The Women in Leadership League (WILL) Program empowers ambitious women leaders with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to step into more senior roles — both in Hungary and internationally.
These highlights are just the beginning. Scroll down to explore how the WILL Program can support your growth as a leader.
The WILL Program is a unique initiative in the CEE region, designed to support women managers and leaders in Hungary and later across the CEE, in alignment with UN and EU recommendations. The program begins with participants attending the prestigious ‘Women Leaders: Advancing Together, a Multi-Week Leadership Program’ in Boston, delivered by Harvard University Division of Continuing Education. Additionally, it includes tailored modules addressing regional challenges, mentoring sessions provided by the Hungarian Business Leaders Forum (HBLF), and career coaching.
To increase the representation of women in Hungary and the CEE at the highest levels of corporate leadership and decision-making, contributing to innovation, competitiveness and sustainable growth.
To empower women in Hungary and the CEE who are already in management and aspire to C-suite positions. The WILL Program provides targeted support through advanced leadership training, mentoring and career development opportunities, primarily for women in business management, while remaining inclusive of other professional fields.
6-day in-person course (including a half-day orientation, 5 days on Harvard University premises, and a corporate visit to the BCG Boston office on the final day). Participants will have 4-6 weeks to prepare with reading material and exercises.
8 in-person, 1-day courses in the following year. In these sessions, eminent and exemplary (mostly women) business leaders from Hungary and CEE will give lectures and participants will learn from case studies based on the most relevant real-life cases of the leaders. The lecture materials will be reviewed by academic professors. Participants will receive pre-work assignments (reading material, video, etc.) before the in-person sessions.
Participants will develop their career plans prior to the program and discuss them with a coach. Additionally, participants will benefit from mentoring through the Hungarian Business Leaders Forum’s (HBLF) X-Mentor Program, which includes nine sessions during the course of the program.
Participants will become members of an alumni group, which will have meetups twice a year organized by the WILL Foundation. Thus, women will be able to coach, support and mentor one another as well.
Navigating power dynamics: formal/informal power/influence
Conflict management and resolution
Building powerful relationships; your circle of trust and support
Negotiation skills
Self-representation, influence and persuasion
Identifying and overcoming self-sabotage; the confidence gap
Mastering communication, presentation and public speaking
The power of resilience
Effective stakeholder management
Developing high-performance teams
AI in our future
Preparing for change and future challenges; future skills
Executive interactions
Managing crisis, change and cultural shifts
Innovation and experimentation
Leading high-stakes projects
Global economic trends
Module II will be conducted in Hungary
University professor and vice rector for excellence at Moholy-Nagy University for Art and Design
Preparing for change and future challenges
Dr. Petra Aczél is a university professor and vice rector for excellence at Moholy-Nagy University for Art and Design, with a deep expertise in verbal and visual rhetoric, new media, communication, and future skills. With her deep understanding of how individuals and organizations can prepare for an uncertain future, she is an unparalleled choice to teach the WILL Program’s Preparing for change and future challenges session.
Since 1995, Dr. Aczél has been a prominent figure in Hungarian higher education, contributing to the academic community at institutions like Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter Catholic University and Corvinus University of Budapest. Additionally, she has enriched her global perspective as a visiting professor at the University of Richmond. Dr. Aczél has an impressive publication record, with over 220 scholarly works in both Hungarian and English. She earned numerous awards, including the prestigious Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of Hungary. Her latest research focuses on future challenges and skills, through which she contributed to the development of the Future Potential Index.
Clinical psychologist
Self-sabotage and the confidence gap
Dr. Kitti Almási is a clinical psychologist, best-selling author, and sought-after speaker, dedicated to making psychology accessible to a wider audience. She is also a prolific author, with acclaimed books such as Bátran élni and A Te döntésed that delve into overcoming self-sabotage and building confidence, she has co-authored several books and is the founder of Firmitas Publishing. In her lecture on self-sabotage in the WILL Program, she will help participants reframe failures as learning experiences and develop strategies to break self-defeating patterns.
