In this episode of the GROWTH Schema podcast, we sit down with Dr. Maria Loumpourdi—leadership and talent development expert, coach, author, and neuroscience researcher. With experience spanning sectors from manufacturing to entertainment, Maria brings a unique blend of rigour, humanity, and science to the question: What does it mean to lead from within?

We explore the deep work behind leadership—identity, self-awareness, and doing the inner work before climbing the ladder. Maria shares why performance and authenticity don’t need to be at odds, how leaders can reframe ambition, and what neuroscience tells us about sustainable change.

If you’ve ever felt the tension between fitting in and standing out, or wondered whether you can grow professionally without losing yourself in the process—this one’s for you.

Song by: Travel Acoustic Hip Hop · Action Alexi

#LeadershipIdentity #InnerWork #AuthenticLeadership #WomenInLeadership #PersonalGrowth #NeuroscienceOfLeadership #GrowthSchemaPodcast #LeadFromWithin #CorporateClimb #MadeFromWithin

What if the finish line you’ve been chasing is actually a loop? In this eye-opening episode of the GROWTH Schema podcast, I sit down with Kasim Aslam—serial entrepreneur, founder of one of the top-ranked Google Ads agencies in the world, and author of You vs Google.

Kasim’s story is one of ambition, burnout, and radical redefinition. From building and exiting multi-million-dollar businesses to realizing that more isn’t always better, he shares the turning points that forced him to ask bigger questions—about work, purpose, delegation, and the real meaning of success.

We talk about; the myth of “doing it all” and how saying yes too often leads to burnout, delegating with intention and building businesses that don’t rely on your presence, finding purpose beyond productivity and the famous Mexican Fisherman story that reshaped how Kasim sees growth

Whether you're an entrepreneur, creative, or someone navigating hustle culture, this episode is a gentle but firm invitation to reassess what you're really working toward.

Song by: Travel Acoustic Hip Hop · Action Alexi

#GrowthSchema #PodcastEpisode #KasimAslam #BurnoutRecovery #Entrepreneurship #PurposeDrivenLife #Delegation #LeadershipDevelopment #MindfulWork #WorkLifeBalance #DigitalMarketing #YouVsGoogle #EndeavourGrowth #SelfDiscovery

What does it really take to be heard in the boardroom—or on any stage? In this compelling conversation, I sit down with Elizabeth Bachman, international opera director turned executive coach, who brings decades of stage presence and storytelling expertise into the world of leadership and public speaking.

We explore; why visibility is not the same as influence, the power of strategic empathy in communication, the overlooked skill of multifocus thinking, what women in leadership need to own their voice—and use it, and how to move from simply speaking to inspiring action

Elizabeth shares real-life examples and practical takeaways for professionals who want to communicate with clarity, presence, and authenticity. Whether you're pitching to a client, leading a team, or stepping into the spotlight, this episode will shift the way you think about your voice.

Song by: Travel Acoustic Hip Hop · Action Alexi

#LeadershipPresence #WomenInLeadership #ExecutiveCoaching #SpeakToLead #StrategicEmpathy #GrowthSchema #CommunicationSkills #AuthenticLeadership #VoiceAndVisibility #PublicSpeakingTips

In this second Roundtable Edition of the GROWTHSchema podcast, I’m joined by Julian Azzopardi, leadership strategist and Vistage Chair, and Brendan Camilleri, Senior Manager at DMSC Business Advisory, for an open and honest conversation about the often invisible costs of high performance.

Together, we unpack some of the key themes so many professionals grapple with—burnout, boundaries, and the delicate balance between being productive and being well. We explore the real difference between output and outcome, how to reconnect with what actually matters, and why self-reflection isn’t just a leadership buzzword—but a critical tool for sustainable growth.

This episode is for anyone who’s ever hit a wall, kept going anyway, and now wants to figure out how to do things differently. It’s an unfiltered look at what it means to lead with clarity, hold space for yourself, and grow without burning out.

