Corteva/Pioneer Reference Videos

PIONEER100 Királyi Lovarda

PIONEER100 Tortavideó  

PIONEER100 Esztergom

Pioneer Termés Kihívás Aquaworld 

Portfólió Farm Debrecen  

Albanian Adventure

I heard so many good things about Albania (= land of eagles); affordable, a great many natural beauties, and never been there before, therefore it seemed a perfect destination to spend the vacation with the kids there. Just three of us and individually organized, of course. Between 01-08/July, right after I finished my service at work. 

Good decision (both), we had a damn good time spent together and if we can say a holiday is „successful”, this was. We completely tailored to our needs, found everything, did everything what was worth. Interesting fact about the country: first in history, in 2025, an AI system was appointed as a minister here.

Day 1

We landed in the evening after only 1.5 hours flight and with 1 hour delay. We were the first ones who got the lagguages, found the nearby accomodation by foot easily. It was even better than expected, probably we got the best room of the hotel with gorgeous view and location.

 

Day 2

The following day in the morning I realized that my driving license was left home which is a must when renting a car. On Dominik’s suggestion I gave them a short call before we arrived and they assured me that it is not a tragedy. 

After breakfast we walked back to the airport Meet & Greet hall to meet the agent who led us to the place where we got our brand new (44 km) Dacia Sandero (for 175 EUR renting fee and 1200 EUR deposit). At the first patrol station the very well-informed gas station attendant asked me how is the life with the new prime minister? The toll was 0.8 EUR at the first gate, and at the second gate (which would have been more expensive) we were told „it is free, you can go”.

The whole drive from Tirana to Ksamil is approximately 4-5 hours and not very long in distance but low in speed. Our first stop was Vlore where we could first meet the sea and took a dip into and could eat delicious lunch (seafood). The second stop was a must-to-see spot, Llogara-pass with incredibly beautiful view from above. Then the rest of the trip was very slow, as on the beach serpentines the max speed allowed is 40 km/h. 

We arrived safe and sound late in the evening, right into the party zone. At first we found the hotel not so attractive, under expectation. The staff did not speak English, had problem by paying by card. It was just like, Nolen said, Hotel Dafodil in Mr Bean cartoon, ha-ha. Dominik said, it is impossible for everything to turn out always well.

Day 3

Next disappointment was the breakfast. It was not buffet style at all. With kids, it was a sore spot. Not buffet but a slip of paper and a pen on each table. You had to tick what you wanted to eat and they prepared in the background based on your request. Hard boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, pancakes, yogurt, cornflakes…  Everyday is the same variety and two portions per head. This is called profit maximization and cost reduction – no waste.

After breakfast we went to the shop to buy water then headed to the beach. No space for your own beach towel, you definitely have to pay a whole-day fee for the sunbed and umbrella (2000 LEK). The water was crystal clear but a bit port style.

 

Nolen was in the water during the whole day, of course. So this is a famous beach called Bora Bora beach, right in front of our hotel; with crowd and high prices at lunch. Fuming and debate after beach as our empty refill plastic bottles was threw away by the cleaning staff. We took an evening walk and saw the sunset; crowd again but truly beautiful colours on the sky which threw new light upon the restaurant balconies.

 

 

  

 

Day 4

 

After the ’beautiful’ breakfast we jumped into the car to drive till the Blue Eye. This is a water spring and when seeing from above looks like the eye of a dragon. During the 45-min drive the beach view was replaced by mountain view. Then a river was flowing parallel and right next to us, on the same level with the road. After parking (300 LEK) and paying the entrance fee (50 LEK/p) we had to walk 20-25 minutes till the natural beauty (we also had the chance to approach by e-bike or by a little train).

The water is crystal clear, 10°C, and people aren’t allowed to dip in. On our walkway back to the car we could drink freshly pressed 100% fruit content pure juices, smoothies. This fact itself is rejoiceful, but the way how we could do this is unique and even more welcomed.

