Stories of graduates: Kristýna Mertlová

My name is Kristýna Mertlová and I am the founder and CEO of the matchmaking agency Date2k and the dating and community platform Mingly. For more than 12 years, I have been dedicated to professional matchmaking – from personal matchmaking for VIP clients to the development of digital tools that help people build relationships and friendships. In my work, I combine personal development, technology, and social topics such as loneliness among the younger generation and declining birth rates, and I regularly appear as an expert in the media and at conferences.

What I enjoy most about my work is its direct impact on people’s lives. Every relationship that is created thanks to our work is a huge motivation for both me and the entire team. At the same time, I operate in an environment that is evolving incredibly fast, which places high demands on risk management and handling crisis situations.

I hold a master’s degree in political science, but as the owner and director of several projects, I felt the need to strengthen my managerial foundation. In my opinion, today’s world is best described by the motto “the only certainty is change.” That is exactly why I decided to pursue an MBA at ESBM with a specialization in Risk Management and Crisis Management.

The studies gave me a more systematic perspective on managing projects and people, as well as practical tools for crisis management, team leadership, and communication in high-pressure situations. I also learned how to better set up processes and decision-making procedures, which helps me respond to rapid changes with greater perspective.

I have applied my new knowledge, for example, during the expansion of the Mingly platform abroad and while leading my team during a period of market changes. The studies gave me greater confidence in challenging situations and helped establish more stable company operations. Thanks to this, I can now focus more on developing projects and spend less time dealing with operational issues.

I would recommend that future students make the most of every lesson and immediately apply the knowledge they gain in practice. In my opinion, studying is not only about theory, but mainly about the ability to manage change, lead people, and run projects in an environment where crisis is often an everyday reality.