Song by: Travel Acoustic Hip Hop · Action Alexi

#GROWTHSchema #LeadershipRoundtable #BurnoutRecovery #WorkLifeBalance
#OutcomeOverOutput #SelfReflection #BoundariesMatter #OrganizationalPsychology #SustainableLeadership #PersonalGrowth

In this episode of the GROWTHSchema podcast, I sit down with Nick Spiteri Paris, CEO of Bigbon Group, to explore what modern leadership looks like in an industry that never stops moving.

With over 20 years of experience in fashion retail, Nick shares how he transitioned from an operational leader to a people-focused CEO. We dive into the realities of attracting and retaining talent in today’s competitive landscape, how to reframe the difference between a career and a job, and the often unspoken emotional weight of leadership.

Nick also opens up about his own personal evolution—from someone more introverted by nature, to a CEO leading over 180 employees and some of Malta’s most recognized fashion brands. He shares why vulnerability has become one of the most powerful tools in his leadership toolbox, and how it can unlock trust, performance, and long-term growth.

This is an honest, human, and insightful look into what it really takes to lead with clarity in a fast-paced, high-expectation world.

Song by: Travel Acoustic Hip Hop · Action Alexi

#GROWTHSchema #LeadershipDevelopment #RetailLeadership #EmotionalIntelligence #TalentAttraction #OrganizationalGrowth #AuthenticLeadership #NickSpiteriParis #CareerNotJustAJob #InclusiveLeadership #VulnerabilityInLeadership 

In this episode of the GROWTHSchema podcast, I sit down with Victoria Chan, founder of Sip and Paint Malta and creative entrepreneur with a background in retail design architecture. Victoria is someone who doesn't just talk about building community and embracing creativity—she lives it every day.

Together, we explore what it truly means to love what you do and live with no regrets. From her life as an expat in Malta, to launching Malta’s only guided painting experience, to the lessons she’s learned as an ultra-runner and community builder, Victoria shares candid insights about finding courage, honouring your uniqueness, and showing up fully for the life you want.

We also talk about navigating disappointment, the power of surrounding yourself with positivity, and how creativity can be a deeply healing and connecting force.

This is an episode about living boldly, thinking differently, and making space for joy—even when things get difficult.

Do the Activity with us! 
1. Describe in 3 words how you are feeling:

2. Pick the colour that feels most like your mood today. 
The emotions behind colours:
- Yellow Joy, creativity, optimism, warmth
- Red: Passion, strength, motivation, intensity
- Blue: Calm, trust, peace, introspection
- Green: Balance, growth, connection, freshness
- Purple: Imagination, intuition, mystery, spirituality
- Orange: Enthusiasm, sociability, energy, playfulness
- White: Clarity, peace, simplicity, new beginnings
- Black Elegance, depth, protection, seriousness
- Pink Tenderness, love, kindness, softness

Song by: Travel Acoustic Hip Hop · Action Alexi

#GROWTHSchema #CreativityAndCommunity #LiveWithNoRegrets #ExpatLife #Entrepreneurship #SipAndPaintMalta #PersonalGrowth #BoldLiving #SelfDiscovery #PowerOfPositivity #VictoriaChan

In this first-ever Roundtable Edition of the GROWTHSchema podcast, we bring together two voices grounded in service, leadership, and youth empowerment—Robert Schembri, a veterinary surgeon and scout leader, and Roberto Camilleri, a long-time Rover Scout Leader and quality systems professional.

This conversation takes us on a reflective journey into the values of scouting, community-building, and learning through doing. We discuss how empowering youth—especially those with disabilities—starts with trust, patience, and creating space rather than solving problems for them.

We also explore how opinion formation happens in today’s noisy world, why career readiness goes far beyond CVs, and how both guests use their personal time to help others build confidence, purpose, and resilience.

It’s thoughtful. It’s honest. And it’s a reminder that leadership starts with showing up.

