TurkZone CEO Talks, a networking platform for Turkish students studying in London, was held at Bayes Business School. Moderated by journalist Berfu Güven, the event featured Ülker CEO Mete Buyurgan, who highlighted the impact of artificial intelligence and digitalization on the business world. He advised young professionals to “learn how to learn” and “gain corporate experience first” before diving into entrepreneurship.
TurkZone CEO Talks Brings Business Leaders and Students Together
TurkZone continues to connect Turkish students in the UK with top industry leaders to guide them in their career journeys. The February 2025 edition of TurkZone CEO Talks was organized in collaboration with City Turkish Society and hosted by Bayes Business School, attracting a large audience.
Mete Buyurgan, CEO of Türkiye’s leading brand Ülker, shared insights on his career path, crisis management strategies, leadership principles, and the key factors for success in the future business landscape.
“Product Development Time Reduced from 1.5 Years to 5 Minutes”
Speaking at the session moderated by Berfu Güven, Buyurgan noted that the business world has faced major crises in recent years. “During the pandemic, supply chains collapsed, and the global food industry faced severe disruptions. Türkiye demonstrated remarkable resilience during this period, ensuring that store shelves remained stocked. By 2050, global food production must increase by 65-70% to meet the demands of a growing population. Climate change and rising population numbers indicate that agriculture will be one of the most critical sectors in the future,” he stated.
Emphasizing the transformation of global competition, Buyurgan added, “Artificial intelligence and digitalization are creating new economic battlegrounds. AI is rapidly becoming a key component of internal company processes, reducing product development time from 1.5 years to just 5 minutes. Technology is no longer just the responsibility of IT departments—every employee must be a technology user. AI not only ensures equality in business but also provides a significant competitive advantage.”
“Gain Corporate Experience First”
Reflecting on his own career journey, Buyurgan stressed that failure is as much a part of business as success. He encouraged young professionals to “learn how to learn” and offered the following advice:
“Gaining corporate experience before venturing into entrepreneurship creates a strong foundation for success. Entrepreneurship is not just about starting your own business—companies also support employees who develop innovative projects within the organization. Focusing on long-term success opens doors to greater opportunities. Additionally, specialization is becoming increasingly valuable. Having in-depth knowledge in a specific field will be a major advantage in the future.”
Brain Power, Not Brain Drain
In the final segment of the event, moderator Berfu Güven emphasized that the departure of talented young professionals from Türkiye should not be seen as a loss but rather as an opportunity to strengthen Türkiye’s position in the global business world. “We can transform brain drain into brain power,” she stated.
TurkZone CEO Talks provided an inspiring experience, fostering strong connections between young professionals and industry leaders. The event helped students and early-career professionals gain fresh perspectives on leadership and take meaningful steps in their career journeys.
At the end of the event, attendees had the opportunity to network and gain deeper insights into the dynamics of the business world. TurkZone, led by Kerem Özokur, Alanur Özokur, Kerem Gündüzkanat, Kaan Can Kımız, and Ata Akçalı, will continue its career events to support young talent in making a difference in the business world.
Source: CNBC-e/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök