Here’s how Malta’s CEOs start their days

Have you ever wondered how Malta’s executives begin their day?

As part of MaltaCEOs 2025 print edition, we asked 50 of some of the most influential minds some quick fire questions, including, what are the first things you do in the morning? And does the early bird really catch the worm? 

Each of the 50 business leaders were asked the same questions, the first to find out when they feel they are most productive. 

The overwhelming majority, around 76 per cent, said the morning. 

Several studies back this preference up. A study by the University of Chicago (Biological Rhythms Research, 2014) found that people are generally more disciplined and less distracted in the morning, making it ideal for deep work, while research from Duke University (2014) showed that willpower is highest in the morning and depletes as the day progresses, making mornings better for demanding tasks.

Only around 12 per cent said they were most productive after 5pm into the night, and the same amount said the time of the day didn’t affect their productivity. 

Most CEOs are early birds. What do they do first thing in the morning?

The most common answer is probably the world’s first thing in the morning – around one in four said they grab a hot cup of coffee, check their emails and calendars and exercise before heading into the office and seizing the day.

For CEOs like Nicky Camilleri from Retail Marketing Ltd and Marika Tonna (BusinessFirst) the first priority taking care of the dogs, while Owen Grech (Finex Malta Ltd) makes school lunches.

For Manila di Giovanni (DWorld Malta Ltd) says meditation is the first thing she does, while for Nadia Pace,  its journalling, and Claudine Ellul Sullivan is praying for another day. 

While early risers are most linked to traditional 9 to 5 jobs, there is no one-size-fits-all method of success, and the key is finding what makes you thrive. Most evidence supports that mornings are the most productive time for cognitive tasks due to higher willpower, fewer distractions, and alignment with natural energy cycles. However, personal habits and job demands can influence this.

This article uses information found in 50 CEO interviews featured in Malta CEOs 2025 – the sister brand to MaltaCEOs.mt and an annual high-end publication bringing together some of the country’s most influential business leaders.