EducationSelf-ImprovementBusinessEntrepreneurshipHealth & FitnessMental Health

GROWTH Schema

Endeavour

Welcome to GROWTH Schema, the podcast designed to fuel your personal growth and inspire lasting self-improvement! Whether you're looking to level up your career, strengthen relationships, or enhance your well-being, we're here to help. Each episode, we bring on experts, thinkers, and everyday people who share real stories and actionable tips to help you unlock your potential and build the life you want.

But we don’t just stop at talking—you can join us live! If you're in Malta, come watch the podcast recording in person, engage with our guests, and be part of the experience. Stay tuned and follow us for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more. Ready to start your journey? Hit play and let's grow together.

Play

Open in

23 episodes
fortnightly
Avg 1 hr 9 min
English

Episodes 23

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

Wednesday · 1 hr 6 min
#94 Do People See the Leader You Think You Are? A Conversation with Lucienne Muscat.
In this episode of the GROWTH Schema podcast, I sit down with Lucienne Muscat, Founder and Chief People Officer of Peeple, for a conversation about what good leadership and people practices actually look like when put into practice. We explore authentic leadership and why being true to yourself is only part of the equation. Lucienne shares her perspective on the importance of consistency and fairness, and how the everyday decisions leaders make shape trust, culture, and the way people experience an organisation. We also challenge some traditional ideas about career progression, including whether shorter career stints should still be viewed negatively and how our expectations around loyalty, commitment, and growth have evolved. Along the way, we discuss what effective people practices look like and why putting people at the centre of a business doesn't mean losing sight of performance or commercial realities. Ultimately, we come back to a simple question: do people experience the leader you believe yourself to be? This is a conversation about authenticity, fairness, consistency, and creating workplaces where good people practices and good business can genuinely coexist. A special thank you to Konnekt Talexio for supporting the space where we record these conversations, and to A2CO for sponsoring this episode. A2CO is a Malta-based consultancy firm specialising in corporate structuring, licensing processes within regulated industries, and advisory services for businesses and international clients. Find out more about A2CO: a2co.com Song by: Travel Acoustic Hip Hop · Action Alexi #AuthenticLeadership #PeopleLeadership #HRLeadership #FutureOfWork #LeadershipDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #Fairness #CareerGrowth #PeopleAndCulture #GROWTHSchemaPodcast
September 2 · 1 hr 9 min
#93 The Strength in Not Knowing What's Next: The Journey of Melissa Manthos.
In this episode of the GROWTH Schema podcast, I sit down with Melissa Manthos, General Manager at Switch, for a deeply personal conversation about vulnerability, uncertainty, resilience, and how our priorities can shift when life interrupts the plans we had made. Melissa speaks openly about being diagnosed with cancer, undergoing treatment, and navigating recovery. We explore the periods of uncertainty that followed, those moments of feeling paralysed or caught in a state of flux, and what acceptance can look like when we don't have control over what comes next. But this conversation is also about much more. We talk about vulnerability in life and leadership, career growth, motherhood, and Melissa's belief that work should fit into life rather than life constantly having to fit around work. We reflect on resilience not simply as pushing through, but as allowing ourselves to adapt, accept, and gradually find our way forward. This is a conversation about what happens when life forces us to pause, and how, somewhere within that uncertainty, we can begin to understand ourselves, our relationships, and what truly matters a little differently. Song by: Travel Acoustic Hip Hop · Action Alexi #Resilience #Vulnerability #Acceptance #LifeTransitions #Motherhood #CareerGrowth #Leadership #PersonalGrowth #FindingPerspective #GROWTHSchemaPodcast
August 19 · 1 hr 14 min
#92 Be Kind. Be Candid. Know Your Deal Breakers. A conversation with Kenneth Spiteri.
