangible assets include your trademarks, designs, copyright and patents. Despite their absence of physical attributes, these assets contribute to a company’s value in ways that tend to be dramatically underestimated. The importance of prioritising the protection of your intellectual property at start-up stage cannot be emphasised enough. In the case of designs and patents, companies would lose their chance of protecting their rights if they expose their design or invention to the public before applying for registration. 

More often than not, companies are tempted to postpone the investment required to secure their trademarks – only to find out that while they waited, their brand name was taken by someone else. Consequently, this results in a costly process, embroiled in negotiations trying to establish an agreement or having to rebrand altogether. Similarly, start-ups who hire marketing agencies to assist with branding should also consult an intellectual property professional before shortlisting a name, to ensure its viability and chances of being registered as a trademark. In an ideal world, marketing agencies would work hand in hand with intellectual property consultants, yet this is almost never the case so it is the business owner’s responsibility to conduct the necessary checks. 

Here are some pointers to increase the likelihood of a successful trademark registration:

1. Choose a name or logo which is not descriptive of the goods and services you offer

2. Conduct a comprehensive search to identify any potential conflicts

3. Make sure you do not use any offensive content

4. Employ figurative and design elements to help make your mark more distinctive

5. Always seek professional advice. It is well worth it!*

*This article provided a brief overview.  It is essential you seek in-depth legal advice from a qualified professional based on your specific business circumstances (and particular industry).

Month after month we’ve been offering up some quality blog posts thanks to our very own content writer; Prabs.

Today, we turn the spotlight inwards to get to know the lady who lovingly and passionately crafts the perfect article for us time and time again, a valuable member of the SHE team.

Ladies and gents, meet Prabs – the lady behind our SHE blog since August 2022 …

 

Let’s start by painting a picture for our audience, who is Prabs? 

I’m a second generation British Asian, born in West London to parents from the Punjab (North India) who moved from India to the UK in the 1960’s. I grew up and went to school in Wembley and Harrow and attended university in Surrey, also studying for a year in the beautiful French Alps region, a stage of life where I well and truly caught the travel bug. After graduating and starting working life in London, I moved to Paris to join Euro Disney (now Disneyland), going on to work for two further companies over five years; an unforgettable era that included some of the best and worst moments of my life.

After eight years back in London where I got married and had my first child, I left the UK again, this time for Malta due to my husband’s work. Sidebar: From an early age, I was captivated by the French language and for reasons that nobody (including myself!) can identify, I am still fluent in it but can hardly speak a word of my native Indian language.

 

What is your business background? 

Although I did a brief Business French diploma during my university years, my actual degree was a joint honours in French and English, so languages and literature were my initial passion rather than business studies. After graduating, I pursued the relative safety and known quantity of permanent employment – rather than the riskier/scarier route of entrepreneurship – working for several multinationals including American Express, Deutsche Bank and Sky Television.

If somebody had told me then that I’d start my own writing business several years later, navigating the many highs, lows, risks and rewards involved in working for oneself, I wouldn’t have believed them. The funny thing is though, my commercial exposure had actually started at the tender age of seven, helping out over the years in my parents’ convenience store and flower shop. Witnessing them working incredibly hard throughout my childhood and adolescence to build successful businesses was an invaluable training ground and – what I didn’t realise until decades later – my introduction to developing a business mindset.

 

Can you name a favourite or most meaningful accomplishment?

I hesitated over how (or even whether, ahem) to answer this as I’d hate to be perceived as bragging or having an overinflated misguided view of my own achievements. But I won’t deny that winning an award and being shortlisted a few more times for my blog Absolutely Prabulous were incredible moments of validation for all sorts of reasons.

 

Describe yourself in 3 words.

A passionate, curious perfectionist.

 

Proudest moment since going solo?

I’m going to be a renegade and choose more than one if you don’t mind. The amazing response  from my husband, a seasoned CMO whose opinion I really value, has meant the world to me partly as he’s a tough crowd who’s not easy to impress! Another boost was seeing a piece I wrote for SHE unexpectedly instigating a sponsorship alliance. Producing a SIGMA Magazine piece on a super tight deadline and limited brief was also a real highlight as it reminded me I can deliver quality work under pressure. (It may not be my comfort zone but I can definitely do it.)

But ultimately, my biggest source of pride is the work itself… From the content I’ve done so far, if I had to pick one that occupies a special place in my heart, it would have to be 10 Useful Lessons in Life and Business from the Queen that I wrote for SHE. Writing that was surprisingly moving but also quite challenging as I was very aware of the need to do the subject matter justice. I’ve been going through client feedback recently to build the testimonial section of my new website and smiled all over again rereading your feedback on that article actually Sass.

What is a typical day in the life of a freelance writer?

WelI I can describe what my ideal day is! Truthfully, I’m not yet consistently achieving this and it tends to go in peaks and troughs. When I do ‘get it right’ though, the day starts with a set of morning habits consisting of: 

>wake up yoga

>herbal tea

>self-development reading (currently The Rules of People by Richard Templar)

>exercise (walking, running, swimming, pilates depending on the season/schedule)

>back to the house to fetch the dog for her walk

>breakfast and getting ready.

