I had previously met Christina Galea, Director of Human Resources at CPHCL, in her earlier roles and always found her to be a bundle of energy. However, as I got to know her better, my initial impression only grew stronger.

Christina Galea

“When I was 19, I left Malta to pursue an internship in HR Management in Hospitality in Hong Kong. That was a total cultural shock, which prepared me for the experiences that followed.

”After that, I joined Corinthia at the Head Office in HR Administration, and four years later, I joined Island Hotels to gain operational experience. I was subsequently appointed Group Director of HR for Island Hotels, overseeing approximately a thousand employees. A decade later, I was encouraged to consider the position of CEO for Costa Coffee. To be honest, I had never contemplated moving away from HR, but the opportunity intrigued me, so I took the plunge. That’s the adventurer in me.

“My time at Costa provided an in-depth exploration of leadership and business management. I gained insights into financials, operational challenges, and franchise relationships. Leading the business and the team through the challenges posed by COVID was undoubtedly a major trial.

“Eight years later, I felt it was time for a change. Here I am, back at Corinthia Head Office in HR, albeit in a different role than before. It felt like a natural return to my roots. This is where I truly feel happiest and am able to offer my very best.”

Asked about the common challenges in HR leadership, Christina mentioned communications as one of the major challenges.  “This does not only comprise difficult conversations but also communicating and celebrating the successes and rewarding the people who were part of that success. 

“Retention is the other major challenge. Nowadays, people easily move from one company to another finding opportunities to grow elsewhere. My motto is ‘give people a reason to stay’. We are part of a successful organisation which has very traditional practices and a long history which is a privilege to be part of. However, we must still evolve with the changing expectations of today’s workforce. Retention is undoubtedly a strong measure of the success of HR initiatives.”

Pink October with the CPHCL team

I wondered what Christina considered a successful policy that significantly impacts employee engagement.  She was very frank and direct. “I really believe in a human approach and whilst policy is necessary, the honest conversations — even the difficult ones — are what employees value most.”

What are your strategies for performance testing and ensuring fair assessments?

“I see two levels of performance management. On the one hand we should have open conversations about the future, how we can support our team members’ improvement and what we can achieve going forward. On the other hand, we should reward people based on performance which can be measured fairly and transparently through clear metrics. We should be able to reward fairly for past performance and also have a supportive approach towards future performance through an open honest conversation.”

 I wondered what tools or methodologies Christina found most effective for talent management. “It starts with identifying the right people for the right role fitting the team and the company culture. Getting this right at recruitment stage is critical for success and further development of high potential talent within the group. I like to think I have an eye for this; call it a good instinct about people, or possibly it is simply from experience of meeting and observing so many people over the years.”

I focused on potential strategies to guarantee competitive compensation and benefits. Christina was candid and straightforward. “We’re moving toward a more organised approach to compensation, which is essential given the evolving expectations of employees and candidates. Nowadays, instead of asking for salary expectations, candidates are requesting a salary range for the position to consider. This reflects one of the numerous changes in workplace practices, and we must establish systems to adapt fairly and consistently. So yes, this is an area we will be actively improving in the future.”

I then shifted my focus to the future. What trends will be influencing HR leadership and talent management? “Since retention of engaged team members is a key success factor, HR has a responsibility to drive the conversation with all leadership to continue to evolve internally to meet the changing expectations of today’s workforce. Factors like using the latest technologies, upskilling to be tech-ready and knowing how best to utilise data to support decision making, are all areas we should pay attention to. Furthermore, the trend towards transparency, diversity and equity which is also being driven by labour law developments across the EU is also an important aspect.”

Training for expeditions

Does employee-feedback play a role in shaping HR policies? “Indeed. We need to seek every opportunity to receive feedback, whether through a quick check-in chat, a formal review, a chat over lunch as well as a formal survey. It is not always easy to receive feedback we might not agree with or want to hear, but if we really want progress we must open our doors and ears and listen. I believe employees feel truly valued any time they see their initiative taken up by management. Surveys are interesting and a good measure tool but I don’t think it should simply be about scores and numbers but about what people really have to say to us.”

Visiting The Lost City in Colombia

Clearly, Christina excels in the art of listening, attributing her successes to this noble skill. She firmly believes that everyone has a story to tell. Her words resonate with strong positivity, sensitivity, and empathy, and I sensed there was more beneath the surface – a true sense of adventure! Hardly had I uttered the word “adventure” when she interjected, “I am a natural adventurer and explorer! For our honeymoon, my husband and I chose South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. What an adventure that was! We encountered whales and great white sharks up close, witnessed an array of wildlife, and enjoyed an exhilarating swim in the Devil’s Pool.

Three Peaks challenge

“My journey into physical challenges began with the Three Peaks Challenge, where we scaled the three highest peaks in the UK: Snowdon, Scafell Pike, and Ben Nevis, all within an exhilarating total time of 33 hours. This challenge was not merely an adventure for me; it was also an opportunity to raise funds for the Costa Foundation.

“I became involved with the SIGMA Foundation, which led me to walk the Camino de Santiago in 2022 and later had the profound experience of visiting a school in Keffa Bonga, Ethiopia, for which we had raised funds.

Visiting schools at Keffa Bonga, Ethiopia

“Soon after, I embarked on an expedition to the Sierra Nevada jungle in Colombia to trek to what is known as ‘The Lost City’. Once again, the mountains were calling, and I joined a team to tackle Morocco’s Mount Toubkal. This climb was particularly significant to me, as we summited at 4,200 meters on what would have been my mother’s birthday. The view from the top, soaring above the clouds, was absolutely breathtaking and a poignant tribute to her memory.

Posing for a deserved photo at the top of Mount Toubkai, Morocco

“Next is Machu Pichu in September. Apart from all my adventures I take every opportunity to travel, whether with my family or friends as well as an annual tradition with my girls which started when they were five years old and three of us went to London for our first girls trip. 

“My husband and I  like to escape to Sicily whenever we can to enjoy the sea, which I love and the relaxed pace away from the day-to-day bustle.”

Family snapshot

Christina had  mentioned her kids and husband. A few words about them, please. “I  have two thirteen-year-old twin girls, Chloe and Kay. I have been happily married to my husband Kenneth for nearly 18 years and simply adore my beagle named Cookie. 

…and Cookie

“I can  say I have raised two beautiful independent girls of whom I am very proud. Since I have always pursued my career I instinctively raised them to be independent and learn to take care of themselves and each other. We do our best to make sure that when we do have time together we can make it valuable and carve memories. I lost my own Mother to a long battle with cancer before my girls were born, so this must have also influenced my perspective on life and motherhood. 

Early motherhood days…what treasures!

“My husband Kenneth is a loving family man and has always been my strongest support backing me up and encouraging me to take on the next challenge whether personal or my career. Since he runs his own business he has had the flexibility to step in balancing family needs.”

Well that’s more than a handful! But energetic Christina added: “By the way I am also reading for a Master’s in Business Administration. It’s been a full year but whenever possible I enjoy trekking and walking, and a good meal preferably by the sea with family and friends.”

I had to conclude the interview since I feared Christina would fit in a another long series of adventures and experiences.  ????