In this episode of the GROWTH Schema podcast, I sit down with Kenneth Spiteri, Director of Business Innovation at Melita, for a conversation about the decisions, relationships, and unexpected turns that shape a career. We explore Kenneth’s decision to leave banking and take a leap into a completely different chapter, challenging the idea that a successful career needs to follow a predictable path. We talk about knowing your deal breakers, taking calculated risks, and recognising when staying somewhere may actually be the riskier choice. We also get into the more uncomfortable side of leadership: candour, difficult decisions, and why sometimes you have to be “cruel to be kind” when letting someone go may ultimately be better for both the individual and the team. Along the way, Kenneth reflects on mentorship, the people who have influenced his journey, and why experience can sometimes bring us back to surprisingly simple conclusions about what really makes us happy. This is a conversation about having the courage to change direction, being honest when it matters, and discovering that growth isn't always about adding more, sometimes it's about getting back to basics. Song by: Travel Acoustic Hip Hop · Action Alexi #Leadership #CareerGrowth #Mentorship #Candour #CareerChange #BusinessLeadership #DecisionMaking #PersonalGrowth #Purpose #GROWTHSchemaPodcast
July 22 · 1 hr 4 min
#91 It's Not Just About the CV: A Conversation with Emanuel Zammit.
In this episode of the GROWTH Schema podcast, I sit down with Emanuel Zammit, Director of Recruitment Services & Business Consultancy at GCS Malta, for a candid conversation about the realities of recruitment, talent acquisition, and professional growth. Together, we unpack some of the most common misconceptions surrounding recruitment and headhunting, exploring what really happens behind the scenes and why great recruitment is about much more than matching candidates to vacancies. Emanuel shares insights from years of working with clients and candidates across different industries, shedding light on the challenges, responsibilities, and value that recruitment professionals bring to the table. We also discuss what it means to operate as a service provider, building trust, managing expectations, and creating long-term relationships in a people-driven profession. Along the way, we reflect on the importance of humility, the lessons that come from setbacks, and the difference between choosing to stay humble and being humbled by life's experiences. This is a conversation about people, careers, service, and the mindset required to succeed in a profession built on relationships. Song by: Travel Acoustic Hip Hop · Action Alexi #Recruitment #TalentAcquisition #Headhunting #CareerGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth #PeopleAndCulture #Humility #BusinessDevelopment #GROWTHSchemaPodcast
July 8 · 1 hr 2 min
#90 The Hats We Wear: Identity, Boundaries, and Being Human with Olivia Bilocca.
In this episode of the GROWTH Schema podcast, I sit down with Olivia Bilocca, Fractional HR Leader, HR Consultant, Trainer, and Warranted Systemic Psychotherapist, for a conversation that sits at the intersection of organisational life and human behaviour. Together, we explore the fascinating overlap between HR and psychotherapy, discussing how both disciplines ultimately revolve around understanding people, relationships, and change. We unpack the concept of role identity and what happens when we wear multiple professional hats, while reflecting on the challenges of navigating difficult conversations with empathy, clarity, and integrity. We also delve into the topic of self-disclosure, when sharing parts of ourselves can strengthen connection, and when boundaries matter. Throughout the discussion, ethics emerges as a central theme, challenging us to think more deeply about responsibility, professionalism, and what it means to genuinely put people first. This is a thoughtful conversation about authenticity, relationships, and the balance between being human and being professional. Song by: Travel Acoustic Hip Hop · Action Alexi #HumanBehaviour #OrganisationalPsychology #HRLeadership #Psychotherapy #DifficultConversations #LeadershipDevelopment #EthicalLeadership #SelfAwareness #PersonalGrowth #GROWTHSchemaPodcast
June 24 · 1 hr 5 min
#89 Fail Better: The Science of Not Giving Up with Keith M. Azzopardi.
