Women’s Mentorship Matters
Finding someone who listens, understands, and guides you can make all the difference. For women in Gibraltar, the Women’s Mentorship Programme offers just that, honest conversations and valuable support from people with lived experience who understand. Now in its sixth cycle, the programme pairs women with mentors to help them navigate work, life, and everything in between. Ok, full disclosure: as a recently appointed mentor, that last sentence somewhat triggers the old imposter syndrome and self-doubt, but I am honoured to be part of this scheme and look forward to doing my very best in the months ahead.
Launched in 2018 as part of the Ministry of Equality’s gender equality strategy, the programme tackles the underrepresentation of women in leadership while fostering personal growth. Marlene Dalli, Policy Development Officer at the Ministry of Equality, explains, “This programme is about creating opportunities that reflect the talent in our community. When women are better represented, businesses benefit, and so does the wider community.” Since its inception, more than 300 women have participated, and the programme continues to evolve with longer mentorship periods and group learning sessions that mentees have described as invaluable.
Real People, Real Stories
Mentorship isn’t about formal meetings or tick-box exercises – it’s about real people supporting each other. Pete Yeoman, a mentor since the programme began, puts it simply: “I’ve been fortunate to learn from many people throughout my career. Mentoring is my way of giving back.” Pete emphasises that every mentee brings their own journey, challenges, and goals, and the trust they place in him is something he values deeply. “It’s powerful when someone opens up about their goals and fears. And it’s not a one-way street – I’ve learned just as much from them,” he says.
Pete recalls working with a mentee recently promoted to a managerial position. Although thrilled with her new role, she dreaded networking events. “She told me how overwhelming it felt to walk into a room full of people,” Pete shares. “But hearing her later describe how she introduced herself to a group, shared her thoughts, and came away feeling confident – that was a real breakthrough moment. It’s amazing to witness that growth.”
For small business owner and GFSB Board Member Michaela Rees, the mentorship programme was a chance to reflect on her leadership style. Whilst she was already an experienced businessperson, being a mentee helped her with a specific challenge. “Running a start-up means wearing many hats. I was trying to be supportive but ended up micromanaging,” she admits. Her mentor helped her realise that stepping back could empower her team. “Letting go wasn’t easy, but it’s improved how we work. My team is more confident, and I’m less overwhelmed.”
Building Confidence
For many mentees, mentorship provides a confidence boost. Caroline Lane joined to gain a fresh perspective on her career goals. “I often felt out of place in professional settings. Talking with my mentor helped me understand those feelings and work through them,” she says. That shift has made a lasting difference in how she approaches meetings and professional challenges.
Caroline also found the programme’s workshops transformative. “The confidence-building session was a game-changer. It wasn’t just theory – we left with practical tools that I still use today,” she recalls. These workshops provide mentees with skills they can apply immediately, both in their careers and personal lives.
These stories reflect what mentorship is really about: real people supporting each other through everyday challenges and helping each other see things from a new perspective.
Match Making
A successful mentorship begins with the right match. Both mentors and mentees fill out an application detailing their goals and expertise, which helps the Ministry understand what each participant is looking for. “We spend a lot of time finding the best possible match,” Marlene explains. Sometimes, a follow-up chat helps the team refine pairings. “It’s about understanding what someone really needs and finding the best person to support them,” explains Marlene.
Michaela admits the application form initially felt daunting but encourages others to give it a go. “Be honest and share as much as you can. The more they understand about you, the better your match will be,” she advises. Once paired, mentors and mentees decide together how often to meet. “It’s flexible, which makes it easy to fit into your life,” Michaela adds.
Confidentiality is key. In a close-knit community like Gibraltar, privacy helps participants speak freely. “Knowing my conversations wouldn’t go beyond my mentor gave me the space to be completely honest,” Michaela says. That trust is the foundation for meaningful, supportive relationships.
Why It Matters
Mentorship is about real people supporting each other through honest conversations and shared experiences. “Success looks different for everyone,” says Marlene. “Some mentees change careers, some earn promotions, and others discover a new level of confidence. But what unites them is having someone who listens and helps them navigate their journey.” For Pete, mentoring is as rewarding for him as it is for his mentees. “Their perspectives challenge my thinking and make me reflect on my assumptions. Watching someone realise their potential is incredibly fulfilling.”
Michaela’s experience highlights the lasting ripple effect: “It’s changed how I lead and how my team operates. That’s not just good for me – it benefits everyone I work with.” Caroline echoes this sentiment: “It’s about believing in yourself, learning from others, and taking that next step with support behind you.” Marlene adds, “When people feel supported, they’re more likely to step up as leaders and contribute positively to our community. This isn’t just about individuals—it’s about creating a more inclusive and resilient society.”
