Leadership is not about titles, positions, or owcharts. It is about one life inuencing another.
Editor’s Note
Success Enablers
Inthefast-movingworldofbusiness,trueleadership transcendsmereprofitmargins.It’saboutindividuals whonotonlyguidetheirorganizationsthroughrough watersbutalsoreshapeentireindustriesintheirwake. Theseexceptionalfiguresaredrivenbyasenseofpurpose, theirpassionservingasthefuelthatpropelsthemforward.
Ourlatestissueshinesaspotlightontenremarkable businessleadersfromthevibrantCaribbeannationof TrinidadandTobago.Thesevisionariesaren’tcontentwith personalsuccessalone;they’recommittedtocreating ripplesofpositivechangethatextendfarbeyondtheir boardrooms.
Thisedition,titled‘TrinidadandTobago’sTop10 BusinessLeadersShapingtheIndustryin2024’aimsto celebrateinnovation,perseverance,andthetransformative powerofpurposefulleadership.Asyoudelveintothese pages,you’lldiscoverstoriesofindividualswho’vedared todreambigandhavethegrittoturnthosedreamsinto reality
Butthiseditionismorethanjustacelebrationofindividual achievements.Itservesasaninvaluableroadmapforthe nextgenerationofentrepreneursandbusinessleaders.
Throughtheexperiencesandwisdomsharedbythese luminaries,readerswillfindinspiration,practicaladvice, andadeeperunderstandingofwhatittakestothrivein today’scompetitivebusinessenvironment.
Theseleadersaren’tjustrunningsuccessfulcompanies; they’reactivelyshapingthefutureofTrinidadandTobago’s businesssector.Theirstoriesserveasapowerfulreminder thatwithvision,determination,andacommitmentto makingadifference,it’spossibletoachievegreatnesswhile liftingothersalongtheway
Turn the page to embark on an enlightening journey ahead.
Alaya Brown
Editor-in-Chief
Deputy Editor
Managing Editor
Assistant Editor
Visualizer
Art & Design Head
Art & Design Assitant
Business Development Manager
Business Development Executives
Technical Head
Assitant Technical Head
Digital Marketing Manager
Research Analyst
Circulation Manager
David
Richard
Descrip on Featuring
Ambikah Mongroo
Senior Vice President
Anthony Hadeed CEO & Founder
Carmen Gomez-Trigg
CEO
Dawayne Belcon
CEO
Ian Mitchell
CEO
Maria Ton
CEO
Pamela Hosein
CEO
Rajendra Maharajh
CEO
Shawn Moses
CEO Shazan Ali
CEO
Massy Distribu on (Trinidad) Company
YourLifePurpose Limited Eastern Caribbean Par al Credit Guarantee Corpora on (ECPCGC)
D.S. Belcon Limited
Na onal Flour Mills Limited
Eve Anderson Recruitment Limited
Amalgamated Security Services Limited Ultra-Pharm Marke ng Limited JMMB Group Jamaica TOSL Engineering Limited
Ambikah Mongroo is a seasoned distribu on and logis cs professional with a strong background in the consumer goods sector
Anthony Hadeed is a leadership, career, and life coach who helps individuals discover their true purpose and achieve their personal and professional goals.
Carmen Gomez-Trigg is a financial services professional with exper se in credit guarantee and risk management.
Dawayne Belcon is an accomplished entrepreneur and business leader with a diverse por olio of interests.
Ian Mitchell is a seasoned execu ve with a proven track record in the food manufacturing and processing sector
Maria Ton is a recruitment and human resources specialist with a strong background in the professional services sector.
Pamela Hosein is a highly skilled and experienced strategic management professional with exper se in the private security industry.
Rajendra Maharajh is a marke ng and business development expert with extensive experience in the pharmaceu cal and healthcare industries.
Shawn Moses is a financial services execu ve with a focus on investment management and wealth advisory.
Shazan Ali is a skilled engineering and project management professional with exper se in the oil and gas industry.
ON
Anthony Hadeed
The Purpose Path nder
NTENTS
Dr. Mary Tagliaferri
Turning Personal Battles into Scienti c Progress
Scaling New Heights in Retail
An exclusive interview with Dr. Dan Paiuc
C V E R Story
Anthony Hadeed
The Purpose Path nder
,I know now that what pushed me towards holding this goal was simply a burning need to help my fellow humans, an inherent trait of altruism, and a strong drive for high achievement.
How One Life Coach Discovered His Purpose and Wants to Help You Find Yours!
Myteenagedreamwasto becomeaMedicalDoctor.”
,Thiscandidopeningline fromAnthonyHadeedimmediately drawsyouintothestoryofhisown life'sjourney.FortheCEOand FounderofYourLifePurpose Limited,thatchildhoodambitionwas drivennotbyexternalpressures,butby aninternal"burningneedtohelpmy fellowhumans,aninherenttraitof altruism,andastrongdriveforhigh achievement."
Thosesameforces—thedesiretobeof servicecombinedwiththepursuitof superiority—wouldultimatelyguide Anthonydownaverydifferentpath. Life’scircumstancesandthedeathof hisfatherwhenhewasjust15years old,didnotmakeitfeasibleforhimto accepthisadmissiontomedicalschool attheUniversityofEdinburgh, Scotland.Thisdifferentpath twisted throughsuccessfulcareersinPhysics andIT,including15yearsrunninghis ownconsultingfirminToronto.
Butitwasnotuntiltakinga Psychometricassessmentandthen earninghiscoachingcertificationfrom theInternationalCoachingAcademy (ICA)thathefinallyfelthehadfound histruecallingasaleadership,career, andlifecoach.
Inhis2017book“DaretoDiscover God'sPlanforYourLifePurpose,” Anthonychroniclesthispivotal transition:“Thebooktellsofmyindepthjourneyofbecominga coach—thecareerthatmostsatisfies thoseteenagehopesofhelping others—mytraitofaltruismandurge forhighachievementformyselfand others.”
Morethanjustapersonalmemoir,the bookoutlinestangiblestepsreaders cantaketodiscovertheirsenseof purposeandpassion.Whilethebook
My success, and therefore my joy, is measured through the success and joy of others. I have found my life purpose. My sincere hope is that I can help others find theirs.