If I’m up by 6.30 latest, this gets me to my desk at home by 10.30. It’s a work in progress.

Then, I put in a few hours of work before household duties late afternoon. Work varies according to the type of project I’m working on. Sometimes an entire week is taken up interviewing people, other times I’m carrying out research and of course, there are days when it’s write, write, write.

 

Struggles as a freelance writer?

I guess the struggles of being a freelance writer are the same as the struggles of freelancers in any line of work: the all important regular stream of income: achieving it and maintaining it. 

Isolation is another one. I do love my work environment setup, alternating between my dedicated home office space, outdoor sofa and even being able to pop to local cafes for a change of scene. What’s not to like when you can ‘go to’ work without commuting or parking issues? However, the lack of interaction is a less appealing aspect. I sometimes miss the days of having a quick chat by the coffee machine with a colleague and general office banter (on that note, am eagerly awaiting the return of SHE’s coworking Wednesdays…).

The biggest freelance challenge for me though is ‘productivity mindset’. I’m reassessing my thought processes and approach, namely the hours required for truly effective output. I’ve been so locked into believing that the daily standard of eight hours – from my previous career years – is the only ‘proper’ way to work, so much so that if I’m not doing that, I feel like I’m not working ‘enough’. In fact, I’ve had conversations with fellow SHE members and have several books on my reading list about this issue of what constitutes the optimum successful day. Finding the right way and balance can be very tricky when you have to factor in personal obligations of household management, parenting teens at critical stages of education, having a partner who’s away a lot for work etc. So I’m trying to shed my ingrained attitudes, be kinder to myself and embrace the ideology that putting in four focussed hours of work a day can be more constructive than sitting at a desk for eight hours – just because that’s the way it’s always been done – only to achieve the same (or even fewer) results. In other words it’s more about deep work rather than long work; quality of output rather than quantity of hours.

What does SHE mean to you?

Immediate response? Everything! More than I’m fully able to put into words (even though I should be able to as a writer). It’s camaraderie and unexpected friendship with genuine, intelligent and approachable women in business. It’s inspiring commercial stories (that I wouldn’t necessarily have known about without SHE). It’s eye-opening exposure to the drive, determination and sheer guts of the female entrepreneurs I’ve met or written about. 

For me, the SHE motto of ‘collaboration over competition’ is not a fashionable mantra that is simply trotted out insincerely. It’s the real deal. I feel it simply walking through the door to a SHE member event or conducting interviews for articles. 

 

How has your experience been, writing for SHE so far?

Even though writing has always been a huge part of my career and I’d done a bit of freelancing a while back plus built a successful blog, I guess a part of me was nervous officially launching a freelance writing business. (It feels strange saying that now I’m further down the line.) It’s definitely been confidence-boosting and educational writing for SHE. It doesn’t matter if a client is your first, fifth or fiftieth.  You want to deliver the best for them. From the very first piece I did for SHE, it proved to me that I CAN do this. 

 

How has SHE helped you on your business journey?

It’s raised my profile and certainly helped me build my portfolio. Although I don’t want to jinx things by naming clients and companies here, I’m fairly sure my work with SHE has helped open the door to another project starting in the Autumn.

 

Any inspirational moments within the community that have really stuck with you?

I was super impressed by Becky Kamsky’s detailed presentation entitled “Clarity & Direction for an Effective Digital Strategy” that included so many digital marketing tips and tools. And Vanessa Camenzuli’s personal branding workshop was not only thought-provoking and educational but what particularly struck me was how poised and just plain brilliant at presenting she was. 

What can we expect to see in your future articles for SHE?

I’m thinking of looking at emerging trends and stories in the business sector for inspiration. I’d also like to get the community more involved in topic suggestion and selection, particularly as SHE’s past  Instagram polling initiatives have been rather successful. They’re a good way to get the conversation started.

 

Future plans for your business?

Funnily enough, when I had to think of my five year goals and plan last year, I surprised myself a bit on this front. Potentially, I am interested in running my own agency of carefully selected, quality writers allowing me to assume more of an editorial lead and – hopefully – leave me time to fulfil my dream of writing my own regular column in a major publication.

 

Any top tips for anyone thinking of venturing out alone?

I keep coming back to the famous philosophy: find your passion and you’ll never work a day in your life. (Ok, we all know it’s not quite that simple. Every job involves the stuff we don’t particularly enjoy and clearly we are working but the basic message makes sense.) 

However, being the realist that I am, I have to say, once you’ve identified your passion, do your research! 

And after that, off you go…believe, believe, believe. 

** Prabs can be contacted for freelance writing work at [email protected]
You can find her on Linkedin and also view some of her portfolio here.

As Mother’s Day is a significant calendar date, our May article celebrates the wisdom of mothers who happen to be entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs who also happen to be mothers.

Running your own business is a challenging path that requires a blend of creativity, resilience and strategic thinking. But it is also a superbly rewarding training ground that offers invaluable opportunities for personal and professional growth. Entrepreneurially-driven/experienced people can share valuable teachings for building a successful business and – just as importantly – help mould younger minds into being bold, enterprising and resourceful. 

