
XXI International MBA Congress
- Date 6 June 2025
It’s not age that divides people – it’s the lack of conversation.
This simple yet profound truth became the foundation of the 21st International MBA Congress, once again organized by the Krakow School of Business at the Krakow University of Economics. The event took place from May 30 to June 1, 2025, bringing together over 200 participants – representatives from business, academia, and public administration – to take on the challenge of managing generational diversity in the workplace.
The International MBA Congress is the largest event in Poland that brings together MBA students and alumni, as well as mid- and senior-level managers from various industries. Each year, the Congress becomes a space for knowledge exchange and a platform for building lasting intergenerational relationships and cooperation.
Held under the theme “Harm or Harmony? Managing Generational Diversity”, the Congress became a venue for inspiring debates, expert panels, practical workshops, and genuine conversations about the future of organizations, leadership, and communication. The theme not only encouraged reflection on stereotypes and biases but, more importantly, highlighted the enormous potential of intergenerational collaboration as a driver of growth and harmony within modern teams.
The official opening of this year’s edition was performed by the Rector of the Krakow University of Economics, Assoc. Prof. Bernard Ziębicki, Ph.D., and the Director of the Krakow School of Business KUE, Assoc. Prof. Marcin Jędrzejczyk, Ph.D.
The inaugural speech was delivered by Rafał Sonik, entrepreneur and athlete, who shared powerful insights from his own experience on building meaningful intergenerational relationships and responsible leadership based on respect and trust. He also emphasized the importance of generational cooperation not only in business but in society as a whole.
He was followed by a Lightning Talk – a dynamic short speech – delivered by Maja Smolarczyk-Płoskonka (P&C Business Partner at Euroclear), who focused on the importance of mindful management of multigenerational teams. She stressed the value of actively sharing knowledge and experience, which can enhance not only organizational effectiveness but also a sense of purpose and professional fulfillment – regardless of age.
The highlight of Friday’s program included two discussion panels and an interactive Roundtable.
The panels were formal sessions where experts and practitioners addressed topics related to intergenerational communication and age-based stereotypes. Moderated by both scholars and practitioners, these panels served as a space for meaningful knowledge exchange. The 21st International MBA Congress featured three thematic panels:
“Bridging Perspectives – The Art of Intergenerational Communication”
Moderated by Magdalena Adamczyk-Kowalczuk, Ph.D., Director of the MBA KSB + Clark Master program, the panel featured experts including Assoc. Prof. Katarzyna Sanak-Kosmowska, Ph.D., Director of the KUE International Cooperation Center; Monika Picur, Learning & Development Business Partner at Euroclear; and Piotr Prokopowicz, Ph.D., psychologist and sociologist. The discussion focused on effective communication strategies across generations that help build bridges of understanding and mutual respect.“Tackling Stereotypes: Overcoming Generational Biases”
Led by Assoc. Prof. Beata Buchelt, Ph.D., Director of the MBA in Healthcare program at KSB KUE, this panel explored the challenges of age-related biases. Speakers included Piotr Sedlak, Ph.D. Director of the International MBA program at KSB KUE; Mieszko Musiał, CEO of Carlsberg Polska; Alicja Dudek, teaching assistant at the Krakow University of Economics; and Konrad Kulikowski, Ph.D., Vice Dean for Education at the Faculty of Management, Lodz University of Technology. The discussion emphasized the need to break down barriers and foster inclusive workplaces.Interactive Roundtable: “Beyond Harm or Harmony – Embracing and Leveraging Generational Differences in Multigenerational Teams”
This dynamic, open conversation was moderated by Agnieszka Żur, Ph.D., Director of the Executive MBA program at KSB KUE. It featured contributions from both professionals and students, including Monika Dutkiewicz, owner of Integrating Dots Consulting; Dawid Ostręga, Country Head at HTEC Group; and students from the Krakow University of Economics – Filip Boroń, Weronika Gwizdała, and Marta Matras. The session offered a platform to exchange experiences and ideas on how generational diversity can be used as a strength in teams.
The first day of the Congress concluded with a Gala Dinner – an elegant event that blended reflections on the day’s debates with informal networking and conversation. A traditional yet special element of the evening was the charity auction, which featured various works of art and valuable items. Participants showed remarkable generosity and engagement, raising PLN 61,500 in total.
The collected funds were distributed as follows:
PLN 15,000 to Stars4Stars Foundation, founded by Rafał Sonik, supporting children affected by traffic accidents;
PLN 43,600 to Nie Widać Po Mnie Foundation, which provides mental health support for medical staff;
PLN 2,900 to support the initiative “Business Loves Art”, promoting young artists.
The Gala showed that the MBA community is not only about professionalism and ambition but also empathy and social responsibility.
The second day offered participants the chance to engage in hands-on workshops. As in previous years, the Congress provided a valuable opportunity for skill development and horizon broadening through practical sessions led by industry experts. This year, participants could choose from nine workshops focusing on leadership, communication, and strategy in today’s workplace:
Strategic Leadership in AI/ML: A Comprehensive Framework from Solution Scoping to Deployment – Rostyslav Apostol
Acting Workshop for Business People – Don Allen
Business Analysis in a Manager’s Work – Karolina Zmitrowicz
Stress Management – A Strategic Path to Wellbeing – Magdalena Adamczyk-Kowalczuk, Ph.D.
Navigating Change in a Diverse Environment: Practical Strategies for Leading Successful Transitions – Piotr Sedlak, Ph.D.
Building Intergenerational Synergy in the Workplace – Communication and Self-Branding Techniques for Age-Diverse Teams – Joanna Kędzierska
Generations at the Recruitment Table – Compensatory Decision-Making Strategies – Łukasz Czyż
Communications 3.0: Tools for Effective Leadership – Daniel DiGiusto
Leader as a Coach – Jacek Bełdowski
The Congress concluded with a family picnic and the HSBC Open Golf Tournament held at the scenic Royal Kraków Golf & Country Club in Ochmanów. This event combined relaxation, sports, and networking, offering participants and their families a joyful and friendly atmosphere. Attendees could try out golf or improve their skills under the guidance of professionals.
A highlight of the day was the HSBC Open Cup, which was won this year by Mr. Philippe De Brouwer.
The 21st International MBA Congress demonstrated that generational diversity in business can be a source of strength, inspiration, and innovation – provided it is accompanied by openness to dialogue and mutual understanding.
In closing, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire KSB UEK Team for their dedication and hard work in organizing the Congress, especially:
Krystian Bigos, Ph.D. Katarzyna Lipińska, Martyna Frydrychowska-Bogacka, Karolina Dąbek, Dominik Franczyk, Alina Ławicka, Monika Bulsza, Magdalena Adamczyk-Kowalczuk, Ph.D., Assoc. Prof. Beata Buchelt, Ph.D., Agnieszka Żur, Ph.D., Piotr Sedlak, Ph.D., Patrycja Kołodziejczyk, Assoc. Prof. Marcin Jędrzejczyk, Ph.D., and our interns: Marcelina Ogarek and Karolina Cynar.
We are delighted to already invite you to the next edition – the XXII International MBA Congress, taking place May 29–31, 2026!