The Remarkable Collective: Rewriting Malta's Business Legacy
Rachel Pool, Group COO and Co-Founder of Ceek Talent; Dr Beverly Cutajar, Chairperson and Founder of The Remarkable Collective; Mike Roberts, Group CEO
Dr Beverly Cutajar, Rachel Pool, and Mike Roberts unveil their transformative vision for Maltese businesses to compete and thrive globally. In an exclusive with MONEY, the dynamic trio shares the inception and aspirations of The Remarkable Collective—a groundbreaking professional services brand aiming to redefine talent, training, and recruitment strategies for a more competitive Malta.
For many, the global recession of 2008 spelt uncertainty and upheaval. For Dr. Beverly Cutajar, it marked the beginning of a remarkable journey. After facing two redundancies in just six months, Beverly was at a crossroads. Rather than succumbing to despair, she took a bold leap into entrepreneurship. Thus, Think Talent was born.
"At the time, I had no business background, no products, no services, and very little capital," Beverly recalls. "What I did have was a vision." That vision, rooted in her academic pursuit of talent development as part of her social sciences doctorate, sought to empower individuals and organisations through innovative training and HR strategies.
Think Talent quickly gained traction, becoming synonymous with quality training, coaching, and consultancy. Beverly explains, "Our mission was clear from the outset: to help clients unlock their potential by equipping them with practical skills and actionable knowledge."
Expanding the vision: Ceek Talent is born.
By 2014, Think Talent had evolved significantly. Beverly recognised an increasing demand for recruitment services among clients and launched Ceek as a dedicated recruitment arm. Enter Rachel Pool, who joined as CEO and business partner.
Ceek, now rebranded as Ceek Talent focuses on aligning candidates with their prospective employers' culture, job role, and future potential. "Our approach is highly personalised," Rachel explains. "We go beyond matching skills to jobs—we ensure that candidates and organisations align on values, vision, and growth."
Ceek Talent team
Ceek Talent's innovative approach has helped countless businesses build high-performing teams while providing candidates with meaningful career opportunities. It also laid the groundwork for the holistic solutions now offered under The Remarkable Collective.
Ceek Talent 's emphasis on market insights and trends allows businesses to adapt to shifting industry landscapes. "Staying competitive isn't just about hiring the right people—it's about anticipating and responding to change," Rachel adds. This adaptability is a cornerstone of the Collective's philosophy.
The turning point
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unforeseen challenges but also opportunities for reflection and reinvention. For Beverly, it was a time to reassess priorities. In May 2024, she appointed Mike Roberts as Think Talent's CEO to help realise a broader vision.
" With Mike's appointment, we accelerated the implementation of a three-year strategic plan," Beverly shares. "This plan encompassed not only Think Talent and Ceek Talent but also the creation of new brands under a unified structure."
The result? The Remarkable Collective, founded and owned by Beverly, is a holding company designed to integrate and elevate the group's diverse offerings. Mike stepped up to Group CEO, while Rachel, co-owner of Ceek Talent, became the Group COO .
Mike's leadership style brought a fresh perspective to the team. "Our goal was to create an ecosystem where each brand complements the other," he explains. "It's about synergy and shared purpose."
Introducing the remarkable collective
The launch of The Remarkable Collective marks a pivotal moment for the group. The company can deliver seamless, integrated solutions to its clients by uniting its brands under one umbrella.
"This isn't just about combining services," Mike emphasises. "It's about creating a dynamic ecosystem that drives innovation, fosters collaboration, and empowers businesses to compete globally."
The group's growth strategy includes the expansion of two other brands and plans to create four additional ones within the following year. Beverly adds, "Our aim is to provide a comprehensive suite of services that address every stage of a company's journey. "
Think Talent team
The Remarkable Collective's emphasis on integration means clients can access everything from recruitment to strategic consultancy under one roof. This approach saves time and resources and ensures a cohesive strategy across all aspects of business development.
A culture of collaboration and excellence
At the heart of The Remarkable Collective is a commitment to collaboration. This ethos is reflected not only in its client relationships but also within its team. The company's internal culture thrives on positivity, support, and continuous learning.
"Our internal chat group is a hub of encouragement, innovation, and fun," Rachel notes. "It's where we celebrate new hires, share ideas, and plan our famous Friday breakfast treats." The group's leadership team—comprised of experts in HR, training, international business, and more—is instrumental in driving its success. "We believe in leading by example," Mike says. "Our team's diverse expertise and dedication set the standard for our services."
Team-building initiatives, a focus on personal development, and fostering a sense of belonging are just some of the ways The Remarkable Collective ensures its workforce remains motivated and aligned with its mission.
Meeting Malta's business challenges
One key motivation behind The Remarkable Collective's formation is addressing systemic challenges within Malta's business community.
"In my years as a consultant, I've seen how nepotism and legacy hiring can stifle innovation and growth," Mike explains. "Our mission is to offer a fresh, strategic approach prioritising quality, competitiveness, and sustainability."
The Collective's holistic model includes eight pillars of support:
Find & Hire: Attracting and retaining top talent.
Induct & Develop: Onboarding and continuous employee development.
Legal & Compliance: Ensuring businesses navigate legal and regulatory landscapes effectively.
Plan & Build: Fostering team growth and succession planning.
Expand & Grow: Leveraging outsourcing and new business opportunities.
Market & Sell: Enhancing market presence and driving revenue growth.
Analyse & Report: Providing data-driven insights for strategic decision-making.
Introduce & Partner: Facilitating collaborations that drive innovation and expansion.
These pillars reflect the group's commitment to providing comprehensive support at every stage of a company's growth.
Looking ahead: A global vision
While The Remarkable Collective is firmly rooted in Malta, its ambitions extend beyond its shores. "Our goal is to prove our model locally and then scale it internationally," Rachel says. "We want to show that Maltese businesses can compete and lead globally."
One of the group's long-term initiatives is the creation of a sales and coaching academy. "Malta's greatest resource is its people," Mike asserts. "By investing in their development, we build a foundation for sustainable growth and success."
These academies aim to address skill gaps, foster innovation, and prepare the next generation of leaders to excel in an increasingly competitive global market.
A remarkable future
The Remarkable Collective is more than a business venture; it's a bold vision for Malta's future. With Beverly, Rachel, and Mike at the helm, the group is poised to redefine professional services, empower individuals, and elevate Malta's global standing.
"Ultimately, our mission is to inspire change and challenge the status quo," Beverly concludes. "Together, we're not just building a business—we're shaping a legacy."
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