Not surprisingly, therefore, parent-business owners have an advantageous opportunity to share their knowledge and experiences with their children, potentially helping them to lay down relevant building blocks for a successful future.

So with both Mother’s Day and business ownership in mind, we turned to our valued SHE Malta community and interviewed some of the mothers, amongst our members, about empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs (the one inside their home!).

A big thank you to the following contributors …

Abigail Mamo, CEO, Malta Chamber SME’s

Hannah Cremona, Business Strategist and Mentor

Anthea Huber, Head of Design & Partner, Archi+

Stephanie Bonello, Co-founder, Crispy Studio

Daniela Azzopardi Bonanno, Advocate and Founder, Themis

 

“Use the stones thrown by others to build firmer foundations and go higher.” – Daniela Azzopardi Bonanno

If your child expresses their intention to start their own venture, would you encourage or discourage them to pursue entrepreneurship?

Abigail: I would certainly encourage it, including providing support to ensure that the most important considerations have been taken into account and that background work and first steps are done right.

Hannah:  I would definitely encourage them! I can’t wait to be able to brainstorm their ideas. The hardest part would be to step aside and allow them to learn the ropes, ‘only’ providing advice  when asked! 

Anthea: Encouragement absolutely. The fulfilment you get from doing something you love is something I really want them to experience.

Daniela: I would encourage them and also support them along the way, which I feel is more important because once the initial excitement wears off, it’s all down to grit and perseverance. I feel that to keep going, it’s fundamental to have the encouragement of people who believe in your vision. (Having said that, I really believe it’s important to pursue entrepreneurship only after you have spent time as an employee so that you’re aware of the dos and don’ts from a position of experience rather than theory.) 

Stephanie: Entrepreneurship can bring amazing opportunities and exhilarating experiences if you’re truly passionate about what you do. As a parent, I think it’s important to encourage our kids to pursue their dreams but also to be aware of the challenges that come with it such as financial uncertainty and the constant effort required to grow a business. It may not be easy but the journey of entrepreneurship is one that’s worth taking if you’re up for the ride!

“Under promise. Over deliver.” – Anthea Huber

 

What are the 3 biggest lessons you would pass on to your child about owning and running a business (irrespective of your first answer)?

Abigail:

1. Being your own boss and working to build something that is yours is the best feeling.

2. There are ups and downs and you need a lot of dedication and perseverance.

3. Every experience is an invaluable experience and each opportunity should be taken to learn as much as possible.

Hannah:

1. No idea is a stupid idea and not every idea is worth creating a business for right away. Know your market and timing. An empire takes time to build, just keep validating your steps along the way.

2. Partnerships are like marriage. Be sure who you associate yourself with and tie the knot with.

3. Your strengths, your skills, your experience and knowledge are your assets. Keep optimising them and leveraging them. You will always be enough. 

Anthea:

1. Under promise, over deliver:  this is a motto I live by. The point is to be accountable to your commitments so as not to let people down. I believe this earns you respect which works wonders for building relationships.

2. Low lying apples: everyday there are small ‘wins’ that you can take advantage of and that can open up a workflow/route to some more complex wins. 

3. Build a trusting team who you are comfortable delegating to. A relationship based on trust is the key to all successful relationships, more so in business. Having a competent team who you can trust blindly is crucial.

Finally, tying  all of the above: do everything you do with love.

Daniela:

1. Use the stones thrown by others to build firmer foundations and to go higher.

2. Business is not a switch, it will take time, energy and investment to grow.

3. Trust your gut.

Stephanie:

1. Never stop learning, even from people outside of your field. You’d be surprised how much you can learn from unexpected sources. Also, listen to others’ input – it can help you adapt and grow your business.

2. Learn to embrace waiting and practice patience. Growth takes time and patience, so take it step by step and appreciate the process. You’ll learn and grow as you wait.

3. Surround yourself with a supportive group of people who believe in you and your vision. They’ll be there to help you through tough times.

 

“Never stop learning, even from people outside of your field.”- Stephanie Bonello

Are there specific pitfalls you have encountered or mistakes you have made as an entrepreneur that you hope your child actively avoids? 

Abigail: Many times it is inadequate market research and poor financial planning. A thorough business plan is necessary. 

Hannah: Toxic ‘business’ partnerships: don’t rush into making decisions or plans even if there is just one ounce of doubt. That’s your intuition speaking; listen to it.
Starting ventures without capital (but don’t let that be an obstacle!) is not a good idea. Be very clear with your initial set up cost and maintaining costs. 

Anthea: Being hesitant or reluctant to ask questions. Although judging by the amount of questions my kids ask, I am confident they will keep this up. From my end I encourage this behaviour by making sure we (hubby and I) always give our kids real answers – no fantasy or lies. I am always surprised by how much these young kids can understand what we would deem as “complex “ replies.
Being afraid to say no. This is something I learnt by experience. People in general are greedy so setting clear boundaries is crucial to any kind of business relationship, whether it is with clients or with colleagues.

