Xpat Interview: Paul Pahil

  • 6 Apr 2010 12:00 PM
Xpat Interview: Paul Pahil
Paul Pahil , Positive Psychologist, Chartered member of CIPD and Founding member of Centre of Applied Positive Psychology.

My work experiences were in the Airline Industry and I worked for British Airways in Training and coaching staff and managers. I worked myself up to Head of Leadership and coached over 50 nationalities.

My speciality is within the field of Positive Emotions and helping Leaders how to foster pride, hope, ownership and achievement.

Outside work I enjoy fitness, sports and Karate. I was British and London Karate Champion and taught Karate for over 15 years.

1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
I first arrived in Budapest in May 2004 to attend a wedding and felt it would be my new home.

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
No

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
The technical language.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?
The Basilica, the Opera House, Heroes square, Parliament , the beautiful bridges overlooking the majestic Danube

5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?
Máglyarakás

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
Milk

7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?
LENYÜGÖZÖTTSÉG

8. What do you miss the most from home?
My lovely nieces and nephew

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
A journalist in war zones

10. What's a job you would definitely never want?
A Parking attendant

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
Goa in India.

12. Where do you hope to spend your next one?
Switzerland

13. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
U2, An officer and a Gentleman, Karate

14. What can't you resist?
A smile

15. Red wine or white?
White

16. Book or movie?
Movie

17. Morning person or night person?
It depends who I am with

18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?
Freedom of expression and civil liberties.

19. Buda side or Pest side?
Pest to live and Buda to visit.

20. What would you say is your personal motto?
Who dares wins.

  • How does this interview make you feel?