Nothing teaches resilience and grit like working in the service industry during a pandemic. Until recently I was the financial controller for G3 Group, a hospitality business, and my biggest achievement came when Covid-19 struck. Tourism and hospitality went from booming to zero with hotels, restaurants and airports all closing down.
Managing G3 Group’s cashflow during Covid was no easy task. There was no income or revenue, and I was still required to address employee retention and property needs such as maintenance, while keeping in mind all ongoing projects that had started pre-Covid. I faced many challenges during this time but somehow helped keep the company afloat. The role of money had to be re-evaluated because of the reliance on financial and operational support from internal and external stakeholders, including government.
A leader without purpose is like a ship without a rudder
Lacking natural resources, Malta has always relied on tourism. It is the main contributor to national GDP, and our governments have invested in developing the sector. To help diversify, some progress has been made in technology, and the online world allows Malta to compete with other countries.
At Stockton Resources, I am currently concentrating on the efficiency of our vessel fleet. As head of accounts, I work on different functions and regions of the world, but focus is possible when you are organised and aligned with the business’s vision.
My main goal is to provide financial leadership and steer the team towards success. A leader without purpose is like a ship without a rudder. I like finding efficient ways for the business to operate and ultimately make a profit.
After years of experience in different industries, I can implement my knowledge. I enjoy coaching the team to follow the same values, ensuring colleagues are engaged, fully skilled and motivated towards our business goals. I also like working alongside the other directors.
You have to be ready to fail and rise again to discover your true potential
Stepping out of my comfort zone has become an important part of my life. Taking calculated risks can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life but is also one of the hardest. You have to be ready to fail and rise again to discover your true potential, as you’re on a lifelong journey with no limits except for those you set yourself.
If I had law-making powers, I would address parental leave. Taking this leave helps parents to recover from pregnancy and childbirth, and both parents need to be present to take care of their new-born child in what is often a challenging and sometimes overwhelming period. Employees who take full parental leave risk being seen as less committed to work, but in reality parental leave means parents and children all benefit, improving their quality of life. It should be gender-inclusive, so everyone can thrive. If all parents, whatever their gender, are equally likely to take parental leave, employers will be less reluctant to hire women of childbearing age.
If I wasn’t an accountant I would have probably become an entrepreneur. Being your own boss and facing situations from a different angle attracts my interest.
But I looked up to my father and admired his passion for his work, so becoming an accountant like him was my dream. At school I had an opportunity to work in the accounts department for a hospitality firm one summer. From then on, I was determined to pursue accountancy and worked hard to develop the skills and knowledge to climb the career ladder.
I find cooking and entertaining at home relieves stress. My creative side is stimulated by the dishes I prepare with my wife. I also follow sports, especially football, and I enjoy reading.