Daniela: There was a time when I frequently felt like I was on a hamster wheel  unable to stop myself from running and running. I would like to teach my children that it’s not healthy physically,  mentally and even career-wise, to reach that stage. I would want them to know that they should always retain control on the pace and narrative of their own lives and career so as to be reflective and able to change according to their needs. 

Stephanie: As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to forget about taking care of yourself amidst the hustle and bustle of running your business and managing your personal life. But neglecting self-care can lead to burnout and leave you feeling drained. 

Would you advise your child on how to navigate business-ownership challenges or ‘stay in the shadows’ and let them make their own discoveries?

Abigail: I would advise (and hope my child will want the advice). I’ll always be there to support as much as necessary.

Hannah: I would talk about the mistakes and the consequences through the various stories from my journey through businesses and ventures over the years. And I will allow them to use these stories as lessons if they wish when making their own discoveries. The best lessons are from the experiences we face.  Good and bad. 

Anthea: It’s ok to make mistakes and the lessons I have learned from mistakes are the ones that have remained most ingrained in me. Therefore, although I would point out the above, I would allow them to “fall”, pick themselves up and move ahead to become a stronger version of themselves.

Daniela: I am hoping that I am investing in my relationship with my children enough to allow me to have sharing and discussions of these challenges when they come to them. As a mother, I can only offer advice and unconditional support but ultimately it would be up to them whether to take up my advice or else go through the lessons themselves. I feel that my suffering has offered me growth and insight that I would not have gained otherwise so I have come to believe that life is sometimes the best teacher. 

Stephanie: Starting your own business is all about taking risks and learning from your mistakes. It can be tough to find a balance, but I would definitely be there to support and guide my children along the way. Having someone to look up to can be so valuable. I would also stress the importance of taking care of themselves and making time for self-care. Being able to thrive in all areas of life is crucial to achieving success in entrepreneurship.

“All aspects of the business plan are important. The value of thinking through all questions, brainstorming and actually writing down a plan is underestimated.” – Abigail Mamo

 

Which conventional business plan strategies/elements:

i) would you recommend as essentials ..

Abigail: All aspects of the business plan are important. The value of thinking through all questions, brainstorming and actually writing down a plan is underestimated. This is a plan that can be adjusted based on the learning experience and changing market dynamics.

Hannah: Every business needs clients. And to serve said clients you need to have a product/service that answers their needs/desires.  In reality, it’s quite simple really but we often get so lost in the glitz and glam and over complicated strategies and tactics. I see this very often with service based professionals such as coaches and consultants. Keep it simple, yet powerful, always. 

Anthea: Have a clear mission and values to go by, know the market you are working in and set realistic targets – short term and long term.

Daniela: Your business plan should reflect your core beliefs and values. Customers and clients are after an authentic service which cannot be offered otherwise.  Study the market and the needs and invest in yourself prior to launching your product/service so then you act from an informed position.

Stephanie: Financial projections serve as a vital tool in clarifying objectives and tracking progress over time. Establishing a clear plan of action is essential for accurately measuring the attainment of your financial goals. With a solid financial plan in place, you can effectively evaluate your performance and make informed adjustments to stay on track.

ii) have discovered are unnecessary ..

Abigail: Today there are many off-the-shelf software options which offer state-of-the-art and affordable solutions. No need to engage professionals from the beginning and likewise setting up a company is very costly and administratively burdensome; try to delay the process via self-employment/partnership. 

Hannah: I discovered that having a website means nothing at all. Mine is currently pulled down in fact and I am still attracting new clients. We often think we need to have all the things and what you really need is a clear message with a clear offer to the right people in the right place/s at the right time. Keep it simple.  

Anthea: Unless you execute, having strategy becomes useless. Therefore set clear time to execute what you plan.

Daniela: Taking on every client that comes for the sake of income. If a client is a mismatch to your values and you have a gut feeling against taking on that client, trust it and do not take on that client. Experience has shown me that it might lead to a situation where the client is draining too much energy and time that could be used elsewhere and this often leads to unsatisfactory results. 

Stephanie: Excessive emphasis on competitors:  Although comprehending competitors and their strengths and weaknesses is crucial, it is effortless to become overwhelmed with excessive specifics. The emphasis in the business plan should be placed on the unique selling proposition and how it distinguishes your business from that of others.

“Treat it as a business from day one or risk getting stuck in ‘hobby-land’ and friend zones with no boundaries.”- Hannah Cremona

 

If you could only pick one main lesson from your answers to number 2, what would it be?

Abigail: Being your own boss and working to build something that is yours is the best feeling. 

Hannah: To have a business you need to treat it as such from the very start. This applies to the funding and how you manage your finances (oops and ouch!) to your business infrastructure, systems, processes, and policies, to your marketing message and client attraction strategy. Treat it as a business from day one or risk getting stuck in ‘hobby-land’ and friend zones with no boundaries. 

Anthea: Under promise, over deliver.