“ThePurposeDrivenLife”byRick Warrenfocussesmainlyonthespiritual dimensiontoone’slifepurpose, Anthony’s2017bookgivesvery practicalwaystodiscoveryourlife’s purposespecificallyasitrelatestoyour careerchoicesatanygivenpointin yourlife.Hestressestheuseof Psychometricassessmentsalongwith coaching,coupledwithemotional intelligenceandspiritualdiscernment asaprovenmethodfordiscovering yourpathandpurposehereandnow
AsAnthonyputsit,“Ifsuccessis obtainedthroughhardwork,mustwe workhardatsomethingthatfillsour liveswithdrudgery?Woulditnotbe muchmorefulfillingtodevotethat efforttosomethingthatmeetsour valuesandfillsuswithjoy?”
Forhim,thatsenseofjoyand fulfillmentnowcomesfromsupporting othersontheirjourneysofselfdiscovery.“Mysuccessismeasured throughthesuccessandjoyofothers," hesays."Ihavefoundmylifepurpose. MysincerehopeisthatIcanhelp othersfindtheirs.”
Inanageofincreasingcareerturnover andwork/lifeimbalance,Anthony's powerfulstoryandempowering messageareaclarioncalltorealign withourtrueselves.It'sacompelling reminderthat,withcourageand conviction,weallhavetheabilityto transformourdestinies.
Let us explore his journey:
AJourneyofSelf-discoveryand Fulfillment
Reminiscingonhisteenageaspiration tobecomeaMedicalDoctor,henow understandstheunderlyingmotivation thatledtothisambition.Freefrom familialexpectationsornational obligations,Anthony’spassion stemmedfromadeep-seateddesireto aidhumanity,fueledbyaltruismanda questforgreatness.Despitediverse careerpathsinPhysicsand InformationTechnology,clarity emergedovertime,leadinghimto discoverhistruecalling.
HavingdivestedhisITventurein Toronto,hecompletedaPsychometric assessmentfromPsychTests,Incbased inMontreal,Canadawhichpavedthe wayforhistransitiontobecomea certifiedLeadership,Career,andLife CoachthroughtheInternational CoachingAcademy(ICA).His2017 publication,"DaretoDiscoverGod's PlanforYourLifePurpose,"chronicles histransformativejourneytowards fulfillinghisteenageaspirationsby embracingacareeralignedwithhis corevaluesofaltruismand achievement.
Throughhisbook,Anthonyshares insightsonhowindividuals,like himself,canunearththeirlife's purpose,emphasizingtheimportance ofpursuingstrategiesthatbring fulfillmentandalignwithpersonal values.Hechallengesthenotionof toilinginpursuitsdevoidofjoy, advocatingfordedicatingeffortsto endeavorsthatresonatewithone's essenceandbringgenuinehappiness.
Forhim,personalfulfillmentis intertwinedwiththesuccessand happinessofothers,underscoringhis beliefintheinterconnectednessof individualandcollectivejoy.Having foundhislife'spurpose,hisearnest desireistoguideandsupportothersin theirquesttodiscoverand acknowledgetheirpathstofulfillment andpurpose.
TheEvolution
InthewakeofMay2011,Anthonyset outonajourneyoftransformation, returningtotheshoresofTrinidadafter livingandworkingfor32-yearsin Canada.Meremonthslater,inJuly 2011,heboldlyforgedaheadand establishedYourLifePurposeLimited (YLP):https://yourlifepurpose.com. Thisnascentventureswiftlysolidified astrategicpartnershipwithPsychTests, Inc.,securingtheexclusiverightsto providetheiresteemedPsychometric assessmentswithintherealmsof TrinidadandTobago.
Undeterredbythechallengesofa fledglingenterprise,in2014YLP pioneeredtheintroductionofthe PsychTestsVocationalStyleandCareer AssessmentforSeniorStudents (VoSCA-SU)aimedatgraduatinghigh schoolstudentsenteringuniversity Thisisastrongtestamenttotheir visionaryapproachsincenosuch assessmentforstudentsexistedpriorto VoSCA-SU.Thefollowingyear,2015, witnessedYLP'ssignificantinroads intothecorporateHRandeducation verticals,solidifyingitspresence withinthesecriticalsectors.
Theyear2016markedanother milestoneasYLP,inconjunctionwith PsychTests,designedandlaunchedthe Form3/Grade9editionofthe VocationalStyleandCareer Assessment(VoSCA-F3),further definingtheirtenacitytoempower youthwithinvaluablevocational guidanceandmoreaccurateselection ofsubjectsthroughouttheirhigh schoolyears.
In2017,YLPhostedtheprestigious "InternationalConference PsychometricsandCoaching"atthe esteemedTrinidadHilton,gracedby thepresenceofrenowned PsychometricianDr.IlonaJerabek fromPsychTests,Montreal.Thiswellattendedandwarmlyreceivedevent propelledYLP'sinfluencedeepintothe privateandpublicsectormarkets, expandingitsreachexponentially
Thefollowingyear,2018,witnessed thelaunchofthe"International WorkshoponCoaching"(IWC),a collaborativeendeavorwiththe InternationalCoachAcademy(ICA) andaworld-renownedtrainerfrom NewYork.Overtheensuingyears,the IWCwasdeliveredtoover200 professionalsacrossTrinidadand Tobago,withthecentralthemeof "ManagerasCoach,"underscoringthe organization'sdevotiontoprofessional developmentandempowerment.Some oftheseprofessionalswentonto becomecertifiedcoachesthemselves andnowenjoymuchpassionand purposeinhelpingothersinvarious areasoftheirlives.
OneofthekeyskillsAnthony developedduringhisMaster'sdegree attheUniversityofTorontowasthe abilitytoconductqualityandreliable research.Inthemodernera,many peopletendtorelyonsimpleGoogle searchesandthefirstfewarticlesthey encounter,leadingtotheproliferation offalsebeliefsthatshiftusfromthe “InformationAge”tothecurrent “MisinformationAge.”
Inhiscoachingpractice,Anthonyfirst puthisresearchskillstousein selectingaPsychometricassessment vendortopartnerwith.Whilethereare manysuchproviders,histhorough researchledhimtochoosePsychTests, Inc.inMontreal,CanadaasYLP's primaryproviderofPsychometric assessments.Thisdecisionwasbased onPsychTests'accuracy,easeofuse andinterpretation,andcosteffectiveness.
