Dear Member, Dear Partner,
Looking back on 2025, my thoughts often return to the days I spent in Bhutan. There, I encountered an idea that has stayed with me ever since: in this small country of 780,000 people, progress is measured not only in numbers but in well-being. When they reflect on their achievements, the first question is not “How much did we get?” but “How are we doing along the way?” A simple yet courageous question: Are we healthy? Do we have time for each other? Are we learning? Are our systems operating with integrity? Is our community thriving? Are we caring for our environment?
Bhutan approaches well-being through nine dimensions – and as I look back on HBLF’s past year, I am truly moved by how much progress we have made together in these very areas.
- Psychological well-being – Our HR Working Group continued to focus on workplace well-being and psychological safety, including an October session at the Mindwell Psychological Center.
- Health – Sustainable performance is only possible with healthy people; our programs reinforced this mindset. At the first CEO Forum of 2025, the founders of Fusion Vital demonstrated how the latest wearable smart devices and data-driven methods can enhance the performance and well-being of individuals, leaders, and organizations.
- Time use – As leaders, time is our most precious resource. At HBLF, we created conversations and meetings that give rather than take: clearer focus, better decisions, and a more human rhythm.
- Education – The HBLF International X Mentor Program attracted record interest, and we launched the HBLF Board-level Program: a strong new initiative preparing participants for board roles in the spirit of responsible corporate governance.
- Cultural diversity and resilience – The Diversity Charter, the Coefficient Festival, and the 15-year-old Romaster program all convey the same message: talent is diverse, and that makes our future more promising.
- Good (corporate) governance – The HBLF TOP 20 Compliance Leaders list and the Board-level Program together represent a clear commitment to ethical, transparent operations.
- Community vitality – CEO Forums, conferences, and continuous connections (offline and online) built community again this year: spaces where leaders can truly talk to leaders. Members of the HBLF Women’s Forum enjoyed popular professional trips in 2025, visiting Egypt and Germany.
- Ecological resilience – The ESG working group helped turn sustainability into tangible corporate practice. Our autumn meeting focused on supply chain sustainability, risk management, and supplier development.
- Standard of living – Ultimately, this is what matters most: making our workplaces more livable, balanced, and human. This is what HBLF works for – and why I am especially grateful for your presence.
Highlights of 2025:
Two CEO Forums addressed topics such as “Sustainable Performance with Smart Devices and Data-Driven Methods” and “Crisis Communication,” organized by MVM and Diageo.
Our flagship event, the 25th Anniversary Financial Summit, brought together experts and decision-makers shaping the future of the economy to discuss how Hungary can boost competitiveness amid global challenges.
HBLF International X Mentor Program
Launched with a record 82 mentor-mentee pairs. This season, we offered scholarship opportunities to five renowned Hungarian fashion designers and collaborated with the Women in Leadership League Foundation.
HBLF Women Leaders' Forum's events continued to attract significant interest. The study trip to Egypt was particularly successful, as was the year-end celebration featuring a conversation with Mr. Sándor Zwack and a Hungarian designers’ fair.
The program supports the development of a responsible decision-making culture at senior corporate levels. Our first group closed with a 97–98% satisfaction rate.
Co-Efficient Festival in May, coordinated by the European Diversity Charter Hungary, brought together 42 partners (companies and NGOs) to enable 220 participants and 60 speakers to connect through 26 sessions, discussions, and workshops.
Romaster Foundation turned 15: more than 85 participants – students, alumni, mentors, corporate partners, and colleagues – celebrated the impact that has shaped nearly 200 Roma youths’ lives since its founding.
Our working groups initiated professional dialogues on business ethics, education, HR, and ESG.
At our year-end ceremony, hosted by KPMG Hungary, we celebrated with our supporters and presented the HBLF TOP 20 Compliance Leader Awards for the first time.