{"id":4152,"date":"2026-01-21T04:50:25","date_gmt":"2026-01-21T03:50:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.planetfanatics.hu\/?p=4152"},"modified":"2026-01-30T04:53:01","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T03:53:01","slug":"sustainability-honestly-with-peter-kulloi-episode-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.planetfanatics.hu\/en\/news\/sustainability-honestly-with-peter-kulloi-episode-1\/","title":{"rendered":"Sustainability, Honestly with P\u00e9ter K\u00fcll\u0151i (Episode 1)"},"content":{"rendered":"
Author: Melinda Vida<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h6>\n

Why would someone walk away from the top of London’s banking world at age 40 to devote their life to meaningful causes? And how does that person see the world today, when multiple crises are pressing on our everyday lives? The very first episode of Sustainability, Honestly features former banker P\u00e9ter K\u00fcll\u0151i, founder of the Smiles Foundation and former leader of B\u00e1tor T\u00e1bor.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

It feels like yesterday that we asked P\u00e9ter about crises\u2014back in February 2020, before the pandemic broke out in Hungary, before the lockdowns, and before the slow process of reopening began. You can read that interview here.<\/p>\n

\n

What has happened in the six years since?
\nWe explored exactly this in the first episode of our new podcast series, Sustainability, Honestly<\/em>. The episode is available on our YouTube channel<\/strong>, on Spotify<\/strong>, and the key takeaways are summarized below.<\/p>\n

During the conversation, Katalin Szomol\u00e1nyi<\/strong> and P\u00e9ter dig deep into global trends:
\nwhy it\u2019s dangerous that artificial intelligence has no \u201ctraffic rules,\u201d
\nwhy a moral<\/em> crisis lies at the root of most of today\u2019s problems,
\nand who the potential winners of 2026 will be.
\nP\u00e9ter doesn\u2019t just diagnose\u2014he offers solutions too, sharing the three core skills<\/strong> he believes we will need most in order to survive and thrive by 2030.<\/p>\n

This episode is about letting go, about courage, and about the necessity of building \u201cadult\u2011adult\u201d societies.<\/p>\n

\n

SZK<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In 2020, you described the crisis as having three layers: economic, ecological, and moral.
\nIf the situation was complex in 2020, then what is it now?<\/p>\n

KP<\/strong><\/h3>\n

It\u2019s just as complex\u2014if not more. And one of the root causes is the moral crisis<\/strong>: values have disappeared, or mostly disappeared, because the supremacy of money and power is not<\/em> a value system.
\nIt leads to answers shaped by short\u2011term thinking and quick profit. Meanwhile, a complete global realignment is underway.<\/p>\n

SZK<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Can we add technology as a fourth layer? New technologies are emerging rapidly.<\/p>\n

KP<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Yes. And it\u2019s crucial that these technologies have a code of conduct<\/strong>, a framework.
\nIf you look at the nuclear industry or aviation, they have clear rules, they follow them, and major disasters are rare. Wherever we board a plane, the rules are the same.<\/p>\n

But new technologies\u2014like AI\u2014do not have such a framework. Silicon Valley believes in the \u201cwinner takes all\u201d model of the online world. And since policymakers have adopted the mindset that AI will be dominated either by the U.S. or China, no global agreement will emerge.
\nI am convinced, however, that rules will<\/em> eventually develop\u2014if only after human catastrophes.<\/p>\n

SZK<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Are we climbing out of the economic crisis, or sinking deeper since 2020?<\/p>\n

KP<\/strong><\/h3>\n

We\u2019re sinking deeper in the sense that debt levels are rising, and we\u2019re living at the expense of the next generation.
\nWhere this leads depends on whether AI can generate enough economic surplus to genuinely improve living standards.
\nTo me, AI is both a bubble and a real transformational force\u2014just like the internet once was.<\/p>\n

SZK<\/strong><\/h3>\n

And the ecological crisis?<\/p>\n

KP<\/strong><\/h3>\n

We haven\u2019t started moving upward. Things are happening, yes, but not enough to stop us from going deeper. Again, the question is: how many solutions can technology really provide?<\/p>\n

SZK<\/strong><\/h3>\n

I\u2019m not a big believer in the idea\u2014especially common in the U.S.\u2014that technology will solve everything.<\/p>\n

KP<\/strong><\/h3>\n

We can\u2019t expect technology alone to solve it, but it will certainly play a role.<\/p>\n

SZK<\/strong><\/h3>\n

How do you see Europe\u2019s position in this new world order?<\/p>\n

KP<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Much of Europe stands for respect for the individual and the importance of the rule of law. Long term, I don\u2019t believe any other model is sustainable.
\nBut economically, especially when it comes to risk\u2011taking, Europe lags far behind.
\nNow, however, Europe has received a push. The question has always been whether Europe is on the menu<\/em> or at the table<\/em>.
\nRight now, it has an opportunity to pull itself together.<\/p>\n