Some chairs and tables were simply placed in the cold river to rest the tired feet after the hike in the swelter. On our way home we stopped at Mirror Beach which is actually a beautiful bay and quite steep way goes there (parking 500 LEK). Although, Nolen had a sore sole (we carried him on our back from sunbed to the water and took turns with Dominik), he really enjoyed the huge waves and said „This is the best day of my life!” I ate the best seafood there, spoon the liquid with the shell, and was recommended to try the octopus salad next time. Also the music was chilling and not intrusive, melted into the nature. Bought thick-soled water shoes and waterproof plaster for Nolen, so that his sore sole does not shadow the upcoming days. We had dinner on our balcony which later was followed by loud music and fireworks from the party zone.

 

 

Day 5

We decided to try a public beach. The approach was a special and not dangerousless attraction. Really steep, narrow, rocky slope, seriously washed by water flow. So here down slowly, guardedly, playing with clutch smartly, taking the opposite traffic into account. 

 

As there were no sunbeds and umbrellas, we finished quite quickly and had rest at the hotel. We wanted to spend the golden hour at Lekuresi Castle where it was said it worth. We arrived in time, even had table, ordered a pizza, drank rose lemonade. Later people were hanging from everywhere throughout the castle wall. 

Day 6

Only from 10-min drive from our hotel an UNESCO World Heritage site was found: Butrint. Parking was a challenge but smartly solved. Entrance fee 1000 LEK/p. Ancient ruins, taking photos (kids were in photographing mood) then lunch with cats. The second part of the day, as testing another beach but want something good, Dominik found Laguna Beach. Close to our base, four-posted sunbed for 3000 LEK, water jumping track in the water for free. The beach guy Busi approached Dominik and told him to write a Google comment with good rating. Last day in Ksamil.

Day 7

Going back to Tirana. Asked ChatGPT what to see and where to stop during the 4-hour drive. This way we found the beautiful, unpeopled Brajant with its cool river and giant rocks and did river rotting, i.e. let our bodies to flow with the stream – picturesque background was provided by the massive bridge above. Next stop was a monastery, approachable on curly wooden planks in the water. It would have been good to see some flamingos there as it was said but no flamingo wanted to meet us then and there. Our very last accomodation was located in the nearby of the airport. Dominik had a separate room.

Day 8

We had almost a full day in the capital. Tried the chairlift and after we parked nearby of the main square. We finally could park in a narrow street right in front of some weaponed men who were guarding a house. Ate ice cream, bought some nectarine for the flight back, tried Burger King and found some cute baby burgers for Nolen. Then petrol station, car rental office, airport. On time, everything was awesome.

This is the end of the Albanian story, of a successful vacation, satisfying everyone’s needs.

Interesting fact: I was struggling with my right knee just before travel, which did not hurt but was swollen. I spent hours at traumatology and emergency with no result. I was sent from one place to another and nobody knew the what was it and how to heal it. My dad said before travel that the sea cure it. See a miracle! It did. My knee got smaller day by day and by the time we arrived home, it regained its original form. 

Funny golden saying from Nolen: the hotel staff could not resist picking Nolen's face which happened more times. I asked him if it is OK and whether not hurts but he said " I can bear it, I'm doing judo". :-)

Quitted

A big journey came to an end at the end of June. Even by now I hardly believe that it is over. Four years full of experiences, development, great deeds, memorable projects, position and role changes, situations that allowed me to push my limits. So many leaders with different management styles. So many times being out of comfort zone. So many sacrifice. So many teardrops. Mixed feelings.

I joined Corteva on the 4th of April, 2022 through a labor hire company for a definite period as maternity coverage. Started as a contractor in the position of FS&RE specalist. Once joined, there was not much time to become familier with everything; I immediately got the office move project. It was carried out from designing phase till the complete move in within only 6 months with many comlicating circumstances, much more than a person could comfortably coping with.

