GROWTH Schema

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

In this powerful episode of the GROWTHSchema podcast, we sit down with Samantha Pace Gasan, a human rights advocate and public official whose journey is as courageous as it is inspiring. From her early activism in youth organizations to her national leadership roles as Commissioner for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and now Commissioner for Gender-Based and Domestic Violence, Samantha shares a deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation that blends vulnerability with vision.

We explore what it means to speak hard truths to young people, how underestimation shapes the lives of those with disabilities, and why inclusion must extend beyond policy into the personal. Samantha opens up about her near-death experience, how she discovered her own disability, and the emotional and transformative journey of fostering a child. We also unpack the impact of technology on youth, the dynamics of romantic relationships, and the ongoing fight against gender-based and domestic violence.

This is a raw, thought-provoking episode about resilience, honesty, and creating meaningful social change—both in systems and in our everyday lives.

Song by: Travel Acoustic Hip Hop · Action Alexi

#GROWTHSchema #PersonalGrowth #HumanRights #InclusionMatters #DisabilityAwareness #FosteringLove #GenderEquality #DomesticViolenceAwareness #YouthEmpowerment #SocialChange #VulnerabilityIsStrength #SamanthaPaceGasan

In this episode of the GROWTHSchema podcast, we sit down with Dragan Donkov, an EMCC-accredited Senior Practitioner Coach who helps leaders and teams navigate the complex challenges of modern life. With deep expertise in both individual and team coaching, Dragan offers a grounded and thoughtful perspective on how to balance roles, meet professional demands, and lead with greater self-awareness.

We dive into the differences between coaching and therapy, unpack the importance of psychological first aid, and explore what it truly means to be human—beyond the job titles and performance metrics. Dragan shares practical insights for anyone who feels stretched thin by responsibility, and offers a compassionate roadmap for becoming a more intentional, present, and connected leader.

Whether you're leading a team, navigating parenthood, or simply trying to integrate your many roles, this episode will give you tools and reflections to grow from the inside out.

Tune in to rediscover leadership, explore mental well-being, and connect with the essence of being human.

Song by: Travel Acoustic Hip Hop · Action Alexi

#LeadershipDevelopment #TeamCoaching #SelfAwareness #CoachingVsTherapy #PsychologicalFirstAid #PersonalGrowth #WorkLifeBalance #EmotionalIntelligence #GrowthSchema #OrganizationalPsychology #LeadWithIntention

In this special Maltese-language episode of the GROWTHSchema podcast, we sit down with Claire Agius Ordway, a powerhouse in the local television and media industry. With over two decades of experience as a TV producer, presenter, and entertainer, Claire has inspired countless people through her work.

In this conversation, we dive into Claire’s personal journey with fitness and weight loss, exploring what it really takes to make lasting lifestyle changes. We also discuss the power of leading by example—how prioritizing your own growth and well-being can inspire those around you. Finally, we explore the challenges of navigating an active social media presence, from dealing with visibility to maintaining authenticity in the online world.

If you’re looking for motivation to prioritize your health, embrace self-improvement, and step into your confidence, this episode is a must-listen.

Tune in to hear Claire’s powerful insights on discipline, resilience, and showing up for yourself!

Song by: Travel Acoustic Hip Hop · Action Alexi

#GROWTHSchema #SelfImprovement #FitnessJourney #WeightLossTransformation #InspiringOthers #SocialMediaLife #MaltesePodcast #ClaireAgiusOrdway #LeadByExample #PersonalGrowth

In this episode of the GROWTHSchema podcast, we sit down with Luca Caruana, a financial coach who transformed his early experiences with financial instability into a mission to empower others. Luca shares how witnessing his family's struggles—and a life-changing seizure—ignited his passion for financial literacy and disciplined money management. Today, Luca reveals how he aligns financial decisions with personal goals, helping individuals balance saving for the future with enjoying the present. We dive into topics like money coaching, living with epilepsy, and strategies for sustaining a family financially. Whether you’re looking to take control of your finances or seeking inspiration on resilience and growth, Luca’s story offers practical insights and heartfelt advice to guide your journey.

Song by: Travel Acoustic Hip Hop · Action Alexi

#FinancialCoaching #MoneyMatters #FinancialLiteracy #MindfulMoney #PersonalGrowth #MoneyManagement #GROWTHSchema #Resilience #Empowerment #LeadYourLife