Denise Micallef Xuereb started off in construction nearly a decade ago. As a young female in the construction industry and being the daughter she had a number of hurdles to overcome. Till today she recounts how clients, contractors and architects would insist on speaking to her father, her manager or even her husband, which she didn't even have at the time, to get some answers about a project. Today after leading AX Construction to a nearly 180 workforce, after completing landmark projects like the Super Structure of the Parliament or restoration work on kilometers of Valletta and Birgu bastions she can proudly say with perseverance, right attitude and skill set, she has the career she has always dreamed of. I think the secret of her success has been her can do approach. Today she leads the MDA's construction committee.
The reality is that 10 years ago female leadership in Malta was not very common and in construction industry it was a rarity.
Similarly Claire Zammit Xuereb was experiencing the 'ping pong' game in which suppliers or clients wanted to speak to a male representative rather than her. Back then she was one of two women that were the only hotel General Managers on the island. She wouldn't take no for an answer, determined to succeed she continued to develop the AX Hotels brand. This year she will be opening her 7th hotel on the island, the luxurious 5 Star boutique hotel in Valletta - Rosselli.
At AX it's always about the right skills for the job. And female employment in management positions have not been a rare thing but a standard. In fact historically there have been other females in top management roles or leading business for the Group before family members were promoted to these roles.
Michelle Attard started working at AX over 1 year ago and it was the job type that particularly interested her - leading the whole Real Estate Department. AX Group has a number of properties that are either sold or leased and she is now in charge of every single one of them. The job is demanding but she wouldn't have it any other way - she loves what she does and is dedicated to the tasks at hand.
For Charmaine Attard it was the challenging post of Director of Care which got her interested. AX Care today encompasses Simblija Care Home and Hilltop Gardens. She is now leading the whole retirement village managing over 140 employees. And the village is going from strength to strength.
These are just a few women that are currently in top positions within AX Group. In fact when applying for a job here I was particularly drawn to the 'female factor'. I am a strong believer in creating a work environment where women can thrive, with initiatives that support, advance, retain and reward them. I can see that AX shares that view and sees that it is not only the right thing to do but part of a smart and strategic business approach.