Daniela: I think it would be the first lesson since it can feel like people almost ‘enjoy’ bringing other people down, especially on social media with keyboard critics and trolls. Also competitor jealousy may know no bounds. Entrepreneurs have to take risks and step out of their comfort zones so they need to rise above words and actions that are only intended to break them – and keep going, hard as that may be. 

From all my advice, I mainly hope my daughter registers that she can do anything she dreams of and must never allow anyone to tell her otherwise. During my university years, I was told that I couldn’t be a good mother if I had a thriving career…and also that I couldn’t be a good lawyer if I had young children! I feel that I have done a good job in both. I have made my fair share of sacrifices and had to choose my priorities and yes I did miss out sometimes. But if I had to go back, I would do it exactly the same because I worked hard for both aspects of me and both aspects of me together make me complete and happy. 

So I hope my daughter knows she should be the only one setting and going after her own narrative and  goals. I hope I will be blessed to be there to support her and witness it all!

Stephanie: One crucial takeaway is the importance of embracing ‘the wait’ with a mindset of patience and perseverance. Only through such steadfastness can entrepreneurs/businesses achieve growth and evolution.

There you have it.  Some truly inspiring reflections and astute insights.

From nurturing a strong work ethic, encouraging a willingness to keep learning and fostering an understanding of effective communication…to explaining the value of taking calculated risks, teaching the necessity of embracing failure as a stepping stone and cultivating a perseverance mindset, the business lessons we can pass on to our children – as a result of our own endeavours and ventures – go beyond textbooks and conventional classrooms.

At the very least, teaching children about business and entrepreneurship can be a valuable life lesson in itself that will benefit them in later years, helping them navigate their own roadmap, whatever path they choose to take. 

Following our first SHE OG’s article featuring four amazing women, our second piece brings you the profiles on four more kickass female entrepreneurs. Interviewing them has been a genuinely awe-inspiring and educational experience. What has also been striking is their absence of ego and total presence of humility. No further words. Their stories are enough.

Yasmin de Giorgio – CEO Shireburn & Founder Sanya. 

Whether helping people through software  solutions or helping employees grow professionally or helping Sanya clients improve their mental health, I think I’ll always have the same calling.

A high octane UK university experience, disconnection, self discovery, spirituality, veganism, travels,  launching two businesses and becoming a tech CEO (and EY 2023 Rising Star)… Yasmin de Giorgio has already packed about four lives into one. And she’s not done yet…

Can you describe your background?

After moving to the UK to study Economics and Management, I stayed for a Masters in International Development which both fascinated and demoralised me. Learning the destructive impact of world banks and big business on entire countries, I entered a disillusioned ‘radical’ stage of life.  I got dreadlocks(!), embarked on world travels, discovered impactful books like Minding your business by the founder of Aveda and started exploring spirituality. Later on, I bought a trailer and shipped it to Malta to open my first business in 2013, the green cafe Grassyhopper (mainly so I could eat somewhere after becoming vegan)! Readjusting to Malta was hard as I felt disconnected from the non like minded people around me. 

I opened Sanya in 2016 as a safe mentally and physically nourishing sanctuary that was in line with my own ethics and sold Grassyhopper in 2018. They were super challenging years. I’d become an entrepreneur without the commercial skillset for the catering industry and suffered immense financial stress my first few years in the wellness business.

Then my father retired from Shireburn, a 40 year old software company specialising in payroll, attendance, time tracking solutions. The search for a new CEO started… 

So, what’s the story behind joining Shireburn while still running Sanya?

Shireburn was born before me so it’s always been in my life. Finding a new CEO was challenging and even included my dad returning for a while. But seeing the toll it took on him, I offered to find a suitable replacement…which coincided with a family friend suggesting me for the role! Although the family business was close to my heart, I wasn’t going to give up Sanya to take over the Shireburn reins. My dad also hesitated as he wanted to do things the ‘right way’ and not be associated with nepotism. After some back and forth, in the end we found a way as it was important to me to protect my father’s legacy. I also realised it presented me with a huge learning opportunity as it’s so different to Sanya (and maybe a useful resource for helping roll out other business visions). 

My first step was to enlist the help of HR and run a company-wide study and focus groups. I analysed the survey results, listened to what employees said and fixed whatever issues clearly emerged. It was an eight month process of significant restructuring and reassignment of responsibilities, including encouraging people to step up from their usual roles.

What do you particularly enjoy about running two very different companies? 

With Sanya, it’s very human and organic: simply the impact we have on people’s wellbeing. It’s beautiful and meaningful. Meanwhile at Shireburn, I get really excited by the dynamism of our software solutions and what it can do for our clients. Also, constantly having to adapt and modify. Learning what works and understanding  product design and logic. As we build Cloud-based solutions, our software is a living organism, not a static entity.  

And what do you find challenging?

Actually I find the so-called challenges enjoyable. But it’s definitely interesting dealing with 30 different software developers all of whom have to agree on how to build, design, test, implement our  Indigo product for example. And of course just the sheer responsibility of running a company like Shireburn and all that goes with it, including the privacy, security, biometric data and financial aspect of handling 110,000 payrolls per month. Ultimately, the buck stops with me. It’s immense and I’m only human. But…you have to find healthy, self-kind ways to cope. 