In this episode of the GROWTH Schema podcast, I sit down with Dr Keith M. Azzopardi, CEO and Co-Founder of Smart Materials and the driving force behind Huggah, for a conversation about innovation, persistence, and the realities of building something that has never existed before. Keith shares his journey from scientist to entrepreneur, reflecting on the failures, lessons, and sacrifices that often sit behind meaningful achievement. We explore the uncomfortable but necessary role of failure in growth, why learning is often born from experimentation, and what it takes to continue pursuing an idea when there is no proven roadmap to follow. We also discuss the importance of sleep and recovery, not as luxuries, but as critical foundations for sustainable performance and wellbeing. Throughout the conversation, Keith offers insights into the mindset required to tackle difficult problems, challenge assumptions, and keep moving forward when progress is slow and uncertainty is high. This is a conversation about resilience, curiosity, and the determination to keep searching for solutions long after others have given up. Song by: Travel Acoustic Hip Hop · Action Alexi #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #Resilience #FailureAndGrowth #Leadership #ScienceAndBusiness #SleepRecovery #Wellbeing #Mindset #GROWTHSchemaPodcast
June 10 · 1 hr 14 min
#88 Zigzag Your Way to Something Better: A Conversation with Calvin Briffa.
In this episode of the GROWTH Schema podcast, I sit down with Calvin Briffa, Technology Consultant, for a grounded conversation about the realities behind career growth in today’s fast-moving, AI-driven world. We unpack what it feels like to be let go early in your career and how moments like these can quietly reshape your direction. Calvin shares his perspective on the illusion of overnight success, highlighting the years of uncertainty, experimentation, and persistence that often go unseen. We also explore the growing dilemma around AI—whether to deepen your existing skills or leverage technology to move faster—and what this means for staying relevant in an evolving landscape. Along the way, we discuss zigzag career paths, why they’re more common than we think, and how embracing non-linear growth can lead to more meaningful and intentional outcomes. This is a conversation about resilience, adaptability, and learning to navigate a career that doesn’t follow a straight line. Song by: Travel Acoustic Hip Hop · Action Alexi #CareerGrowth #AIandWork #TechnologyConsulting #Resilience #MindsetShift #FutureOfWork #NonLinearCareers #PersonalGrowth #Adaptability #GROWTHSchemaPodcast
May 12 · 1 hr 13 min
#87 The Power of Play in a Serious World: with Mark Camilleri Gambin.
In this episode of the GROWTH Schema podcast, I sit down with Mark Camilleri Gambin, CEO of Talexio, for a conversation that blends technology, imagination, and personal growth. We explore how gaming and fantasy worlds, often seen as escapism, can actually serve as tools for reflection, resilience, and navigating real-life challenges. Mark shares how staying connected to our “child self” can help us remain curious and adaptable, even as responsibilities grow. We also discuss the balance between the virtual and real world, and how the skills we build in one can shape how we operate in the other. Beyond this, we dive into more personal territory, touching on loss, perspective, and the journey of stepping into leadership. Mark reflects on his path to becoming CEO of Talexio, and what it means to lead a product-driven company in a fast-evolving digital landscape. This episode is a reminder that growth doesn’t always come from the obvious places, sometimes it comes from the worlds we explore, the stories we engage with, and the parts of ourselves we choose not to outgrow. Song by: Travel Acoustic Hip Hop · Action Alexi #LeadershipJourney #TechLeadership #GamingAndGrowth #PersonalDevelopment #DigitalWorlds #MindsetShift #InnerChild #Innovation #GROWTHSchemaPodcast #EndeavourMalta
April 29 · 1 hr 14 min
#86 The Discipline You Build Shapes the Life You Live: with Matthew Camilleri.
In this episode of the GROWTH Schema podcast, I sit down with Matthew Camilleri, physiotherapist and founder of Rise, for a grounded conversation on the role of physical work in shaping both the body and the mind. We explore how intentional movement goes beyond fitness, becoming a tool for building discipline, awareness, and long-term resilience. Matthew shares his perspective on why exposure to physical challenge matters, how consistency beats intensity over time, and what team sports can teach us about accountability, connection, and growth. We also unpack how the habits we build through movement often mirror how we approach life, from dealing with discomfort to staying committed when progress feels slow. This episode is a reminder that resilience is not something we find overnight; it’s something we build, one deliberate step at a time. Song by: Travel Acoustic Hip Hop · Action Alexi #Resilience #MovementMatters #PhysicalHealth #MentalStrength #TeamSports #Discipline #IntentionalLiving #PerformanceMindset #PersonalGrowth #GROWTHSchemaPodcast
April 15 · 1 hr 16 min