With a Ph.D. from Semmelweis University, Dr. Almási gained extensive experience at the National Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology before establishing her private practice, specializing in mood and anxiety disorders. She primarily applies family and couples therapy methods, which are essential for addressing marital and relationship issues, communication difficulties, and eating disorders.. As a regular expert on radio, television, in magazines, and a featured public speaker , she has a talent for translating complex psychological concepts into practical guidance.
“My goal is to help people view their setbacks as lessons, embrace more of who they are, and build a more positive sense of self.”
Economist, investor, elected chamber of commerce official
Innovation and experimentation
Ádám Balog has had a prominent career in finance and governance. He served as CEO of MKB Bank Zrt. from 2015 to 2020 and was Vice President of the Hungarian National Bank from 2013 to 2015. An avid promoter of innovation, Adam will deliver important messages on how to lead in a way that fosters innovation in the WILL Program’s session about innovation and experimentation.
Earlier in his career, Dr. Balog held roles in controlling at GE Tungsram Lighting Zrt. and in business and advisory services at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Throughout his career, he has been a driving force of innovation, playing a crucial role in stabilizing Hungary’s fiscal and monetary policies during his time in government and the banking sector. More recently, he founded a venture capital and private equity fund management company focused on supporting innovation-driven businesses. After serving for eight years as a board member of the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, he currently holds the position of Vice President, simultaneously being the General Vice President of the Budapest Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and playing a crucial role in implementing the Demjan Sandor Program aimed to revitalize the Hungarian SME sector
Mastertrainer
Host and moderator of the WILL Program
Attila Baranyai is a seasoned communication expert with nearly 30 years of experience. His natural storytelling ability and engaging communication skills ensure that every program he moderates is not only insightful but also highly enjoyable, that is why he was a natural choice for the host and moderator position of the WILL Program.
As a master trainer at DEVELOR, he has led over 1,000 training days, focusing on leadership development and public speaking. Known for his dynamic presentation style, Attila masterfully combines humor with powerful messages, making him a sought-after speaker at conferences and seminars.
Member of Hungarian National Bank’s Monetary Council
Conflict management and resolution
Dr. Éva Búza has significantly contributed to Hungary’s financial sector. Éva is exceptionally well-suited to teach Conflict Management and Resolution, having spent years as an excellent conflict resolver as a CEO. With a strong background in navigating complex internal challenges, she has developed a deep expertise in conflict management and fostering a positive work environment.
Under her 13-year long leadership, Garantiqa Hitelgarancia Zrt.’s guarantee portfolio expanded remarkably. Her experience spans various roles, including the MÁV Group and the Hungarian Development Bank, showcasing her diverse expertise in finance and banking.
Head of the WILL Foundation’s Advisory Board
Navigating power dynamics
Ambassador Borbála Czakó is a distinguished financial strategist, transformational leader, diplomat, and the Founding President of IoD Hungary. As Hungary’s former Ambassador to the UK, Borbála has led critical negotiations at the highest levels of politics and business. As a former Chief of Mission for the World Bank, Global Partner at EY and board member of major Hungarian companies, she knows how to thrive in male-dominated industries and build lasting professional influence. Her extensive experience makes her ideally suited to lead the WILL Program’s session on power dynamics and influence.
As a Chartered Director in financial strategy, Borbála brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. She has served as the Hungarian Ambassador to the UK and is the Honorary President of the Hungarian Business Leaders Forum, established by the personal initiative of the Prince of Wales, now King Charles III.
Throughout her illustrious career, Borbála has held several top-level management positions, including Chief of Mission for the World Bank, CEO of EY Hungary, and Regional Managing Partner for CEE EY at Mergers & Acquisition Services. She also served as an Ambassador at the Foreign Office. Her professional journey has taken her to New York, Washington D.C., Africa, and various European countries, including a global role with EY in London. Borbála has built a robust global network spanning business, diplomacy, government, international organizations, academia, and regulatory and public policy. Her extensive board experience and credibility are recognized in both public and private sectors. She earned her MBA from Tulane University in the US, a BA in technical sciences, and an MA from the University of Economics in Budapest. She also holds a Chartered Director Degree from the Royal Institute of Directors (IoD) in London.
