‘You have to share your vision with your people’ – Dr Dennis Mark Gauci & Charles Scerri

The paths that led Dr Dennis Mark Gauci and Charles Scerri to their current roles as two of four partners at CLA Malta are as diverse as they are impressive.

Charles’ journey began in banking before transitioning to industry and eventually founding his own practice, CSA Group, in 1995. “We started with zero employees, zero clients, zero nothing,” he smiles. “It was a 24/7 job to create the practice, and our client base.”

Dennis, on the other hand, recalls how he initially wasn’t sure about following in the footsteps of his father, Joseph Gauci, the founder of KSi Malta, citing the unique challenges of working within a family business. With a background in IT, Dennis found his way into the business almost by chance. “Being the first born, the mentality was that you have to follow in your father’s footsteps,” he explains, “but I always wanted to do things my own way, and I did.”

Both KSi Malta and CSA Group, the predecessors to CLA Malta, were built on the foundation of providing comprehensive services to clients. However, the industry landscape has shifted over the years. “Nowadays the industry has developed and moved away from some of the traditional services we used to offer,” Dennis notes, highlighting their main services as primarily focusing on advisory and financial management.

This shift in client needs has driven both firms to continuously adapt and expand their service offerings, setting the stage for their eventual merger.

The merger that formed CLA Malta represents more than just the combination of two successful firms. It marks a strategic move to join a global network, providing enhanced capabilities and reach for their clients, the pair reveal. “We were part of two large associations, both in top 20 firms of our kind locally,” Dennis explains. “I always wanted to be a part of a network because they set you up in a way to be even more competitive.”

The decision to join the CLA network was driven by its unique position and ambitious goals, they continue. “The idea is to become the natural choice for the medium-size market,” Dennis states. And as CLA Malta looks to the future, both leaders are acutely aware of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

“The biggest challenge is resources,” Charles emphasises. “You have to retain the people you have as much as possible, and acquire new resources to satisfy client demands.”

On the opportunity front, both leaders see significant potential in their new network affiliation and the evolving needs of their clients. “When you have a high-end client and they come for one service, you obtain their trust by offering a good service, which often leads to clients transferring other branches and services to your firm,” Charles smiles.

Meanwhile, the leadership styles of Dennis and Charles, while distinct, share common threads of transparency, honesty, and a focus on building strong relationships.

“A good business leader is a person who has the respect of his employees,” Charles asserts. “And you don’t buy respect. You either acquire it or you don’t.”

Dennis also emphasises the importance of positivity and empowerment. “I don’t really micromanage,” he states. “I give my team all the tools. If they fail, it’s OK, but at least they try. Then it is my job to guide them.”

As CLA Malta embarks on this new chapter, the focus is on smooth integration, enhancing service offerings, and preparing for future challenges. “We are investing heavily in technology,” Dennis reveals. “We are implementing several different types of new software at the moment.” The firm is also looking to expand its services, with plans to obtain other licenses and develop internal training programs.

For those looking to follow in their footsteps, both leaders offer valuable advice. “Be yourself,” Dennis advises. “Never change that feeling and build relationships. Be honest and go with the flow.” Charles goes on to highlight the importance of vision: “You have to share your vision with your people. If you don’t, you may lose them along the way.”

As CLA Malta moves forward under the leadership of Charles and Dennis, together with their partners Joseph and Bernard Charles Gauci, it stands poised to make a significant impact on the professional services landscape. Citing their slogan ‘Built Differently’, the team at CLA Malta stand out from the conventional, championing an innovative and unique approach, thus attracting clients who seek fresh perspectives and tailored solutions. With a focus on technology, client relationships, and employee development, CLA Malta is not just adapting to the changing business environment – it’s helping to shape it.

This interview forms part of the Digital 50 Business Leaders project. These high-profile interviews are exclusively featured online at MaltaCEOs.mt, highlighting 50 distinguished conversations with business leaders, CEOs, and emerging entrepreneurial talents. Through these discussions, we aim to showcase the remarkable journeys, achievements, and successes of Malta’s business leaders.

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