NEWTON Business Summit Highlights the Power of Community in Prague and Brno

Last year’s NEWTON Business Summits in both metropolitan hubs confirmed that a modern manager’s most valuable asset is not just knowledge, but access to people who translate theory into practice every day. The 2025 Summits became a place to gain priceless contacts and where students (not only) of MBA programs meet the individuals currently shaping the Czech market.

The event was traditionally opened by Jiří Koleňák, CEO of NEWTON University Group, and Veronika Koleňáková, Director of Professional Programs. Their roles as moderators and hosts are no coincidence—they embody the school’s philosophy of connecting the business elite with the next generation of leaders.

More than just a space for lectures and networking, the event resembles an exclusive club for high-net-worth individuals. The speakers include personalities shaping both Czech and global business, alongside students who are just starting their careers or pivoting in a new direction.

Energy Shaping the Future

The program offers fascinating contrasts typical for NEWTON. While Ondřej Průcha (CEO of Svoboda & Prucha) brought a pragmatic view of real estate development strategy and management, Sara Polak (Mobilis Institute) reminded us that the future of humanity depends on interdisciplinarity—ranging from archaeology to AI and blockchain.

This breadth of fields creates the famous "FOMO." Those not in the room missed the insights of Michal Vydržel, who brings experience from a decade at Wall Street (Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley) to the Czech HR Tech environment. His focus on efficiency was complemented by Matouš Syrový (Koupelny Syrový), a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, who shared his experience with the transformation of a family business.

Practice as the Main Argument

The NEWTON Business Summit shows that success takes many forms. Jiří František Potužník, the man behind the S.A.W.E.R. technological miracle at EXPO Dubai, provided a perspective on global marketing and diplomacy. In contrast, Marian Jelínek and nutrition specialist Petr Havlíček reminded us that high business performance requires mental hygiene and health—the pillars of the MSc. and MBA professional programs at NEWTON.

A significant theme of the Brno Summit was ethics and relationship building. Daniel Šmíd emphasized that professional conduct opens doors to better opportunities, while Karel Novotný (NEWTON Business Accelerator) focused on building brands and marketing that actually works.

Family Jewels and the New Generation

Brno featured a unique highlight—stories of family businesses. Siblings Simona and Tomáš Zdražil (Nera Displays) and spouses Jan and Magdalena Náhluk spoke openly about the pitfalls and advantages of joint entrepreneurship and generational transition. This authenticity is exactly what sets the Summit apart from sterile conferences. All speakers shared the raw reality of their career paths, which includes not only success but also the "valley of fuck-ups" and uncertainty.

Investing in Connections

Both Business Summits prove that the greatest value lies in contacts and community. For professional program students, it is an opportunity to validate their plans with people like Vít Čermák from CzechInvest, Michal Vydržel from Talent’em, or Jozef Szabo from TOI TOI.

If you are looking for a space where top-tier know-how meets real business, you should mark next year’s Summit in your calendar in red. The exclusivity of this event lies not in its seclusion, but in the quality of the people you meet in one place.