Branding Between Worlds: From FMCG Roots to iGaming Mastery - Marija Hammon - EP 023
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.
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49:11
From Family Business to Global Stages - Michael Virardi - The Unbrandme Podcast EP 022
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.
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47:21
From Fired to Fearless: Claire Abela’s Journey of Resilience, Tribe & Triumph - EP18
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.
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53:20
A Life of Leadership: Helga Ellul on Brands, Business Growth, Succession & Making an Impact - The Unbrandme Podcast EP20
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.
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56:22
Leading with Care: Jean Claude Muscat’s Journey from Family Clinic to Healthcare Leader - The Unbrandme Podcast EP 019
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.
Welcome to Unbrandme, the BRND WGN podcast hosted by Peter-Jan Grech where we unpack the stories of brand owners, entrepreneurs and disruptors to understand how their life stories and lessons have impacted the brands and businesses they build and lead. Over the last 18 years at BRND WGN, working with so many great clients has fuelled my belief that better people make better brands and better brands make a better world.
Colombia