In Episode 26 of The UnbrandMe Podcast, host Peter-Jan Grech sits down with Lilly Pavlou, Executive Director of Qube Events, for a conversation that goes far beyond event planning. From her early days in Pretoria, South Africa, to running one of the most innovative events companies in the world, Lilly shares her remarkable journey of resilience, purpose, and leadership.She opens up about “the ceiling hitting her,” leaving a career she loved, and how that moment sparked the creation of Qube Events almost 10 years ago. Lilly reflects on the values that guide her, content and contact, and why building authentic, connected communities is the heartbeat of her work.We explore the highs and challenges of the global events space, the transition to digital during the pandemic, and her recent venture into M&A advisory with Hatton, helping companies navigate growth and legacy. Packed with practical wisdom, Lilly’s story is about courage, adaptability, and leading with heart.Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or simply someone who believes in the power of human connection, this episode is one to remember.
In this episode of UnbrandMe, Pete sits down with Pierre Lindh: co-founder of NEXT.io, endurance athlete, and one of the most influential voices in the iGaming world.
Pierre’s story begins at 17, when he found himself running one of Scandinavia’s largest underground poker clubs until a police raid landed him on the front page of three national newspapers. What could have ended his career before it began instead sparked a journey that led him to become a respected entrepreneur, community builder, and advocate for a more human-centred industry.
What struck me most in our conversation wasn’t just his story, it was his presence. Calm, deeply self-aware, and remarkably generous, Pierre is someone who leads with clarity and puts people first. Whether we were talking about building a billion-euro brand or rebuilding a company that lost 100% of its revenue during COVID, his answers were grounded, intentional, and always people-focused.
We explore the roots of his leadership philosophy, his passion for endurance sports, and the routines and rituals he uses to sustain high performance without burning out. We also talk about Malta, the future of conferences, and why he believes integrity, not ego, is the foundation for success.
If you're a founder, a team leader, or someone curious about the quieter truths behind success, this episode is worth your time.
In this episode of The Unbrandme Podcast, Peter Grech sits down with Jesmond Bonello, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Content House — Malta’s leading digital media publisher. Jesmond’s journey from his early days in radio and journalism to building one of the country’s most resilient media businesses alongside his partner and wife, Isabelle, is both inspiring and instructive.
This open conversation traces a 30+ year evolution of media in Malta, from print to digital, and unpacks what it takes to lead through crisis and opportunity. Jesmond shares insights on navigating ad-funded journalism, competing with the tech giants, and what it takes to build (and keep) a strong team.
For anyone passionate about the media landscape, entrepreneurship, and the power of reinvention, this episode offers a front-row seat to Jesmond’s remarkable story.
In this episode of The UnbrandMe Podcast, host Peter Grech sits down with Marija Hammon—an accomplished marketing strategist whose journey began in FMCG before carving out a standout 13-year career in the iGaming industry.Marija shares how her foundational years in consumer goods shaped her approach to branding, and how she’s since adapted and thrived in the fast-paced, regulation-heavy world of iGaming. From team leadership to building brands that resonate, Marija opens up about what it takes to lead with clarity and creativity across industries.We explore the nuances of personal branding—why it matters more than ever, and how it has guided Marija’s transition from corporate marketing leader to independent Brand & Marketing Consultant. Her story is one of evolution, empowerment, and fearless career reinvention.Whether you’re leading a team, managing a brand, or redefining your own path—this one’s not to be missed.
In this powerful episode of the UnbrandMe Podcast, Peter Grech sits down with Michael Virardi—renowned keynote speaker, trainer, and author—who made the bold decision to step away from his family’s thriving business in Cyprus to pursue his true calling: inspiring leaders on a global stage.
Far from a story of escape, Michael’s time in the family business shaped his deepest insights into leadership, human connection, and emotional intelligence. It’s where he learned to read people, lead with empathy, and build trust—skills that now form the bedrock of his work with executives and teams across the world.
We explore the courage it takes to reinvent your path, the art of connecting with any audience, and the responsibility of leading with purpose in an unpredictable world. Michael’s work continues to re-energise leaders, helping them rediscover their voice, their mission, and their drive.
This episode is a testament to the power of self-awareness, bold vision, and the kind of leadership that leaves a lasting mark.
In this candid episode of UnbrandMe, host Peter Grech sits down with Claire Abela, the fearless founder of LUCY—Malta’s premier makeup experience. Claire opens up about the defining moment when her father fired her at 19, forcing her to rebuild herself the hard way. She shares how that setback ignited a journey of grit and determination, ultimately transforming adversity into success.
