Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I grew up in the western part of Hungary, in Győr as a second child, I have 1 brother. I am spending my 40th trip around the Sun, moved to Budapest for my college studies (Finance and Accountancy) and have been living here ever since.

I joined Centralis in 2011 as the third employee at the time of incorporation. No surprise, I also worked for AIB before as many Centralians, so my history with the team goes beyond the past 11 years, but definitely the past decade has been the highlight of my career. I started as a Client Services Supervisor, joined the Amsterdam team for two years between 2015-2017, and after my return to Budapest, I took on the General Manager role in 2018.

I am true stubborn double Taurus with two baby teeth still, no more fun facts about me.

Why is Hungary a great place to incorporate a company?

One of the competitive advantages Hungary has compared to other countries in the region is the government’s strong commitment to streamlining business processes and increasing the competitiveness of enterprises in Hungary through a wide range of available incentives. Foreign capital is, in large part, attracted by the highly skilled and highly educated yet competitive labour force.
Current corporate income tax rate is 9%, which is the lowest in the region, and Hungary’s goal is to keep the country’s financial sovereignty.

However, our country’s outlook remains particularly sensitive to the evolution of the war in Ukraine. Further uncertainties are related to global investor sentiment, increasing inflation, and monetary tightening. Not all responses from our government to global taxation changes are supported, and the effects of certain statements are yet to come from the US and European Commission. So let’s get back to this question in a year, when we will learn more about the development of world events.

What’s the hardest and easiest part of being the General Manager of Centralis Hungary?

It is easy to be in a General Manager role when the whole team consists of professionals who are committed, loyal and take responsibility for their work. I am happy to say that in the past years, we have managed to build a strong team at Centralis Hungary with the mentioned qualities and what is evenly important. We can have great fun together. It is reassuring to see that people like to come into the office and spend time together. Friends are built, and yet, quality work is delivered. We have 16 people in the office (+2 on maternity leave), and although people management has always been the hardest part of a manager role, the investment in people, the personal attention we can give them, always pays off, and this is the easy part, to enjoy the fruit of such investments.

The hardest part is the responsibility for all the above. Maintaining a safe working environment where everyone can develop, feel motivated, and deliver excellent client services.

Have the right reaction to changes, lead a team by example, ensure our clients are satisfied, and simultaneously keep the Centralis group goals in focus and meet the expectations.
This is an ever-changing role, and that is the beauty of it.

What are the most important skills you have gained during your career?

Provide PC answers to questions . My problem-solving skills improved rapidly as my responsibilities grew, especially at the time when our local operation grew quickly 2-3 years ago. I’ve never imagined I can do that many things simultaneously. Multitasking is no joke for me. Talking over the phone while replying to e-mails on one screen and approving immediate transfers on the other is an easy pie. A smooth sea does not make a skilled sailor. I always looked at challenges this way.

The more routine I gained in client services and recurring tasks was less challenging. I had the capacity to start thinking with the head of our clients, could listen to what others are saying, not just to what I want to deliver or say. I became curious, cautious, yet confident, as I (like to believe) could learn from my mistakes, and tried to avoid committing those twice.