Group Head of HR at MBH Bank
Managing crisis, change and cultural shifts
Kitti Dobi is a dynamic, transformational leader with a passion for building high-performing teams and driving meaningful organizational change. She knows firsthand what it takes to navigate massive organizational transformations. As the Group Head of HR at MBH Bank, she played a pivotal role in managing one of the largest bank mergers in Hungary — both before and after the transition. This experience gave her unique insight into the challenges companies face during crises, change, and cultural shifts — from aligning teams to redefining corporate identity and maintaining stability in uncertain times. Learning from her about crisis and change management will be a valuable opportunity for the WILL Program’s participants.
With a strategic mindset and a people-first philosophy, Kitti has successfully led large HR teams, built award-winning programs, and fostered a culture of innovation and inclusivity in several companies over her career. To her, leadership is about energy, passion, and the human touch — ensuring that businesses not only just grow but thrive through their people.
Entrepreneur, management consultant, curator at the WILL Foundation
Star Business Stories
Zsófia Fejérdy is an outstanding economist and entrepreneur known for her innovative contributions to the business world. As a young, passionate entrepreneur, Zsófia is known for her ability to ask the most insightful and thought-provoking questions. Her hands-on experience in growing a successful business, navigating challenges, and her deep understanding of the dynamics of entrepreneurship make her a special moderator for the WILL Program’s deep dive into star business cases.
Zsófia began her professional journey at the age of 16, balancing her work commitments with her studies. At 23, she took the leap and established her own business. Specializing in organically growing family marketing, her company overcame initial challenges to achieve 100% coverage. It quickly rose to become a market leader and a dominant player in the industry. In 2013, Zsófia Fejérdy was honored with the title of Young Entrepreneur of the Year, followed by Female Entrepreneur of the Year in 2019. After a successful exit in 2021, her company underwent a change in ownership. Since then, she has been providing consultancy services to international companies while also delving into family research, real estate development, and domestic commerce.
President-CEO of SPAR Hungary
Building powerful relationships
Since 2017, Gabriella Heiszler has led SPAR Hungary as its President-CEO, developing strong and lasting business relationships. Through her experience, she has mastered networking — not just as a business tool but as a foundation of professional strength and support. In her session in the WILL Program on Building powerful relationships, she will share her insights on creating authentic connections, cultivating trust, and strategically using professional networks to drive success.
With a robust educational background from Corvinus University, as well as the Universities of Passau and St. Gallen, Gabriella began her career as a financial analyst at General Electric. After joining SPAR in 2006, she climbed the corporate ladder from Head of Internal Controlling to President-CEO. Today, she oversees not only the entire sales departments (INTERSPAR hypermarkets, SPAR supermarkets and franchise), but also finances, HR, and legal matters, as well as expansion, communication and even SPAR’s internal revision. As a woman leading one of Hungary’s largest retail companies, Gabriella has learned firsthand how to effectively build and leverage a network of trusted relationships.
Managing Director and Global Head of Financial Engineering at MSCI
Developing high-performance teams
Rozália Miklós is the Managing Director and Global Head of Financial Engineering at MSCI Inc, a leading provider of decision support tools and services for the global investment community. Working in a global organization, she collaborates daily with international colleagues, which has reinforced her ability to leverage the power of teamwork. Over the years, she has learned to rely on the strength of complex teams to drive success — an experience that makes her an outstanding instructor for the WILL Program’s session about developing high-performance teams.
Rozália began her career as a credit risk modeller at K&H Bank in 2012 after earning degrees in Economic Analysis and Quantitative Finance from Corvinus University of Budapest. After joining the MSCI team, she has risen through various leadership roles within the company, including heading the Client Solutions team for EMEA and the Analytical Quality Assurance team in Budapest.
She is also a respected speaker, having shared her insights on finance and technology at several prestigious conferences.
Co-Funder and Owner of Proton Cinema
Negotiation skills
Viktória Petrányi is a renowned film producer and scriptwriter, shaping Hungarian and international cinema with her bold storytelling and visionary approach. She had to perfect her negotiation skills to an exceptional level in the extraordinarily stressful and competitive film industry, since as a producer, she often had to find balanced solutions amidst diverse expectations, unique creative needs, and extreme time and budgetary pressure.