Secondly,Anthony'sresearchskills provedinvaluableinanalyzingthe informationfromthesePsychometric
TheImportanceofRigor Resear
assessments,allowinghimtocoachhis clientseffectively.Byleveraginghis abilitytocriticallyevaluateand interpretdata,Anthonywasableto providehisclientswithtailored, evidence-basedguidanceandsupport. Hiscommitmenttorigorousresearch hasbeenakeyfactorinhissuccessas acoach,enablinghimtomake informeddecisions,provideaccurate insights,anddeliverhigh-quality servicestohisclients.Hisjourney servesasanexampletotheimportance ofdevelopingstrongresearchskills, whichcanbeapowerfultoolin navigatingthecomplexandeverevolvinglandscapeofinformation.
EmpoweringYouthThrough Education&Fundraising
In2015,Anthony,throughhis organizationYLP,approached the MinistryofEducationinTrinidadand Tobagotoadvocatefortheintegration ofPsychometricassessmentsforForm 3studentstofacilitateinformed decisionsontheirForm4CSEC subjects.TheinnovativeVoSCA–F3 assessmentwasproposedasavaluable toolforGuidanceOfficerstoguide
studentsinthispivotalacademic choice.Despitethepotentialbenefits, theMinistry'sinabilitytoallocate resourceshinderedtheimplementation ofthisrecommendationnation-wide.
Promptedbyadeepconvictionthatthe nation'syouthfacedacrisis,he initiatedanimpressivefundraising initiative,undertakinga57KMwalk fromSanFernandotoPortofSpainon August17,2017,commencingat2:00 AMandconcludingat11:00AM, completingthejourneyinninehours. Thisendeavorraised$140,000TTD, earmarkedtosupportapilotprogram incorporatingVoSCA–F3assessments andgroupcoachinginmultiple secondaryschools.
Thesuccessofthisfundraisingeffort ledtotheestablishmentofthe“Walk ofFaithforYouth”foundationin2017, anon-profitorganizationdedicatedto empoweringyouththrougheducation. Subsequentfundraisingactivities included5Kand10Krunsandwalks aroundQueen'sParkSavannah, engagingthecommunityinsupporting thecause.Thefoundation'simpact
extendedasover400participants joinedinthelatestevent,contributing bothfundsandawarenesstofurtherthe missionoftheWalkofFaithforYouth Foundation.
EffectiveCoachingStrategiesfor
DiverseSectors
Inaddressingcoachingindividuals fromvariedsectorslikeEducation, Manufacturing,Recruitment,and Financial,Anthonyaccentuatesthe importanceoftailoringtheapproachto suiteachindividual'sbackground.A keyaspectinvolvesutilizing Psychometricassessmentstoprovide insightsintostrengthsandlimitations, aidingbothadultsandstudentsin enhancingself-awareness.
Itiscrucialtorecognizethat,unlike consultants,coachesdonotneedtobe subject-matterexperts;instead,they focusonguidingthecoachingprocess andempoweringclientstodiscover solutionstotheirchallenges.This approachcultivatesasupportive environmentwhereindividualscan effectivelynavigatetheirprofessional developmentandpersonalgrowth acrossdiversesectors.
ApproachtoCoaching
AlmostallofAnthony'scoaching sessionsareprecededbyhisclients havingcompletedoneormore Psychometricassessments.This providesboththecoacheeandthe coachwithvaluableandaccurate insightandself-awarenessinamuch shortertimeframethanwouldbe possiblewithouttheuseofthese assessments.Whilemostcoachesdo notutilizePsychometricassessmentsin theircoachingpractice,theirusesets hisapproachapartfromthatofmany othercoaches.
Forhim,hissuccessanddelightare measuredbythesuccessandhappiness ofothers.Hehasdiscoveredhislife's purposeincoachingandbelievesthat hemighthelpothersdiscovertheir own.
Thismotivationencourageshisresultsorientedapproach,asheiscommitted toassistinghisclientstoachievetheir goalsandreachtheirmaximum potential.
InterconnectedJourneyofCoaching &Writing
Anthony'sfirstbook,“Dareto DiscoverGod’sPlanforYourLife Purpose,”reflectstheculminationof hiscoachingpracticefrom2011to 2017,theperiodwhenthebookwas initiallypublished.Encouraginghis clientstoexploreitschaptersrelevant totheircareerandlifegoalshasbeena commonpracticeforhim.Whetherin one-on-onecoachingsessionsorin workshopswithlargeraudiences,he oftenrecommendshisbookasa valuableresource.
Insomeinstances,hegenerouslyoffers thebookatnocosttostudentsandas prizesforwinnersofhisworkshopson emotionalintelligenceandteam building.Thisgesturenotonly enhancestheaccessibilityofhis teachingsbutalsofostersadeeper connectionbetweenthecontentofthe bookandthepracticalexperiences sharedduringhiscoachingsessions.
Theongoingprogressofhiscoaching practicecontinuouslyenrichesthe contentofhisbook,withnewinsights anddiscoveriesfindingtheirwayinto subsequenteditions.Thisversatile interplaybetweenhiscoachingwork andthewrittenmaterialcreatesa symbioticrelationship,ensuringthat bothavenuesoflearningremain mutuallyreinforcingandbeneficialto thoseseekingpersonaland professionalgrowth.
FacilitatingGroupCoaching& Workshops
Withadeepadmirationforthevariety ofexperiencesandknowledgethat eachparticipantbringstothetable, Anthonyandhisteamoftrainers approachtheirworkasgroupcoaches
andworkshopfacilitators.He recognizesthatlearningisaboutmore thansimplyintelligence;it'sabout utilizingspecialqualities,andheand histeampromoteanenvironment wherelearningisbasedonthis fundamentalcoachingprinciple.
Inhisworkshops,hebeginsbysharing foundationalknowledgeto complementparticipants'existing understanding,sparkingengaging discussionsthatpromoteself-directed learningbeyondthesessions.Utilizing roleplayextensively,heguides participantstoexperiencefirsthandthe impactofnew,empoweringbehaviors, bridgingtheorywithpractical applicationforamoreimmersiveand impactfullearningexperience.
UnfulfilledITProfessionalto
Purpose-drivenCoach
Formorethan24years,Anthony,a seasonedITworkerinCanada, struggledwithalackofaclearsenseof purposeinhiswork.Thisincident stokedhisdesiretohelp people—studentsandadults alike—avoidmakingthesamemistake ofpursuingacareertheyarenot passionateabout.
