Through my work I’ve had the privilege of connecting with clients who were not just seeking a quick fix, but really committed to taking their organisation to the next level.

Employee Onboarding Experience Design

The strategic design and development of the Evolution’s employee-centric onboarding experience across three distinct job families (Operations, Business Support, and Engineering) based in over 20 locations. The experience featured a series of ‘products’ that not only reflected Evolution's culture but were also shaped by customer design thinking and insights obtained from internal qualitative and quantitative data gathering activities.

An interactive workshop combined with a post recommendations presentation on how the Public Service of Malta can attract and engage the younger generation. Attendees participated in insightful discussions and actively brainstormed on tangible actions, following the presentation of local Gen Z data and employer branding best practices.

To ensure a tailored approach, a pre-workshop consultation was included, delving into the Public Service’s current talent needs and current strategic direction. They also received a copy of FreeHour’s commissioned research, Employment Trends Amongst Young People in Malta 2023.

Gen-Z Exploratory Package

New Performance Management Implementation

I supported Rootz (now Wildz), a gaming company, with the internal rollout of their new performance management approach.

I created a tailored internal communications plan with dedicated streams for managers and team members, combining info sessions, townhalls, and written materials. I also developed and delivered leadership training to help managers lead meaningful performance conversations and give feedback that drives real improvement.

Alongside communications and training, I partnered with HR to map out the full performance cycle, establishing clear expectations from all stakeholders: HR, CEO, C-Suite, Managers and employees.

The result: a structured rollout, informed stakeholders, and improved leadership capability. The investment in training will continue to deliver value as Wildz embeds its new approach.

I partnered with Malta’s leader in insurance, GasanMamo Insurance, to define their employer brand and activate this internally. Through leadership workshops, employee focus groups, and a review of HR and marketing practices, we shaped a clear employer brand narrative that would eventually support both recruitment and engagement/ retention efforts.

We co-created an internal communications framework to ensure relevant and timely information was received consistently across all employee groups and employees were getting a direct line of communication with the Managing Director to break more traditional hierarchical barriers. Over a number of months we worked on bringing their employer brand to life holistically through their CSR initiatives, internal events, townhalls, and manager forums.

The result was more intentional communication which drives efficiency and a stronger sense of belonging across the organisation.

Employer Brand Development and Internal Implementation

Employer Brand Workshop for HR & Marketing teams

I designed and facilitated a tailored employer branding workshop bringing together the Deputy CEO, HR, and Marketing teams. The session explored what makes ITS a great place to work, challenged assumptions about the topic, and clarified any misunderstanding between each team’s role in talent attraction and engagement efforts.

Through purposely designed reflections and hands-on activities, participants were able to move past limiting ideas and identified clear, actionable steps to strengthen how ITS attracts and engages talent. The workshop left both teams aligned, energised, and ready to drive lasting change.

Localisation and Integration of Global Strategy

I worked with RSM Malta to localise and integrate the global network’s brand strategy. The challenge was to connect local teams with global values while still reflecting what makes RSM unique in Malta.

Through a leadership discovery workshop, employee focus groups, and a full review of HR and marketing practices, I developed a clear employer brand narrative that aligned with the global brand while standing out locally.

We also defined employee personas that would direct talent attraction and engagement efforts.

I collaborated closely with HR, marketing, and senior leadership throughout the engagement which lead to stronger internal connection to the global network, greater local clarity, and a foundation for long-term employer branding efforts.

Employer Brand Development

I had the opportunity to develop Hili Ventures’ employer brand, which was named ‘You Belong Here’. The brand represents multi-sited activities carried in partnership with McDonald's and Apple, covering work across various sectors - logistics, marine and engineering, technology, property, oil and gas, hospitality, and leasing. Hili Ventures’ presence spanned across 10 countries in Central and Eastern Europe and North Africa with a fantastic team of 9,500 employees. My role involved crafting the brand’s visual identity, developing the career site – complete with engaging career stories and videos – and putting together the You Belong Here handbook.

