A blend of different experiences is a good recipe for a pleasurable life. Despite being just thirty-two-years young, Ansil Briffa, HR & Payroll Manager at Corinthia Caterers, already enjoys a colourful background.
Ansil’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) and Master of Science in Hospitality Administration/Management. What attracted him to take up these studies? “Understanding humans has always been an interesting and evolving topic for me. Through psychology, I started to understand why people react in certain ways and I delved deeper into the social norms which surround us at work. I felt the psychology course would have been more practical and realistic than other subjects; so I opted for it. Following that, through the Masters in management, I treated various topics from accounts to HR, to operations. My Master’s thesis was related to how human diversity affects performance at work. This study intrigued me since as an HR person we experience diversity every day.”
That was the thesis for his Masters. But what about the thesis for the psychology degree? The title took me by surprise: ‘A pain in the brain: the psychological effect of football injuries : a qualitative study.’ Why on earth did he choose that? “At around that time, I got to know that I could not play football any more because of an injury I sustained. I realised the various negative emotions a player experiences in those unpleasant situations, so I decided to delve further into those circumstances. Apart from research I interviewed six individuals who experienced injuries in football either as a minor setback (injury for a couple of weeks/months) or a major one where they had to stop playing. My aim was to increase awareness about the mental aspects related to injuries, which I felt we often neglect.”
Ansil’s academic endeavours reflect a sincere curiosity and a commitment to understanding the human condition, whether in the realm of psychological responses or organisational behaviour.
His quiet manners indicated him a reserved person, though he spoke freely with me. “I’m quite an introvert until I settle in within the group I’m in.” I teased him to speak further about himself. “If I believe in something, I’m passionate and resilient to achieve it. I am a goal-oriented person, so I find myself setting pointers I want to reach and keep me motivated to dream further and push to learn and grow. Additionally, I find communication and trust very important. I want to know where I stand with others and vice versa. I build everything on respect, empathy and fairness and try to understand and put myself in others’ situations.”
Did he come from a small family? “ No, not really. I am one of four siblings, so I grew up in a busy and full house. I thank my parents for always finding time and energy to keep us well and healthy. Recently, I moved out and went to live with my partner and my kid. For me, family is everything; they are my backbone, my support system and my motivation to keep on going.”
Ansil is very interested in sports, and coaching. What does this entail? “This season I coached Pieta’ Hotspurs FC Academy under-15. Next season, I shall move to a new club to coach the under-17 players. Back in the day, I played football at club and international level until I was injured and could not continue playing. So, I decided to start coaching to at least remain active in this game. Coaching involves a high level of commitment where you are not only the coach, but also a friend, mentor, counsellor, motivator and many other forms of support for the players. Coaching is not restricted to that 90-minute game or session. It requires long hours away from the family to plan sessions, watch games, discuss with the technical team and players. But it is important to understand that coaching is not only about football. A good coach needs to gel the team and make it like a second family through genuine care and finding individual time for every player within the group (normally around 20 players).”
Did Ansil obtain any coaching license? “ Certainly! To coach the ages I am currently coaching I had to complete the UEFA B course, which I obtained in 2020. And to obtain that license, apart from having coaching and playing experience, I needed to have completed the UEFA C course. Throughout the course, one gets to understand further the game and also touch base on the human element which we encounter throughout the season.”
Ansil previously played football for around 15 years, mainly as a left-back. “I was not that much of a technical player but was more physical and strong in defending and supporting play on the flank.”
I was sure Ansil rolled up his sleeves when he was studying. I was not wrong. “I worked for Corinthia as a part-time waiter when I was 19 and still studying at university. When I completed my course, I joined on a full-time basis in operations and HR Admin where I also started managing catering events as a function manager and performing other HR duties. Throughout the years I went through all the HR steps from administration to manager which helped me further understand and appreciate the work I do.”
This led me to ask the obvious question: what does his post as HR and Payroll Manager at Corinthia Caterers involve?
“It’s a mixture of human involvement and numbers. Through HR I get to meet new people via recruitment and training and follow the development of staff whilst supporting them whenever they have any queries or meet difficulties. However, it is not always roses and rainbows. Sometimes I have to reprimand or censure staff as well. Along with payroll, I also run monthly reports related to the HR function.”
Ansil appears a satisfied person but with a great determination to move forward. His football coaching and HR duties combined with his academic background make him the ideal person to actively assist colleagues in their development and overcoming a personal or professional trauma. That blend of experiences completes the jigsaw!
