In today’s dynamic business landscape, the pursuit of enduring success has taken centre stage. For years, enterprises have optimized operations through established models like Porter’s Value Chain, primarily focused on their bottom line. However, as the world shifts towards Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations in business decision-making, we face a pivotal question: Should business leaders disrupt well-established routines? And where does the true value of ESG lie?

 

Unearthing Value through Disruption:

Traditionally, businesses have been reluctant to disrupt functioning routines, but value can emerge through disruptive initiatives, especially within the realms of ESG and business transformation. ESG signifies a critical paradigm shift, emphasizing profits alongside broader responsibilities towards the environment, society, and governance. So, how can we persuade business leaders to embrace this change?

 

ESG’s Multi-Dimensional Value:

 

Beneath the surface, ESG practices are inherently value-driven and definitely not disruptive. ESG performance increasingly influences funding costs; businesses excelling in ESG will find it easier to secure capital at lower costs, while those with poor records may face higher interest rates and stringent terms. A clear and direct detriment to businesses’ longevity and prosperity.

Furthermore, ESG practices tackle pressing global challenges like resource scarcity and environmental consequences. Poor ESG practices can lead to resource shortages as well as increased costs due carbon-related expenses resulting from CO2 emissions, including ‘carbon taxes’ and reputational damage among others.

As consumer preferences evolve, businesses that fail to adapt to ESG requirements risk having products and services rendered obsolete, as is looming in the shift from traditional diesel engines to sustainable alternatives in the automobile industry.

 

 

 

The ‘G’ in ESG: Governance’s Pivotal Role:

The ‘G’ in ESG represents Governance, a cornerstone for driving change within organizations. History furnishes us with a pertinent illustration from the banking sector, where efforts were made to mitigate risks stemming from high-risk endeavours undertaken by executives in the quest for profitability. As part of their strategic measures, ECB, emphasised on reforming executive and board compensation structures.  In an environment where ESG initiatives may be seen as counterproductive by leaders pursuing bottom line results it is high time to focus on strategic measures for ESG to be prioritised.

Among other measures, shareholders should push for performance assessment metrics that include ESG metrics to establish executive pay as well as providing ESG champions with direct access to the board.

 

 

Executive remuneration.

To establish a culture of ESG responsibility among business leaders, organizations should implement a robust system of ESG Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that carry significant weight alongside traditional financial metrics. The integration of ESG KPIs is essential for driving meaningful change within an organization.

• Penalizing Poor Performing Managers: In cases where executives exhibit subpar ESG performance, it is imperative to impose internal penalties that directly impact the financial performance of their respective divisions. These penalties should extend to their performance bonuses, creating a direct link between ESG goals and financial outcomes. This approach aligns the interests of business leaders with the organization’s commitment to sustainable practices, reinforcing the urgency of ESG responsibilities.
• Rewarding Excellence: To further incentivize ESG excellence, penalties imposed on underperforming divisions can be strategically redirected to lower the financing costs of high-performing ESG divisions. By reducing the financial burden on these exemplary divisions, this approach not only acknowledges and motivates those driving ESG initiatives but also enhances their profitability. Ultimately, this financial reward system encourages managers to prioritize ESG goals, ensuring that sustainable practices become integral to their division’s success.

 

In this way, the strategic use of ESG KPIs not only holds business leaders accountable for their environmental, social, and governance responsibilities but also actively promotes a culture of sustainability, where achieving ESG targets is not just a moral obligation but a route to enhanced financial performance and success. This measure may initially seem harsh, but it becomes necessary in organizations where managers fail to understand the importance of ESG, driving home the critical connection between responsible business practices and overall success.

 

In a world where short-term gains are no longer sustainable, businesses must pivot toward ESG and business transformation for lasting value creation. The key to this shift’s success lies in reshaping the mindset of business leaders. linking ESG KPIs to financial consequences is one way to persuade business leaders to embrace ESG principles, not merely as a moral obligation but as a strategic necessity for shareholder wealth and long-term sustainability. It’s time to redefine success in business by uniting around the common goal of a more sustainable future.