Researchhasshownthatthenegative effectsofnotlivingapurpose-driven lifecanhaveseriousconsequencesfor one'shealthandfamilylife.
Determinedtomakeadifference,he setouttoensurethat,onapractical level,hecouldguidehisclientsin findingacareerpaththattheyare passionateaboutandcanearnagood livingfrom.
Inadditiontohiscareercoaching expertise,Anthonyalsoenjoyshelping hisclientswithlifecoaching.Heis passionateaboutassistingthemin understandingandlivingabalanced life,focusingontheirmental, emotional,physical,andspiritualwellbeing.
Whenprovidingleadershipcoaching, heisenthusiasticabouthelping managersandC-levelpersonnel achievetheirpotentialastrue transformationalleaders,ratherthan justtransactionalones.Hisgoalisto empowertheseindividualstobecome inspiringandimpactfulleaderswho caninspirepositivechangewithintheir organizations.
DevelopmentofYLP'sCoaching Workshop
In2018,YLPlaunchedthe “InternationalWorkshoponCoaching” (IWC)inpartnershipwiththe InternationalCoachAcademy(ICA). Throughthiscollaboration,YLPwas abletolicenseICA'strainingmaterials, whichareregularlyupdated,forusein theirIWCsessionswithmanagersand HRprofessionalsseekingtolearnthe “coachapproach.”
Thisarrangementhasallowedhimto stayup-to-datewiththelatestcoaching methodsandadvancementsfromICA. Byhavingaccesstotheircontinuously evolvingtrainingresources,Anthony canensurethatthecontentand techniquescoveredintheIWCremain cutting-edgeandrelevantforthe participants.
ThepartnershipbetweenYLPandICA hasproventobeavaluableasset, enablingYLPtoprovidea comprehensiveanddynamiccoaching workshopthatequipsmanagersand HRprofessionalswiththeskillsand knowledgetheyneedtoeffectively implementacoaching-basedapproach intheirorganizations.
CoachingSuccessStories
Withregardtocareerdecisionsin particular,Anthonyhashelpedagreat dealofpeoplefindtheirlife'spurpose. TheYourLifePurposewebsite'sclient testimonialssectioncontains testimonialsfromdelightedclients. Herearetwointerestingstories:
NatashaSutherland'sTestimonial: Natashabeganhercoachingexperience withAnthonyinsearchofclarityand purposeinherprofession.Shewent throughfourpowerfulcoaching sessionsandachievedaprofoundshift. Natashaemergedwithastrongsense ofpurposeandaclearplanforherlife. Shewasformerlytroubledbydoubt anddepression,butnowexudes confidence,determination,and excitementaboutherfutureinitiatives. Natashadiscoveredherperfect professionalpathinIndustrialOrganizationalPsychologyaftertaking Psychometrictesting.Shegladly promotesAnthony'sCareerandLife Coachingservicestohercolleagues, citingtheimportantclarityand directionshereceived.
PortiaMcQuilkin'sTestimonial: Portia'sinitialgoalwastofocusher attentiononchoosingavocationthat matchedherabilitieswhilefinding growthopportunities.Insearchof adviceandclarity,shebeganafoursessionCareerandLifeCoaching programwithAnthony.Sheexceeded herexpectationsbyeffectively achievingherstatedgoals.Portia's experiencewithYourLifePurpose Limitedwasinformative,offeringnew informationaboutherstrengthsand careeroptions.Anthony'sguidanceand supportrekindledherself-awareness andoriginalgoals.Portialeftthe meetingswitharenewedsenseof successandhope,havingmadeafirm decisionaboutherprofession.She enthusiasticallyrecommends YourLifePurposeLimitedtoanyone seekingclarity,maximizingtheir potential,andpursuingasatisfying profession.PortiathanksAnthonyfora developingandupliftingexperience.
Leadership is not about being in charge, Its about taking care of those in your charge.
- Simon Sinek
Inthehierarchyofacompany,the
CEOcanoftenfeellikeadistant figure.They'retheonesmaking thebigdecisions,andchartingthe courseoftheorganization,while employeesonthegroundlevelfocus ontheirday-to-daytasks.Butahealthy companyculturethrivesonopen communication,andthatincludesa two-waystreetbetweenleadershipand staff.
EngagingwithyourCEO,evenifit's justforabriefconversation,canbe incrediblyvaluable.Itdemonstrates yourinterestinthecompany'sfuture andallowsyoutogaininsightsyou wouldn'totherwiseget.Herearefive keyquestionseveryemployeeshould consideraskingtheirCEO,alongwith thereasoningbehindthem:
1.Whatisthecompany'slong-term vision?Whatdoessuccesslooklikein 5or10years?
Understandingthecompany'slongtermgoalshelpsyouseehowyourrole
fitsintothebiggerpicture.Doesthe CEOenvisionthecompanyexpanding intonewmarkets?Developing innovativeproducts?Aligningyour workwiththesegoalsboostsyour senseofpurposeandcaninspireyouto gotheextramile.
ThisquestionalsorevealstheCEO's priorities.Aretheyfocusedsolelyon short-termprofits,ordotheyhavea moresustainable,long-termvision? Knowingthisallowsyoutoassessif yourvaluesalignwiththecompany's direction.
2.Whatarethebiggestchallenges facingthecompany,andhowcan employeescontributetoovercoming them?
Everycompanyfaceshurdles.By understandingthesechallenges,you canbecomeamoreproactiveand valuableemployee.Perhapsthe companyisstrugglingtokeepupwith technologicaladvancementsorfacing increasedcompetition.Whenyou're
awareoftheseobstacles,youcanstart brainstormingsolutionsandwaysto adaptyourworktoaddressthem.
Thisquestionalsodemonstratesyour initiativeandwillingnesstogobeyond yourassignedtasks.ItshowstheCEO you'reinvestedinthecompany's successandnotjustfocusedon punchingtheclock.
3.Howdoesthecompanyplanto developandsupportitsemployeesin thecomingyears?
Intoday'sjobmarket,employee developmentiscrucial.Employees whofeelstagnantandunseenaremore likelytoseekopportunitieselsewhere. Askingaboutprofessional developmentopportunitiesshowsthe CEOyou'reinterestedingrowing withinthecompany
TheCEO'sanswercanrevealthe company'scommitmenttoits workforce.Dotheyoffertraining programs,mentorshipopportunities,or tuitionreimbursement?Knowingthese detailsallowsyoutoassessyourcareer pathwithintheorganizationanddecide ifitalignswithyouraspirations.
