During her 15+ years of experience as a Marketing Leader in 9 different segments - e.g. Digital Marketing, Online Research, Telecommunication, SaaS, Event Organizing & Management, etc. - she drove international marketing campaigns, as a spoke person managed media and Public Relations and acquired widespread knowledge about organizational operations, processes and workflows.

This also gained her a complex understanding of the key factors that have a strong influence on the productivity and profitability of a business entity.  

She is dedicated to developing engaging workplaces. As an Employer Branding expert, she works with SMBs and companies to position them as attractive Employers and engage talents in the era of great resignation. 

Ildiko started her entrepreneurial journey as a restaurant owner in her mid-20s.
 
1. Where did you grow up? 

I’m Hungarian and I grew up 65 km far from Budapest, in Székesfehérvár. The city was the first capital and royal residence of the Kingdom of Hungary in the middle-ages, where the first kings were crowned and buried.
 
2. If you could be an expat anywhere in the world, where would you choose?

Somewhere in a Mediterranean country or the Caribbean, as I love their gastronomy, friendly and positive people, great company and gatherings and of course the beautiful landscapes.
 
3. What is your favourite place in Hungary? 

I have a lot of favourite places in Budapest, around lake Balaton, the iconic Hungarian wine regions – e.g.: Villány or Szekszárd, the Hollókő folklore village and the Pannonhalma Abbey are high on my list.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?

I would show them around some of my favourite places e.g. the Castle district, the Basilica, the Citadel and the Kossuth square with the beautiful Parliament. Then visiting some rooftop terraces and of course, palinka tasting is a must!
 
5.  What is your purpose in life? 

 I strive to live purpose-driven and creating value is very important to me. In addition to maintaining balance and happiness in life while focusing as fully as possible on the present moment.

6. How do you recharge yourself?

I’m really conscious about taking care of my physical and mental health, that’s why I created some daily habits I stick to. I eat healthily, meditate daily and do my workouts min. 3-4 times per week. For recharging, I book certain slots in my schedule to have some ‘me time’. More importantly, quality time with my loved ones and friends is my top priority.
 
7. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?

Something to collaborate with people, organize things and be in communities, that's for sure. Being a facilitator or mentor to help and incentivize people can be one direction. As I am a creative person I’m also interested in fine arts. My bucket list includes painting abstracts and using mixed media. 
 
8. What’s a job you would definitely never want?

Monotonous or repetitive job roles or activities which lack creativity or interactions with people are not for me. 
 
9.  Where did you spend your last vacation?

I’ve been the last time on a long vacation to the stunning Amalfi coast, Italy before the pandemic, and during the past years, I’ve spent some time in Balaton.
 
10. Where do you hope to spend your next one?

Well, I have some invitations to Australia and the US that could not be made so far due to the hectic changes in the spread of the COVID infection. Previously, I was optimistic that I would be able to travel more in and beyond 2022, but since the war and the prolonged economic crisis, now it is difficult to predict. We'll see. I hope I can go to the sea at least to Europe soon. 
 
11. What was your favourite musician/band, film, or hobby as a teen?

When I was a teen, I was stuck to the screen watching MTV (Music Television). So, there are a lot of favourites, especially from the 80s: George Michael, Michael Jackson, Depeche Mode, U2. 
Movies: Dirty Dancing, Rain Man, Back to the Future. 
Hobbies: aerobic and folk dance.
 
12. Apart of temptation what can't you resist?

Chocolate and cheesecake
 
13. Red wine or white?

 I’m a real wine lover so, both depending on the dishes and the occasion.
 
14. Book or movie?

Both, but I have less time to read books. Lately, I enjoy listening to podcasts.
 
15. Morning person or night person?

Night.
 
16.  Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?

First of all, as an entrepreneur, I’m dedicated to giving back to the society that’s why I mentor sometimes entrepreneurs, solopreneurs or experts who are stuck with their business or their career. I had mentees already from Hungary, Hawaii, India, Nigeria, Pakistan and Serbia.
Before the pandemic, I also visited European universities for sharing my knowledge and experiences where I spoke about marketing, entrepreneurship, and motivation.
 
Furthermore, I’m an advocate for female entrepreneurs and the education and career development of children and the younger generations.

17. What advice would you give to your younger self?

Care less about what others think about you, and never lose your faith in yourself! Even when no one else does.
 
18. What is your superpower?

 Resilience.

19. Which achievement in your life are you most pleased about? 

By now I learned to measure my achievements with my own metrics. As an individual, I’m grateful for always being able to start over and grow against all the odds and ends. 

In my professional career, there are several memorable ones, e.g I never thought that I will be a restaurant owner ever. I’m also very proud that as the Head of Marketing I rebranded Europe’s third largest logistics and road transportation service provider, the well-known Hungarian market leader: Waberer’s.

Furthermore, it was an honour to participate in the IPO (Initial Public Offering) procedure aiming to introduce the shares of the company to the Stock Exchange. Presenting the company’s marketing strategy and mission to the international analysts from JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley was an unforgettable moment.

20. What would you say is your personal motto? 

 "While this world forces you to compare yourself to others, have the courage to be yourself and pursue your own dreams.” – Ildiko Bujaki