In this article, we invite you to explore the world of interns at AX Hotels, Sliema. Through the first-hand experiences and stories of our interns, you’ll gain valuable insights into the dynamic work culture at AX Hotels. Dive into the enriching narratives that lie ahead and discover more about these interns’ unique experiences.

Charlotte Acton – Events Department intern at AX The Palace

“My 3-month internship at AX Hotels Sliema was an experience as rich in learning as it was in emotions, working with my exceptional team and dedicated colleagues, Zsolt and Victoria, was an invaluable experience. They have been essential to my professional and personal development. They have been with me throughout this period of discovery and learning. Indeed, Zsolt, with his expertise and his patient, understanding attitude, was able to guide me throughout, at my own pace. I was able to learn from his skills in operational management and leadership, which enabled me to discover the right profile for an event manager and inspired me to develop further in these areas. Victoria also offered me invaluable support in my day-to-day tasks. Her warm and collaborative approach fostered a positive working environment where I was able to flourish and give the best of myself.

Secondly, the events organised by our team have been unique opportunities for me to learn and grow in the luxury hotel industry. From large receptions to conferences to beautiful weddings, I never stopped learning about every detail and complexity that an event requires, and I have very fond memories of them today. The many projects I’ve been involved in have given me a wealth of experience in event management and real-time problem-solving.

What’s more, in a warm and pleasant working environment, the AX hotel staff, from all departments, are always there to help you when you’re at a learning curve, as I was, and so I’d like to thank all the AX Hotels Sliema hotel staff for their help, which at the time seemed simple but which, for me, was a great help and made all the difference in carrying out my daily tasks and my unusual assignments.

All in all, my work placement at AX The Palace, AX The Victoria Hotel and The Palazzo Capua was an enriching experience that gave me important professional skills that I intend to develop and perfect in the future. I am very grateful to my team and colleagues for everything they have given me, and I am convinced that what I have learnt will stay with me throughout my career.”

 

Sietze Idenburg –  Front Office intern at AX The Victoria

“For the last 20 weeks, I worked as an intern at The AX Victoria Hotel as a Front Office Agent. From the moment I stepped through the hotel’s doors on my very first day, I embarked on a journey of learning and personal growth that has left an indelible mark on me. I’ve learned so much since my first day here, from practising my initial check-in with role-play with my fellow colleagues to handling 20 guest check-ins per day on my own. I would like to express my gratitude to all my colleagues who made my time here even more enjoyable. I wish all my colleagues the best of luck in the future, and I would like to thank Mr. Charles Portelli for sharing his knowledge and experience with me. It has been a pleasure to be a part of the AX Victoria team, and I’m certain that I will visit again in the near future!”

 

Audrey Guilloux – Sales Department Intern at AX The Palace

“I am grateful for the opportunities, growth, and wonderful memories I had during my internship.

From day one I felt welcomed and supported by his AX Sliema team. The positive and friendly atmosphere at work made me fit in quickly and made me feel like a valued member of the team. I am grateful for the guidance of my colleagues who have generously contributed their knowledge and expertise to help me grow both personally and professionally.

One of the highlights of my internship was the relationships I developed with my fellow interns and colleagues. The camaraderie and teamwork made every day enjoyable and memorable. You made AX Hotels Sliema feel like a safe workspace for me, made me feel heard, and gave me the confidence to come up with new ideas.

During my internship, I had the opportunity to gain hands-on skills and valuable industry knowledge. Working in different departments has given me a comprehensive understanding of the hotel industry. I learned how to deal with real situations and improved my communication skills. My experience at AX Sliema has definitely contributed to my personal and professional growth and strengthened my desire to work in the hospitality industry.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone at AX Sliema for their warm welcome, support and encouragement during my internship. It is an honour to be part of the AX Sliema team and I am very grateful for the opportunity given to me.”

