On April 15th, 2025, tech professionals and aspiring leaders gathered at Pure Storage in Prague for an empowering Femme Palette event dedicated to career progression and leadership in tech. The vibrant evening was filled with insightful discussions, practical workshops, and meaningful connections, leaving attendees inspired and equipped to advance their careers.
The evening kicked off with an engaging session by Doron Avraham, Engineering Manager at Pure Storage, discussing how men can actively support women in tech. Highlighting that allyship is an active practice, Doron provided actionable tips such as addressing unconscious bias, speaking up against inappropriate humor, and advocating for equitable task distribution. He presented compelling insights into how unconscious biases affect workplace dynamics and shared practical strategies for creating inclusive teams, such as actively soliciting input from everyone in meetings and fairly distributing tasks regardless of gender assumptions.
Next, a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Anna Kozuch, COO at Engineering Leaders Community, explored the journey from senior roles to managerial positions. Featuring Rudina Tafhasaj (Rapid7), Andreea Pripoae (Pure Storage), and Martina Suchomelova (Shoptet), the conversation offered practical advice on embracing leadership, personal branding, and navigating new responsibilities. Panelists highlighted the importance of clear communication, emotional intelligence, and resilience when transitioning to management. Martina Suchomelova emphasized the significance of authenticity and vulnerability, encouraging participants to remain true to themselves as they step into leadership roles. "I really appreciated the practical tips shared during the panel discussions," noted an attendee.
Nikola Ondrik Andreanska, PhD, from Microsoft captivated the audience with practical insights into using AI at work effectively and responsibly. She highlighted real-world applications of AI that boost productivity, such as automating routine tasks, improving decision-making processes, and enhancing customer interactions. Nikola also underscored the ethical implications of AI, cautioning against over-reliance on automated systems and stressing the importance of human oversight to avoid biases and ensure transparency.
Soheyla Mirshahi, AI Product Lead at InTouch, challenged the myth of "soft" skills, emphasizing their critical role alongside technical expertise. She shared powerful personal anecdotes demonstrating how empathy, clear communication, and resilience are indispensable for collaboration and influence in tech. Soheyla illustrated how these "human" skills help build trust and foster stronger team cohesion, especially in challenging or innovative environments. Her compelling examples resonated deeply, prompting attendees to reconsider the essential nature of these skills in their professional growth.
Filip Drimalka, author and founder of Aibility & Digiskills, provided valuable guidance on integrating AI into professional workflows. His session equipped attendees with strategies for continuous learning and adapting to the evolving tech landscape. Filip discussed the increasing necessity for tech professionals to stay agile, continuously upskill, and leverage AI tools effectively to remain competitive. As one participant reflected, "Loved the talks on AI and tech trends—very relevant and engaging."
The event concluded with a thought-provoking panel featuring Katerina Lesch (EmbedIT), Ekaterina Znatkova (Barclays), and Filip Drimalka, moderated by Julie Sislerova, founder of Holky v Metaverse. The discussion highlighted emerging technologies such as generative AI, blockchain, and virtual reality, essential future skills including adaptability, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary knowledge, and strategies to stay ahead in the fast-paced tech environment. Panelists emphasized the necessity of proactive learning and networking to anticipate and navigate industry shifts. Attendees gained a clearer perspective on navigating future opportunities and challenges.
Throughout the evening, networking breaks enabled meaningful connections and lively discussions among attendees, speakers, and industry leaders. The supportive atmosphere underscored Femme Palette’s commitment to empowering women in tech through community and mentorship. One participant summed it up best: "It was an incredible evening full of inspiring insights and practical advice. Thank you for this inspiring opportunity!"
Thank you to Pure Storage, all partners, and participants for making this event a remarkable success. Stay tuned for future Femme Palette gatherings—together, let’s continue shaping a diverse, inclusive, and innovative tech industry!
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