Dr. Katalin Ásványi: “With Sustainability, Practice What You Teach”

The full interview, published as part of the Inspirational Women Shaping the Future of Business Education series on the international academic platform BlueSky Thinking, is presented in its entirety below. 

Why do you work in education?   

Growing up as a child of teacher parents, I was always drawn to the world of education. I ultimately studied economics, and I always had the desire to teach. My doctoral studies provided an opportunity, and I have been striving to make teaching more effective and transformative.  To pursue this, I started my master’s in economics education this fall to deepen my pedagogical approach. My goal is not only to pass on professional knowledge but also to help students develop a responsible, value-driven mindset, equipping them with practical skills and an understanding of how to give back to society. This motivation also led me to create community-based sustainability training, which earned us a PRME Award. At first, an opportunity might seem challenging, and we may not immediately see its relevance to our careers. Still, through these activities, people get to know us, how we work, and what we bring to the table. I have always considered tailored teaching methodologies and mentoring to be important. I believe that a great teacher sees in students what they may not yet see in themselves. What motivates me most is witnessing their growth, taking pride in their achievements, and watching them succeed internationally. 

What’s the most rewarding part of your role?  

Perhaps the most significant challenge—and at the same time, the most outstanding value—is ensuring that everyone, regardless of whether they work in academia or in support services, finds their own way to contribute to the university’s more sustainable operation daily. Every small decision matters, and everyone has the potential to become a sustainability champion in their way. Spreading this mindset relies heavily on effective communication. In many cases, people are already taking steps toward sustainability without realising it—my goal is to help them recognise their significance and align them. I have led the ERS Hub, where my main task was bringing individuals and organisations together. Through the leadership of the PRME (Principle for Responsible Management Education) CEE Chapter, I am also working to represent sustainability on a regional level. Just talking about sustainability in education is not enough—we must actively practice what we teach. This makes us more credible and demonstrates that Corvinus can make responsible decisions and operate sustainably. For me, the greatest recognition is that I am seen as someone who can take on this role effectively within the university.  

Please tell us about a challenge you’ve overcome to get to where you are today. What did you learn?   

My greatest challenge has always been balancing work and family life, especially with three young children. Fortunately, academic life offers flexibility, allowing me to spend my afternoons with my family while continuing my work in the evenings. My experience proves that with conscious effort, motherhood and a successful career are not mutually exclusive. Before taking on the dean’s role, one of the biggest challenges in my sustainability-related responsibilities was the art of persuasion and acceptance. How can we integrate sustainability into the university’s daily operations in a way that feels natural to faculty, staff, and students alike?  For example, education aims not to introduce separate sustainability courses for every programme but to embed this mindset organically into existing courses, teaching methods, and competency development. The key takeaway from this challenge is that we need to engage the university community even more effectively and develop solutions together that present sustainability as a value.   

Have you ever had a role model? If yes, who? And how have they impacted your career or outlook?  

I learned from my parents that a great educator can play two critical roles: discovering the talent in everyone and encouraging the development of those with exceptional skills. My father inspired those who required more support, while my mother nurtured top-performing students and took them to competitions—I strive to combine these two approaches in my work. In terms of leadership, my father also significantly influenced me. As a deputy principal, he prioritised the community’s interests and led by example. A leader, especially in sustainability, must personally embody the values they expect from others in their daily actions.  Additionally, I have seen many inspiring leaders at the university who have influenced me—those who were approachable, open to new ideas, and attentive to all colleagues, even remembering their names after just one meeting. Their lasting impression on me was their ability to stay connected with students, ensuring that leadership never created a divide between them and the academic community. A university leader must remain engaged in education and talent development, as this is the best way to understand who we are working for every day truly. Commitment, collaboration, and continuous learning always pay off in the long run.  

What advice would you give to others to succeed in their careers?   

Let me share a story related to this. The other day, a student —whom I had just met—approached me. They asked how I managed to reach my current position. I told them that I never focused on what kind of immediate scientific recognition or financial reward a new task might bring. Instead, what has always mattered most is learning from these experiences, gaining a broader perspective, and collaborating with many different people. At first, an opportunity might seem challenging, and we may not immediately see its relevance to our careers. Still, through these activities, people get to know us, how we work, and what we bring to the table.  

The key to a successful career is not just focusing on short-term benefits but being open to opportunities and taking on new tasks, even voluntarily. Engaging in projects where we collaborate with different people and fields allows us to gain new knowledge and meet many people, which can be crucial for future career opportunities. Commitment, collaboration, and continuous learning always pay off in the long run. Then I often realise how many like-minded people surround me —people who share similar values, inspire me and are genuinely great to work with.