#85 Stop Selling What You Think People Need: Featuring Katya Varbanova.
In this episode of the GROWTH Schema podcast, I sit down with Katya Varbanova, Authority, Personal Branding, and Business Advisor to CEOs, public figures, and experts, for a sharp and practical conversation on what it really takes to build visibility, influence, and a business that grows with intention. We explore the difference between an abundance and scarcity mindset, and how this quietly shapes the way we sell, position ourselves, and make decisions. Katya breaks down a common mistake many professionals make, selling what they think people need, rather than understanding what clients actually want, and shares a more grounded, strategic approach to building demand and trust. We also dive into her journey into entrepreneurship, what it takes to build a reputation that opens doors, and how personal branding is no longer optional in a world driven by attention and digital presence. Along the way, we touch on the role of AI in marketing and how it is reshaping the creator economy and the way we communicate value. This is a conversation about clarity, positioning, and doing the internal work required to show up with intention in your business and life. Song by: Travel Acoustic Hip Hop · Action Alexi #PersonalBranding #Entrepreneurship #AbundanceMindset #SalesStrategy #AIinMarketing #CreatorEconomy #LeadershipGrowth #MindsetShift #BuildInPublic #GROWTHSchemaPodcast
April 1 · 1 hr 7 min
#84 Doom Scrolling Won’t Save You: The journey of Chloë Cauchi.
In this episode of the GROWTH Schema podcast, I sit down with Chloë Cauchi, a Gozitan lawyer and youth advocate, for a conversation that is both honest and reflective of the world young people are navigating today. We explore the impact of doom scrolling and how constant digital exposure shapes our thinking, attention, and self-perception. Chloë shares her personal experiences with bullying and how those moments, rather than defining her, became fuel for growth and self-discovery. We also discuss what it means to live abroad, step into multicultural environments, and broaden your perspective beyond what you’ve always known. From youth advocacy and her work within KNŻ to the importance of engaging in open dialogue, this episode highlights the value of listening, debating, and connecting with people, even when opinions differ. At its core, this conversation is about finding your voice, building resilience, and choosing growth over comfort. Song by: Travel Acoustic Hip Hop · Action Alexi #YouthEmpowerment #PersonalGrowth #SelfDiscovery #MindsetShift #DigitalWellbeing #LivingAbroad #Multiculturalism #LeadershipDevelopment #CourageousConversations #GROWTHSchemaPodcast
March 18 · 1 hr
#83 Humans, Data, and Decisions: Who’s Really in Charge? A conversation with Stefan Farrugia.
In this episode of the GROWTH Schema podcast, I sit down with Stefan Farrugia, CEO of Eunoia and a leader in the field of Business Intelligence and analytics. With more than two decades of experience helping organisations turn complex data into meaningful insights, Stefan shares his journey from employee to entrepreneur, and what it really takes to build a company around innovation, curiosity, and resilience. We explore the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in business and society, discussing both the opportunities and the ethical questions it raises. From AI and data security to responsible technological progress, Stefan offers a thoughtful perspective on how leaders and organisations can use data and AI not just to grow faster, but to make better decisions for the future. Along the way, we also discuss entrepreneurship, leadership, and the mindset required to move from executing someone else’s vision to building your own. A special thank you to KonnektTalexio for supporting the space where we record these conversations, and to A2CO, a Malta-based consultancy firm specialising in corporate structuring, licensing processes in regulated industries, and advisory services for businesses and international clients. A2CO - https://a2co.com/ Song by: Travel Acoustic Hip Hop · Action Alexi #ArtificialIntelligence #BusinessIntelligence #DataDrivenLeadership #Entrepreneurship #TechEthics #LeadershipMindset #AIandSociety #Innovation #StartupJourney #GROWTHSchemaPodcast
March 4 · 1 hr 18 min
#82 Fear Is Loud. Your Heart Is Louder. A conversation with Kelly Briffa.
