Not all trends are worth following. From international SAP projects to shaping and training the next generation of project managers, Dr. Máté Kertész knows what works—and what’s just hype.
In our latest Zenith Vanguard Master Talk, we sit down with Dr. Máté Kertész, an award-winning SAP program and project management executive, trainer, and expert with more than 15 years of experience. He has successfully led more than 30 international projects for global clients such as Hewlett Packard, IBM, T-Systems, and E.ON. In addition to his hands-on project experience, he has trained over 1,000 future project managers, equipping them with practical skills to overcome real-world challenges.
In 2018, his professional achievements were recognized with the “Project Manager of the Year” award from the Project Management Excellence Board. He is also a member of the Supervisory Board of the PMI Hungarian Chapter. He has been a Senior Project Manager and Partner at Zenith Vanguard, the Project Management Company, since 2023.
Q: How do you see the project management culture in Hungary compared to that in Germany and other European countries?
Dr. Máté Kertész: In my experience, Hungary’s project management culture is well-developed within international companies that prioritize it, incorporating modern practices. However, in the SME sector, I’ve observed fundamental gaps and unstructured decision-making, indicating a less mature project management culture.
Q: How has project management evolved over the last decade?
Dr. Máté Kertész: The industry is continuously evolving. Over the past decade, agile methodologies gained significant popularity, often overshadowing traditional waterfall approaches. Now, AI is emerging as the next major focus, gradually replacing agility as the dominant topic. While these are important, I see them as trends. Rather than blindly following industry hype, I focus on evaluating what’s truly applicable in practice and what might be a passing trend without real value.
Q: Do you think the new generation has the necessary skills for modern project management?
Dr. Máté Kertész: Absolutely. The younger generation is more receptive to new technologies, and there’s so much to learn from them in this regard. They can effectively support the older generation, who, in turn, bring valuable life experience. I believe every generation can learn from one another, and the key is creating a balance where each generation’s strengths complement the others.
Q: As project management evolves rapidly, especially with the rise of AI and emerging technologies, how do you stay ahead and ensure your knowledge and training programs remain current and impactful?
Dr. Máté Kertész: I strive to learn independently, focusing on what’s truly valuable. Working in an international IT environment, technological advancements naturally integrate into my daily work. This allows me to acquire new tools and methodologies in a self-taught manner, adapting to emerging trends as they become relevant in practice.
Q: How do these principles influence your training programs?
Dr. Máté Kertész: I follow simple principles. Project management is practical, so the key is identifying what works beyond theory. I always say: know the theory thoroughly but select and apply the tools that work for you instead of rigidly adhering to theoretical frameworks.
Q: How do you tailor your training programs to address the unique challenges faced by project managers in different industries and at different experience levels?
Dr. Máté Kertész: In training sessions with 60-70 participants from 10-15 sectors, it’s essential to use examples that are not sector-specific and can be easily understood by everyone. Given the large number of participants, it’s not possible to delve deeply into technical details. Therefore, my training sessions are best suited for those seeking a general understanding of project management. For individuals seeking solutions tailored to their specific field or situation, smaller, more focused training sessions are recommended.
Q: What strategies do you recommend for project managers to keep up to date and improve their skills throughout their careers?
Dr.Máté Kertész: General project management knowledge is no longer sufficient today. At some point, specialization becomes necessary. For example, after gaining exposure to various technologies, I positioned myself in the SAP industry, focusing on acquiring deeper, domain-specific expertise.
Q: What role does participant feedback play in improving your training programs, and how do you ensure they go beyond theory into practical, real-world applications?
Dr. Máté Kertész: Every piece of feedback is important to me, and if it’s negative, I see it as an opportunity to learn and improve. Considering that I’ve taught over 1,000 students in the past five years, receiving some negative feedback is statistically inevitable. However, I always strive to take constructive lessons from it and refine my approach accordingly.
Q: In your years of training, have there been any particularly memorable participants or unexpected situations that taught you something new? Can you share an example—whether a surprising success, a challenge, or a creative solution from a participant?
Dr. Máté Kertész: I haven’t encountered particularly challenging negative cases so far. Perhaps only once did a participant request a refund due to dissatisfaction. Of course, that’s never pleasant, but with over 1,000 participants, it’s statistically bound to happen occasionally. On the positive side, I’ve had countless rewarding experiences. I especially appreciate when someone tells me that my training inspired them to take a deeper interest in project management. Additionally, I increasingly find myself working with or establishing professional connections with project managers who were once my students. I consider this a great honour, and it gives me a strong sense of professional fulfilment.
For more insights from industry leaders, explore our previous Master Talk interviews on the Zenith Vanguard website.