4.Howdoesthecompanymeasure success,andhowdoindividual employeecontributionsfactorintothat success?
Understandinghowsuccessis measuredgivesyouvaluablecontext foryourwork.Areindividualmetrics heavilyemphasized,oristhereafocus onteamworkandcollaboration? Knowingthesefactorsallowsyouto tailoryourapproachandensureyour effortscontributedemonstrablytothe company'soverallgoals.
Thisquestionalsoopensadialogue aboutemployeerecognition.Doesthe companyhaveasystemfor acknowledgingandrewarding
outstandingwork?ACEOwho emphasizestheimportanceof individualcontributionsislikelyto fosteracultureofownershipand accountability,whichcanbevery motivatingforemployees.
5.Whatareyourthoughtsonthe currentcompanyculture,andhowcan weimproveittofosteramoreengaged andproductiveworkenvironment?
Companyculturedirectlyimpacts employeemorale,productivity,and overallwell-being.Byaskingaboutthe CEO'sperspectiveontheculture,you openaconversationaboutitsstrengths andweaknesses.
PerhapstheCEOidentifiesareaswhere communicationcanbeimprovedor acknowledgesadesiretocreateamore collaborativeenvironment.Thisisyour chancetoshareyourobservations aboutthecultureandsuggestwaysto makeitbetterforeveryone.
ProTipsforAskingYourCEO Questions
Whilethesearegreatquestionsto consider,thereareafewthingstokeep inmindwhenapproachingyourCEO:
• Contextiskey.Lookfor opportunitiestoaskyourquestions duringtownhalls,all-hands meetings,orothercompanyevents whereCEOinteractionis encouraged.
• Berespectfuloftheirtime.Keep yourquestionsconciseandtothe point.
• Doyourresearchbeforehand. Showthatyou'reengagedwiththe companybydemonstratingabasic understandingofitscurrent challengesandgoals.
• Focusonsolutions,notjust problems.Ifyouidentifya challenge,comepreparedwitha suggestionforhowtoaddressit.
Byfollowingthesetipsandasking thoughtfulquestions,youcanturna briefinteractionwithyourCEOintoa valuablelearningexperiencethat benefitsbothyouandthecompany.
Remember,opencommunicationisa two-waystreet.Takingtheinitiativeto engagewithyourCEOdemonstrates yourcommitmentandhelpsbuilda stronger,moretransparentcompany culture.
- Alaya Brown
Success is not how high you have climbed, but how you make a positive difference to the world.
- Roy T. Bennett
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.
- Robert Frost
The CEO Paradox: Prioritization and Execution in a Demanding Role
TheCEO'sjobdescriptionmight seemstraightforward:leadthe companytosuccess.But beneaththatsimplestatementliesa complexwebofresponsibilities.CEOs areexpectedtobestrategicvisionaries, inspiringleaders,anddecisive problem-solvers,allwhilemanaginga demandingscheduleandaconstant barrageofinformation.
Themillion-dollarquestionis:howdo thebestCEOsnavigatethisparadox andgetthetrulyimportantworkdone? Here,weexplorethekeystrategies theyemploy
FocusontheFew,CriticalActivities
GreatCEOsunderstandthey can't—andshouldn't—doeverything themselves.Theirtimeisaprecious resource,bestspentonactivitieswitha highimpactonthecompany'sdirection andlong-termgoals.Thisoftenmeans applyingthe80/20rule(Pareto Principle),where80%oftheresults comefrom20%oftheeffort.
Masteringprioritizationiscrucial. ManyCEOsusea60/40rule, dedicating60%oftheirtimeto essentialbutlessstrategictaskslike boardmeetingsandinvestorrelations. Theremaining40%isthenfocusedon
theircoreresponsibility:driving strategicexecution.Thismightinvolve spearheadingkeyinitiatives,fostering innovation,orbuildingstrong relationshipswithcriticalpartners.
EffectiveCEOsalsodelegate ruthlessly.Theysurroundthemselves withtalentedindividualsandempower themtomakedecisionswithintheir areasofexpertise.Thisfreesupthe CEO'stimeforthebig-pictureissues.
Communication:TheCornerstoneof Success
ThebestCEOsrecognizethatclearand consistentcommunicationisthe cornerstoneofsuccessfulexecution. Theirvisionandprioritiesneedto cascadedownthroughtheentire organization,ensuringeveryone understandstheirroleinachievingthe company'sgoals.
Thiscommunicationtakesmany forms.Regulartownhalls,clearand concisemessagingininternal communications,andreadilyavailable leadershipallplayapart.Highly effectiveCEOsdon'tjust communicate;theyactivelylisten, gatheringfeedbackandensuringatwowayflowofinformation.
Here'sacrucialpoint:communication isnotaone-timeevent.ThebestCEOs understandtheneedforconstant reinforcement.Theyrepeatkey messagestirelessly,ensuringeveryone staysfocusedonthemostimportant work.
ResourceAllocation:PuttingMoney WhereYourMouthIs
Strategyiscrucial,butwithoutproper resourceallocation,itremainsjustan idea.ThebestCEOsensuretheirvision isbackedbyconcreteactions.This meanstheyhaveafirmgrasponthe company'sfinancialresourcesand ensuretheyaredirectedtowardshighimpactinitiatives.
Thismightinvolveinvestinginnew technologiesthatsupportthestrategic direction,hiringtalentedindividualsto fillcriticalroles,orallocating marketingbudgetstosupportnew productlaunches.Byaligning resourceswithpriorities,CEOsensure theirvisiontranslatesfromtheoryto reality
BuildingaCultureofExecution
GreatCEOsunderstandthata successfulcompanyculturefuels strategicexecution.Theyfosteran environmentthatvaluesaccountability, initiative,andresults.
Thismightinvolveimplementing performancemanagementsystemsthat trackprogresstowardclearlydefined goals.Itcouldalsomeancreatinga cultureofopencommunicationwhere employeesfeelcomfortablesharing ideasandconcerns.Additionally, celebratingsuccesses,bigandsmall, reinforcespositivebehaviorsandkeeps teamsmotivated.
Ultimately,theCEOsetsthetonefor theentireorganization.By demonstratingarelentlessfocuson execution,apassionforresults,anda
willingnesstotakecalculatedrisks, theyinspireotherstofollowsuit.
