"In leadership, clarity isn’t a luxury — in fast-changing markets, it’s the edge that decides who lasts."
Elena Kovacs, Group CHRO at FutureBank, has spent over two decades reshaping how leadership pipelines and culture evolve in high-growth finance. She believes the future of business in CEE will be won by leaders who stay clear-minded under pressure, build cultures that outlast market shifts, and turn strategy into action without losing sight of human potential.
In this conversation, she reveals why clarity is leadership’s most under-valued currency — and how it turns intent into measurable impact.
The Conversation
Insights from Elena Kovacs on leadership and talent in CEE.
In a rapidly changing talent landscape, Elena Kovacs has become a leading voice on future-proofing leadership. In this conversation, Elena shares the philosophy behind her work at FutureBank and the practical steps that keep talent – and vision – anchored in the CEE region.
Q1: Your statement “The way we work with talent today decides if we’ll still be here in ten years” went viral after your London speech. What did you mean?
To stay relevant, you must invest in the people who will take you forward – at every level.
It’s not just the C-suite; it’s future CEOs, first-line managers, and anyone learning faster than the market changes.
Success comes from building leadership capacity, adaptability, and values that outlast short-term pressures.
Q2: How has this philosophy been put into practice at FutureBank?
We mapped talent systematically across the region – not just within branches. This led to our Future Leaders Lab, blending business acumen with mental resilience and critical thinking. Each cohort is personally sponsored by our CEO and board, making adoption faster and impact deeper.
Q3: The CEE region often sees talent moving to Western markets. How are you addressing this?
We make staying the better option. Flexibility, hybrid work, global project opportunities, and visible career paths mean ambitious leaders can grow without having to relocate to London or Zurich.
Elena Kovacs (right) in conversation with Marie Svobodova on keeping leaders anchored in the CEE.
Q4: How is the CHRO role evolving in such a transformation?
Today’s CHRO is an architect of the company’s future, not just a partner to the CEO. Talent and culture now shape innovation, reputation, and resilience – and without the right people, even the best strategies never materialize.
Q5: If you could give one piece of advice to the CEO of a mid-sized company about talent, what would it be?
Know exactly who could lead your company in five years – and who needs development to get there. Then treat that development as a strategic priority, not a perk. If you don’t, your competitors will.
Q6: What skills will be essential for leaders in CEE by 2030?
Leading through uncertainty, cross-cultural intelligence, and digital adaptability. Leaders who can learn faster than their environment changes will have the edge.
Elena Kovacs,
Group CHRO at FutureBank
Senior HR strategist with 20+ years, shaping transformation of leadership pipelines and culture in high-growth finance.
