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.
Where focus goes, energy flows. That has always been true for me. I had a long-standing passion for diplomacy and international work, and I pursued it wholeheartedly. But after nearly a decade, I realised I wanted to see more tangible change. Something faster, more immediate, closer to people. I started exploring technology and its role in shaping society. At that time, I wasn’t even thinking about the nonprofit or impact sector; it was my career coach who gently opened that door for me.It wasn’t love at first sight — but over the years, it became a deep bond. Purpose-driven work changed the way I look at success, impact, and leadership.
It’s definitely more by now — and thank you for the reminder that I should keep better track of it! But honestly, I don’t measure success only in money raised. For me, it’s about how confident my clients become, how clearly they can articulate their value, how bold they are in approaching fundraising, and how they grow as leaders.
I always tell my clients: measure your impact. There’s nothing more powerful than knowing what changes because of your work. For me, there wasn’t one turning point — rather a steady, consistent effort over time, built on patience and focus.
Both taught me that life moves in cycles: good times and challenging times. When you’re in a difficult phase, remember that the good one will come. It also taught me that relationships are your golden nugget. No matter the sector — diplomacy, business, or nonprofits — your relationships are your real capital. Cultivate them with care, patience, and consistency.
I’m an advocate for women — full stop. Not every woman needs to be a “leader” in the traditional sense, and I think we sometimes overuse that word. What matters is self-sufficiency, resilience, and the courage to build your own version of a meaningful life. This passion really started when I joined Femme Palette as a member and later met the founders of Czechitas. Both experiences profoundly shaped me. They showed me how women can lift each other up — not by competition, but through genuine collaboration and curiosity.
Every mentee I’ve worked with has inspired me in a unique way. Watching women gain clarity, confidence, and courage to pursue what they truly want is endlessly rewarding.
But if I’m honest, I’ve felt the power of mentoring most when I was in the mentee’s seat. Earlier this year, I met Jana Hrstková, CEO of Keller Williams and an extraordinary woman. She helped me reflect on my own professional growth, but she also intertwined other dimensions of life — health, relationships, community, confidence, family — with such grace and wisdom.
At a time when I really needed it, she gave me energy and clarity. Thanks to her, I let go of a few things, invested more in my wellbeing, and reclaimed my strength. That, to me, is true empowerment.
They’ve helped me understand how Gen Z thinks — their fears, ambitions, and what drives them. It didn’t necessarily change the way I work, but it gave me deeper empathy. Every generation faces different challenges, and I believe Gen Z will play a crucial role in shaping our future. Learning to listen to them — really listen — is becoming increasingly important to me.
It actually started with a nudge from my career coach, who said, “You should try mentoring — you have so much to share.” She was right. Becoming a mentor allowed me to see how far I’ve come, and at the same time, how much I can still learn from others.
What I love about Femme Palette is its international spirit and the sense of belonging it creates. The platform itself is beautifully organised — everything in one place, structured yet personal.
A great match begins with clarity. It’s important that mentees communicate what they want to achieve, even if they’re not completely sure — that’s where coaching can help. Clarity always comes first. Chemistry matters, of course, but mentoring isn’t magic. It’s a process that requires preparation, communication, and honesty. And if the connection doesn’t work, it’s perfectly fine to say so. Mentoring should serve both sides — and sometimes, the best match is the one you consciously co-create.
The next big opportunity for women lies in embracing technology, understanding data, and developing financial literacy. These are the skills that open doors. At the same time, I believe we must not lose sight of what grounds us: relationships, health, love, family, community, pets — the things that keep life whole. Mentoring helps women navigate both worlds — progress and presence — and that balance is where real strength lies.