 

In conclusion, the internships at AX Hotels Sliema have been transformative experiences, illuminating the path of success for these individuals in the dynamic world of hospitality. These intern stories highlight the value of dedicated colleagues and mentors who nurture growth in a collaborative work environment. Throughout their journey, these interns have gained valuable insights, learned to manage various events, and discovered the power of teamwork. We extend our heartfelt best wishes to Charlotte, Sietze, and Audrey as they embark on their promising futures!

On International Chefs Day, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on the culinary talent within AX Group. Our professional chefs are the heartbeat of our kitchens, infusing passion and creativity into every dish they create. On this day we recognise the dedication and artistry of these talented individuals. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the chefs who bring flavour and innovation to our dining experiences, each with their unique story and style. Join us as we celebrate the unsung heroes behind our delicious meals and gain a glimpse into their culinary world.

 

 

Chef Victor Borg – AX Hotels Valletta

Chef Victor Borg embarked on his culinary journey at the age of 15 in Malta and included prestigious stints in Switzerland and London, culminating in the opening of his own renowned restaurant ‘Mange Tout’ before joining Rosselli – AX Privilege. Inspired by the ’80s tourism boom in Malta, Chef Borg’s dedication and resolve led to a fulfilling culinary career. Chef Borg finds it rewarding to see the joy on customers’ faces and in witnessing his student’s progress and growth. With a philosophy rooted in ingredient-driven, seasonal cooking, Chef Borg has created signature dishes like Lasagne ‘Nera’ and White Chocolate Cheesecake. For him, when designing menus, seasonality, ingredient research, diverse choices, and complex flavour layers are paramount factors. His advice to the next generation underlines responsibility, continuous improvement, and enthusiasm for the craft.

For the full story, click here.

 

 

 

 

Chef Steven Pisani – AX Care

Chef Steven Pisani’s culinary journey began with formal education, progressing from Food Preparation and Production certification to a Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts. His studies at I.T.S. and the Paul Bocuse Institute in France opened doors to opportunities in various hotels and restaurants in Malta and abroad, including the prestigious Michelin-starred “Lympstone Manor.” Inspired by his mother’s home-cooked meals from a young age, Chef Pisani considers customer feedback as the source to achieve work satisfaction. His cooking philosophy emphasises the art of creating multisensory meals, transforming simple ingredients into surprising dishes. His signature dish, chicken liver parfait with cider jelly, reflects his attention to precise timing and detail. In the process of designing a menu, his focus is on finding his market niche using local, seasonal ingredients. Chef Pisani’s advice for aspiring chefs is to cultivate their passion and aim high.

 

Read more.

 

 

 

 

Chef Joe Xuereb – AX Hotels Sliema

Chef Joe Xuereb’s culinary journey began during his childhood at home, assisting family members at baking sessions and learning along the way. Inspired by baking and early experimentation, he pursued culinary education and interned at the Jersey Channel Islands. He further perfected his skills by working alongside renowned chefs in London and returned to Malta to become an Executive Chef. Joining AX The Palace in 2007, he played a vital role in establishing a new 5-star hotel, heading an Asian restaurant. By cooking with simplicity, he allows natural flavours to really shine through his dishes. When designing a menu he considers various important factors ranging from special requests, seasonality to culture and more. His advice for aspiring chefs is to pursue their culinary dreams with passion and resilience.

 

For his full story, read here.

 

 

 

Chef Paul Borg – AX Hotels Qawra

Chef Paul Borg’s culinary journey began as a kitchen helper 35 years ago during a summer job, leading to his passion for cooking. He pursued formal culinary education and spent the last two decades leading kitchen teams in various hotels and resorts. His inspiration came from combining passion and creativity. Chef Borg finds daily satisfaction in achieving culinary goals with his team’s support. His cooking philosophy revolves around passion and seasonal ingredients, letting the food inspire the dishes. When designing menus, he considers guest demographics, seasonality, and budget. Summer is his preferred cooking season, and outside the kitchen, he enjoys gardening and caring for his pets. His advice to future chefs: master the fundamentals, stay open to culinary trends, trust your own taste, and be prepared for the demanding yet rewarding culinary journey.

