Ibolya Fekete-Szabó – Fueled by passion and purpose

Outside the hustle of work, my world is anchored by the love and laughter of my family—my husband and our spirited five-year-old son, whose cheeky grin can brighten the dullest of days. Balancing the demands of work and recent studies has been a whirlwind, but I have discovered a powerful antidote: running. There is something magical about being out in the forest, it is not just exercise: it clears my mind, sharpens my focus, and reconnects me with myself.

When time allows, I indulge in painting or dive into creating content for my dream project: a cooking book. Though it feels perpetually out of reach, the act of working on it fills me with joy. These creative pursuits remind me that life is about relishing the journey.

Finding inspiration in others

Inspiration is everywhere for me, but it is never static—it evolves, shaped by the people, life and places in my path. I am drawn to those who challenge perspectives, push boundaries, and expand my understanding of the world. Think of Jane Goodall’s tireless dedication to conservation, Dr. Gabor Maté’s wisdom on trauma and healing, or Edith Eva Eger’s remarkable resilience as a Holocaust survivor.

Then there is Joanne Harris, whose storytelling pulls me into vibrant worlds, or Ivan Alifan’s artistry that sparks endless curiosity. My all-time favorite, board game creator Beatrix Bohony-Marbushka, weaves creativity into every detail of her work. I am endlessly inspired by documentary filmmakers like the On The Spot team, who capture the raw, untold stories of humanity.

They all encourage me to strive to be a more balanced, compassionate, and enlightened version of myself. Whether they entertain, educate, or simply awe me with their talent, they remind me of the beauty in growth, learning, and striving.

My career journey

Fifteen years ago, my professional journey began, and looking back, I am astounded by the path I have walked. From marketing automation and sales CRM to digital transformation and campaign management, every step has shaped me. I have been fortunate to work with dynamic teams and inspiring leaders who have not only guided me professionally but also impacted me personally.

Currently, I am proud to serve as a Digital Campaigns Chapter Lead, overseeing a talented team of more than 80 professionals. Together, we create digital campaigns that span Diagnostics, Diabetes Care, and Pharma, supporting meaningful content creation for our organization. Before this, I led the Marketing Automation and Sales Enablement Chapter, managing platforms and campaigns that aligned with our broader mission for Diagnostics, Diabetes Care and Pharma. 

What inspires me most in this role is our organization’s purpose: extending human life and creating shared moments for patients and their loved ones. Every task, every meeting, every campaign is tied to this profound goal, reminding me that our work has real, lasting impact.

A global team like no other

Working in the Global Digital Hub is unlike anything I have experienced. Our team is a vibrant mix of cultures, spanning more than 40 nationalities and connecting professionals from Costa Rica, Kuala Lumpur, Riga, and Budapest. The diversity of backgrounds isn’t just a strength; it is our secret weapon.

What truly sets this team apart is our shared spirit: a sense of accountability, creativity, and humor. We celebrate wins together—one of my fondest memories is the arrival of our 100th team member. We marked the occasion across four locations and three time zones, with countless smiles. That sense of unity, despite the miles that separate us, is what makes this team special.

Challenges? Of course, they exist. But I don’t see obstacles—I see puzzles waiting to be solved. While the pace can be relentless, I have learned to listen to myself, take moments to recharge, and draw strength from the incredible colleagues around me. As long as I can make a meaningful impact and continue growing with this team, my drive remains unwavering.

If there is one truth I have learned, it is this: you get back as much as you invest. Your career isn’t a straight line—it’s a mosaic made up of experiences, lessons, and moments of reflection. Each piece adds depth to the picture of who you are as a professional and a leader.

Here are the principles that have guided me:

• Prioritize self-improvement: Never stop learning. The industry evolves constantly, and staying ahead means embracing new skills and technologies. But beyond professional knowledge, get to know yourself. Self-awareness is the foundation of authentic leadership.

• Invest in your team: Your team’s success is your success. Understand their motivations, frustrations, and dreams. Guide them to envision their futures and create opportunities for growth.

• Embrace reflection: Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about making tough decisions with empathy and clarity. Reflection will help you find your balance.

• Build meaningful connections: Surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you. Collaboration is the key to unlocking new ideas and achieving greatness.

And finally, never underestimate the power of joy. A Buddhist priest once said, “It’s not the route or the destination that matters but the company along the way.” That wisdom stays with me. Success isn’t just about the milestones; it’s about the people you share them with. So, embrace every opportunity to grow, build connections, contribute and above all, have fun! The path may not always be easy, but with the right team beside you, it is rewarding.