The journey of a female leader in a male-dominated world: The story of Katalin Ádám

Katalin Ádám is a 67-year-old economist, certified accountant and tax advisor from Tatabánya, who has spent her entire life in the construction industry – a field where it has been particularly difficult for women to succeed. She began her career in the late 1970s at KOMÉP (Komárom County State Construction Company), the large construction enterprise of the socialist era, which was liquidated following the political transition in 1991. When Makett Ltd., established from the remnants of the dissolved KOMÉP, was also liquidated, she took control of her own destiny. In 1994, she founded T-Mátrix Ltd., whose main activity is general contracting, and she has worked there as Managing Director ever since.

It was not an easy path. As a woman – and without a traditional construction-related qualification – she often had to prove herself. There were many occasions when partners preferred to contact her male colleagues, bypassing her. In such situations, she had to act firmly, even when it did not come naturally to her. “I had to learn to be tough while remaining a woman,” she reflected. The first ten to fifteen years were particularly demanding, but her perseverance eventually paid off.

For Katalin, however, work was never just about business. She has always considered community and helping others to be important. She began her public engagement as a trade union leader and later founded the “Mértékadó Nők Társasága” (Association of Influential Women), after feeling that official organisations did not provide real space for women’s voices. Over time, the association’s focus shifted: from business cooperation to representing the values women bring.

According to her experience, the situation of women remains contradictory even today. Although much has changed, women still frequently find themselves at a disadvantage. She sees the reconciliation of work and family life as particularly challenging: having children interrupts careers for years, while social support systems fail to adapt to real needs. “What is needed is not primarily money, but functioning support – for example, childcare that aligns with parents’ working hours,” she emphasises.

In her own life, she instinctively strove for balance. Family always remained a priority, even when work demanded enormous energy. She often took her child with her to workplace meetings, and the support of her family – especially her husband and mother – played a significant role. She believes that maintaining balance is key: once it is lost, everything else can easily fall apart.

At the same time, Katalin observes the modern world with a critical eye. She is concerned about the weakening of communities and the growing gap between generations. She feels that younger generations think differently, and that it is difficult to connect with them. She misses the genuine human relationships that were natural in her own life.

Regarding the future, she is both realistic and hopeful. She would like to hand over her business to her son and trust that the next generation will find its own direction. At the same time, it is important to her that women become stronger and more independent. “Do not be a servant, be a woman – create your own existence” is the message she would most like to pass on.

Katalin’s story is not only the story of a successful career, but also of a woman who preserved her identity in a male-dominated world while striving to help others. Her example shows that with perseverance, courage and strong values, it is possible to find one’s path even in the most challenging environments.