Running a business is rewarding but carries an immense mental load, especially in Malta’s fast-paced and high-pressure economy. When employers are under strain, it doesn’t just affect them personally. Their decision-making suffers, innovation slows down, and productivity across teams can take a hit. Despite this, the mental health of business leaders often goes unnoticed and unsupported.

In Malta, around 1 in 5 workers is self-employed. About 11% run solo operations, while another 10% lead businesses that employ others. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) dominate Malta’s economy. They make up 99.8% of all companies, contribute over 80% of the country’s economic output, and provide nearly 78% of private sector jobs. So the well-being of our business leaders isn’t just a personal issue, it’s a matter of national interest.

International research shows that entrepreneurs and leaders face higher rates of depression, anxiety, and even burnout compared to the general population. During the pandemic, nearly 8 in 10 managers reported struggling with their mental health, and even outside of crisis periods, almost half of business owners report mental health difficulties.

Yet most mental health initiatives focus on employees and not the employers. Leadership can be lonely. Founders, directors, and entrepreneurs often carry the weight alone, with few safe spaces to talk or seek help. That gap puts long-term productivity and sustainability at risk.

This conference, delivered in collaboration with the Malta Chamber of Commerce and Willingness, shines a light on the mental health of business leaders.  Drawing from clinical experience and organizational insight, we’ll explore practical ways Malta can build a healthier, more resilient leadership culture, starting with the people at the top.