Claire also reveals the secret behind LUCY’s vibrant culture: building a tribe. Her passion for her team and her unique leadership approach have been instrumental in elevating the brand to new heights. Moreover, she discusses how she copes with life’s tough moments—giving herself a set time to grieve before bouncing back stronger than ever.
This episode is a powerful testament to resilience, raw leadership, and the relentless pursuit of passion. Whether you're an entrepreneur or simply seeking inspiration, Claire’s story will leave you motivated to turn challenges into triumphs.
In Episode 20 of The UnbrandMe Podcast, we sit down with Helga Ellul, former CEO of Playmobil Malta and one of Malta’s most respected business leaders.
Helga shares her incredible journey—from arriving in Malta in the 1970s to playing a key role in establishing Playmobil as a global brand. She opens up about the challenges of leading in a new culture, mentoring teams, and the lessons she’s learned about business growth, succession, and leadership.
Her impact on Malta’s economy, business landscape, and future leaders is undeniable. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with real insights from a leader who helped shape Malta’s business world.
In this episode, Peter Grech sits down with Jean-Claude Muscat, CEO of Malta’s largest private hospital, to unpack his extraordinary journey. Jean-Claude shares how he helped transition St. James from a small family clinic into Malta’s leading private healthcare facility, now expanding to include a state-of-the-art hospital in Hungary.
We explore the challenges of global expansion, including navigating the complexities of opening—and eventually closing—in Libya, as well as the strategies he implemented to overcome these hurdles. Jean-Claude dives into how he built robust processes and redefined onboarding for new doctors to ensure consistent, top-tier patient care across borders.
This episode is a story of vision, resilience, and innovation in the face of adversity—a must-listen for anyone curious about leadership, global business growth, and driving meaningful change in the healthcare industry.
In this unique episode of The Unbrandme Podcast, Pete invites a truly special guest — a Chat GPT-based AI named “G”. Together, they dive into the evolving relationship between humans and AI, exploring how generative tools are reshaping creativity, branding, and the workplace.
In this episode of The Unbrandme Podcast, host Peter Grech welcomes Rebecca Bonnici, CEO of Business English Language Schools (BELS). Rebecca takes us through her inspiring journey from a young educator to the owner and leader of her father’s language school, transforming it into one of Malta’s premier ESL institutions. She shares the personal and professional challenges she faced taking on a family legacy at a young age, as well as the impact of motherhood on her leadership style. Rebecca also dives into her vision for Malta’s tourism industry, advocating for ways to attract high-quality visitors and create enriching experiences. Join us for an engaging conversation packed with insights on language, leadership, family, and the future of tourism in Malta!
In this episode of UnbrandMe, host Peter Grech sits down with Malta’s most renowned podcaster, Jon Mallia. From his roots in the Maltese rap scene to his meteoric rise on YouTube with over 2.65 million views, Jon shares his journey of creativity and leadership across multiple platforms. We dive into his personal brand, the energy behind his success, and his unwavering dedication to using storytelling to address national issues. This episode is packed with inspiration, straight talk on building a motivated team and community, and insights into Jon’s raw approach to growth and trust.
In this episode of UnbrandMe, host Peter Grech sits down with Andrew Schembri, co-founder of Żibel, a pioneering NGO dedicated to cleaning Malta’s seas and raising environmental awareness. What started as a simple Facebook-organised beach cleanup has grown into a nationwide movement. Andrew shares how his experience in the family business helped him build Żibel into a successful NGO that bridges the gap between activists, the private sector, and the public.
From tackling sea pollution head-on by collecting waste from Malta’s seabeds to introducing innovative recycling solutions, Żibel is transforming challenges into opportunities. Tune in as Andrew discusses the importance of collaboration, education, and creative problem-solving to make a lasting impact on the environment and future generations.
Join us on the UnbrandMe Podcast as we explore personal finance with Patrick Debattista, a financial coach dedicated to democratizing financial knowledge. Patrick’s journey began with personal financial challenges, inspiring him to empower others through his initiative, Finance For You. In this episode, we discuss effective financial planning, overcoming money taboos, and aligning financial practices with personal happiness. Patrick also shares how he’s built a successful personal brand and leveraged social media to amplify his impact. He introduces the “pay yourself first” philosophy, a strategy to ensure financial security by prioritizing savings and investments. Tune in for actionable insights that can transform your financial health and personal well-being.