After 8 months of incredible intense work, the new office was not only ready to move in but also in time, everything in its place. Without any recognition or compensation for sacrifying my private life, with endless disappointment I wanted to quit but at the same time I wanted to enjoy the fruit of my work as a queen of the beautiful new office – therefore I stayed and waited. It proved to be a good decision as a new leader (Sergii) came and I saw that there is hope. Hope that the hard work can be visible. He recognized me and soon got the offer of the marketing program specialist and became FTE (full time employee instead of contractor). With this I got a temporary manager for a few months (Maria), after her I started to report directly to the country leader (Sergii) again. To the whole office's dismay he was removed to Romania and I got my current/last manager (Peter). His personality lead me to make my decision of leaving the company without any hesitation. The idea has ripened for some time but he, the circumstances, the company split, the position expansion, the unchanged salary, suspected burnout, all could not hold me back from quitting. I purposedly completed my last two and probably the biggest and most memorable events in February and May - both were on the occasion of the brand's 100th anniversary (one for the farmers and the other for the colleagues). And with these, I left nothing behind, left nobody in the shit, finished all my ongoing projects and left. Scared? Regret? Noooo. Relief, raised head. But a bit sadness.  

If I weigh, the scale is out of balance. It was me, who gave more than got. The extremely huge responsibility and work load consumed me almost entirely. And the problem was not with those times  when I had to work but those times that I spent outside of work. Something was always weighing on me. Chaos and constant change are inherent parts of a multinational company which I tolerated less and less. If someone left, no new person was hired but the tasks was scattered among the existing colleagues – extra work without extra money. Good deal. But not for the employees. Working for a multi is just like a drug. You become addicted. There are many benefits with which they make you to stay. Hard to say NO but I finally managed to. It was neccessary to draw the line somewhere and that was the point. It was nice it was good but more than enough, thank you. What is inside? They did not deserve me any longer. I felt I could not continue it with full heart and soul. Therefore rather in no way at all than at half steam.

What I am grateful most is for overcoming the inhibition of foreign language. I had the chance to use English daily, in everyday work thanks to the foreign leaders. Then I’m grateful to get to know and work with the kind of brilliant leader (SK) personally and professionally which probably will never happen again in the future. Learnt to work extremely independently. Liked the international background within the company. Like all those experiences that only such a big company could provide. As a market shaper company we were always at the forefront. So many events and activities, numerous awards, really felt like we EXIST. I felt like I’m part of something good, something significant. Farmers know us and like our products.  

And then the night-side. The frequent changes. The changes in leadership (I had 7 leaders during my 4y 4m). The uncertainty. The extremely high responsibility. No one knows anything. The hectic work load. The unreasonable decisions. The fact that you are just a number. And your name is not even mentioned after a great deed. The unfair evaluation system. If your achievement is 100%, this is only grade of 3 (3 = successful, 4 = strong, 5 = exemptional). 

As for the lessons, I was thinking whether I will act on the same way at another company in the future. The answer is probably yes. With full heart and soul. Because it’s not worth doing it any other way. But should add some brain as well which warn me again if I overdo it, at the expense of my private life. And a little more money would not hurt, either. 

My motto after Corteva/Pioneer: Work is not your life but it's able to colorize it.

My motto after DEXON: Niche market but not by all means.

04/APR/2022 - 31/JUL/2026

Japan for the 18th birthday

Birthday gift redeemed: Tokyo-Kyoto-Nagano-Tokyo mother-son program series well done, and so the eagerly desired trip came to reality. But be careful! Japan is infectious. I can declare my son was infected by Japan as well.

 

This is simply something different. Very easy to get accustomed to the fact that everything works. Returning home you immediately miss the whole and start to play with the idea of the next trip. Previously I had the chance to visit the island country twice and told a lot to my elder son about those trips in the past. He asked me a few days after we arrived home:

“Mom, how long does it usually take for you not to starve for it, again?” Yeah, that’s the nice part. The enthusiasm never stops. His question plainly proves his infection. That’s why I’m saying that Japan is infectious but mostly when you have own experience with it.

