I'm Dr. Norbert Makk. For nearly twenty-five years I led international, multi-country technology services organisations. I built teams and sites, carried businesses through model shifts, and worked with human decisions every day — hiring, development, succession, culture. This background is what gives my coaching, mentoring and development work its credibility: I know the challenges of leadership situations well.

The Journey

Academic foundations. A master's in philosophy, then a PhD in communication theory within philosophy at the University of Debrecen. My doctoral research examined the structure of meaning-making. For a time I taught at the university as a lecturer.

The leadership path begins (2002–2009). I started as a service desk agent at EDS and became a manager within six months. From there I led international, multilingual service organisations at EDS, EDS/HP and Unisys: I built a 570-person, multi-site organisation operating in 19 languages, then led a 450-person operation serving 34 clients.

Leadership at scale (2009–2018, IBM). From teams of a few hundred to leading a 12,000-person, pan-European organisation (Managed Services Europe). Accountable for 28 senior leadership units, building EU-level succession and competency frameworks, and running automation-driven reskilling programmes. In parallel, I served as Managing Director and board member of IBM's 3,500-person Hungarian legal entity.

Recognition (2017). My results were recognised with the Best of IBM award — IBM's highest corporate recognition, presented by CEO Ginni Rometty.

Managing Director, Unisys Solutions Center Europe (2018–). Leading the service centres in two countries, Hungary and Lithuania, with full responsibility for people and organisation. Building the Lithuanian expansion from the ground up: capability mapping, leadership pipeline, and structured onboarding at scale.

Toward coaching (2024–). Learning the solution-focused approach brought a deep shift in perspective. I am currently working toward the International Coaching Federation Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credential within SolutionSurfers, following the ICF's guidance and code of ethics.

Background and memberships

Organisations I led in: Unisys ♦ IBM ♦ EDS / HP Academic background: PhD, communication theory (University of Debrecen); published author Professional memberships: American Chamber of Commerce in Hungary ♦ ABSL Hungary, board member