This week, we’re excited to shine the spotlight on one of our valued new team members at TSM – Toni Micallef! She recently joined the team as Operations Manager, and we had the pleasure of catching up with her to see how she’s settling into her role at TSM, as well as what she enjoys doing in her spare time.
How long have you been with TSM, and how are you getting on?
“I’ve been with TSM for 7 weeks now, and although it’s only been a short time, it already feels like I’ve been part of the team much longer! That’s probably because I’ve had the pleasure of working with TSM on several mutual projects over the years – but even so, it’s clear these are my kind of people.
From day one, everyone has been so welcoming, and the office has a real family feel. This has been a refreshing change after spending a lot of time working remotely in my previous role, and I’m really enjoying being part of such a supportive and collaborative team!”
What does a typical day in your job role look like?
“At the moment, I’m still getting to grips with who does what and how things are currently done, so a typical day involves a lot of listening, observing, and understanding the challenges across the various departments. Alongside that, I’m focused on refining internal procedures, improving operational efficiency, and preparing detailed reports to support both the Project and Senior Management Teams.”
How do you keep things running smoothly across different teams and departments?
“For me, the key to getting things right starts with truly understanding the challenges and finding a balance that works for everyone involved. I believe any procedure or process we introduce has to make sense for the people on the ground – the ones actually using it – while still achieving the outcomes our stakeholders expect.
I’ve always been a firm believer in collaboration and transparency. In my experience, when people are involved in shaping the solution, they’re far more invested in making it work. Listening to feedback from those directly involved not only improves the end result but also builds trust and ownership across the team.
Regular performance analysis helps me spot trends and bottlenecks early, allowing us to take a proactive approach rather than waiting for issues to escalate. I like to involve the wider team in these discussions, as fresh perspectives often lead to simple but effective solutions.
I also make a point of encouraging colleagues to share honest feedback about our processes and systems. If something feels clunky or impractical, I want to know — because that’s usually where real improvements start. Ultimately, I see continuous improvement as a shared journey. When we all have a voice in shaping how we work, our processes become more effective, efficient, and sustainable — and our teams stronger for it.”
What would you say is the most enjoyable part of your job?
“I really thrive on analysing data and problem-solving – there’s something satisfying about spotting trends and using them to stay ahead of challenges. The nerd in me genuinely gets a buzz from working with software and building systems, whether it’s a specialised tool for a specific task or even a simple Excel dashboard. What I love most is bringing stats to life – wordy reports can be tedious, but a clear, well-designed visual can tell the story instantly and make the numbers feel meaningful.”
If you could mentor your younger self at the start of your career, what advice would you give?
“Without a doubt, be confident and speak up. I’ve learned that simply working hard and hoping someone will notice doesn’t always take you where you want to go. If you believe you’re capable of more, have the courage to say so and put yourself forward.
In my experience, a good leader will always support your growth and recognise your efforts. And if you’re not quite there yet, they’ll help you develop the skills and confidence to reach your goals and realise your full potential.
Most importantly, don’t be afraid of feedback. I’ve come to see it as one of the most powerful tools for growth, take it on board, learn from it, and use it to push yourself forward. Confidence, self-awareness, and a willingness to grow will always open doors.”
What’s something your colleagues might be surprised to learn about you?
“I always wanted to be a Tornado pilot in the RAF. I joined the Air Training Corps at 12 and worked my way up through the ranks, eventually leaving at 16 as a Sergeant.
I have some really fond memories from those years, most of my teenage days were spent flying and taking part in various inter-squadron competitions. I never did manage to earn my Marksman badge, though, I guess I wasn’t the best shot!”
How do you unwind after a busy week?
“I especially enjoy going out for dinner with my family on a Friday night, it’s the perfect way to unwind and reconnect after a busy week. Music is my other go-to escape. After a stressful few days, there’s nothing better than a long walk with the dog, headphones in, and some good tunes playing. There’s something truly therapeutic about combining nature and music – it just soothes the soul.”
If you could teleport to any destination for a weekend getaway, where would you go and why?
“That’s a tough one, there are just so many incredible places to visit! My first choice would probably be somewhere hot and sunny, the kind of place where I could truly relax and unwind, somewhere like Bali. But I’m equally drawn to vibrant cities full of energy and life, like Tokyo. “
There’s so much choice that it’s almost impossible to decide. If I could, I’d travel somewhere new every weekend and plan a route around the world!”
If you could watch one film again for the first time, what would it be and why?
“Top Gun! it’s an absolute classic, and given my love of planes, it’s no surprise it’s a favourite of mine. That said, I don’t think you even need to be an aviation enthusiast to enjoy it. It’s got a bit of everything: action, drama, and heart. And to be fair, Top Gun: Maverick was every bit as good as the original.”