A researcher who builds things. A builder who stays curious.
My work connects two things that rarely live in the same person: rigorous organizational research and the practical work of designing learning that changes how people work.
I hold a PhD in Education from Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest. Before that, a master’s in Educational Leadership and a bachelor’s in Mathematics from Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan. Over the past decade I’ve worked as a corporate trainer, doctoral researcher, AI data annotator, mathematics teacher, university counselor, and learning program designer. Different jobs, one recurring question: what do people need to know, and how do you build that at scale?
I work full time as Research and Product Development Lead at Pulze Digital. Independently, I write, teach and speak at universities and conferences across Central Europe and Central Asia, drawing on my doctoral research in leadership and education.
My book, Synaptic Leadership: Connecting Culture, Organizations and Identity, explores how leadership identity forms across cultural and organizational boundaries. It’s the thread that ties my academic work to the courses I teach and the talks I give.
I work in English, Russian and Kazakh, with intermediate Hungarian. My independent teaching and speaking engagements span Central Europe and Central Asia.
— Pocstár Moldir
Education and recognition.
- 01
PhD, Education
Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE), Budapest. Dissertation on women's leadership in Kazakhstani higher education.
- 02
MA, Educational Leadership
Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan.
- 03
BSc, Mathematics
Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan.
- 04
Top 50 Women in AI, Hungary 2025
Recognition by HTE (Scientific Association for Infocommunications Hungary).
- 05
Full publication list
Indexed on MTMT — the Hungarian Scientific Bibliography.
Selected writing.
Peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and a book on leadership identity. Full academic record on MTMT (the Hungarian Scientific Bibliography).
History and Civic Education in Kazakhstan
In Richárd, Fodor; Judit Tóth; Áron Fekete, Compass to History and Civic Education: Comparing History Education in 16 European and Asian Countries. Szeged: Belvedere Meridionale, pp. 265–291.
Synaptic Leadership: Connecting Culture, Organizations and Identity
Understanding Female Leadership Aspirations in Kazakhstani Higher Education: "Asia as Method"
In Halász G., Setényi J., Kürthy L., Fan M., Nyamkhuu B. (eds.), Learning from Asia in Education: How the West Can Learn from the East in Education in the 21st Century. Budapest: MCC Press, pp. 289–308.
The perception and experience of young researchers in doctoral programmes in the context of recent reforms in Kazakhstan
European Journal of Education, 57(3), 484–496. Indexed in Web of Science and Scopus. Co-authored with Karabassova L., Mukhatayev Zh., Yermukhambetova A.
8 external citations
Department chair as mentor: perceptions of young female faculty members from Kazakhstan
Journal of Professional Capital and Community, 6(4), 318–335. Indexed in Web of Science and Scopus.
On academic and research credibility.
A selection of recommendations from collaborators in doctoral and academic settings.
During PhD studies she has shown solid knowledge of different research methods and networking. She has been engaging with the university even after getting the PhD degree, which depicts her ability to build meaningful partnerships and contribute to common goals. The topic of her PhD dissertation, on women's leadership in higher education in Kazakhstan, is one more example of her professionalism.Madina KarsakpayevaDisability Inclusion and Human Rights specialistLinkedIn recommendation, ELTE Budapest doctoral cohort · February 2025
I have had the pleasure of studying alongside Moldir during our master's program in Educational Leadership at Nazarbayev University. We collaborated on projects during which I observed her exceptional abilities. Moldir possesses an outstanding work ethic, remarkable research skills, and exceptional communication abilities.Aigul Rakisheva, PhDApplied Education Research and Data Analytics; Policy and EvaluationLinkedIn recommendation · April 2024
Moldir possesses an exceptional ability to engage and inspire her students, fostering an environment of enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. She is a true team player with an innate talent for building strong relationships. She has an uncanny ability to uplift those around her, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and development.Eszter BarnaEnglish and ESL Teacher, Teacher Trainer, Intercultural and Communication SpecialistLinkedIn recommendation, International School of Budapest colleague · April 2024
Researching, writing and speaking on leadership and learning.
I share what I'm learning through writing, talks and teaching. If something here is useful for your work — or you'd like me to speak — get in touch.
Contact me