 

For the full story, click here.

 

 

 

 

We are truly privileged to hold such talent within our culinary team that takes our valued customers’ and residents’ dining experience to new heights. The delivery of exquisite dining experiences is made possible by the enthusiasm, creativity and perseverance our chefs bring to the table. But we must not forget the talented teams that stand beside them every day – the sous chefs, kitchen staff, and front-of-house teams. Without their team’s steadfast support, our chefs’ gastronomic visions would remain unfulfilled. We extend our appreciation to all who help make our dining experiences possible, from the talented chefs to the dedicated teams behind them. Together, we continue to create signature dishes and memorable dining moments for our guests and residents.

 

 

They say the more you grow, the more you learn. This familiar saying holds true for our front office shift leader at AX Hotels Sliema, Kerr Floyd Subere and his team members. They recently had the opportunity to participate in the MTA cultural tour, and in the upcoming read, we’ll get a glimpse of Kerr’s reflections and takeaways from this intriguing experience.

Here’s what Kerr Floyd had to say:

“The MTA cultural tour proved to be an informative and enjoyable experience for our team. We received a wealth of insights into the history of the three cities and going beyond their architecture to understand their importance in Malta’s history.

Our tour guide made the learning process engaging and fun, and we had the opportunity to meet and connect with new people, allowing us to expand our professional network and form friendships along the way.

 

One aspect of the tour that particularly stood out was the insight it offered into the various modes of travel in Malta. The ferry, in particular, emerged as an excellent option for exploring the island. This is something we’ll certainly recommend to our hotel guests, especially those interested in learning more about the island’s heritage and resilience.

I want to extend my recommendation for this cultural tour to all my colleagues at AX. It not only enhances our ability to provide a better service but also allows us to go above and beyond in offering guests a richer understanding of Malta’s culture.”

As our employees continue to learn, we enhance the experiences we provide to our guests who visit our beautiful island and stay at our hotels.

 

In today’s ever-changing business environment, the role of interns has evolved significantly. This transformation is particularly noticeable at the AX Group Business Centre, where interns are not just participants in day-to-day operations but active contributors to innovation, growth, and success. Meet our interns below!

 

Shaun Aquilina

I am Shaun Aquilina, a 16-year-old student currently working as an intern with AX Group, part of the IT team at Head Office. In my role, I provide assistance to my colleagues within the IT department, both with hardware and software tasks. This includes maintaining inventories such as the storage room and printer data. I recently completed my secondary education at Maria Regina, where I studied Computing for three years. I aspire to pursue my passion for video game development by furthering my studies in Computing at an Advanced Level at Giovanni Curmi Higher.

 

 

Monica Teuma

I am Monica Teuma, a 22-year-old student, currently undergoing a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Enterprise at MCAST. Presently, I am fulfilling an internship role in the marketing department at AX Group. Within AX Group, I am primarily responsible for providing support to the marketing team in various tasks and projects.

My role involves assisting in the organisation of marketing photography and assets, contributing to marketing campaigns, conducting market research, assisting with content creation, and staying updated on industry trends. Upon completing my degree, my intention is to pursue a master’s degree in marketing, with the aim of further advancing my career and personal growth.

 

 

Joan Petit

My name is Joan Petit, and I am from Barcelona, Spain. I worked with AX Group, undertaking an Erasmus program during June and July. The main objective of my internship is to digitalize the company’s documents, making it more efficient to search for them using the program Therefore. Additionally, I provide support to my colleagues beyond this project, assisting them with any reported issues.

I am currently pursuing an IT degree at STUCOM Centre in Barcelona, which is a two-year program. Upon my return to Spain, I will start the second year of my studies. As I look ahead to my future, I intend to continue studying subjects related to computers, such as programming, networks, and databases, which are my primary areas of interest.

 

 

We believe in the potential of every intern who has been part of our team, and we are confident that they will go on to achieve remarkable success in their future careers. To our interns, we extend our best wishes and hopes for a bright and fulfilling professional journey ahead.