As for Sanya, the initial years of commercial hardship and the search for a solid team in whom I had faith were tricky. But the business has now reached maturity and I have a great team in place.

How are you balancing the two worlds of Sanya and Shireburn?

I split the week equally between each company. Thanks to Shireburn’s longstanding great COO, I don’t have that many fires to put out and am mainly needed more for the big picture stuff rather than day to day micromanaging. And then I have an assistant who was my non-negotiable part of my agreement to join Shireburn! 

What strategies or lessons have you learned from your past endeavours and implemented today?

Plenty. To maintain an open door policy while also recognising the need to balance a sharp businesslike approach (not shying away from tough decisions) with my compassionate side.
To stick to my own management style and not to try to replicate my father’s – including using interpersonal skills acquired via my own self development, to guide and advise people.
To respect the existing gentle culture while also empowering people to step out of their comfort zone and take on more responsibility or develop other skills.
Stress management techniques that enable me to look after myself and my employees. Recognising human limits, not always working at an intense pace or letting success affect ego.
To make peace with the worst case scenario (i.e. what would I do if I went bankrupt?)
To stay in my ‘lane’(!). I don’t get involved in product design as we have amazing people who know what they’re doing. But I bring other things to the table.

Conversely, what would not repeat from your past professional experiences? 

Never ever will I put myself under the financial pressure that I did with Sanya. The hardest learning was the financial burnout where I lost so much the first three years that I had no idea how I would keep Sanya going. So any project I undertake must be properly structured from the start.

Would you say you’ve found your passion/calling in life?

Is Shireburn that? I think my calling is beyond business. It’s to help people. If Sanya closed tomorrow, I’d still have the same calling. Whether that’s helping people through offering the right software  solutions or helping employees grow professionally or helping Sanya clients improve their mental health. 

Emma Hogg – Founder of the self-development agency, A Life I Choose.

‘I grew my business and then edited it!’

Some people know early on what they want from life. Emma always knew she wanted to have a positive impact on people’s lives and be a therapist; so she became one. With a strong interest in coaching and the flexibility of self employment, she then became a coach and opened her own practice. Knowing motherhood was also in her plans, she became a parent later on. While both our SHE OG’s features mainly cover people who changed career direction to launch new ventures, our profile on Emma is a bit different. We look at the evolution of her business, how she redefined and course corrected and then addressed the challenge of combining entrepreneurship with motherhood.

In a nutshell, can you describe your background?

All my life, I’ve been fascinated by the human condition, seeking to understand those who thrive versus those who crumble in the face of pressure – what motivates and ignites us versus what hurts us and tears us down. As a child, I wanted to make people feel better but knew ultimately people can only do this for themselves. Growing older, I set about equipping myself with the best tools possible to thrive – studying psychology, psychotherapy and coaching – certain I could use my learnings to benefit others too.  

Tell us about the beginnings of A Life I Choose

In my 20’s I started building A Life I Choose with this very mission to help others thrive. Starting off with a blog and YouTube channel, I then moulded it into a dedicated self-development agency in 2016. Through my ‘Lifestyle Strategy’ Sessions and ‘Kick-Ass Career’ course, I help clients (including CEO’s, small business owners and university graduates starting out) to overcome their challenges to build meaningful, joyful and expansive lives. 

What elements have been involved in your business evolution?

I embraced hustle culture and worked around the clock to build my practice and it really took off.  By Summer 2020, numerous people were coming to me as they were unhappy at work and seeking solutions to achieve more fulfilment, flexibility, freedom, pride and financial independence. I had a three month waitlist and was working non stop. I had to come up with a way to relieve some of the physical and mental load but of course continue to serve my clients effectively. So I developed a video course and workbook ‘version’ of my one on one  private sessions. 

Then after trying for a while to start a family, my son arrived in 2021 and my previous work rate was no longer practical or sustainable. Once again I had to adapt and adjust.  I needed to do right by him and be a present and connected mother but also couldn’t let the demands and obligations of parenthood negatively impact what I’d spent years building.  So to help me maintain a consistent quality service, I recruited and trained a team to whom I could delegate.  However, in time it was clear it just didn’t work from a commercial perspective. Yet again, I had to restrategise…resulting in the removal of certain parts of the service and letting the team go and returning to solo practice.

Can you name three things you find particularly rewarding about what you do?  

The deep two-way trust my clients and I share together. 

Being able to guide and witness people tangibly improving their lives (and the heartwarming way  they then become my spokespeople!).

The satisfaction of observing a particularly resistant client actually implement my advice and experience a breakthrough.

How do you make motherhood and entrepreneurship work?

The priority is to spend time with my son every day, no matter whether that’s the morning or afternoon and no matter the length of time. Thanks to a support system that also includes the help of a nanny, I’ve worked out a flexible schedule that makes it possible for me to be both a dedicated business owner and mum. My husband also makes it a point to have two afternoons with our son which helps me plan out my work.

And what do you find the most challenging?

