The Value of Impact
- 12 minutes ago
- 3 min read

BLOG by Nora Bogsch, Executive Secretary of Impact CEE
Back in March, on International Women’s Day, my younger son asked me:
"Today is Women’s Day. When is Men’s Day?"
His simple question got me thinking.
Following the success of our previous event, where 12 inspiring women shared their personal and professional journeys through the PechaKucha format, we decided to continue showcasing impact makers from diverse backgrounds.
Their stories reminded us that creating impact is not merely a career outcome—it is a commitment to making the world a better place.
In last week's Impact Afternoon, we expanded the conversation.
Diversity goes far beyond gender; it is reflected in the unique experiences, perspectives, and strengths each individual brings.
At Impact CEE, we believe meaningful impact is created when diverse voices come together, learn from one another, and collaborate as equals.
Our speakers represented different sectors, professions, and life paths, demonstrating that there is no single route to creating positive change.
Value in our work.
Value in our lifestyle.
Value in our professional and personal journeys.
Last week, during the Impact Afternoon, we had the privilege of listening to ten inspiring impact stories shared by five women and five men from diverse sectors. Their backgrounds ranged from finance, fund management, and agri-tech to multinational corporations, NGOs, project management, entrepreneurship, and even the music industry.
Hosted at the European Parliament Interactive Space, the event created an uplifting, energising, and welcoming atmosphere. Through the PechaKucha format, each speaker shared a personal story with remarkable honesty, authenticity, and humility. Their openness allowed us to connect not only with their achievements but also with their motivations, challenges, and values.
Regardless of career stage or background, everyone could take away something meaningful. Some of my key reflections were:
It is often easier to ask for forgiveness than to wait for permission.
Volunteering shapes both our character and our career paths.
Our impact today influences the mindset of future generations.
We are bridge-builders, connecting people, ideas, and shared goals.
Challenges and setbacks can become catalysts for systemic change.
Believe in yourself and embrace opportunities when they arise.
Our deepest thoughts and values remain our true roots, even when they are not always visible on the surface.
We are deeply grateful to our carefully selected speakers from across the impact ecosystem. Their stories gave us a rare opportunity to look beyond professional titles and gain insight into their personal journeys, aspirations, and purpose.
Thank you for sharing your stories, your lessons, and your impact.
IMPACT AFTERNOON
Men & Women
Gender complementarity in the World of Impact
Presenters:
Zsolt Czibere, Employee Experience & Diversity Advisor, bp Hungary
Julia Dalmadi, Partner, TransFoodMission
Upcycled food retail category builder, 0 to 50+ products in 5 months, Food System Innovation speaker, expert, consultant
Andrej Nosko, Co-executive director, PILnet
Energy Security, Geopolitics, Policy Research, Sustainable Technologies, Access to Justice, Leadership in Uncertainty
Zsófia Varga, Partnerships Manager, Danubia Orchestra
Cultural Management
Rudolf Nanne, Pentacon Capital, Krisos, Corporate Rebels, Senator Labs
Multi entrepreneur, investor, Radically Human & Decentralised Organisations, System Optimisation
Mpho Mathabathe-Mala, Chief Information Office, Data Immigrant LLC; Green Software Champion, WFF ECA Agrifood Stakeholder Network
Engineer & Digital Agriculture, Global Citizen
Zsombor Gégöl, Impact Ventures
International Business Economist, Venture Capital & Private Equity, Real Estate
Monika Harsányi, Head of International Projects, Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE/Danube Region Programme BCCI
Transnational Funding & Program Specialist
Semi Hakim, Co-founder, KÖK Projekt
Global Climate & Agrifood Innovation Ecosystems, Cross-regional Innovation & Deployment Platforms, Adviser in EU & Climate Initiatives
Mary Alcantara, Partner, Interactive Venture Partners
VC expert



































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