Growth, whether in business or in life, is rarely a straight path. It is shaped by vision, resilience, and the ability to see beyond processes to the people who bring them to life. Few leaders understand this better than Ivan Bartolo. His conviction is clear: Agile is not about the process, but about the people using the process. 

Ivan, founder and CEO of Thriveon and BITS Ltd, channels this belief into everything he does. He is the author of The Mirror Never Lies, a book fully dedicated to personal development and growth, supported by the digital toolbox (www.thriveon.vip) that helps readers put reflection into practice. 

As the founder and former CEO of the 6PM Group, Ivan built a company that grew to employ more than 220 consultants across Malta, the UK, Ireland, and Macedonia, before being acquired by Idox plc on the London Stock Exchange. Since beginning his career in ICT back in 1985, he has remained passionate about creating growth — for businesses, for teams, and above all, for individuals. 

A Lifelong Passion for Technology 

Ivan’s journey into the ICT industry began long before he became a Managing Director and a respected voice in entrepreneurship. His early inspiration came from his father, an electrical and mechanical engineer, who sparked his interest in problem-solving and technical systems. Yet, computers were still a mystery to most households. 

That changed when, at 16, Ivan saw a cousin program on a Sinclair Spectrum — an experience he describes as “nothing short of magical.” A few months later, he bought his own Commodore 64, a decision that would shape his entire career. The world of software, logic, and code captivated him instantly. What began as teenage curiosity became a lifelong passion that continues to fuel his excitement for technology even after four decades in the industry. 

The Birth of The Mirror Never Lies 

Ivan’s book, The Mirror Never Lies, reflects a philosophy deeply rooted in his own life experiences. Growing up in a difficult home environment, he sought tools for self-reflection and growth. He discovered the concept of “After Action Reviews” used by the military and reshaped it into what he calls the Thriveon Habit — a practice of asking four simple but profound daily questions: 

1. Today, what did I achieve?
2. Today, what did I learn?
3. Today, what could I have done better?
4. What must I change? 

This practice became a cornerstone in his personal and professional journey, shaping not only how he grew but also how he taught others. Over the years, Ivan trained thousands across Europe and North America in Agile methodologies, consistently noticing how people struggled with self-reflection. Many lived life on autopilot — attentive to everything except themselves. 

His book, supported by a digital platform (www.thriveon.vip), provides not just insights but practical tools for intentional living. As Ivan explains, it’s not just about inspiration; it’s about giving readers the clarity and methods to create lifelong growth habits. 

Building 6PM: Challenges, Crises, and Turning Points 

In 2000, Ivan founded 6PM, a company that would go on to deliver healthcare technology solutions across more than 150 NHS hospitals. The name itself — inspired by the “six Ps” of Agile (Philosophy, Principles, Process, People, Practice, and Product) — embodied the company’s DNA from the very beginning. 

The early days were not easy. With a small team constrained by UK work permit regulations, the company initially worked under time-and-material contracts. Malta’s entry into the EU in 2004 offered the chance to scale, but higher operating costs soon undercut competitiveness. The solution was bold: 6PM transitioned from a service provider into a product company, sharing risk with clients and focusing on scalable solutions. 

The global financial crisis of 2009 nearly crippled the business, wiping out major revenue streams. But instead of folding, Ivan and his team rebuilt, pivoting into healthcare product development. This led to award-winning innovations, UK acquisitions, and eventually, 6PM’s acquisition by a London-listed company. The journey was marked by resilience and reinvention — qualities that became part of 6PM’s legacy. 

Adaptability as a Leadership Imperative 

The shift from services to products was not just a strategic move; it was a leadership test. Ivan recalls the turbulence: a €5 million revenue loss, unfavourable exchange rates, and a lack of ready-made products when the company most needed them. 

What carried them through was vision, determination, and a team spread across Malta, Ireland, Macedonia, and the UK. Within five years, they had launched four innovative healthcare solutions, a testament to perseverance under pressure. 