I realised I always feel like I need to handle every task and come up with every solution. It’s been a lifelong recurring theme. When it comes to balancing business and motherhood, I’ve had to work on releasing resentment as it’s harmful and of no benefit to my marriage. I now know I don’t have to think of everything as I have supportive people around me.  It’s about reframing expectations and/or approach (eg. by simply being clear and asking my husband to help with something).

Have you channelled any of your experience as an entrepreneur into parenthood?

For sure. To have faith in myself and trust my intuition.

To be aware of hypothetical fear versus real concern (not easy when your child is ill for instance).

To stay with reality and not let worry and panic get the better of me.

To not work relentlessly to the point of being unable to shut the laptop at night. (I didn’t know myself without work and felt there was ‘nothing else to go to’.) 

Conversely, do you think parenthood has been a big revealer?

Definitely. I was terrified having a child would force me to give up parts of myself but in fact, it’s the opposite! I get out more, do things I’d never have done and realise my son has not limited but enriched my life. To calm down on goals and not be in such a hurry to create and build. 

To open up and choose to receive  the abundance that’s all around me instead of feeling I’m solely responsible for creating my abundance. 

Would you say you’ve found your passion/calling in life?

Absolutely. Both with A Life I Choose and with my son.

Tamara Fenech, Founder and Sustainable Business Strategist, Cosie Studio

Many business owners think they must sacrifice their environmental responsibility to meet their financial goals…but operating sustainably can actually create economic opportunities.

Coming from a long lineage of lawyers, Tamara found people just switched off at her mention of fashion design studies.  However, supportive parents and her own determination led her to graduate from Leeds College of Art – discovering a passion for sustainability and embarking on a career/life path that would include Bali, India and Germany. From an initial interest in fashion design, to becoming an accidental poster girl for sustainable fashion in Malta, to launching her own consultancy – unconnected to fashion…Tammy’s story is intriguing.

Tell us about your background and previous ventures.

After my initial UK sustainable fashion exposure, it was my post-university 2013 travels to Asia that instigated my real ‘immersion’ in the subject, opening my eyes to the business, design and supply chain aspects of the garment industry. So I moved to Berlin in 2016 to pursue a Masters in sustainable fashion – also attending conferences that taught me sustainability can be applied to  industries beyond fashion. That’s when I got interested in building business models to help  brands operate sustainably. 

While still living in Germany, I spearheaded the launch of NGO Fashion Revolution Malta. I was becoming aware of the ‘sustainability gap’ here and one of my visits happened to coincide with Fashion Revolution week – an annual global initiative resulting from the fashion industry’s shakeup after the catastrophic 2013 collapse of an Indian garment factory. As Malta had no Fashion Revolution coordinator, I assumed this role in 2018 organising a screening of True Cost (a documentary revealing harsh truths about the fashion industry) on the anniversary of the tragedy – and that’s how the NGO was born. Our small team of volunteers ran physical and online campaigns from 2018 but these are  currently on a hiatus as many of us are busy with other projects including myself with Cosie Studio.

Talking of which: tell us about your sustainability agency Cosie Studio.

Through Cosie (Co-creative Sustainable Ideas and Endeavours) Studio, I support entrepreneurs to build sustainable brands or help them with implementing sustainability into their existing brands, and mentoring them throughout the process.

What led you to launch Cosie?

Well, self employment was a product of circumstance rather than an active choice! Finding a permanent role in Berlin was impossible as employers prioritised German language, experience and seniority in the industry. However, the universe led me into freelancing as many Malta-based firms started approaching me due to my NGO work. I found myself advising and guiding businesses on integrating sustainability and was able to work remotely, splitting my time between Germany and Malta. Launching an ‘official’ business last summer required me finally moving back to Malta soon after.  

What do you particularly enjoy/find rewarding about your current role/venture?

Knowing that I’ve carved out a safe space for a brand where they feel supported in their sustainable efforts makes me feel I’ve done my job. It’s super satisfying seeing the end result where our solutions and plans are actioned.

And what do you find challenging?

Working alone is tough, especially on projects with complex needs where it would help to have a soundboard/colleague to brainstorm with and stop me from analysis paralysis! 

The potential for my passion to burn me out before I see significant results…I’m still learning how to use my passion as a superpower that mobilises instead of one that paralyses me. 

Getting clients to remain committed to the strategies we set out together. In fact, I’m implementing some new processes to handle this such as accountability calls after a certain period of time, to support them in making the strategies work with their ever changing realities.

What are the positive experiences or lessons you have acquired so far?

I’ve learned we can often weave our past experiences (even if they seem irrelevant) into what we do today.  When I embraced yoga and spirituality in India, I wanted no involvement in business. And yet…I now integrate my practice into the advice and support I give my clients, eg. using meditation for one to one entrepreneur workshops, creating personalised dashboards with mindfulness  resources and even using my yoga learnings to ‘coach’ clients on self sustainability. 

I’ve also realised a client can’t build and lead a sustainable business without working on sustainability in their own life first. 

Equally, I believe sustainability – in business or life – involves a happy middle ground. You may think you don’t operate sustainably as you only achieve it in some areas – but it’s actually a constant process of learning and trying to be adaptive and agile, not about striving for perfection. 

