In the latest exclusive interview featured on Meetinc, Malta’s premier business platform, Ramona Galea, Director of People and Performance Advisory at ARQ Advisory Limited, shared her insights into the evolving role of Human Resources (HR) in business success. This discussion marks the second in a four-part series with ARQ, following our previous session with founders Christian Farrugia and David Borg.

Galea’s career in HR emerged organically, driven by her keen interest in “the intersection between business performance and people development.” Joining ARQ five and a half years ago, initially as a senior HR manager, she quickly implemented significant internal changes, eventually being appointed to direct a new advisory line dedicated to People and Performance. “We help clients ensure they can successfully build, reshape, or strengthen their HR function,” Galea explains, emphasizing ARQ’s commitment to aligning people strategy with overall business objectives.

One of the key strengths of ARQ, Galea notes, is its proactive investment in employee development. “We’re predominantly an advisory firm, so we’re selling knowledge,” she says. “Ensuring the personal and professional growth of our employees is something we really work hard on.”

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A significant focus of Galea’s strategy involves adapting to contemporary workforce dynamics, including the hybrid work environment, which she believes is “here to stay.” Highlighting trust as a critical factor, she states, “Organisations need to monitor performance by deliverables rather than presence at the office.”

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Galea’s approach to leadership underscores collaboration and adaptability, fostering an environment where regular communication ensures alignment and responsiveness to change. “I’m not a micromanager,” she notes. “I prefer to be collaborative and adaptive, allowing people the opportunity to grow personally and professionally.”

She also highlights the importance of soft skills amidst rapid technological advancements, particularly the rise of artificial intelligence. “AI is accelerating awareness of the importance of soft skills,” Galea says, citing a notable research finding: “85% of job success is attributed to soft skills, yet historically, they haven’t always been prioritised.”

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ARQ’s dedicated training arm, ARQ Educate, exemplifies their forward-thinking approach, providing industry-specific and compliance-focused training programs. Galea emphasizes that addressing cultural intelligence and clearly communicated expectations are crucial to organisational success. “Cross-cultural intelligence within the organisation is vital. Misunderstandings here can trigger real friction,” she explains.

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Looking ahead, Galea is optimistic but cautious about the fast-paced evolution of workplaces: “It’s not people who avoid embracing AI who will struggle, but those who fail to adapt quickly enough.”

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