 10 days, 4 accommodations, several trains and bullet trains, continuous map diving, amazing places and people wherever we go, whatever we try – the essence of Japan is everywhere and in everything. And do you know what gives its essence, what is the point? The unique harmony of tradition and modernity based on deep respect, responsibility for the community, discipline, constant pursuit of perfection. Not just a geographical place but a lifestyle and a sense of life based on several pillars where quite contemplation and bustling city life coexists.

Gratis: the Sakura festival had just begun during our visit (02-12/MAR). Arigatou gozaimasu!

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Traveling to Japan is a good thing, traveling within Japan is even better. You can quickly get used to the intricate Tokyo subway network, and you can get used to the comfort, speed, accuracy, and safety of the shinkansen even sooner. The "super express" or "bullet train" is the technological symbol of modern Japan with a maximum operating speed of 320 km/h. The Nozomi is the fastest of the trains (a good choice between Tokyo and Kyoto), but the Hikari and Kodama are also top-notch. They are earthquake-proof; they stop automatically in the event of a natural disaster. Their delays are extremely rare, measured in seconds; if they are more than 5 minutes late, a lateness certificate is issued, which in railway culture already belongs to the category of shame. Disciplined passengers have 1 minute at the stops to get on and off.

Favorite: the seats that can be rotated in different ways

Gratis: His Majesty Fuji-san, visible only 70-80 days a year, showed us himself on our way from Tokyo to Kyoto!

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Kyoto or Tokyo? If I look at it from a UNESCO World Heritage perspective, 17 of Japan's total 23 UNESCO sites are in Kyoto. For collectors (for me), this is a treasure trove, so for me Kyoto takes the top spot.

Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is really made of gold! Its wooden facade is covered in five layers of 24-carat gold foil. The use of gold is symbolic: it cleanses the soul of negative thoughts about death.

Gratis: the entrance ticket is also a blessing

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Arashiyama is a wonderful place to spend a not-too-exhausting day. It's a good idea to arrive early so you can stroll among the bamboo trees, which can grow up to 20 meters tall, before the tourist crowds (but be aware of the signs warning of bears and wild pigs). While walking along the main street, you can taste all kinds of Japanese delicacies, look around the gardens of temples, dress up as a geisha (or take photos with them), sit on the riverbank, or even go boating - the backdrop provided by the mountains will be picturesque in any case.

- Bamboo Grove

- Togetsu-kyo Bridge

- Tenryu-ji Temple

- Kimono Forest

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Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto is one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan. It is famous for its thousands of vermilion-red torii gates that lead up the mountain like a tunnel.

A torii is a dividing line, a symbolic boundary between the ordinary and the otherworldly worlds, between humans and gods. Founded in 711 (!), the site is the central shrine of the god of business prosperity and rice cultivation.

Gratis: the crowds run out by the end of the 2-3-hour hike to the mountaintop

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Another place of historical importance, although for this we have to travel further north, to Nagano Prefecture: Edo-era Japan, NARAI-JUKU, the longest post town of Nakasendo. While/after wandering the streets, it's nice to sit down for a hot soba in a quaint traditional tiny family restaurant. While waiting, the notebook on the table encourages you to write anything you want.

We can find great hiking trails (Nakasendo Trail, Torii Pass Hike), following that we can explore the Kiso Valley.

Gratis: snowfall + the tourist crowds are completely gone here

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Japan's National Treasure: Matsumoto Castle

A medieval castle built in the 1500s in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. It is one of the three most beautiful castles in the country. It is also known as Crow Castle because of its black walls. Every summer, the castle hosts the Taiko Drum Festival. (I would love to see that one day!)

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Tokyo Skytree is a broadcasting tower (a farewell to Japan for us) and the tallest man-made structure in Japan at 634 meters. Unfortunately, one of its elevators broke down on February 26, 2026, leaving 20 visitors stranded for almost 6 hours. Lucky us, that it did not happened during our visit.