News + Ideas

The Impact Blog is a spotlight series that highlights and celebrates the diverse employees that make MGAC tick. Beyond their day-to-day schedules, we want to know how they have a greater impact on their colleagues, their company, and the communities in which they live and work. We want to know what makes them get out of bed in the morning, what led them to their current role, and what they hope their lasting impact will be.

Today, we get to know Kyra Szaloczi, Associate Cost Consultant at MGAC. 

MGAC: Hello and welcome to the Impact Blog, Kyra!

Kyra Szaloczi (KS): Thank you!

MGAC: What is your role here at MGAC?

KS: I’m an Associate Cost Consultant based in London. I work on a wide range of client projects, and every day is different with meetings, on-site visits, and time spent preparing cost reports.

MGAC: When did you join the company?

KS: I joined just over a year ago now.

MGAC: What brought you to MGAC?

KS: Previously, I worked as a senior cost manager for a consultancy in London. I had a colleague who worked at MGAC, so that’s how I knew about the company and eventually decided I wanted to come over.

MGAC: How did you originally find your way into the industry?

KS: I was doing maths at A level, and I was always drawn to architecture and art. I wanted to combine those things, to use maths while still pursuing my interest in architecture and art. I found out about this route—my dad actually told me about it—and decided to study quantity surveying in school!

MGAC: A helpful dad!

KS: Yes! Definitely.

MGAC: Sounds like he knew a great path for you from an early age. What do you think younger you would think about your role today? 

KS: Well first, I think they would be like, “What is this?” But then, they would see, “Oh, this is a fast-paced, always-changing, collaborative workspace full of really different and unique people.” I think they’d think it is quite exciting and that I’ve done well for myself here.

MGAC: That tracks! What’s keeping you busy at work right now?

KS: Currently I’m wrapping a large fit-out project for a headquarters in London. That has been really interesting. Then I have a few new projects on the horizon here in London as well in the commercial sector.

MGAC: What do you enjoy most about the work?

KS: Mentoring people and helping them develop skills and move up in the career ladder is really rewarding. Having new challenges all the time with new projects and new sectors—and meeting those challenges—is also really enjoyable. And, of course, being able to see something go from conception to delivery is quite rewarding. It’s always fun to go by a build, point it out to others, and say, “I was part of that.” I’m looking forward to a career that continues to allow me to have impact in all of those ways.

MGAC: You mentioned meeting different kinds of challenges all the time. What have you taken away from those?

KS: They taught me that it’s really important to always work as a team. Knowing everyone on the team has the same vision, and then all doing our part to get to that vision together, is not only rewarding, but essential for success. Every project is different, every day is different with unique challenges, so it’s really helpful to lean on others with different experiences and perspectives.

MGAC: Speaking of every day looking a little different, what does your ideal day on the job look like?

KS: An early start—I am a morning person—so getting to the office early. Prioritising my to-do list right away to make sure I am filling my time and also blocking off time when needed for key projects. From there, attending meetings—hopefully some with real face-to-face time and ideally some on-site. Having some time to have a chat in the office as I think that’s important. That would all make for a great day.

MGAC: How often might we find you in the office each week?

KS: Usually it’s about three times a week. It depends on where I have meetings around town, but I enjoy going in and seeing everyone.

MGAC: Is the Wednesday office breakfast tradition still going strong?

KS: It is! We love Wednesdays in the office!

MGAC: Working in a fast-paced industry, where do you find energy to tackle each and every day?

KS: I like to do morning breathwork and meditation to set myself up for the day. Getting in a workout or yoga session before work gives me energy. Then knowing I’m going to do a job that allows me to make an impact and work with great people will always give me an extra boost!

MGAC: And what does winding down at the end of the day look like for you?

KS: Recently I’ve gotten into running, so I’ve been going on runs a lot. I might also end the day watching Netflix or with a lit candle and a book.

MGAC: Any favourite books to recommend?

KS: Yes! The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. It’s about being present in the moment and focusing on what’s going on around you. I think that’s a good message for today’s busy world with phones and distractions all around. It’s very grounding to focus on what’s in the now.

MGAC: Sounds like a timely topic! Do you have a favourite quote as well?

KS: “The journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step.”

MGAC: Quite fitting for a cost team member who’s often there on day one for a project!

KS: I hadn’t thought of that! Maybe that’s why I like it!

MGAC: Now are you ready for some rapid-fire questions?

KS: I think so!

MGAC: You’re starting your workday. What’s the first thing you do?

KS: Check my email.

MGAC: And the last thing? 

KS: Check my to-do list for the next day.

MGAC: What’s the first item on your to-do list right now?

KS: Prepare for a meeting tomorrow.

MGAC: What’s the most interesting thing in your work bag right now?

KS: Dog treats probably!

MGAC: What can you not get through the workday without?

KS: A matcha latte.

MGAC: What’s the most-used app on your phone?

KS: WhatsApp.

MGAC: What’s your most used phrase at work?

KS: What does the contract actually say?

MGAC: What’s your go-to weekday lunch?

KS: A chicken salad wrap or a falafel salad.

MGAC: How might you describe your job in five words or less?

KS: Managing the costs of projects.

MGAC: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

KS: Follow your heart.

MGAC: What’s your work goal to close out 2024?

KS: Keep doing interesting projects and meet those completion deadlines!

MGAC: Looking at the industry ten years from now, what do you predict will have changed?

KS: More BIM use. More digitalisation. I don’t want to say AI, but probably more AI.

MGAC: What do you think will remain the same?

KS: Face-to-face interaction and prioritising collaboration.

MGAC: What would your dream project look like?

KS: Definitely an eco resort in Bali! I’m going there next week actually—I just love it there.

MGAC: What are you known for around the office?

KS: Probably telling everyone that I’m running a half marathon!

MGAC: What’s something your colleagues don’t know about you?

KS: I speak fluent Hungarian. I was born in Budapest!

MGAC: Where might we find you if you’re not at work?

KS: Running. Hiking. In a yoga class. Spending time with friends.