‘Continuous learning is no longer an option for leaders’ – Morgan Parnis

Business Leaders Malta (BLM) has firmly established itself in the business ecosystem as a vibrant hub for the community, gathering leaders and innovators to exchange ideas and fuel progress. At its core a shared collective of brands, the organisation was brought into being by a shared commitment towards driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the business world. Today it is synonymous with the annual BLM conference, an event that’s highly-anticipated by the community for bringing together a world-class line-up of speakers and activities.

This year’s twelfth edition promises to be no different, once again offering a programme of panel discussions and networking sessions that aim to offer insights and enhance financial performance, while sharpening competitive edges. With the theme Ahead of the Game, what’s the driving force behind this upcoming event?

“In an ever-evolving world, we champion foresight, adaptability and the courage to seize the opportunities of tomorrow, empowering businesses to stay ahead of the game,” BLM CEO Morgan Parnis starts off.

The conference is in fact known for embracing topics that challenge both C-level executives and other business leaders to be introspective, to push their own boundaries, and seek insights from speakers who have achieved impactful change or success in their careers.

“But even more than that, it’s an opportunity for vulnerability, a moment to re-motivate ourselves. No-one can lead from an empty tank, and our job is precisely to bring business leaders together to refill that tank while learning, getting inspired, and networking,” Morgan elaborates.

Staying ‘ahead of the game’ in the current business climate, where everything is fast-paced, is not simply a buzz-word. Morgan believes that at the heart of it all is a proactive mindset, rather than one that reacts.

The conference facilitates learning and networking by delivering actionable insights through a combination of keynote speeches, panel discussions, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities. Each of these is structured to ensure that leaders not only gain knowledge, but also engage in meaningful conversations, share best practices, and leave with tangible strategies they can implement within their organisations.

“The conference has evolved considerably through these years, of course. We take the phrase ‘ahead of the game’ seriously, and we made sure we stayed ahead of business trends and leadership challenges. We continuously refine the agenda, introducing thought leaders and experts who provide actionable insights tailored to the realities of modern business,” Morgan reveals.

“We have experienced significant growth in terms of participation numbers, further solidifying the role of the conference as a key event for Malta’s business community.”

The BLM Ahead of the Game conference is one of the few events in Malta that specifically focuses on business leaders, making it an imperative for C-Levels and other management professionals who want to seriously up their game.

“We ensure that the conference remains apolitical and dedicated solely to leadership. The event provides a unique opportunity to gain fresh perspectives, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and learn from global experts. In a time where agility and foresight are critical, this conference is a must-attend event for decision-makers looking to future-proof their organisations,” Morgan asserts.

This year’s speaker lineup certainly confirms what he’s saying. Delegates can expect a lineup of world-class speakers who have not only led transformation within their industries but have also personally tested the principles they share.

Top billing is taken up by two names who will certainly be familiar with anyone who follows leadership global news. The first is Jordan Schwarzenberger, the 27-year-old co-founder of Arcade Media. The latter is the management company behind Europe’s biggest creators, The Sidemen, with over 244 million followers across platforms and ranking as the third most-searched term on YouTube in 2023. Schwarzenberger is also a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. 

Then there’s Jim Lawless of Taming Tigers fame, who is also a transformation advisor to some of the world’s most iconic organisations, such as Apple, Diageo and Microsoft.

The rest of the speakers are equally illustrious, with names like Taylor Freeman, Katrina Grech, Gege Gatt, and others yet to be announced. The content is designed to be bold and forward-thinking, focusing on resilience, innovation, and leadership in a rapidly evolving world.

“We will cover topics such as AI and digital transformation, legacy leadership, scaling businesses, and high-performance mindsets, ensuring that every delegate walks away with real strategies to stay ahead in their professional and personal growth,” Morgan elaborates.

The conference in fact goes beyond CEOs to target management and individuals with a growth mindset.

“The concept and the programme are built around the idea that leadership is not confined to a job title; it’s about a mindset. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a manager, or an emerging leader, the challenges of navigating disruption, driving innovation, and fostering resilience apply universally.”

Speakers are selected for their ability to deliver content that is applicable across industries and career levels, with practical takeaways, engaging discussions, and interactive elements ensuring that delegates can personalise insights to their specific challenges.

“Our focus on AI, leadership in uncertain times, and business scalability offers critical insights to professionals navigating these complexities. However, anyone with a vested interest in leading change, adapting to new business realities, and future-proofing their career will benefit immensely,” Morgan adds.

The approach taken by the conference reflects the shift that executive education has taken from a formal, structured approach to a more dynamic, experience-based model.

“Today, professionals seek immediate, actionable insights that they can apply in real-time rather than theoretical concepts.  Our MBA programmes and Executive Doctorate programmes at CMBS are designed with work-based components to remain industry relevant.  The conference is no different, aligning with this evolution by delivering high-impact content in an immersive and engaging format,” the CEO continues.

Thus, the conference serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, allowing leaders to learn directly from pioneers, interact with peers, and gain exposure to new ideas that challenge their thinking.

Morgan describes the ability to navigate uncertainty while maintaining a clear vision as one of the biggest challenges leaders face today.

“The conference directly addresses these challenges through keynotes and a panel discussion that focus on innovation, decision-making under pressure, and long-term business sustainability. The Legacy Leadership panel, for example, tackles how businesses can outlast their founders, while our discussions on AI and digital transformation provide real strategies for staying relevant in an evolving landscape. Leaders need to think differently, and this conference is designed to help them do just that.”

And there are big plans for the conference, with the goal being to establish the event as the premier leadership event in the region, effectively transforming Malta into a Mediterranean hub for transformative ideas, high-impact networking, and cutting-edge leadership strategies.

“We aim to expand our reach by integrating more international perspectives, developing year-round engagement opportunities, and leveraging technology to enhance the conference experience. The goal is to create a movement where business leaders look to this conference as a place to challenge their thinking, gain foresight into future trends. We aim to help them build the resilience needed to thrive in an ever-changing world, regardless of industry or geography,” Morgan concludes.

Ahead of the Game is organised by Business Leaders Malta in partnership with Malta Daily. The conference takes place on 21st March at the Mediterranean Conference Centre. To register click here.