Who is taking care of the boss?

Supporting the Mental Well-Being of Malta’s Business Leaders

Running a business is rewarding but carries an immense mental load, especially in Malta’s fast-paced and high-pressure economy. When employers are under strain, it doesn’t just affect them personally. Their decision-making suffers, innovation slows down, and productivity across teams can take a hit. Despite this, the mental health of business leaders often goes unnoticed and unsupported.

In Malta, around 1 in 5 workers is self-employed. About 11% run solo operations, while another 10% lead businesses that employ others. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) dominate Malta’s economy. They make up 99.8% of all companies, contribute over 80% of the country’s economic output, and provide nearly 78% of private sector jobs. So the well-being of our business leaders isn’t just a personal issue, it’s a matter of national interest.

International research shows that entrepreneurs and leaders face higher rates of depression, anxiety, and even burnout compared to the general population. During the pandemic, nearly 8 in 10 managers reported struggling with their mental health, and even outside of crisis periods, almost half of business owners report mental health difficulties.

Yet most mental health initiatives focus on employees and not the employers. Leadership can be lonely. Founders, directors, and entrepreneurs often carry the weight alone, with few safe spaces to talk or seek help. That gap puts long-term productivity and sustainability at risk.

This conference, delivered in collaboration with The Malta Chamber and Willingness, shines a light on the mental health of business leaders. Drawing from clinical experience and organizational insight, we’ll explore practical ways Malta can build a healthier, more resilient leadership culture, starting with the people at the top.

AGENDA

08:30 – 09:00 | Welcome Coffee + Registration
09:00 – 09:05 | Welcome Speech by William Spiteri Bailey, President, The Malta Chamber
09:05 – 09:10 | Speech by Matthew Bartolo, Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor and Chair of the Health and Wellness Committee of The Malta Chamber
09:10 – 09:15 | Testimonial Videos
09:15 – 09:45 | Presentation by Matthew Bartolo, Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor and Chair of the Health and Wellness Committee of The Malta Chamber
09:45 – 10:45 | ‘Strong Leadership starts with a Strong Mind’ Panel Discussion + Q&A
10:45 – 11:00 | Closing Remarks

SPEAKERS (more to be announced)

The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry (The Malta Chamber) is committed to protect the privacy of individuals who communicate with it, use its services, visit its website, and who make use of its online facilities. In this regard, any personal data submitted with this registration will be processed according to our Privacy Policy. During the event, photos will be taken which will be used for marketing purposes.