Dream It. Believe It. Achieve It.

Welcome to the 125th edition of “In Touch”. As always, I would love to continue the conversation so please hit reply and let me know what you think.

Story of the Week: “Dream It. Believe It. Achieve It.”

On February 14, 1980, a young man named Kenneth De Martino returned home after his first day at work at one of Malta’s best-known companies and proudly told his mother, “One day, I’m going to have my own group of companies and people working for me.” Her reply? A half-smile and two words: “Keep dreaming.”

Forty-five years later, De Martino leads 2,500 people across multiple industries, with a Group turnover exceeding €100 million. We met recently when he invited me to speak to his leadership team about values, culture and how strong verticals can operate as a united group.

Listening to his own story, I was reminded of something I’ve heard over and over again: dreams don’t build empires; discipline does. Wherever Kenneth De Martino worked, he worked hard. At Thomas Cook, he became Salesman of the Year, not once but almost every single year for more than a decade. When his grateful Chairman, Peter Middelton, asked, “How can I thank you, Kenneth?” he replied that he would like to run the company’s travel operations in Malta. It was sold to him for a token £10 sterling – a symbolic reward for a man who had brought the parent company millions and a natural consequence of De Martino’s proven excellence and consistency – as well as his courage to ask for something big, knowing that he could make a success of it.

From that moment, the KDM Group began to take shape, through its founder’s foresight, calculated risk-taking and business relationships. “Keep good relationships,” he advised his people recently, “especially with those who once believed in you.”

That line stayed with me. We often chase new contacts, new opportunities and new faces but, as I was reminded, growth often hides under the bridges we’ve already built.

He also spoke about partnering with those who share your values. That, too, struck a deep chord. Values guide daily decisions, especially when times are tough. They can ensure that a group of companies is, in fact, a group of people working with a shared purpose towards the same goal.

As he looks ahead – to the development of air taxis, robotic ground handling and drone security, among others and to the next generation of leaders preparing to take over his business – Kenneth De Martino has a simple and timeless message. It starts with what was once his mother’s ironic comment, “Keep dreaming” to which he has added, “Remain focused and stay disciplined.”

Dreams only matter when you work to make them come true. Kenneth De Martino is living proof that they can.

Words of Wisdom

“Dreams do not come true just because you dream them. It’s hard work that makes things happen.” Shonda Rhimes

“I do not know anyone who has got to the top without hard work. That is the recipe. It will not always get you to the top but should get you pretty near.” Margaret Thatcher

“Trust in dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity.” Khalil Gibran

A Question to Ponder, dear friend.

Which part of Kenneth De Martino’s story resonates most with you — the dream, the discipline, or the determination?

And if your younger self were to tell you today, “Keep dreaming,” what would you say back?