Time
Management:Masteringthe Artof"No"
CEOsarebombardedwithrequestsfor theirtime.Meetings,phonecalls, emails—thedemandsareendless.The abilitytosay"no"effectivelyisa criticalskillforsuccessfulCEOs.
Thisdoesn'tmeantheywillbecome inaccessible.Itsimplymeansthey carefullyguardtheirtime,ensuringit's spentonactivitiesalignedwiththeir priorities.Theydelegateeffectively, scheduletimeforfocusedwork,and leveragetechnologytomanagetheir inboxes.
EmbraceContinuousLearning
Thebusinesslandscapeisconstantly evolving.ThebestCEOsarelifelong learners,alwaysseekingnew informationandperspectives.They readvoraciously,attendindustry conferences,andactivelyseekout mentorsoradvisors.Bystayingahead ofthecurve,theyarebetterequipped tomakeinformeddecisionsandlead theircompaniesintothefuture.
TheHumanTouch
GreatCEOsarenotjuststrategic masterminds;theyarealsoemotionally intelligentleaders.Theyunderstandthe importanceofempathyandbuilding strongrelationships.Theytakethetime toconnectwithemployeesatalllevels, fosteringasenseoftrustand belonging.
Thishumantouchiscrucialfor buildingamotivatedandengaged workforce.Whenemployeesfeel valuedandrespected,theyaremore likelytogotheextramile,contributing tothecompany'soverallsuccess.
BeyondtheNumbers
Whilefinancialperformanceisakey metricforCEOs,theybestunderstand theimportanceofleadingwith purpose.Theyarticulateaclearvision forthecompany'simpactbeyondthe bottomline.Thispurposecouldbe aboutenvironmentalsustainability, socialresponsibility,orcreatinga positiveimpactonaspecific community
Byaligningthecompany'sgoalswitha largerpurpose,CEOscreateasenseof meaningandmotivationfortheir employees.Peoplearemorelikelyto beengagedandproductivewhenthey feeltheirworkcontributesto somethingbiggerthanthemselves.
TheFinalWord:
BeingaCEOisamarathon,nota sprint.Thechallengesareconstant,and theroadtosuccessisrarelysmooth. However,thebestCEOsapproachtheir rolefromalong-termperspective. Theyunderstandthatsuccessisa journey,notjustadestination.
Theyareadaptable,willingtolearn fromtheirmistakes,andconstantly strivingtoimprove.Theyfocuson buildingasustainableandresilient organizationthatcanthriveintheface ofchange.
Inconclusion,navigatingthecomplex worldofaCEOrequiresaunique blendofskillsandstrategies.By masteringprioritization, communication,andresource allocation,CEOscanensuretheir visiontranslatesintoreality.Buildinga cultureofexecution,managingtime effectively,andprioritizingwell-being arealsocrucialelementsofsuccess.
Ultimately,thebestCEOsarenotjust leaders;theyarearchitects,shapingthe futureoftheirorganizationsand leavingalastingimpactontheworld aroundthem.
- Alaya Brown
The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today. , ,
- Franklin D. Roosevelt
InthehighlycompetitivehomeimprovementandDIY
retailindustry,leadingacompanyrequiresnotonly strategicvisionbutalsoaprofoundunderstandingof marketdynamicsandcustomerneeds.Today,wehavethe honourofinterviewingDanPaiuc,theChiefCommercial Officer(CCO)ofBigMatMalta,acompanythatstands outforitsinnovativeapproachandcustomer-centric operations.Wedelveintohisinsightsonmulticultural leadership,markettrends,andthefutureoftheDIYand homeimprovementretailindustry
CanyoubrieflyoverviewBigMatMaltaandyourroleas theChiefCommercialOfficer?
Absolutely.BigMatMaltaaimstobethemostbeloved homeimprovementandDIYretailerontheMalteseisland byconsistentlydeliveringexceptionalvalue,quality products,andanunmatchedcustomerexperience.Our missionistosimplifyandenhancethelivesofourcustomersthroughinnovativesolutions,expertadvice,anda comprehensiverangeofproductsthatcatertoalltheir constructionandrenovationneeds.Weaimtobethego-to placeforallDIY,construction,outdoor,andhomerenovationprojects,offeringhigh-qualityproducts,exceptional service,andexpertise.AstheChiefCommercialOfficer,my roleentailsoverseeingcommercialstrategy,salesperformance,andmarketexpansion.It'saboutensuringthatour innovativeofferingsmeettheevolvingneedsofour customersandthatwecontinuetoinspirecreativityand empowerthemtotransformtheirhomesintospacesthat trulyreflecttheiruniquestylesandaspirations.Furthermore,weprioritizeenvironmentallyresponsiblepractices andcontinuouslyseekwaystoreduceourcarbonfootprint whilepromotingsustainablebuildingmaterials.Through ongoinginvestmentinourpeople,technology,andinfrastructure,westrivetosetnewstandardsinthehome improvementindustry,positioningBigMatMaltaasa trustedpartnerforhomelovers,DIYenthusiasts,and professionalbuilders.
Whathasbeenthemostsignificantshiftintheretail sectorsinceyoubeganyourcareer?
Themostsignificantshifthasundoubtedlybeenthedigital transformationandtheintegrationoftechnologyintoall aspectsofretail.WhenIbeganmycareer,thefocuswas moreonphysicalstoresandface-to-faceinteractions.Now, thedigitallandscapeplaysacrucialrole,frome-commerce platformstodigitalmarketingstrategiesandevenin-store technologieslikeAIandIoT Thisshifthaschangedhow weinteractwithcustomers,managesupplychains,and approachsalesstrategies.It'sadynamicenvironmentdriven bynewcustomers'expectationsthatrequiresconstant adaptationandinnovation.However,nomatterthetimesor thegeography,thecustomer'sdesiretobeinspired,advised, andservedontimeandinfullwiththebestsolutionsatthe correctpriceshasneverchanged.
BigMatMaltahasastrongreputationforitscustomercentricapproach.Howdoyouensurethatcustomer satisfactionremainsatoppriority?
