– Meet Mariella Scerri
Can you share a little bit about what it is that you do and what a typical day for you is like?
I think that you will possibly gain most knowledge about me from my latest two websites www.e-cono-me.com and www.femaleflyingsolo.com.
It is really funny because my days are anything but typical. One day is never like the other. Usually, I dedicate the first two hours of the morning to reply to emails. But then the day takes its own shape. I usually visit every one of my retail stores (www.orienta.com.mt) once a week and have a chat with staff and management. I also make sure that I go to my boutique hotel (www.casabirmula.com) – since I am also a board member on several boards and do consultancy and project management for government departments – I usually build my days around meetings that are pre-set. When and if there is any time left – I tend to my ever-growing private group Lady Boss on Fire and make sure that I do at least one mindset coaching session per week.
When you began your career many years ago, did you ever imagine that you would be a leader?
My career started in finance – but even at a young age, I wanted to grow and take on a role that would be at the helm. Life took twists, opportunities were created and I ended up being an entrepreneur soon after I graduated in finance. However the 8 years I spent working at the bank and studying were very crucial and formative to what later became the strongest soft skills I would implement in my own business.
Although things are improving in some professions, women are still under-represented in Tech and Finance positions. What lead you to become conversant with virtual assets?
The fact that I was already a leader in finance at a young age, and financial assets were always interesting to me – not to mention a good source of supplementing income – it was possibly easier for me than anyone else to understand the concept of virtual assets. Since in my opinion, even cash is a virtual asset – it was not difficult for me to understand and get enamoured with the concept. I was more intrigued with how the concept of blockchain technology worked – since it was incomprehensible. I am of an age where usually most people would shun away but the fascination led me to months of study and to the point of actually writing my own e-book – called Crypto for beginners.
A soft copy is attached. Blockchain Cryptos and ICOs in everyday language.
As a female leader, what has been the most significant barrier in your career?
I would have probably done a lot better if I were “one of the boys”
To be very honest I did not let anything be a barrier. In my furnishing business, I would have probably done a lot better if I were “one of the boys” – which is a manner by which the big players pass off the business to each other – but honestly, otherwise, I never felt it was a barrier.
Who inspired you and why?
I am mostly self-propelled. I come from a very humble family so I did not have any role models in leadership. I am what you may call a proper underdog – totally impassioned with succeeding.
What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
Stay hungry and never stop learning.
What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career?
Do not procrastinate. Do not regret. Make decisions when they need to be made and never stop listening.
A Multi-Stakeholder Partnership