As a first-time mentor myself, I’m excited to experience this journey first-hand. Listening to these stories has been inspiring, and I look forward to the honest conversations, challenges, and moments of growth that lie ahead for my mentee, and me.
SHARE THIS
OTHER
Two decades is a long time for any business - with all the strife that businesses large and small have had to endure these past four years, it seems that anxiety among business owners has never been higher. I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Garren Thompson, co-owner and co-founder of Gibraltar hair & beauty salon Miss Shapes, based on Bishop Rapallo’s Ramp. As the business recently hit the 20-year milestone, we discussed the highs and lows of creating a successful salon in a saturated market, how he and his team created their new range of Miss Shapes branded Hair & Beauty products and how this will help build success for another 20 years.
We all have bad days, right? In business, that can mean we don’t bring our A-game to work and perhaps our service slips. Maybe a dish takes too long to reach a table or a staff member sounds distracted at the till. This could lead to negative Google Reviews or on ‘that’ Facebook group that […]
During a recent and very long overdue catch up with my friend Trina, I had one of those ‘Aha moments’. To be fair, as someone who spends a lot of time interviewing experts, these moments happen to me a lot, but this one was different. In the 20 years Trina and I have been friends, she’s developed marketing strategies for global brands including Coca Cola, Virgin Atlantic, Nestlé and IKEA . Impressive stuff, but it’s what she’s working on now that really got me thinking…Taking inspiration from the military and politics, Trina and her business partners set up The Competitive Wargaming Team and now deliver secret, scenario-based ‘corporate war rooms’ for senior leaders designed to predict and outmaneuver competitor moves.
Love is big business. According to official statistics, 1,745 weddings took place in Gibraltar in 2021 followed by another 1,761 weddings in 2022 and a further 1640 in 2023. That’s around 33 weddings each week or 6 every single day. With an estimated population of around 33,000, it’s safe to say that, no, we aren’t all marrying each other, but that Gibraltar is a very popular place for many people to come and say ‘I do’. In fact, in all three years, non-residents outnumbered residents by an average of 90% to 10%. The stats point to a healthy wedding sector, one that our Minister for Tourism, Christian Santos is keen to develop. In an interview with the Gibraltar Chronicle he recently said he wanted; “Gibraltar to be the Las Vegas of Europe” when it comes to weddings. Unlike Vegas, we don’t have Elvis. But we do have John. Music legend John Lennon famously married Yoko Ono here in 1969 and put the Rock on the map for ‘Fast Track’ weddings. If music’s not your thing, acting legend Sean Connery (AKA James Bond) also tied the knot here (twice)!
The world of work is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the accelerating capabilities of Generative AI. While robots taking over our jobs might be a sci-fi trope, AI’s ability to learn, create, and automate tasks is undeniably impacting various industries. Generative AI is the umbrella term used to describe the type of AI that can create new content and ideas. This can include text, images, music, code and other types of content. We are now seeing how powerful this tool can be. But is this a threat or a powerful tool waiting to be harnessed? We set out to find out, what does the use of Generative AI look like in Gibraltar?
From the increasing influence of AI to the rise of social commerce and sustainability-driven consumer demand, the key to success lies in adapting strategically rather than chasing every new trend. This guide breaks down the most impactful trends for the year ahead—offering insights on how to integrate them into your business without losing sight of what already works. Smart adaptation, not blind reinvention, is the name of the game. Here's what to expect and how to make it work for you.
Whether you’re an ebook tapper or traditional page turner, there are thousands of books that can make you better at business. Áine Panter, Head of the School of Business at the University of Gibraltar has curated a list of must-reads that will inspire, inform, and equip you for success.
“People want to know the stories behind the products they buy. It’s not just about what’s on the shelf, but the journey it took to get there.” – Stella, Spirit of The Rock As consumer habits shift towards mindfulness and sustainability, the concept of slow shopping has emerged, offering both challenges and opportunities for small businesses. Slow shopping encourages consumers to take their time, make more thoughtful purchases, and focus on quality over quantity.
Over the past 18 years, I've had the privilege of working with a diverse range of businesses and industries, gaining insights into the challenges they face in implementing effective diversity and inclusion strategies. Often, DEI&B is viewed as a 'nice to have' rather than an essential component of business success. With this in mind, I'm excited to share valuable insights and practical steps to help you create environments where everyone can thrive. You've probably heard of DEI&B, but what do these letters really mean, and why do they matter for you and your organisation? Diversity includes differences like race, gender, age, neurodiversity, disability, LGBTQ+, culture, and more; Equity ensures equal opportunities for all; Inclusion values everyone's contributions; and Belonging means individuals feel accepted and integral to the organisation.
