Remembering Paul
A Legacy of Dedication and Impact
Although Prof. Paul Marer, Paul, as we called him, devoted much of his recent years to writing a book about his extraordinary life, his impact on the FLIGBY community during the 2010s was truly indispensable. Those who knew him would agree on one thing: Paul was a person of exceptional dedication and relentless drive. When he set his mind to a goal, he summoned an extraordinary mental energy that drove him to accomplish it. Without Paul’s commitment and tireless efforts, the world of FLIGBY simply wouldn’t be what it is today.
A Journey Toward Freedom
Paul’s mental strength clearly comes from his endless desire for freedom—a belief formed during his childhood and youth under the shadow of totalitarian regimes. During the Nazi era, he was confined in the Budapest ghetto, a traumatic experience that profoundly shaped his resilience. In those brutal conditions, his hopes to explore and discover the world were constantly blocked by restrictions that threatened his life, fueling his resolve to break free and follow his dreams.
In 1956, at age 20, Paul made a life-changing choice. After the anti-communist revolution and the fight for freedom in Budapest were crushed by Soviet troops, he joined the wave of about 200,000 Hungarian emigrants fleeing the country in search of liberty and opportunity.
Paul found a new home in the United States, where his determination and intellect thrived. He began an impressive academic journey at The Wharton School and eventually became a respected professor of business and economics at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. This new chapter not only represented a personal victory over adversity but also laid the groundwork for his future contributions to communities like FLIGBY.
Bridging Continents: Paul’s Academic Vision
Paul never forgot his Hungarian roots. After the political changes of 1990, he started visiting Budapest more often, driven by a passion to give back to his homeland. He actively participated in introducing the American approach to business education and practice in Hungary, working to bridge the gap between the two worlds he deeply understood.
Like many successful ventures, FLIGBY‘s academic workshop has roots in decades of personal friendships. Paul was a colleague of Prof. Zoltan Buzady, academic director of FLIGBY, at several universities and business schools in Budapest, and he also served as Zad Vecsey‘s (FLIGBY CEO) professor in the MBA program at London Business School in the late 1990s. Over time, these professional connections grew into a strong friendship, reinforced by many long conversations among the three.
It was during these exchanges that they recognized the importance of high-level research activity within an academic setting for FLIGBY’s success. Their shared vision resulted in the formation of an international network of scientists dedicated to studying the data produced by FLIGBY. Today, this network offers university working groups across Europe, North America, and Asia exceptional opportunities to analyze leadership and decision-making behavior patterns in the FLIGBY database.
Paul’s return to Budapest was more than just a homecoming; it significantly contributed to Hungary’s academic and professional scene. His efforts to blend the best of American and Hungarian business practices have created a lasting legacy that still shapes how leadership and decision-making are studied and understood worldwide.
Paul’s Role in Shaping FLIGBY
Paul’s role as a member of the FLIGBY advisory board went far beyond merely establishing its academic foundations. His active involvement was crucial in launching the global Solution Provider partner network, a key factor in FLIGBY’s success. Through Paul’s systematic and creative thinking, the initial version of FLIGBY’s qualification training material was effectively developed. This collaborative effort also led to the publication of the book “Missing Link Discovered,” which remains the most comprehensive account of the creation and academic foundations of the FLIGBY project.
Paul’s extensive personal network was another crucial factor in FLIGBY’s growth. His connections allowed for a major increase in FLIGBY’s academic user base, expanding the project to universities and research groups around the world. One of his most notable accomplishments was helping establish FLIGBY’s Canadian partnership. Under the leadership of Arpad “Ari” Abonyi, this partnership has become the oldest and one of the most successful collaborations within the FLIGBY network.
Paul’s influence was evident in every part of FLIGBY’s growth—from its academic foundations to its international impact in business and education. His vision and commitment played a key role in developing a platform that continues to influence leadership and decision-making discussions worldwide.
A Personal Farewell
However, above all, we have lost a very good friend who has been a great source of inspiration to us over the past decades. Like Professor Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Paul is now guiding us from another dimension. Following in the footsteps of our elders, it is now our duty to ensure that “flow-promoting” leadership continues to hold a meaningful place in the academic world.
Under Zoli Buzady’s leadership, we are prepared to continue our academic mission. However, that doesn’t mean we won’t frequently seek the wise and encouraging advice of Mihaly and Paul. We will greatly miss the gentleness—with a hint of Paul’s signature occasional firmness!—with which they guided us toward our goals.
Paul, may the Force be with you—and say hello to Mike!
