A Week in Newcastle: New Perspectives, Professional Inspiration and International Insights
There is something truly special about stepping out of one's familiar environment and entering a setting where familiar professional questions can be explored from new perspectives and with fresh eyes. This is exactly the kind of experience my week at Newcastle University Business School offered me.
Why did I embark on this journey?
My current primary research focuses on the role of coaching-based development in higher education, particularly in the context of shaping entrepreneurial competencies. I have long been curious to explore how these systems operate in different countries and what similarities and differences exist between Hungarian and Anglo-Saxon models.
The visit took place at the invitation of Dr. Lucy Hatt, Director of the NUBS MBA Degree Programme, with whom I have been working in an international working group for quite some time. This personal meeting provided a valuable opportunity to deepen our professional collaboration, which until now had been purely online.
Professional discussions that opened new perspectives
During the week, I took part in several individual consultations, class observations and workshops. It was particularly inspiring to gain insights into the teaching of MBA students, observe the interactive, practice-oriented learning of the international student community, and discuss the various approaches to coaching and mentoring in practice.
A real highlight was the opportunity to present my own research for the first time to an international audience outside my home country. The constructive feedback I received — including reflections on parallels with Hungarian sports history from a coaching perspective — provided valuable input for the further fine-tuning of my work.
The conceptual nuances of mentoring and coaching
It was interesting to observe that while the terms coaching, mentoring and tutoring are internationally recognized, their interpretations often differ locally. These subtle differences influence how student development systems are implemented — whether we are talking about MBA, BSc, MSc or even secondary school levels.
Key takeaway: openness and preparation
This visit once again reinforced for me the power of personal presence. Careful preparation — including pre-arranged meetings and identifying shared areas of interest — all contributed to making my week in Newcastle truly meaningful.
At the same time, I came to realize how liberating it can be to fully focus on professional development during such a visit, temporarily setting aside the usual day-to-day operational tasks.
Grateful for the opportunity
I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all my colleagues at Newcastle University Business School, and especially to Dr. Lucy Hatt for the warm hospitality, the organization, and the rich professional conversations. I am also grateful to my mother institution for enabling this visit. I look forward to continuing our joint reflections in the future, enriched by new research findings and collaborative projects.
💡 As a closing thought upon returning from this journey, I would like to share the following message with all of you:
🔑 Step boldly into the unknown, stay open and curious — because growth often begins where you open your heart and mind to new experiences.
Friendly regards,
Károly Vizdák
business & life coach
motivational advisor
#karolyvizdakcoach #newcastle #coaching #entrepreneurship