Employer Branding Review

The employer branding review looked into Nium strategic plans, employee experience, HR & marketing practices. Through in-depth interviews, focus groups and a deep dive into HR metrics, we were able to highlight key talent challenges – but more importantly – articulate Nium’s DNA in Malta through the employee’s language.

Combined with Nium’s purpose and values, this research gave us the base for developing Nium Malta’s employer branding narrative for all internal and external employer branding communication efforts to attract and engage the right talent. It also gave clear direction on what HR needs to focus their efforts on when it comes to employee engagement and performance matters.

Keynotes & Public Appearances

Empple Festival 2024: how to HUMAN at work

Keynote delivery: The leader's role in successful employer branding: The Employer Brand Mindset at Empple’s annual conference in Belgrade.
iGaming Conference NEXT Valletta 2024

Keynote Delivery: Reimagining HR: From Process Masters to Human Experience Designers, at Next.io’s annual conference.
Annual Conference Chamber of SMEs 2023

Panel Discussion: Retention of Employees, at Malta’s Chamber of SMEs annual conference - Renewing our Future Growth.
Annual HR Conference FHRD 2021

Keynote delivery: The Role of Employer Branding During a Crisis Such as COVID-19, for Malta’s Foundation for Human Resources Development.

Clients That Trusted Me

Vanessa's ability to simultaneously strategize creatively & execute with such attention to detail was pivotal to her contribution to Evolution's global employee engagement programme and onboarding experience.

Karin Ericsson, Head of HR Operations - Evolution
Vanessa always came prepared with her ideas and vision, but was able to listen actively and openly to our own position and adapt to our unexpected changing business needs.

Nicholas Schembri, General Manager - Nium
The workshop The Vivian Leader – purpose & expectations was engaging & truly transformative for our leadership team. It challenged us in reflecting on what shared behaviours we can commit to being accountable for, and what behaviours are essential for driving the business forward.

Denise Borg Manche, Managing Director - Vivian Corporation Ltd.
As a coachee, I always felt truly seen by Vanesa. Not only were my struggles acknowledged, but she also challenged me, kindly, when I needed to be nudged into action.

Sarah Borg, Freelance Writer & Artist
I joined Vanessa's workshop 'Elevate your Employer Brand in 3 Simple Steps' - held in collaboration with FHRD. It was highly engaging and interactive, providing valuable insights and tools to boost our employer branding. It was particularly beneficial for us at Amusnet Gaming to have both marketing and HR in attendance, as it enabled us to refine our approach when communicating our employer brand, which is essential for attracting and retaining top talent.

Jessica Bucciano, Senior Marketing Specialist - Amusnet Gaming
Vanessa swiftly and accurately understood RSM's ethos, providing strategic and very practical guidance on our internal and external employer branding efforts. She worked seamlessly with HR, marketing and our senior leadership ensuring a smooth and productive collaboration throughout. We wholeheartedly recommend her for her professionalism and expertise.w List Item

Romina Abdilla, HR Manager & Rica Xuereb, Marketing Executive - RSM Malta
The ITS People and Culture, and Marketing teams came together for a half day workshop to reflect on ITS's employer brand and our efforts to attract and engage employees. Vanessa made everyone feel at ease and her skilled facilitation gave us the space to understand our strengths as an employer and discuss critically how our two teams can work together more efficiently. We left the session feeling empowered and clear on what (simple) actions we can take to improve our employer branding efforts.

Claire Briffa, Deputy CEO - Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS)
Vanessa facilitated our People & Culture team day with a dynamic approach, offering thought-provoking insights. She has a keen ability to read the room and adapts her delivery to keep the experience engaging. Through practical exercises, she guided us in translating our values into everyday actions, strengthening both our culture and sense of belonging. Vanessa’s fun & dynamic approach surely made this experience both impactful and enjoyable. I highly recommend Vanessa for any organisation looking to embed its values in a sustainable and authentic way!

NIna Hansen, Learning and Development Manager - Bank of Valletta