Olga Maximova has built a career in international diplomacy and crisis management, and after nearly a decade she shifted into mission-driven work, helping organizations secure sustainable funding and guiding women to grow with confidence and self-trust. As she says, “I don’t measure success only in money raised, I measure how confident my clients become, how boldly they can articulate their value, and how they grow as leaders.” Today, as a longtime mentor at Femme Palette, Olga supports women in defining their own meaningful version of life and leadership, grounded in self-sufficiency, resilience, and community.
In today’s workplace, more and more women are stepping into roles of leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Yet while we see progress, obstacles still arise—confidence gaps, systemic bias, limited networks, and more. At Femme Palette, we believe that supportive mentorship is one of the most powerful ways to help women professionals break through these challenges and thrive in their careers. Below, we explore exactly why mentorship is so vital to women’s success—and share some real statistics from our own mentorship program to show what a difference it can make.
Platová nerovnost zůstává v České republice aktuálním problémem, který má dlouhodobé dopady na životy žen. Češky vydělávají průměrně o 18 % méně než muži, což v přepočtu znamená o 8 400 korun nižší měsíční mzdu. Tento rozdíl se promítá nejen do současné finanční situace, ale také do výše důchodů – ženy pobírají v průměru o 3 271 korun méně než muži.
Meet Rayse Praková Monteiro, a dynamic communications professional originally from Brazil who has called the Czech Republic home for the past 13 years. In this spotlight interview, she opens up about overcoming impostor syndrome, discovering newfound confidence, and learning to leverage her strengths—proving that with the right guidance and determination, the path to professional growth can be both inspiring and empowering. Read on to learn how Rayse’s mentoring experience helped shape her approach to work and prepared her for the next steps in her career.
Cold days and long nights can make winter feel draining, but the right self-care habits can keep you feeling good. From nourishing foods to skin-saving tips and fun ways to stay active, here’s how to embrace the season while taking care of yourself.
Pay inequality remains a pressing issue in the Czech Republic, with long-term consequences for women’s lives. Czech women earn, on average, 18% less than men, which translates to CZK 8,400 lower monthly wages. This disparity affects not only their current financial situation but also their pensions, which are on average CZK 3,271 lower than those of men.
Managing your finances can feel daunting, but when you have the right guidance, it becomes an empowering journey of self-discovery, strategic planning, and community support. Femme Palette’s recent Financial Wellness Event brought together industry experts, hands-on workshops, and a network of like-minded participants—all with the goal of helping women gain confidence and clarity in their financial lives.
Navigating your career can feel like venturing into uncharted territory especially when you're searching for new opportunities. The path isn’t always clear, and going it alone can make the journey even tougher. That’s why you don’t just need a map and a compass—you need a team. A network of mentors and trusted allies can act as your personal board of directors, guiding you toward growth and success. Let’s dive into how you can build this powerful support system and leverage it to accelerate your career.
At 16, I stood at a podium in front of my entire high school, hands shaking, voice cracking—my first experience with public speaking. I walked away convinced I had failed. At the time, I thought confidence was something you either had or didn’t—an innate trait I simply lacked.
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