Conversely, do you have any won’ts and don’ts from your experience?

I won’t change the vision I have for Cosie to fit the needs of the current market, which is sometimes what we tend to do in order to achieve quicker results. It’s important that my clients are aligned with my principles and understand that sustainability is a commitment, one that usually comes from the heart.

Would you say you’ve found your passion/calling in life?

A few years ago, I would have said yes, my life’s purpose is to create sustainable brands. Ironically, after all the years of study and work, I’m not so sure now! I’m still evolving, tuning in to what energises and ‘feeds’ me. I know my career will still be entwined with sustainability ten years from now but I think it will involve more of the mindfulness aspect and personal connection than the current commercial angle.

Elleria Janås – Ellie & Carl Body Confidence Coaching

I’ve done many things in my life, even experiencing burnout, but nothing was a waste of time because everything brought me something.

Listening to Ellie talk about her passion is like being treated to a fascinating walking talking encyclopaedia of well articulated knowledge and gems of wisdom. From hospitals to amusement parks to skincare brand owner to body confidence coach – with a ‘motherhood sabbatical’ along the way – Ellie probably has enough material for a memoir. But let’s start with this interview.

What do you do as a body confidence coach?

I gently guide clients on tackling emotional eating, getting out of their yo-yo diet trap and finding food freedom. Binge eating/drinking/people pleasing are all mechanisms we develop over the years to cope with past trauma. But we can’t let the subconscious mind keep turning up and running our life. I figure out why people overeat or constantly diet and help them remove the behavioural layers that they’ve subconsciously adopted to protect themselves from their own negative thinking. 

Traditional dieting triggers a stress response which isn’t sustainable long term for a healthy body. So I use various strategies including EFT (emotional freedom technique) tapping to help people release whatever is not serving their bodies and brain. This is not a calories in – calories out weight loss programme. This is about dealing with the root cause of people’s issues with food. (But weight loss is an automatic benefit of this.)

What’s your background?

I was a psychiatric ward nurse in Sweden, completed a Masters in business and administration and worked as an accounting assistant in hospital administration. I later switched sectors becoming an amusement park manager for ten years before moving to Cyprus and then Malta. I launched Ellie & Carl Skin Botanicals from Malta. Learning about social media, marketing and being my own boss was a huge but wonderful readjustment after years of motherhood and feeling disconnected from my previous career-driven self. 

Why move from skincare to body confidence coaching?

When Covid hit, most of my stockists closed and I had problems sending products abroad which lost me customers and made it difficult to continue my skincare business. However, I was already feeling stuck with Ellie & Carl before the pandemic and knew something else was calling me – something beyond skincare and more about inner voice and self love – after noticing how many of my customers could only see flaws instead of their beauty. I went back to studying and came across a small mention of EFT and ended up taking an entire course on it.

What do you particularly enjoy about body confidence coaching?

Seeing a visible shift through the use of EFT: tapping calms a person down: their shoulders lower, their breath becomes deeper rather than short and shallow, they start talking from their stomach (the power centre) rather than the top of their voice. Ultimately, they regain control again. 

Journeying back in time with a client to identify that emotion, memory or event that controls them and freeing them from the negative hold a particular food has over them. And hearing comments like “I didn’t even know I had this issue” or “I haven’t touched one slice of bread!” touches my heart. 

And what do you find challenging about it?

Wearing the many hats required to run a business: having to be a marketer, CEO etc responsible for advertising, communication and also servicing clients.

The remoteness of it; I mainly do online sessions with clients abroad so I belong to a few accountability groups that keep me on track and connected to others.

Are there any positive lessons that you have ?

Yes I feel we often forget our experiences and skills but they’re all inside us waiting to be used. Whatever we do, it’s never for nothing. My amusement park role required creativity, following a budget and processes and devising numerous strategies.

I’ve also learned how to pick the right tool as every job (client) requires something different. Similarly, I can’t help people if I don’t practise my own ‘emotional hygiene’. Working on ourselves from the inside out is key.

Has your previous professional experience taught you what to avoid/not repeat?

Not taking the pain home with me. My nursing years exposed me to some of humanity’s darkest spaces and I didn’t have any tools to handle the traumatic experience. I relied on sleeping pills, alcohol and cigarettes to get me through the acute stress of simply existing in ‘survival mode’. 

Ironically, I treated myself the worst when I worked in healthcare! As a body confidence coach, despite my scars and imperfections, I now love my body, looking after it and saying yes to me. I’m no longer the crazy over worker who had no boundaries and was totally disconnected to herself.

Would you say you’ve found your passion/calling in life?

100% this is my path. I’ve always wanted to help people. Even as a successful manager winning awards, I didn’t feel like I or it was enough. I’ve gone from the western hospital environment to more of an ongoing healing approach. I feel like I’m finally home. 

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We continue to connect with so many wonderful women doing so many amazing things through the SHE Community. We applaud every single lady we have crossed paths with – each of your journey’s has taught us something or inspired us in some way. We look forward to more inspiring stories, connections and collaborations. Join us here!