Viktória graduated as a producer from the University of Theatre and Film Arts in Budapest and has collaborated with director Kornél Mundruczó for decades, bringing impactful stories to life on both film and theatre stages. As the co-founder of Proton Cinema, Viktória has produced internationally acclaimed films, including Delta, White God, and Jupiter’s Moon, all featured at the Cannes Film Festival. Beyond Hungarian cinema, she has co-produced The Song of Names, 1989, BOY7, and The Last King, among others.
Producer, founder and leader of Womanext Association
Self-representation, influence and persuasion
Gyöngyi Porkoláb is a business developer, brand strategist, and the founder of Womanext Business Club and Association, which she has led for 25 years. Currently she is working as a managing expert on endlife care at Debrecen University. Over the past two decades, Gyöngyi has not only developed exceptional skills in self-representation, influence, and persuasion, but also shared her knowledge with her extensive community. Her approach to organizational development and leadership coaching is outstanding, making her the ideal instructor for the WILL Program’s session on self-representation.
After raising her four children, Gyöngyi took a bold step into entrepreneurship, channeling her personal experiences into helping others grow and thrive. Through Alle Management, she develops cultural and theatrical productions, curates books, and produces radio and podcast programs, while also delivering transformational coaching and communication training focused on overcoming loss and crisis. Her work in end-of-life dignity advocacy has profoundly shaped her views on resilience, motivation, and personal growth. She firmly believes that in both business and life, true strength comes from recognizing and confronting hidden losses, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and success.
Managing Director at ISG International Executive Consulting
The power of resilience
Krisztina Pulay is a highly accomplished business leader with a strong background in commercial consulting. Despite all the challenges and insecurities the business environment brought in the past few years, Krisztina has successfully strengthened her organization, making her an excellent teacher on building resilience not only in our personal life but in our organizations as well, and navigating change in times of crisis.
With an economics degree and an MBA from the University of Technology and Economics, Krisztina built a distinguished career in international trade before transitioning into management consulting. For more than two decades, she has led top-tier management consulting firms, including CATRO Management Consulting and ISG Executive Consulting International, where she currently serves as Managing Director and Country Manager. Under her leadership, numerous multinational and Hungarian companies have benefited from her strategic executive search, talent development, and business consulting solutions.
Digital culture expert, futurologist
AI in our future
Dr. Árpád Rab is a renowned digital culture expert, futurologist, and the scientific head of the Information Society Research Institute at NUPS EJKK. His admirable expertise both on the rapidly developing AI landscape and in future skills make him an engaging and academically outstanding instructor for the WILL Program’s AI in our future lecture, as he deeply understands the business and societal impacts of AI innovation, and effectively conveys his knowledge in a compelling and accessible manner.
As the leader of the Innovation Lab at NMHH and a member of the Institute for the Future’s creative community, Árpád has spent two decades researching the dynamic relationship between digital technologies and society. His work aims to decode emerging trends, envision future scenarios, and prepare both society and the workforce for the challenges of tomorrow. With a primary focus on artificial intelligence and e-health, Dr. Rab is deeply involved in digital transformation, advising companies on AI innovation. As a passionate science communicator, he delivers nearly 100 presentations annually and frequently shares his insights through media appearances.
Founder and Chair of the WILL Foundation
Leading high-stakes projects
The WILL Foundation was founded by Dr. Agnes Szuromi-Kovacs, a distinguished leader with over 20 years of experience in international financial organizations and later in the non-profit educational sector. With extensive experience in executive leadership and strategic project management, she has driven impactful initiatives across sectors, including finance, education, and social development. One of her most favorite projects is leading the design process of the Hungarian Money Museum, one of Hungary’s most popular new museums. Among other similar achievements, this project serves as an excellent example of her ability to manage high-stakes projects in a complex and dynamically changing environment, which she will teach about in her session about high-stakes project management in the WILL Program.
In the past decade, Agnes has served as the CEO of several non-profit organizations, successfully leading teams of up to 400 people and managing assets exceeding USD 150 million. A graduate of Harvard, Yale, and Cambridge leadership programs, Agnes is dedicated to executive and talent development, fostering cross-border collaboration, and pioneering innovative and interactive teaching methods.
