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From 2-10 December 2024, students of the Leadership Training Academy took part in a study trip to Debrecen, Oradea, Cluj-Napoca and Iacobeni. The students of the Academy played a major role in the organisation of the professional and social programs, the results of which were not only new knowledge but also professional networking, cultural and spiritual enrichment. During the trip, we met many renowned experts and attended exciting lectures that opened up new perspectives on innovation, leadership, identity, urban development and international relations.
On the first day of the study trip the students started the professional program by arriving at Trans-Sped Ltd. During the visit, they met Zsolt Fülöp, founder and Endre Fáklya, analytics and business intelligence program manager. During the conversation they talked about the company's foundation and development, leadership challenges, generational change, and how AI and data-driven decision making has brought changes to the company's processes. After the discussion, they took part in a site visit where the students had the opportunity to see the processes mentioned earlier.
On arrival in Debrecen, the students listened to a presentation by Lajos Kósa on the differences between a political and a business leadership position, and then local MCC students showed us the sights of the city. After the walk, they continued the day at the Christmas market, where they had the opportunity for informal discussions. To round off a busy day, they met with László Papp, Mayor of Debrecen, where the students learned about Debrecen's strong and dynamic development, as well as the challenges and future plans.
The next morning, the students visited the BMW factory, where they met Hans-Peter Kemser, the factory manager. During his presentation, they were able to learn about the Group's leadership philosophy and the differences in leadership across cultures, from Germany to Mexico. The next stop was EDC Debrecen Kft., they learned about Debrecen's detailed urban development strategy, past and present. In the afternoon, the students visited Munkácsy exhibition at the Déry Museum which was a real refreshment, and in the evening they attended a postgraduate training briefing at the MCC Debrecen.
The students continued their journey to Oradea, where thes first visited the sights of the city, and then talked to RMDSZ MP Ödön Szabó about the mysteries of minority politics and the situation of Hungarians in Romania. The day ended with an insight into the workings of a champagne winery in Kárásztelek, and then they headed for Cluj-Napoca.
At MCC's headquarters in Cluj they attended a presentation by Botond Talpas, MCC's Director for Transylvanian Affairs, who gave them an insight into MCC's extensive activities in Transylvania and how the institution's Transylvanian management differs from that in Hungary. Afterwards, Emese Oláh, Deputy Mayor of Cluj-Napoca, was their guest, who shared her years of experience in minority city management, and also presented the current situation and development plans of Cluj-Napoca. The program provided a good basis for comparison and interpretation of the experience in Debrecen. To conclude the day, the students toured the historic city center with local MCC students, with a special focus on places of interest for the Hungarian community in Cluj.
The next day they met Barbara Bodnár, Program Director of the VIBE Festival, who gave them an insight into the professional and economic background of the festival organisation, with a special focus on sustainability and educational programmes. They spent the afternoon with Botond Csoma and Szilárd Tasnádi, RMDSZ politicians. Botond Csoma is a member of the Romanian Chamber of Deputies and President of the RMDSZ in Cluj County, Szilárd Tasnádi is a former prefect and since the recent elections a senator and member of the upper house. The topic of the discussions was the Romanian super election year and the situation and opportunities for Hungarians, from which everyone could learn a lot, both experienced Transylvanian visitors and first-time voters.
The students closed the study tour in Cluj at the Hungarian Theater, where they had the opportunity to meet with András Visky, the chief dramaturge. Their conversation focused on the organisation of the cultural life of the Hungarian minority and the role and importance of the theatre in this. Afterwards, the students saw the play "Misunderstanding" by Albert Camus, which was a very influential and inspiring experience for many.
Our last few days were spent in Iacobeni after their visit to the salt mines of Torda, where the focus was on community building and spiritual recharging. A great place for this was the MCC Iacobeni center, almost isolated from the world. They participated in a workshop using local herbs, and also learned about the ethnographic landscapes of Transylvania, their characteristics and motifs.
Gábor Csepregi gave them a great lecture on the insights of Marcus Aurelius and Stoic philosophy on leadership theory, and in the afternoon the students had a team-building session with a quiz and an escape room.
They spent eight days in Debrecen and Transylvania. Meetings, professional programs and cultural experiences broadened and enriched the horizons of the students. During our time together they became a real team and had experiences that will stay with them for a long time!
