József Kossuth is the cargo director of Budapest Airport (BUD). He is responsible for managing the cargo business and developing the operational environment for cargo activities at BUD, as well as coordinating the collaborative work of the BUD air cargo community. His mission is to support the development of the air cargo industry, especially in the Central and Eastern European Region (CEE) and improve the air cargo environment, its competitiveness, innovation, the implementation of new technologies, improving collaboration among cargo stakeholders and finding synergies. Kossuth works with passion to increase the regional cargo hub role of BUD, utilising the growing cargo potential in the CEE region and helping the development of the airfreight industry in the CEE.

How did you get into logistics?

I was already interested in logistics during my university studies (master’s degree in economics, specialising in management). However, a bit of luck was also needed for my cargo career. Ten years ago, I was thinking of a career change from finance/controlling back to business development, and BUD happened to be looking for a cargo manager.

What quote has most resonated with you?

“It all depends on us if we have the will” – István Széchenyi, 19th century Hungarian statesman.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?

Be self-confident and brave, but not haughty. Be reliable, honest, outspoken and protect your “name” because aviation and logistics are large industries, but they also work as a small family where everybody knows everybody. Keep your word and never promise something that you cannot deliver.

If you could have dinner with three people, living or dead, who would it be?

I like history, the long-term evolution of human societies and thinking. I would probably invite three people from very different eras to see and enjoy their interactions: scientists and philosophers. One from ancient times, one from the Middle Ages and one from recent times. Aristotle, Leonardo da Vinci and Einstein would be interesting groups. And probably, this would be a very rare meeting where I would participate but only listen.

What’s something we wouldn’t know about you from your CV?

My business attitude and style are very similar to my own personality. I don’t need to play a different role in my job, which simplifies my work and probably gives me more credibility.

If you had not pursued a career in airfreight, what other field would you have liked to go into?

Personal coaching. 

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Anything that can help make the world a better place by helping people have a better life. 

Looking back over your career, what would your message be to someone considering a career in logistics?

First of all, logistics and airfreight is a very good career choice. It is an exciting work environment, colourful and active, with many interactions, cooperation, and personal development opportunities. It is also an industry where you can experience the joy of creation and problem-solving. You must be able to learn continuously from other people, but also from your own experiences, to collaborate, and look forward. You have to be active and persistent. And maybe the most important one is to be proactive. Proactivity has enormous value in logistics, especially if it is combined with the previous characteristics.

How do you motivate your team?

You must be able to motivate yourself, and then you can motivate others. Motivation is infectious (demotivation, too), but certainly, besides this, you have to use all the management tools of motivation. Involvement culture is also important; your team must feel that they are part of your joint story.

What is the one item you can travel without?

My mobile.

Who is your role model?

I wouldn’t highlight one person because I have been lucky, and I could learn from many different, valuable people in my family, from my mentors, colleagues, partners, or just people I met or have seen in different situations. I try to adopt the positive things and avoid repeating the negative ones. At my age (45), you have already developed a relatively clear picture of how you want to live, work, etc. The main principles are clear, but you fine-tune them till the end of your life.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Lángos with cheese and sour cream – a special Hungarian deep-fried flatbread.