Artificial Intelligence promises unprecedented opportunities for small business owners in Gibraltar. As the digital landscape faces constant evolution, understanding AI becomes not just beneficial but essential for businesses aiming to thrive in 2024. In this article, we aim to demystify the complexities surrounding AI, offering an approachable guide to its fundamentals, history, and practical applications for businesses, providing you with the knowledge to embrace this technology confidently.
Running a small business is an exciting journey, but without proper bookkeeping, it can quickly become overwhelming. Imagine trying to make critical business decisions without knowing how much money is in your account or being caught off guard by a hefty tax bill because records weren’t kept up to date. Good bookkeeping isn’t just about staying compliant; it’s about gaining control over your business, planning for growth, and avoiding costly mistakes.
As the CEO of a specialist security business called Paladin Defence and close protection operative/ private security contractor, I have experienced security threats of all types since 1990. From opportunistic personal attacks to targeted organised commercial crime, I feel there is a lot more we should be doing to defend and protect ourselves. Understandably, Gibraltar is considered to have a relatively low crime rate; but what are the realistic threats and risks to small businesses in our corner of the Mediterranean?
Raju Purswani examines Ted Baker’s fall, sharing sharp lessons for entrepreneurs: stay true to your brand, beware of overhauls that alienate customers, and balance growth with identity. A cautionary tale with insights every business can learn from.
Whilst Brexit hasn’t exactly been a positive event, we can’t deny that it’s also been the catalyst for diversification and change. It was a true ‘before and after’ moment that made businesses rethink their strategies and, in many cases, change their direction of travel. Gibraltar’s newest bank, justbank, is born from this process. As well as heralding the arrival of a new bank, this fresh start gave the team at IDT Finance the opportunity to create innovative and tailored banking solutions from the ground up. I met with Managing Director, Damian Asquez, and Head of Corporate Banking, Nikolai Gafan, to find out more.
2 mins |
Business Plan Essentials
You have a brilliant idea. You can picture the logo, the customers, maybe even the first sale. But without a clear plan for how to get there, the idea risks staying exactly that - an idea. Starting a business without a plan is like setting off on a trip with no map. You might eventually arrive somewhere, but it is unlikely to be where you hoped. A business plan is not just paperwork. When written with care, it is a roadmap that guides every decision, a pitch that wins support, and a source of confidence on the days when challenges mount.
Whether you’re building a business from the ground up or hoping to grow an existing operation, having a strong business development strategy is the foundation of success. But real, sustainable growth doesn’t come from chasing the next big thing, it comes from getting the essentials right. So, what are the fundamentals you can’t afford to ignore? In my view, this starts with something I call the “Holy Trinity” of small business marketing...
Forget everything you know about online shopping—eCommerce is evolving fast. While giants like Amazon and eBay once ruled, a new wave of platforms such as TikTok Shop, Shein, and Temu are reshaping the industry. But beneath the flashy deals and viral trends lies a growing conversation about sustainability, waste, and the hidden costs of convenience.
My name is John Hayes, and I'm a really busy guy. Busy procrastinating most of the time. You wouldn't believe how many unessential tasks I had to complete before sitting down and writing this article. Those sales reports and emails don't check themselves. Yep, I've been busy. Busy doing nothing. We've all had one of those days where we feel like we've been incredibly "busy" - but can't quite put our finger on what we actually accomplished. Maybe we spent three hours answering emails, another two fiddling with a spreadsheet no one asked for, and another hour in a meeting that could have been an email or WhatsApp message. At the end of it all, the to-do list somehow got longer, not shorter.
When you’ve been running your own business for a while, you know what works, and it’s easy to rely on the skills that got you to where you are. Chances are, you’re comfortable doing things in a certain way, and your team knows what to expect from your leadership style.
The Treaty between the EU and the UK over Gibraltar is finally giving us some clarity, and yet, it also reminds us just how much sits outside our control. The finer details will take months to surface. Political tides may shift. Promises will be tested by practicalities. Every day, we face issues beyond our reach: new legislation, competitor actions, market trends, customer behaviour, staff turnover, illness, family responsibilities, global events. All of it lives in what Stephen Covey calls the Circle of Concern - things we care about, but cannot directly change. The more we fixate on them, the more frustration can grow.