Exercising, eating, and everything in between: This is how Malta’s business leaders switch off

No matter how high-up one’s position is or how important their mission might be, switching off – even if for a couple hours a day – is vital to the proper functioning of one’s mind and body.

Taking some time off work allows one to take a step back and view issues from an objective point of view, thus making it easier to find a solution. Apart from its instrumental value, however, this also allows one to experience joys that go beyond their work-life, such as spending time with family, practising a hobby, or just relaxing.

In the latest edition of the annual MaltaCEOs publication, we asked some of Malta’s leading business leaders how they switch off from their busy schedules. This is what they had to say.

It comes as no surprise that one of the most popular means of relaxation is exercise. From running and walking to playing all kinds of sports, a couple of minutes of activity serve the dual purpose of improving mental and physical health.

MAPFRE Middlesea CEO Javier Moreno Gonzalez, goes cycling on the weekend. Christian Vassallo, CEO at Campus Hub, on the other hand, practices CrossFit. BMIT Technologies CEO Christian Sammut is such a firm believer in the power of regular exercise that he “work[s] out every morning.”

Many would argue that the single most important thing in life is spending time with loved ones, and Malta’s business leaders are no different.

Jeffrey Buttigieg, CEO at REMAX Malta, and Adriana Vamilleri Vassallo, CEO at Francis J. Vassallo & Associates Ltd, both spend most of their free time with their kids. Sparkasse Bank’s Paul Mifsud’s idea of relaxing is hanging out with friends whilst listening to good music.

For others, switching off takes putting some physical distance between themselves and their place of work, hence why so many business leaders – such as The Point CEO Edwin Borg and Burmarrad Group Chief Sharon Gauci – are such big fans of travelling.

More than a handful of business leaders noted that, given the nature of their job, switching off isn’t always possible.

“I don’t [switch off]. That is my biggest problem,” Mercury Towers CEO Marcel Bonnici said. Malta Enterprise CEO Kurt Farrugia, and DC Aviation Malta Chief Stanley Bugeja share the same sentiment.

This article is part of the serialisation of interviews featured in MaltaCEOs 2022 – an annual high-end publication bringing together some of the country’s most influential business leaders.