Chief Corporate Communications and Government Relations Officer at Budapest Airport
Mastering communication, presentation and public speaking
Katalin Valentínyi, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer at Budapest Airport, is a communication powerhouse with over two decades of experience. Her hands-on approach to navigating high-pressure scenarios and delivering clear, effective communication makes her an exceptional instructor for communication, presentation and public speaking. Participants will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical insights into building trust, managing crises, and presenting with confidence — even under pressure.
Katalin began her career at Vodafone, where she swiftly rose through the ranks to become Head of Corporate Communications. Her journey continued at Shell, where she honed her expertise in brand and communications management at both a regional and global level. Since 2019, Katalin has been leading the communication efforts at Budapest Airport, ensuring transparency and clarity in every message. A bustling airport never sleeps, and neither does its communication strategy. Katalin is always on standby, ready to manage complex situations and maintain transparency in an ever-changing environment.
CEO and Director of the Budapest Stock Exchange
Global economic trends
Richárd Végh is a prominent figure in the Hungarian financial sector, currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Budapest Stock Exchange (BSE). As the head of BSE, Richárd plays a crucial role in shaping Hungary’s financial markets, which are essential for the efficient allocation of capital, liquidity, and investment opportunities in the economy. The Stock Exchange plays an integral part in fostering economic growth by facilitating the exchange of securities and enabling investors to access financial instruments, making it a key player in the functioning of both local and global economies. His leadership at the BSE positions him as an ideal expert to share valuable insights on global economic trends in the WILL Program.
Richárd’s leadership extends to his role as Chair of the Sustainability Section of the Hungarian Economic Association, a position he has held since May 2017. In December 2018, he was elected to the Board of the Federation of European Securities Exchange. He joined the BSE Board of Directors in December 2015 and assumed the role of CEO on January 1, 2016. Before his tenure at BSE, Richárd worked at the Central Bank of Hungary (MNB) from November 2013 to December 2015 as the Director of the Capital Market Supervision Directorate. In this role, he was responsible for the prudential supervision of capital market institutions, market surveillance examinations related to market manipulation and insider trading, unauthorized financial services, and capital market issuer licensing. He represented MNB in various national and international organizations, including the Board of Supervisors of ESMA.
Founder and owner of Zolnay Consulting
Effective stakeholder management
Judit Zolnay is a seasoned leader and experienced CEO. As an instructor in the WILL Program, she blends theory with practical insights, drawing from her extensive experience in high-stakes environments where aligning diverse interests was crucial to success. With a robust career that includes serving as the CEO of MetLife Hungary and Bulgaria, Judit has mastered the art of navigating complex corporate landscapes and building strong, effective relationships with stakeholders.
Judit’s tenure at MetLife was marked by bold decisions, strategic transformations, and the delicate balancing act of managing expectations from employees, partners, and corporate boards After stepping down from her executive role, she transitioned to academia, where she now shares her extensive knowledge with future leaders.
The list of instructors for Module II of the WILL Program will be further expanded.
The exploration of outstanding Hungarian enterprises goes beyond case studies — participants engage directly with company leaders and founders who share their firsthand experiences. Through interactive workshops, attendees gain in-depth insights into key business decisions, uncover the strategies behind remarkable achievements, and extract valuable lessons to apply to their own challenges.
Founder, Visionary
The Gerendai Method: from Sziget Festival to multi-industry impact
Károly Gerendai is one of Hungary’s most influential cultural and business innovators. As the founder of Sziget Festival and Hungary’s first Michelin-starred restaurant, he has transformed the country’s music, tourism, and hospitality industries through bold vision and relentless creativity. As a featured guest in the WILL Program’s Hungarian Success Stories, he offers participants valuable lessons in entrepreneurial thinking, market disruption, and creating value with purpose. His story is a masterclass in turning passion into impact.
Károly Gerendai launched the Sziget Festival in 1993, which quickly became one of Europe’s most iconic music events, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world. He later made history in the Hungarian gastronomy scene by founding Costes, the first restaurant in Hungary to be awarded a Michelin star.