Join host Peter Grech on the UnbrandMe Podcast as we explore the remarkable journey of Ben Grech, a visionary entrepreneur who transformed the student accommodation landscape with his company, Uniplaces. Raised in the UK with summers spent in Malta, Ben’s unique upbringing infused him with a global perspective from an early age. Inspired by early mentorship and his leadership in establishing the Entrepreneurship Society at the University of Nottingham, Ben embraced the power of meaningful connections to launch his venture.
In this episode, Ben shares the genesis of Uniplaces during his university days with co-founders Amaro and Kostelec, and how their idea blossomed into a global enterprise. As the former CEO, Ben recounts the exhilarating challenges of international expansion and securing over $30 million in funding, highlighting a pivotal $24 million from the prestigious VC firm Atomico. His transition from CEO to Non-Executive Chairman and later to CEO of Reposit illustrates his strategic vision for scaling businesses and his belief in companies as vehicles for positive change.
Dive into Ben’s insights on leadership, innovation, and the impact of building businesses that not only succeed commercially but also contribute positively to society. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or seasoned business leader, Ben’s story offers invaluable lessons on growth, resilience, and the transformative power of entrepreneurship.
Explore the fascinating world of AI and tech with Gege Gatt, a leader in digital ethics and AI innovation and CEO of London-based company EBO. This episode offers a rare glimpse into how technology is shaping our future, guided by principles of ethical leadership, everything from AI’s impact on children’s education to the role of leadership in tech. Gege’s blend of legal expertise and tech innovation, coupled with his social activism, offers a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in today’s digital world. Dr. Gatt provides a visionary outlook on how we can harness technology for human progress.
In Episode 11 of the Unbrandme Podcast, host Peter Grech sits down with Zack Ritchie, the visionary designer behind Bepe and the Cacti Crew. Zack delves into the trials and triumphs of his unique journey, including the challenge of creating an illustration a day for a year. This commitment not only opened doors to collaborations with international artists but also introduced him to the transformative world of NFTs. Tune in to hear Zack’s fascinating story about launching his first brand store, realising his full creative potential, and revolutionising the approach to the creative industry. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with one of the most innovative minds in design today.
A New Episode on the Unbrandme Podcast. Discover the multifaceted life of Gianni Zammit, from his aspirations of rock stardom to his influential role in business and entertainment in Malta. Join Peter-Jan Grech and Gianni as they explore themes of resilience, innovation, and the art of leadership learnt from the stage. A must-listen for all business leaders. #Entrepreneurship #UnbrandMe #OldFriendsNewStories
Join us on the UnBrandMe Podcast as we delve into the extraordinary life of Trudy Kerr, renowned podcast host of ‘The She Word’ and ‘The Interviewer,’ and former Creative Director. In this deeply personal episode, Trudy shares her rollercoaster journey through mental health struggles, career highs in London’s top ad agencies, and personal lows including substance abuse, a tumultuous marriage, and a near-fatal horse riding accident. Discover how Trudy’s indomitable spirit led her to embrace ultra-distance running as a transformative escape, ultimately redefining her life and success on her own terms. This episode is a testament to the power of resilience and the courage to follow one’s instincts against all odds.
Join host Peter-Jan Grech in this episode of the Unbrandme podcast as he sits down with Yasmin de Giorgio. With over a decade of experience in startup ventures and a fervent dedication to personal development, Yasmin shares her insights on maintaining core beliefs while navigating diverse business landscapes. Discover Yasmin’s journey starting with the struggles of kickstarting passion projects Sanya and Grassy Hopper, and how she has leveraged these experiences to take on the role as CEO of Shireburn. In this candid conversation, Yasmin delves into the importance of ethical responsibility, the challenges of inheriting a family business, and her vision for the future of both Shireburn and Sanya. Tune in to gain valuable entrepreneurial wisdom and inspiration from Yasmin de Giorgio’s remarkable journey.
Dive into the remarkable journey of Krystle Penza, the unstoppable force behind Mvintage, one of Malta’s most iconic brands, on the latest episode of “Unbrandme” with host Peter-Jan Grech. From mastering the intricacies of the fashion industry to navigating the joys and challenges of motherhood, and her fight against limiting beliefs, Krystle’s story is a testament to self-discovery, resilience, and unwavering determination to empower women. Join us as we unravel the secrets behind her meteoric rise and find inspiration in her journey.