‘We have finally realised we are all inter-connected’ – Gozo Business Chamber CEO

Gozo Business Chamber CEO Daniel Borg is pleased to acknowledge that between the COVID-19 pandemic and the ramifications of the war in the Ukraine, people seem to finally be realising that “we are all inter-connected.”

Despite trying to focus on the positive that comes out of every situation, the CEO couldn’t help but observe that pandemic-related stress, among other issues, has left a significant impact on the mental health of entrepreneurs. 

“It was an extremely difficult situation, in which they were seeing the possibility of what they had built along the years, vanishing instantly,” he told MaltaCEOs.mt, adding that “taking everything in one stride will not help.”

Indeed, he suggested that “entrepreneurs, employers, and business leaders also need to take care of their mental health, ensuring a healthy work-life balance.” In this regard, Mr Borg also insists that it is OK to say “no” from time to time, whether it is to an opportunity you feel you cannot handle, or even to taking on more than one can chew.

“Thus, the need to think, and assess the situation before taking any decision which one may eventually regret,” Mr Borg stated.

While the issue of feeling lonely at the top of the corporate ladder is a phenomenon that has been tackled before on MaltaCEOs.mt, the Gozo Business Chamber CEO brings again raises the issue, stating that sometimes, “the business takes up one’s whole life, rendering a person isolated.”

“Remaining connected with your family, friends and community is an important aspect which should never be neglected. This would surely help to navigate difficult times,” he added.

As a firm believer in human connection himself, Mr Borg asserts that “while the past years have seen [the Gozo Business Chamber] contribute to important policy debates, it is important for [him] to see that the Chamber does not lose its human touch, both vis-a-vis its members, and in the wider community [they] are operating in.”

Although 2023 does promise to have its fair share of challenges, Mr Borg believes that “sustainability will bring in a number of business opportunities which a wise business entrepreneur will seek and invest in, such as the restructuring of existing properties to make them more sustainable. 

“Those who are preparing themselves for this new reality will thrive,” he affirms.

Speaking of the experience he’s had abroad recently, the CEO acknowledged that while the problem of finding adequate human resources is a challenge which is being faced by everyone, locally and internationally, “there are issues related to transportation which are affecting the cost of raw materials and other finished goods when they reach our island, and which are contributing to the spiral in our cost of living.” 

“This reality is more difficult for insular realities such as Malta and Gozo”, he insisted.

Even though this festive season is “fraught with uncertainties,” Mr Borg believes that the past two years have shown all of us how fragile we can be and “how important it is to have one another and to give true meaning to the things that truly deserve it.”