His ventures have expanded to include Budapest Park, one of the country’s most popular open-air venues, and the transformation of Lupa Lake into a major leisure destination. Through these projects, Gerendai has demonstrated a unique ability to anticipate trends, build strong brands, and shape entire industries.
CEO and Co-owner, PannonHitel Zrt.
From exit to reinvention: building businesses with purpose
Eszter Varga is a distinguished banking professional, investor, and executive coach. As co-owner and CEO of PannonHitel Zrt., she has played a pivotal role in shaping Hungary’s financial landscape. Her participation in the WILL Program offers participants invaluable insights into entrepreneurial success, strategic leadership, and the art of balancing professional growth with personal fulfillment.
Eszter’s academic journey began at the József Attila University of Szeged, where she earned her law degree summa cum laude. She commenced her career at Lombard Lízing Rt. as a workout associate and later advanced to director of corporate lending at Raiffeisen Bank. Her trajectory continued as deputy CEO at FHB Commercial Bank.
In 2004, Eszter co-founded Central European Credit Zrt., which was successfully sold to FHB Bank in 2009. She repeated this success with CE Faktor Zrt., sold in 2014. Currently, as CEO and co-owner of PannonHitel Zrt., she leads a company specializing in financial services for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Beyond her corporate achievements, Eszter is an executive coach, lecturing at Corvinus University of Budapest. She is also an ambassador for Bridge Budapest’s „Vállalható Üzleti Kultúráért” initiative and a supporter of the Kiútprogram, reflecting her commitment to social responsibility.
CEO at Multi Alarm Zrt.
The Multi Alarm story
Orsolya Zsolt is a dynamic CEO who successfully led a generational transition at Multi Alarm Zrt. Her leadership blends strategic growth with deep respect for legacy, positioning the company as a major player in Hungary’s security sector. As a WILL Program contributor, she provides real-life insight into sustainable leadership, strategic transformation, and the challenges of modernizing family-founded businesses without losing their essence.
With a background in economics, Orsolya Zsolt became CEO of Multi Alarm Zrt. — a 460-person company specializing in security services — and quickly led one of the company’s most significant transitions: the acquisition of its largest competitor. This strategic move reinforced Multi Alarm’s market leadership and set the stage for continued growth.
Her approach to generational succession is marked by both business acumen and emotional intelligence. She modernized operations while preserving the company’s core values, ensuring a smooth handover and cultural continuity. Her outstanding leadership was recognized in 2024 with the “Leader of the Year” award in the large enterprise category.
MODULE I
September
MODULE II (BUDAPEST)
October – June
Orientation
1 day
Budapest
2025
September
Session 1
1 day
October
Session 3
1 day
2026
January
Session 5
1 day
March
Session 7
1 day
May
Harvard Program
5 days
USA
BCG Boston Visit
USA
November
Session 2
1 day
February
Session 4
1 day
April
Session 6
1 day
June
Session 8
1 day
2025
September
Orientation
1 day
Budapest
Harvard Program
5 days – USA
Corporate Program
1 day – USA
October
Session 1
1 day
November
Session 2
1 day
2026
January
Session 3
1 day
February
Session 4
1 day
March
Session 5
1 day
April
Session 6
1 day
May
Session 7
1 day
June
Session 8
1 day
You can express your interest by filling out the form below:
Alternatively, feel free to contact us at office@willfoundation.eu.
Due to the exclusivity of the program, the number of participants is limited.
The program fee is EUR 15,000 + VAT.
The fee includes all program-related expenses, such as in-person participation in Harvard University Division of Continuing Education’s ‘Women Leaders: Advancing Together, a Multi-Week Leadership Program’ held in Boston; travel expenses to the USA; accommodation during the U.S. portion of the program; participation in Module II of the WILL Program, which consists of eight teaching sessions from October to June; one individual career coaching session; and nine mentoring sessions provided through HBLF’s X-Mentor Program.
Applications are open until the end of May. Secure your spot and shape your leadership journey today!
The development of Module II of the WILL Program has been supported by the following organizations:
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