\n

P\u00e9ter K\u00fcll\u0151i<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A former banker who turned his back on the world of finance at age 40 to devote his life to meaningful causes.
\nIn the 1990s he worked as a director at an international investment bank, eventually becoming head of its London office. Later he decided to end his managerial career, return to Hungary, and use his energy to support those in need\u2014especially children.<\/p>\n

He founded the Smiles Foundation<\/strong> in 1996 and served as chairman of the board of B\u00e1tor T\u00e1bor Foundation<\/strong> from 2002 to 2023.
\nHe is a dedicated supporter of the Liszt Academy of Music<\/strong>, and co\u2011chair of the Tate\u2019s Central European Acquisitions Committee<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

A founder or investor in more than 30 startups, he supports only ventures that aim to make the world a better place.<\/p>\n

The core of his philosophy:
\nletting go<\/strong>\u2014to make room for new beginnings\u2014
\nand courage<\/strong>\u2014to choose unconventional paths when necessary.<\/p>\n

\n

SZK<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In 2020, we talked about the \u201cpumped economy.\u201d
\nIs the pumping still going on?<\/p>\n

KP<\/strong><\/h3>\n

It is, but economic problems are increasing. The gap is widening too much: creating a type of growth that benefits a small group while the majority becomes worse off.
\nFor this system to function, you need belief\u2014belief in growth, belief in financial sustainability.
\nThat belief is now breaking.<\/p>\n

SZK<\/strong><\/h3>\n

How can we turn this anxiety into hope? What do you advise for the future?<\/p>\n

KP<\/strong><\/h3>\n

I have three daughters, and I told them this:
\nI believe there are three essential skills<\/strong> in this new world:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. The ability to struggle and, at times, to suffer.<\/strong><\/li>\n
  2. The ability to live life well, even while you struggle and suffer.<\/strong><\/li>\n
  3. Curiosity about constant change and the ability to learn from mistakes.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    If you have these three, you\u2019ll be okay\u2014even in uncertainty.<\/p>\n

    \n

    SZK<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    What should we prepare for in 2026?<\/p>\n

    KP<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    It will be a very intense year. AI is now spreading horizontally, and it will shake everyone\u2019s lives.
    \nAnd due to geopolitical tensions, the likelihood of \u201ceye\u2011opening\u201d disasters is increasing.
    \nReality will confront us: the idea that politicians will fix everything for us is an illusion.<\/p>\n

    SZK<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    And if we look ahead to 2030?<\/p>\n

    KP<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    The AI\u2011based world will require lots of energy, hardware, and mineral resources.
    \nThe U.S. is highly focused, and China is preparing systematically.
    \nI hope that by 2030, we\u2019ll also see European champions<\/strong> who come out strong.
    \nFor that, Europe must understand this: individual countries are just \u201crounding errors\u201d\u2014only together do we have weight.<\/p>\n

    SZK<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Who will be the winners of the future?<\/p>\n

    KP<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    The adults.
    \nThose who can behave like adults in times of change.<\/p>\n

    At the corporate level: organisations that dismantle hierarchy\u2014like Netflix with its \u201cno rules\u201d culture.
    \nToday, companies need to be cool<\/em>, lovable<\/em>, and responsible<\/em> to attract the best talent.
    \nAnyone thinking long term must move in this direction.<\/p>\n

    The full conversation is available on our YouTube channel<\/strong> and on Spotify<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    \n

    Coming Up Next<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    In two weeks, P\u00e9ter K\u00fcll\u0151i returns for another episode, where we\u2019ll discuss the role of companies and leaders in light of global trends.<\/p>\n

    \n

    The Planet Fanatics\u2019 Network Podcast<\/strong><\/h1>\n

    Welcome to our new series!
    \n\u200bSustainability, Honestly<\/em> is the biweekly podcast of the Planet Fanatics\u2019 Network. Our host, Katalin Szomol\u00e1nyi<\/strong>, sits down with renowned experts and decision\u2011makers to uncover the most pressing questions of our time.<\/p>\n

    What is the show about?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    We don\u2019t settle for surface\u2011level answers.
    \nWe look into what really drives markets and our planet\u2014from global trends to shifting value systems and the technologies shaping our future.
    \nOur aim is to provide an authentic picture of sustainability from both a business and a human perspective.<\/p>\n

    Where can you follow us?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Don\u2019t miss the next episode!
    \nSubscribe to our YouTube channel<\/strong>, follow us on Facebook<\/strong> and Spotify<\/strong>, and visit the Sustainable Headshot<\/em> blog for background insights.<\/p>\n

    Join us on the journey toward the future!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    The very first episode of Sustainability, Honestly features former banker P\u00e9ter K\u00fcll\u0151i, founder of the Smiles Foundation and former leader of B\u00e1tor T\u00e1bor.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":4141,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[119],"tags":[400,399,401,361,402,353],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.planetfanatics.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4152"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.planetfanatics.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.planetfanatics.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetfanatics.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetfanatics.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4152"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetfanatics.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4152\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4153,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetfanatics.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4152\/revisions\/4153"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetfanatics.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4141"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.planetfanatics.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4152"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetfanatics.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4152"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.planetfanatics.hu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4152"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}