AtBigMatMalta,customersatisfactionisattheheartof everythingwedo.KatherineBarchetti,founderofBarchetti Shops,oncesaid,"Makeacustomer,notasale."Building onthis,wemaintainthisfocusthroughseveralkey strategies.Firstly,weactivelyseekcustomerfeedbackand useittodriveimprovementsinourproductsandservices. Ourcustomercareserviceteamistrainedtoresolveissues quicklyandefficiently,ensuringapositiveexperience. Moreover,weinvestinourstaff'sknowledgeandexpertise sotheycanprovidecustomerswiththebestadviceand solutions.Additionally,wearecontinuouslybuildingand workingonourloyaltyprogramsandpersonalizedservices tohelpreinforceourcommitmenttomeetingcustomer needsandexceedingtheirexpectations.
Whatkeytrendsarecurrently shapingthehomeimprovementand constructionmaterialsretailindustry?
Theindustryiswitnessingseveral impactfultrends.Onemajortrendis sustainability There'sincreasing demandforeco-friendlyandsustainableconstructionmaterialsasboth consumersandprofessionalsbecome moreenvironmentallyconscious. Anothertrendistheriseofsmart technologiesandIoTintegrationin constructionprojects,leadingto smarter,moreefficienthouses. Digitalizationremainscrucial,withecommercegrowthandtheuseofdata analyticstoenhancecustomerexperiencesandoperationalefficiencies. Havingoptimizedsolutionsfor customers'projectsusinglower volumesofmaterialsandleveraging bettercostsremainsaprioritythatany retailershouldleverageviainnovation andR&Donadailybasis.Additionally,labourshortagesintheconstructionindustryarepushingatechnology shiftandmovingtowardsprefabricated, modularandresource-savingsolutions, whichstreamlineprocessesandreducethe dependencyonmanuallabour
Canyoudiscussanyspecificinitiativesor innovationsBigMatMaltahasimplementedtostay aheadinthemarket?
We'veimplementedseveralkeyinitiativestomaintainour marketleadership.Onesignificantareaisourinvestmentin digitalinfrastructure.Weareenhancingoure-commerce platform–whichwillbelivethisJuly,toensureaseamless anduser-friendlyexperienceforcustomerstobrowse, purchase,andtracktheirordersonline.Anotherinnovation isouremphasisonsustainableproducts.We'veexpanded ourrangeofeco-friendlyitemsandsolutionsandpartnered withsupplierswhoshareourcommitmenttosustainability. Internally,we'veembraceddataanalyticsviaournewERP systemtobetterunderstandbuyingpatternsandpredict markettrends,allowingustobemoreproactiveinour inventorymanagementandmarketingstrategies.Additionally,wearecontinuouslytrainingourstafftostayupdated
withthelatestindustrydevelopments,ensuringtheycan offerthemostrelevantadvicetoourcustomers.
Leadershipiscrucialintimesofuncertainty.Howdo youdescribeyourleadershipstyle,andwhatprinciples guideyourdecision-making?
Myleadershipstyleisrootedintransparency,empathy, collaboration,andbothpeopleandresultsoriented,soitcan beclassifiedasamixbetweenservantandtransformative leadership.Ibelieveinthepowerofopencommunication, beingaccessibletomyteam,andfosteringamulticultural culturewhereideascanflourishandeverymemberfeels valued.Empathyiscrucial;understandingthechallenges facedbyteammembersandcustomersallowsmetomake
moreinformedandcompassionatedecisions.Collaboration ensuresthatdiverseperspectivesareconsidered,leadingto moreinnovativesolutions.Whenitcomestodecisionmaking,Ialwaysprioritizeintegrity,sustainability,and customersatisfaction.Ensuringthatouractionsalignwith ourvaluesandlong-termgoalsiskey.
Withsustainabilitybecomingincreasinglyimportant, howisBigMatMaltacontributingtoagreenerfuture?
SustainabilityisattheforefrontofourstrategyatBigMat MaltaandisoneofthecorevaluesofAttardBrosGroup. We'recommittedtoreducingourenvironmentalfootprint andpromotingsustainablepracticesacrosstheindustry.We haveexpandedourrangeofeco-friendlyproducts,includingsustainableconstructionmaterialsandenergy-efficient solutions.Inouroperations,we'veimplementedmeasures toreducewaste,enhancerecycling,andimproveenergy efficiencyinourstoresandlogistics.Additionally,we engageininitiativesthateducateourcustomersand partnersaboutsustainablebuildingpractices,advocatingfor agreenerfuturethroughinformedchoices.
Theimportanceoftechnologyinretailcannotbe overstated.HowisBigMatMaltaleveragingtechnology toenhanceitsoperationsandcustomerservice?
TechnologyisacornerstoneofourstrategyatBigMat Malta.We'veintegratedadvanceddigitalsolutionsto streamlineouroperationsandelevatecustomerservice.Our newenhancede-commerceplatform,whichwillbe launchedinJuly,willofferaseamlessshoppingexperience withreal-timeinventoryupdates,personalizedrecommendations,andefficientordertracking.Wealsoleveragedata analyticstogaininsightsintocustomerpreferencesand behaviors,enablingustotailorourofferingsandmarketing effortsmoreeffectively.
Employeeengagementanddevelopmentarecriticalto maintainingamotivatedworkforce.HowdoesBigMat Maltaapproachthis?
AtBigMatMalta,webelievethatouremployeesareour greatestasset.FullyalignedwithJ.W.Marriot'squote: "Takegoodcareofyouremployees,andthey'lltakegood careofyourcustomers."
Therefore,weinvestsignificantlyinourpeople'sdevelopmentandengagement.Weprovidecontinuoustrainingand professionaldevelopmentopportunities,ensuringthatour teamremainsknowledgeableandskilledinthelatest industrytrendsandtechnologies.Wealsofosterasupportiveandinclusiveworkenvironmentwhereemployeesfeel valuedandheard.Regularfeedbacksessionsandrecognitionprogramsareintegraltoourapproach.Furthermore,we encourageinnovationandempowerouremployeestotake initiative,knowingthattheircontributionscandrivechange andimprovementwithinthecompany Thiscontinuous learningandcollaborationculturehelpsmaintainhigh levelsofmotivationandjobsatisfaction.
Howdoyouseethefutureofretailinthehomeimprovementandconstructionmaterialssectorevolvingover thenextfivetotenyears?