In this episode of the GROWTH Schema podcast, I sit down with Kelly Briffa for a grounded and honest conversation about courage, change, and redefining success on your own terms. As a Sales Manager leading remote teams across the EMEA region, Kelly shares her journey of stepping outside routine, embracing failure as a teacher rather than a threat, and learning the difference between regret and disappointment. We explore what it really takes to follow your heart, especially when fear is loud, and how living and working abroad reshapes perspective, resilience, and identity. This episode is about growth that is intentional, sustainable, and aligned — pushing for excellence without losing yourself in the process. Song by: Travel Acoustic Hip Hop · Action Alexi #PersonalGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #FollowYourHeart #EmbraceFailure #LivingAbroad #MindsetShift #RemoteLeadership #SelfDiscovery #CareerGrowth #GROWTHSchemaPodcast
February 18 · 39 min
#81 Responsibility in the Age of AI: A Live Psychological Inquiry.
This is a special live edition of the GROWTH Schema podcast, recorded during the Malta Chamber of Psychologists (MCP) AGM. In this dynamic setting, the conversation unfolds not only between host and guest, Prof. Clarissa Sammut Scerri, but also with the audience—bringing in spontaneous questions, reflections, and moments of collective inquiry. Throughout the session, we explore complex psychological themes around growth, identity, limitation, and responsibility. We pause to reflect on Adam Rainer’s tragic story, using it as a lens to examine the human condition and how biology, circumstance, and environment shape experience. During the live session, we also watched a short snippet from the episode On with Kara Swisher – “ChatGPT killed our son”, where parents suing OpenAI speak out. This snippet helped frame part of our discussion around technology, ethics, and psychological responsibility. The full segment is not included in this podcast recording, but for those interested, you can access the complete episode here: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZlB0KyWBMc Song by: Travel Acoustic Hip Hop · Action Alexi #LivePodcast #PsychologyInPractice #MCP #MaltaChamberOfPsychologists #EthicsInAI #HumanBehaviour #OrganisationalPsychology #LeadershipDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #GROWTHSchemaPodcast
February 4 · 1 hr 10 min
#80 Are We Failing Our Kids? The Honest Truth About Working Parents.
In this roundtable episode of the GROWTH Schema podcast, we come together for an honest and deeply relatable conversation about the realities of being a working parent. Joined by Stephanie Cacopardo, Alex Falzon, and Michelle Fenech Seguna, we explore the constant balancing act between work, family, and self. We talk about the struggle of saying no, the pressure to succeed academically, financially, and professionally, and the quiet fear many parents carry of “not doing enough.” The conversation also touches on what it truly means to show up for our children, how we redefine failure as parents, and the kind of legacy we build through everyday choices rather than grand gestures. This episode offers reassurance, reflection, and perspective for anyone navigating parenthood alongside ambition and responsibility. Song by: Travel Acoustic Hip Hop · Action Alexi #WorkingParents #LeadershipAtHome #ParentingStruggles #WorkLifeIntegration #SayingNo #LegacyBuilding #PersonalGrowth #GROWTHSchemaPodcast #EndeavourMalta
January 21 · 1 hr 7 min
#79 No One’s Coming to Save You: A Conversation on Entrepreneurship with Justin Paul Anastasi.
In this episode of the GROWTH Schema podcast, I sit down with Justin Paul Anastasi for an honest conversation about entrepreneurship beyond the highlight reels. We explore what it truly means to believe in your own ideas, especially when doubt, setbacks, and uncertainty show up along the way. Justin shares reflections on perseverance, grit, and the inner work required to keep going when outcomes aren’t guaranteed. This episode is about trusting your instincts, staying committed to your vision, and understanding that resilience is built through action, not confidence alone. A grounded and relatable conversation for anyone building something of their own—or thinking about taking that first step. Song by: Travel Acoustic Hip Hop · Action Alexi #Entrepreneurship #BeliefInYourself #GritAndGrowth #Resilience #PersonalGrowth #SelfLeadership #FounderMindset #GROWTHSchemaPodcast #EndeavourMalta
January 7 · 1 hr 12 min
#78 Speak Last, Lead Better: Inside a Safer Kind of Leadership.
