Vistage, a leading executive coaching organisation that offers peer advisory membership programmes for CEOs, business owners, and key executives, was initially founded in 1957 by Robert Nourse in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It has since grown to become a global enterprise with a mission to help high-integrity leaders make great decisions that benefit their companies, families, and communities. As a testament to its global reach, Vistage now extends its influence to the Middle East under the leadership of Nathan Farrugia.
Nathan’s journey took an unconventional route for an aspiring entrepreneur, as he explains: “After graduating with a healthcare qualification, I began working in a government hospital in Malta. However, the bureaucracy and outdated methods rapidly wore me down. So, I decided to establish my own clinics, which quickly attracted a steady stream of clients. But soon, I felt like I was on a relentless production line, seeing patients back-to-back, seven days a week. To manage this, I hired other therapists and expanded my practice. This marked the start of my entrepreneurial path, and I discovered a passion for business growth and innovation.
“This fast-growing interest in business eventually led me to manage a spa in a luxurious five-star hotel. It was in this opulent setting that I truly began to grasp the intricacies of management and the nuances of leadership.”
Nathan epitomises the transformative spirit that Vistage champions
Unleashing Potential, One Insight at a Time
“By the time I reached 25, one of my patients—a trustee of a Maltese charity—began sharing the organisation’s struggles with me. Eager to help, I offered some suggestions. Upon visiting his offices, I discovered a wealth of untapped resources. Inspired, I presented my ideas to the board, proposing a new direction. They loved my vision and asked if I’d implement it myself. Leaving my job at a five-star hotel to work for a charity might sound a bit crazy, but I embraced the challenge and said, ‘Yes!’ I continued overseeing my clinics, but I immersed myself in revitalising this charitable organisation, steering it back to stability and success.
“Around this time, I made a pivotal decision to hone my leadership skills, so I enrolled in an MBA programme. While I enjoyed the experience, it felt too theoretical. I pondered how I could gain practical wisdom to enhance my abilities as a young CEO. That’s when I discovered The Academy for Chief Executives, now known as Vistage. I thought that immersing myself in a room with 12 other astute CEOs might allow their knowledge and experience to rub off on me, enriching my own skill set. That’s where my Vistage journey started.”
I thought that immersing myself in a room with 12 other astute CEOs might allow their knowledge and experience to rub off on me
Elevating Leadership Through Collective Wisdom
The cornerstone of Vistage’s approach is the peer advisory group. Members join a group of 12-16 non-competing peers who meet monthly to discuss business challenges, opportunities, and strategies. These sessions are facilitated by a seasoned Vistage Chair, an executive or business leader with extensive experience and a deep understanding of leadership dynamics. The peer advisory model leverages collective wisdom, allowing members to gain diverse perspectives and innovative solutions to their most pressing issues.
“The group operates on a foundation of equality, so sharing and contributing your ideas is essential,” Nathan says. “We hold each other accountable, and that accountability was a game-changer for me. Between meetings, I’d set specific goals—like hiring a CFO or launching a new incentive programme for my sales team—and when the next month rolled around, the group would check in on my progress. This constant follow-up made it much easier to turn ideas into actionable results. Vistage also helped me to avoid the mistakes others made before me.”
The cornerstone of Vistage’s approach is the peer advisory group
One of the distinguishing features of Vistage is its rigorous member selection process. Prospective members undergo thorough vetting to ensure they align with Vistage’s values and are committed to the group’s success. This careful selection fosters a culture of trust and mutual respect, which is essential for candid and constructive dialogue. “I ask if they are going enrich the group and the conversations, are they going to be balanced between giving and taking, and do they have a growth mindset,” Nathan continues. “Are they people who will act on decisions taken, or will they just sit there? Those are the criteria that I, as a Chair, would look for in a person. I’m not too particular about the size of the business the CEO or owner might run; I’m looking for life experience, leadership experience, and people who have done different things.
“I might turn down a CEO from a major bank who’s been at the helm for 30 years, managing a billion-dollar budget and leading a thousand employees, if their expertise is solely in banking. Their experience might not bring the diverse insights and fresh perspectives that could truly enrich the discussions in my group.”
Vistage’s impact is evident in the success stories of its members
Empowering Executives with Peer-Driven Excellence
Vistage’s impact is evident in the success stories of its members. Many report significant improvements in business performance, leadership effectiveness, and work-life balance. The organisation’s emphasis on decision-making, accountability, and strategic thinking equips leaders to drive growth and navigate challenges with confidence.
In summary, Vistage offers a unique blend of peer support, executive coaching, and access to top-tier business resources. By fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented environment, Vistage empowers leaders to achieve their full potential and create lasting value for their organisations and communities.
To discover how Vistage could help push your leadership skills to new levels, visit https://vistage.ae/membership/member-application/ or go to Nathan’s LinkedIn page at linkedin.com/in/nathanfarrugia. You’ll be made very welcome.