Soft skills were the focus for the ninth edition of Malta Tech Talks as the island’s IT community came together once more for the final networking event of 2025.
Conversations around technical topics understandably attract the most attention at these events but the importance of soft skills was emphasised with three insightful presentations in front of an engaged audience.
Altenar’s HR Director Ekaterina Firsova welcomed attendees with a short introduction before Elena Zulli, the company’s Events Director, presented her thoughts on the art of simplifying work and focus.
PartnerMatrix CPO Sergey Tadevosyan then discussed how to tell the story of a product, before Mirela Agatonovic, Head of Product at Amusnet Gaming, discussed how to revamp old ideas with new solutions.
As ever, attendees had the opportunity to ask questions to the presenters and there was time for networking while food and drinks were served, ensuring Malta Tech Talks proved to be a highly worthwhile exercise for all involved.
Further events are planned for 2026 and Altenar is keen to hear from anyone interested in presenting on a topic which would be relevant to an audience of IT professionals. Not sure if you have what it takes? We caught up with MTT #9 speaker Elena to get her thoughts on presenting and some of the key messages she passed on…
How did you find being a guest speaker?
Elena:
This was a completely new role for me, but I actually felt very confident. The topic clearly resonated with many people, and you could feel that everyone was genuinely listening. I was especially glad to see how many questions came after the presentation - it showed that the audience connected with the content and wanted to go deeper.
What would you say to anyone thinking of being a speaker at future events?
Elena:
I would absolutely encourage it. In today’s world, sharing knowledge publicly has almost become a must. It builds confidence, expands your network, and helps you grow both personally and professionally.
The theme of the event was improving soft skills. How important is this for everyone, regardless of their job role?
Elena:
Soft skills are essential for everyone, especially for people who spend most of their day working on a computer. You can find so many parallels across different fields like IT, events, or marketing. It’s also one of the most popular themes in bookstores today, which shows how much people feel the need for it. There are many practical skills we were never taught at school, and with the rapid development of technology, they’re becoming more crucial than ever.
What were the key pieces of productivity advice you shared with the audience?
Elena:
My main message was to focus on what truly matters and eliminate unnecessary noise. Use technology to control notifications, declutter your space, and make a list of tasks you actually don’t need to do. Be intentional about what you say “yes” to.
Also, review your priorities regularly, invest time in setting up and adjusting your tools, and keep your structure organised. Finally, dedicate a part of your day to planning what you want to achieve - even a short planning ritual can dramatically increase clarity and productivity.
How important is it for people to be open to new ideas, and how can these events help improve skills at work?
Elena:
Openness to new ideas is essential. The format of this event made it simple: you identify a problem, and you explore ways to solve it. Nothing changes overnight - new habits take time to build and implement. But with persistence and determination, meaningful change does happen. Events like this help people see practical tools, learn from others’ experiences, and approach their work with a fresh perspective.
Malta Tech Talks will return in 2026 - keep an eye on our social media channels for announcements regarding future events!