In this roundtable episode of the GROWTH Schema podcast, recorded in collaboration with FHRD and hosted at KonnektTalexio, we bring together Ediana Guillaumier, Matthew Bartolo, and Karl Grech for a grounded, thought-provoking conversation on what effective leadership really looks like today. Together, we explore self-awareness through the Johari Window, the role of psychological safety in building trust and unlocking ideas, and why leaders sometimes need to speak last to allow better thinking to emerge. The discussion moves into coaching versus mentoring, employee transparency, and how leadership lessons often mirror parenting, particularly when it comes to empowering others to solve problems rather than stepping in too quickly. We also reflect on leading across generations, inclusion, and the everyday behaviours that shape cultures where people feel safe, heard, and able to grow. This episode is an invitation to rethink leadership as a shared, human responsibility rather than a position of authority. Song by: Travel Acoustic Hip Hop · Action Alexi #LeadershipDevelopment #PsychologicalSafety #SelfAwareness #CoachingVsMentoring #InclusiveLeadership #PeopleDevelopment #FHRDMalta #GROWTHSchemaPodcast #EndeavourMalta #WorkplaceCulture
Dec 10, 2025 · 59 min
#77 Begin with the End: Lessons from Istanbul, Life, and Slowing Down with Elaine Dutton.
In this reflective and deeply human episode of the GROWTH Schema podcast, I sit down with Elaine Dutton to explore what it really means to live a meaningful, intentional life. Through stories of travel, family, and personal awakening, we unpack the quiet power of slowing down, appreciating beauty, and recognising the profound lessons hidden in everyday moments. From a father–son journey through the heart of Istanbul and the architectural mastery of Sinan’s mosques, to the practice of living your bucket list now—not "one day"—Elaine brings forward insights on presence, perspective, and purpose. We also reflect on how experiences shape us more than possessions, what changes when we begin seeing our parents beyond their roles, and why leading others always begins with learning to lead ourselves. This episode invites you to rethink what truly matters and to realign with the life you want to live. Song by: Travel Acoustic Hip Hop · Action Alexi #PersonalGrowth #Mindfulness #LeadershipDevelopment #IntentionalLiving #LifeLessons #ParentChildBond #TravelStories #SelfDiscovery #GROWTHSchemaPodcast #EndeavourMalta
Nov 26, 2025 · 1 hr 17 min
#76 The Courage to Break, The Wisdom to Rebuild: Loredana Mallia’s Story.
In this deeply human episode of the GROWTH Schema podcast, we sit down with Loredana Mallia, Chief HR Officer at MAPFRE Middlesea, for a grounded and honest conversation about the moments that shape us most. Together, we explore failure as a teacher, the quiet weight of disappointment, the emotional complexity of parenting, and what it truly means to pursue inner peace in a noisy world. Loredana also opens up about loss and bereavement—sharing how grief evolves, and how strength often emerges in the stillness that follows. This episode is sponsored by Alfred Jobs—Alfred Jobs, one of Malta's leading platforms connecting job seekers with their next big opportunity, and helping HR teams discover top talent with ease. If you're looking for a new role, it's super simple: just download the Alfred Jobs app or visit alfred.com.mt to explore hundreds of opportunities across the island. A reflective, compassionate conversation that reminds us that growth isn’t linear—and being human is the real work. Song by: Travel Acoustic Hip Hop · Action Alexi #LeadershipDevelopment #HRInsights #PersonalGrowth #Resilience #ParentingJourney #InnerPeace #BereavementSupport #HumanExperience #GROWTHSchemaPodcast
Nov 12, 2025 · 1 hr 22 min
#75 Beyond Compliance: Rethinking Learning in the Modern Workplace.
In this special roundtable episode of the GROWTH Schema Podcast, produced in collaboration with FHRD Malta, we sit down with three leading HR professionals — Noel Debono, Matthew Psaila, and Naomi Barry — to explore how Learning and Development (L&D) is evolving in Malta’s fast-changing workplace landscape. Together, we dive deep into the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of learning — from unlearning and relearning, to building cultures of continuous growth. We discuss how HR leaders can make L&D more strategic, how to measure real impact beyond compliance, and the role of coaching, mentoring, and technology in driving engagement and development. Whether you’re an HR professional, business leader, or lifelong learner, this conversation offers practical insights on how to align people growth with business success. Song by: Travel Acoustic Hip Hop · Action Alexi #LearningAndDevelopment #HumanResources #ContinuousLearning #LeadershipDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #Coaching #EmployeeEngagement #HRStrategy #PeopleDevelopment #MaltaBusiness

Showing 1–20 of 23 episodes