Thefutureofretailinthehomeimprovementandconstructionmaterialssectorpromisestobedynamicandinnovation-driven.Overthenextdecade,wecanexpectagreater emphasisonsustainability,withapushtowardsgreener, moresustainablebuildingproductsandpractices.Digitalizationwillcontinuetoplayapivotalrole,withAIand machinelearningbeingharnessedtopersonalizecustomer experiences,predictdemand,andoptimizesupplychains. E-commercewillonlygrowstronger,withmoreseamless, integrated,andomnichannelshoppingexperiencesbecomingthenorm.Additionally,we'llseeanincreasedadoption ofsmarttechnologiesinconstruction,includingprefabricationandmodularbuildingsystems,whichwillrevolutionize traditionalbuildingprocesses.Companiesthatstayaheadof thesetrendsandcontinuetoinnovatewillleadthemarket.
Howdoyouseethefutureofretailinthehomeimprovementandconstructionmaterialssectorevolvingover thenextfivetotenyears?
Thefutureofretailinthehomeimprovementandconstructionmaterialssectorpromisestobedynamicandinnovation-driven.Overthenextdecade,wecanexpectagreater emphasisonsustainability,withapushtowardsgreener, moresustainablebuildingproductsandpractices.Digitalizationwillcontinuetoplayapivotalrole,withAIand machinelearningbeingharnessedtopersonalizecustomer experiences,predictdemand,andoptimizesupplychains. E-commercewillonlygrowstronger,withmoreseamless, integrated,andomnichannelshoppingexperiencesbecomingthenorm.Additionally,we'llseeanincreasedadoption ofsmarttechnologiesinconstruction,includingprefabrica-
tionandmodularbuildingsystems,whichwillrevolutionize traditionalbuildingprocesses.Companiesthatstayaheadof thesetrendsandcontinuetoinnovatewillleadthemarket.
Yourcareerhasspannednumerousrolesintheretail sector.Whatkeylessonshaveyoulearnedthatcontinue toinfluenceyourapproachasaCCO?
OneofthekeylessonsI'velearnedistheimportanceof adaptability Theretailsectorisconstantlyevolving,and beingabletopivotquicklyinresponsetomarketchangesis crucial.Thismeansstayinginformedaboutindustrytrends, beingopentonewideas,andnotbeingafraidtomake changeswhennecessary.Anotherimportantlessonisthe valueofcustomerfocus.Everythingwedoshouldbewith thecustomerinmind,fromproductofferingstoservice delivery.Buildingandmaintainingstrongrelationshipswith customersisessentialforlong-termsuccess.Lastly,I've learnedtheimportanceoffosteringapositivecompany culture.Amotivatedandengagedteamdrivesthecompany forward,andasaleader,creatinganinclusiveandsupportiveenvironmentisoneofthemostimpactfulthingsyoucan do.
Whatadvicewouldyougiveaspiringhomeimprovementretailindustryleaders?
Foraspiringleadersinthisindustry,myadvicewouldbeto cultivateamindsetofcontinuouslearningandinnovation. Staycuriousandbewillingtotakecalculatedrisks.
Understandthatfailurecanbeavaluablelearningexperiencethathelpsyougrowandimprove.Focusonbuilding strongrelationships;networkingwithintheindustryisvital forgaininginsightsandcreatingopportunities.Alwayskeep thecustomeratthecenterofyourdecision-makingprocess; theirneedsshouldguideyourstrategiesandactions. Finally,leadwithintegrityandempathy.Yourabilityto inspireandmotivateyourteamwillbeoneofyourgreatest assets,andshowinggenuinecareandrespectforthoseyou leadwillbuildastrong,cohesiveteamcapableofachieving greatthings.
Dan,congratulationsonobtainingyourPhDinManagementwithSummaCumLaudein2023.Canyoushare withuswhatmotivatedyoutopursuethisacademic achievementandwhatyourresearchisfocusedon?
Thankyou!EarningmyPhDwasasignificantmilestone, andI'mdeeplyhonoredbytherecognition.Thedecisionto pursueaPhDwasdrivenbymypassionforlearningand
mydesiretocontributetothefieldofmanagementina more meaningfulway.Overtheyears,I'veobservedthe evolvingchallengesandopportunitiesinthebusiness world,andIfeltthatadvancedacademicresearchcould providedeeperinsightsandinnovativesolutionstothese issues.Myresearchfocused,therefore,ontheintersections oforganizationalcontexts,culturalintelligenceand knowledgedynamicsandtheirimpactonmulticultural leadership.
Dan,congratulationsonthereleaseofyourbook "DevelopingMulticulturalLeadershipUsingKnowledgeDynamicsandCulturalIntelligence."Canyoutell usmoreaboutwhatinspiredyoutowritethisbookand whatkeymessagesyouaimtoconveytoyourreaders?
Thankyousomuch!Theideatowritethisbookcamefrom myownexperiencesworkingindiverse,multicultural environmentsthroughoutmycareerandwasenhancedby myPHDstudy.I'vealwaysbeenfascinatedbyhow differentculturalbackgroundscaninfluenceteamwork, decision-making,andleadershipstyles.Intoday'sglobalizedbusinessworld,havingculturalintelligenceisjustas importantashavingtechnicalskillsorindustry-specific knowledge.
ThekeymessageIaimtoconveyinthebookisthe importanceofembracingandleveragingculturaldiversity tocreatemoredynamic,innovative,andeffective leadership.Idiscusshowknowledgedynamics—theflow andexchangeofknowledgeindiverseteams—combined withculturalintelligence,canleadtomorerobustand resilientbusinessstrategies.Thebookprovidespractical toolsandframeworksforcurrentandaspiringleadersto developthesecompetencies,navigateculturaldifferences, andbuildinclusiveenvironmentsthatdriveperformance andgrowth.
DevelopingMulticulturalLeadershipusingKnowledge DynamicsandCulturalIntelligence
What'snext?
Beyondmydailyexecutiveroles,Iplantocontinue contributingtothebroadermanagementfieldalsothrough academicandindustrypublications,mentorship,and speakingengagements.Sharingmyfindingsandpractical applicationscaninspireotherleadersandorganizationsto embraceculturalintelligenceasacornerstoneoftheir growthandsuccessstrategies.Mygoalistocultivatean inclusiveleadershipparadigmthatdrivesinnovationand excellenceinglobalbusinesscontexts.Onamorepersonal note,Ishouldre-prioritizesportsandstarttraininginorder toavoidDNFandbedeclaredafinisherofthe220km ULTRAXJordaninOctober2024:).
Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.
- Winston Churchill
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