She began her career as a teacher, then proved herself as an editor-in-chief and leader in the media, until she eventually found her true calling in her own business: curating communities and events, and working as a trainer. What she truly loves is the creative alignment of people, ideas, and causes. Krisztina Sághy’s story stretches from burnout to a TEDx dream on the Danube waterfront – while viewing networking not as a technique, but as an art.
“At first, it was obvious that I’d become a teacher,”
says Krisztina Sághy, who grew up in a family of educators, though her career soon blossomed in completely different fields. She graduated as a mathematics-chemistry teacher, but today she’s an event organizer, trainer, and community builder – one of the driving forces behind curating and organizing TEDx events. Her path was far from straightforward, but each transition enriched the professional stage where she now moves confidently across multiple roles.
“Although I loved teaching, the school system confined me to very narrow limits. It’s important to me to be able to create something from nothing,”
she says. After four years of teaching, she took a job as an office manager at a design furniture company. That move led her toward the corporate world – a new territory, but one that served as a good station thanks to its creative environment and her attraction to visual culture.
At first, sales seemed like a detour, but it was here that she discovered a new strength.
“I started to grow in this area too, but at 30, I felt I needed something different. On a sudden impulse, I moved to the Netherlands for six months with one of my friends – I took a career break, met new people, absorbed the local culture. There wasn’t much of a plan behind it, but when I came home, I landed exactly the kind of job I had always wanted.”
That was the editor-in-chief position at port.hu.
“A lightbulb went off in me: this is what I want to do. Back then, the media market was vibrant, Port was growing dynamically, and I was also managing international divisions and sales tasks. Later I founded my own business, creating the Art2B agency, which exclusively represented the largest websites to TV channels and provided them with sales and marketing services.”
When energy ran out – but Kompánia was born
“I loved working at Port – it was full of energy and creativity – but I struggled to let go of tasks. The team grew from 10 to 100, 60 of whom I hired myself. Eventually, I burned out, and I felt the effects both physically and mentally. It took me about a year to recover. I started running, later practicing yoga, and made the conscious decision not to take on every extra responsibility. I used to think only people who don’t love their work burn out. Now I know that’s not true.”
Burnout later sparked a turning point, when she decided to start organizing her own events. After Port, it wasn’t easy to find a new identity – to build a completely fresh brand and agency after being tied to such a well-known name. But after a slower-paced first year with fewer challenges, in 2015 she launched Kompánia: a 120-member club that hosted community events of 25–50 people, diving into deep topics together, freely.
It was during this time that the title “networking artist” stuck with her.
“A PR friend called me that, and I felt it was really me. Real conversations, people, meaningful topics – these are the things I love to bring together.”
A neighborhood, a vision: this is how TEDxÚjlipót was born
Krisztina first encountered the TEDx world through TEDxDanubia. She was invited to organize conversations, but soon after, she took over leading the entire project. Over three years, she facilitated around 600 conversations, building a platform where genuine exchanges of ideas could take place.
“Real action only starts when there’s attentive communication and a healthy culture of debate.”
TEDxBalaton – this time with her own team – represented the next level. Then came the idea: why not have a TEDx for Újlipótváros too?
“It’s such a colorful, vibrant district – you can find authentic voices on almost any topic here.” After submitting a detailed application, they obtained the license, and the announcement set off a wave. “More than 40 volunteers signed up, even though we hadn’t asked for additional team members. That’s the kind of proactive, positive energy I love.”
The TEDxÚjlipót event on September 27, 2025 will feature morning discussions on child protection and longevity, followed by diverse afternoon talks. The evening will culminate in a 250-person riverside long-table gathering with antipasti, toasts, and informal conversations.
“For me, this too is part of TEDx: we get inspired, we connect, and we even have lively debates.”
After nine years, Kompánia is now on pause, but teaching has returned to the forefront of Krisztina’s life: she leads trainings on networking, sales, presentation, communication, and self-branding.
A stone’s throw from Jászai – the KUBIK community where everything comes together
Since the “networking artist” lives just steps away from Jászai Mari Square, she had long had her eye on the nearby KUBIK coworking space.
“I always noticed the great vibe, then I walked in, tried it – and stayed. It’s a very inspiring environment.”
For her, KUBIK has become more than just a coworking office: it’s also a base – a place where TEDx team meetings are organized and new ideas are born.
“I’ve also had many conversations with Évi Mocsár, KUBIK’s co-owner, about how we can connect through TEDxÚjlipót. I’m grateful for this community – it’s a focused, open space that always gives me a little extra momentum.”
Interview: Nóra Ihász | Photo: Balázs Levente Berki
