Merhaba [Good morning in Turkish], Professor Çolak, and welcome to AGH University International Faces. It is a pleasure to have you with us. Coming from Turkey to Krakow, you bring extensive experience in management psychology, leadership, and business development. Could you share your academic journey with us?
Professor Murat Çolak: Thank you so much. I really appreciate this opportunity and the amazing team supporting this project. My name is Murat Çolak, and I am a Professor of Management Psychology as well as the Director of AGH Business School. I am a proud co-founder of MBA TECH and MASS Academy. My academic journey began in the United States and Turkey. After the COVID-19 pandemic, I applied for European Union projects and visiting professorships, looking for the best environment to grow my career. I was searching for an institution that combined scientific excellence with real industry impact. The AGH University of Krakow immediately stood out. It is one of Europe’s strongest technical universities, but more importantly, it has the potential to connect science, engineering, and business in a meaningful way. Moving to Poland nearly five years ago became a turning point in my career, and during this time, I have been developing our MBA programmes with great success.
Why AGH University? What makes the AGH University’s MBA TECH programme unique?
Before launching MBA TECH, we held numerous meetings and interviews with top academics, managers, and industry leaders. These discussions allowed us to design a programme that integrates technology, engineering, computer science, and human sciences. That is why it has become a rising star in Poland and Europe. AGH University, with its strong technological and scientific foundations, was the perfect environment to start this programme. We designed MBA TECH as an interdisciplinary platform; it is not simply an MBA taught at a technical university – it is a programme built to translate technological innovation into business solutions. MASS Academy is our latest initiative to create large-scale projects connecting business partners across Poland and Europe. We started with sports and motorsports, forming partnerships with the international automotive and motorsports brands such as Maserati, Lamborghini, Ferrari, and Ducati. These partnerships allow us to transfer advanced technological knowledge directly into industry practice while offering students unique experiential learning opportunities.
How does the MBA prepare students for international leadership and innovation challenges?
Innovation is central to our approach. Our faculty invites professors and industry experts from all around the world, the United States, Switzerland, France, Germany, among others. Such a global academic environment ensures exposure to diverse leadership perspectives. However, theory alone is never enough. Every module integrates direct collaboration with CEOs, C-level executives, and technology leaders. Students work on real-life projects, especially in areas such as artificial intelligence and digital transformation. Our goal is to ensure that our students do not simply understand innovation – they practice it in action.
Your work often bridges academic research with business practice. Why is this synergy so important?
Business evolves rapidly. If universities operate only within academic frameworks, they risk losing relevance. At the same time, companies need scientific expertise to solve complex technological challenges. At AGH Business School, we position ourselves as a flexible bridge between these worlds. We provide businesses with access to the latest research, particularly in AI and emerging technologies, while ensuring that academic knowledge leads to measurable, practical outcomes. Businesses seek solutions that generate value, and our role is to deliver knowledge and practical applications that meet these needs. That is where our programme makes a real difference internationally.
Selecting the right students is as crucial as designing the right curriculum. How does psychology inform your recruitment process?
As an Associate Professor of Management Psychology, I focus on understanding the motivations and potential contributions of candidates. Interviews explore their achievements as well as the unique value each participant can bring to the programme. When working with executives or MBA candidates, I always begin by asking one simple question: What value will you bring to our community? This question sometimes surprises applicants, but it reflects our philosophy – the programme is shaped as much by students as by faculty members. I sometimes have to refuse strong candidates if they do not align with our values because trust and reputation are more important than anything. For example, a Polish CEO told me that the interview touched his ego because he had never been asked before what he could bring to an MBA programme. This approach helps us attract the brightest candidates who later contribute to our community. Last but not least, we maintain a fully English-speaking environment to uphold international standards.
Having lived and worked in multiple countries, you value cultural diversity as a key to leadership strength. What advice would you give to young professionals aiming to make an international impact?
There is a Turkish saying that strength lies in unity. This philosophy is reflected in MBA TECH classrooms: diverse teams create stronger leaders and more innovative solutions. True leadership emerges from teamwork and loving what you do. In management psychology, I often say that I teach only one emotion – love. Love for what you do, love for the people you work with, and love for the impact you want to create. Leadership is not only about strategy or performance; it is about energy, belief, and authenticity. When leaders are passionate about their work, they naturally inspire others to follow them.
Words convey culture, history, and shared values. Which Polish words resonate with you the most?
I truly admire Polish culture and the warmth of Polish people. Two words that resonate with me in particular are ojczyzna [homeland] and honor [honour]. They reflect a strong sense of identity, respect, and responsibility, values that influence both my leadership philosophy and personal life. I also appreciate the spirit behind expressions such as damy radę [we got it], a belief that we can overcome challenges, together.
Professor Çolak, could you share a short message in your native language for people who consider joining the MBA programme?
TR: Merhabalar, AGH
Krakow Üniversitesi'nde lider olarak devam etmek istiyorsanız, adresiniz aghbusinessschool olmak zorunda.
EN: Hello, if you want to continue your leadership journey at the AGH University of Krakow, AGH Business School is the place to be.
Teşekkür ederim [Thank you in Turkish] for such an inspiring conversation. I wish you continued success in developing the MBA programme and many future achievements.
Thank you very much. It was truly a pleasure speaking with you.
Interested in joining the MBA programme? Explore the details on the website of MBA TECH.
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Professor Çolak’s story shows that modern leadership education is not about titles or prestige but about responsibility, values, and the connection between people and disciplines. At the AGH University of Krakow, leadership is not only taught, it is practiced.
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