For Ivan, the lesson is clear: adaptability is non-negotiable. Leaders cannot control global crises, markets, or currency fluctuations — but they can control how they respond. “In business,” he says, “you do not always get to control the tide, but you can control how you sail.” 

Agility Rooted in People, Not Process 

For Ivan, agility has never been about rigid frameworks or checklists; it has always been about people. He recalls two core decisions that defined leadership at 6PM. First, the team hired for attitude over aptitude. Technical expertise could be developed, but character, emotional intelligence, and values like honesty and care were non-negotiable. Second, purpose was woven into the organization’s DNA. 

Their mission — improving patient outcomes, enhancing safety, and reducing healthcare costs — was not just corporate jargon. It became a living culture, one that employees genuinely believed in. Ivan explains that when people buy into a vision, they take ownership. That, to him, is what true agility looks like. 

Breaking the Myths Around Agile 

Despite Agile’s widespread adoption, Ivan thinks many leaders still miss the point. Too often, organizations treat it as a “silver bullet,” satisfied when projects finish on time and within budget. But he argues that this is a shallow measure of success. 

Real agility, he stresses, is about return on investment, not just deliverables. It requires intentionality, from shaping strategy to allocating resources, and depends on practical tools like prototyping, prioritization, and timeboxing. Above all, it is a mindset shift: away from velocity and toward value creation. 

Lessons From a Global Career 

Having worked across Malta, the UK, the US, Canada, and Scandinavia, Ivan has seen firsthand how culture shapes business. The same Agile workshop can resonate very differently across regions. Americans, he notes, are often quick to embrace collaboration, while Canadians bring humility and structure. Europeans, meanwhile, approach hierarchy with more caution. 

Inside organizations, leadership style, politics, and cultural resistance also play a decisive role in change. Ivan sees that the key is not to impose transformation but to inspire it. “You have to meet people where they are before you can guide them where they need to go,” he explains. 

Balancing the Roles of Consultant, Coach, and Mentor 

Ivan assumes multiple roles such as consultant, coach, and mentor, and he approaches each with a unique focus. As a consultant, his lens is fixed on business outcomes and ROI. As a coach or mentor, he zeroes in on the individual: their mindset, inner dialogue, and potential roadblocks.  

He even studies social media behavior of those he mentors, not to judge but to understand how external validation may be shaping their internal world. Whether working with organizations or individuals, his guiding principles remain empathy, clarity, and deep listening. “Business is always personal,” he says, “because people are at the heart of it.” 

Living the Practice of Growth 

According to Ivan, self-reflection is not a theory; it is a daily discipline. Each morning begins with a growth mindset, grounded in a personal Purpose Statement, measurable goals, and what he calls Personal Success Metrics.  

He dedicates 20–30 minutes daily to journaling with the Thriveon Habit, asking the same four questions he teaches others. This process keeps him aligned, helps him track progress, and keeps his inner voice working as a guide rather than a critic. “Growth is not accidental,” he says. “It is intentional. And it starts from within.” 

Advice to Young Entrepreneurs- Solve Real Problems 

When speaking to entrepreneurs, Ivan is direct: never build a solution in search of a problem. Too often, he observes, founders become enamoured with their idea rather than its relevance.  

True success comes from solving genuine problems and proving clear ROI for customers. As he puts it simply: “People do not buy products. They buy outcomes.” 

A Legacy of Purpose and Intentionality 

Looking to the future, Ivan’s ambitions go beyond business ventures or titles. His legacy, he hopes, will be defined by how many lives he helped shift from autopilot to intentional living.  

Through his book The Mirror Never Lies, the Thriveon Habit, and the digital platform www.thriveon.vip, his goal is to equip people with the tools to live with clarity and purpose. For Ivan, a fulfilled purpose is the ultimate reward, one that money can never buy. 

Contact Information: 

Email:  ivan@bits-consult.com or ivan@thriveon.vip
WhatsAPP: +356 99464767