Nathan shares some thoughts about his recent move, getting out of the comfort zone and “being curious” about the future.

It’s been an interesting ride over the past 2 years with Shireburn Software: helping the company reshape it’s long term strategies, re-evaluate their HR practices and redevelop their software processes. Despite COVID and the storms it brought, Shireburn actually continued to gain market share and employee engagement hit an all time high. When people see a challenge as an opportunity, they are driven to perform to even greater heights!

The role of leadership is to set people up for their own success, and I feel comfortable that the Shireburn team have transformed themselves into able leaders and individual stars, well beyond their technological prowess. I have no doubt the results will be seen in their bottom line and the agility of their decision making. I have decided that now is the right time to step away from the Chief Executive role at Shireburn Software to pursue other areas of interest, including the growth of VISTAGE in Malta, as well as support the UP team with digitisation and new business initiatives and the continuous development of the sports brands like XTERRA Malta and Colour My Run, which we believe fit within our core purpose of pushing people out of their comfort zone to help them grow.  

VISTAGE is an amazing platform for leadership development that helps CEOs grow. We aim to extend that to key executives now. I believe anyone aspiring to become a C-level executive should join. VISTAGE allows you to develop personally to maximise your impact as a leader, as well as learn from the best in a much quicker and pragmatic way, beyond academic learning. 

I am looking forward to spending more time in other businesses, such as the hospitality and real estate businesses I am a non-executive director with. It would be rewarding to look for other areas to work on strategy and growth, as well as retaining my philanthropic roles on Inspire, the Lino Spiteri Foundation and Empower Coop; a deeper sense of purpose has always been core to my choice of career.

The work with the able team at Shireburn is not done, however. I am keen to continue to work with John and the senior team as a non-executive director, as well as coaching the leadership team with an external viewpoint and as a sounding board. We have some really cool products in design, so watch that space!

I’m now back to exploration mode and I’d like to connect with you to explore ways we may be able to help you under one of the many areas of expertise built up across so many industries over the years. Please get in touch if you want to grab a coffee – virtual or otherwise – and think out loud. Whether you are curious about Vistage, training & coaching your leadership team, strategic support on your board or “don’t yet know, but are curious”, let’s have a chat!

Nathan