Song by: Travel Acoustic Hip Hop · Action Alexi

#GROWTHSchema #LeadershipDevelopment #YouthEmpowerment #ScoutingForLife #LearningByDoing #PodcastDiscussion #CareerReadiness #DisabilityInclusion #GrowthMindset #CommunityBuilding #PersonalGrowth #RoundtableSeries

In this deeply personal and inspiring episode of the GROWTHSchema podcast, we sit down with Nicolette, a Maltese fashion designer, medical doctor, and founder of Lumija Swim—a luxury swimwear brand celebrated for empowering women through inclusive design.

Nicolette opens up about the highs and lows of her journey, including her experience with an ectopic pregnancy, hyperemesis gravidarum (a severe form of pregnancy-related nausea), and a postpartum stroke that left her temporarily without mobility in one arm. We talk about how these life-altering experiences shaped her perspective and how she continues to navigate a dual career in both medicine and fashion entrepreneurship.

We also explore the origin story of Lumija, the vulnerability that comes with launching a brand rooted in body positivity, and what it really means to lead with both purpose and resilience.

Song by: Travel Acoustic Hip Hop · Action Alexi

This episode is a testament to what it means to hold complexity—grief, ambition, healing, and growth—all at once. 

#GROWTHSchema #Resilience #MaternalHealth #EntrepreneurshipJourney #BodyPositivity #WomenInBusiness #WomenInMedicine #StartupLife #InclusiveFashion #PostpartumRecovery #LumijaSwim

In this episode of the GROWTHSchema podcast, we sit down with Vanessa Camenzuli, an employer branding and communications strategist who merges marketing creativity with human-centered leadership. With a rich background in both HR and marketing, Vanessa shares her insights on how organizations can create authentic, value-driven employee experiences—while also staying true to their brand.

We explore the concept of authentic leadership, the often-blurred lines between our personal and professional selves, and what it really takes to build a brand that reflects who you are—especially as a freelancer or entrepreneur. Vanessa also opens up about her own journey of self-discovery, offering powerful lessons on navigating change, storytelling, and purpose-driven work.
Whether you’re building a business, leading a team, or trying to find your voice in your career, this episode is full of real talk and actionable insight to help you align who you are with what you do.

Tune in to explore how branding, leadership, and self-awareness can all work together to build something meaningful.

Song by: Travel Acoustic Hip Hop · Action Alexi

#GROWTHSchema #AuthenticLeadership #EmployerBranding #FreelancingLife #PersonalGrowth #WorkplaceCulture #BrandYou #SelfDiscovery #HRMeetsMarketing #VanessaCamenzuli #LeadershipJourney

In this empowering episode of the GROWTHSchema podcast, we sit down with Simone Vincenzi, international speaker, sales and conversion consultant, and co-founder of GTeX (Growing Together Exponentially). Simone shares his incredible journey—from working as a waiter in the UK to becoming a sought-after public speaker, delivering over 2,000 presentations, including a TEDx talk, and sharing stages with legends like Les Brown and Gary Vaynerchuk.

Together, we explore the world of public speaking, how to overcome anxiety, and the keys to monetizing and productizing your expertise. Simone breaks down his speak-to-sell strategies and offers actionable insights for coaches, speakers, and service-based entrepreneurs looking to scale their impact and revenue. We also discuss adult learning and why mastering your craft is a continuous journey.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a coach ready to grow your business, or someone eager to step confidently into the spotlight, this episode is filled with tools to elevate your voice, business, and mindset.

Tune in for practical tips and Simone’s inspiring story of resilience and reinvention!

Song by: Travel Acoustic Hip Hop · Action Alexi

#PublicSpeaking #OvercomeAnxiety #SpeakToSell #EntrepreneurJourney #PersonalGrowth #BusinessStrategy #AdultLearning #MonetizeYourExpertise #LeadershipDevelopment #GROWTHSchema #SimoneVincenzi