Moving to Amsterdam for a new job is exciting. The city is full of opportunities, diversity, and innovation. But beyond the canals and bike lanes, one of the biggest challenges expats face is building a strong professional network. Whether you work in tech, marketing, or design, feeling connected to like-minded professionals can shape not just your career, but also your sense of belonging. In this article, we’ll explore practical ways to grow your career network in Amsterdam. and how mentoring and community can accelerate your success.
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.
Setting clear goals is one of the most important steps in making mentoring effective. Goals provide direction, make progress visible, and help both the mentee and mentor stay aligned. Yet, many people enter their first mentoring relationship unsure what to focus on or how to articulate what they need. This guide outlines how to set meaningful mentoring goals and includes 12 concrete examples tailored to different stages of your career. Whether you are just starting out, navigating a transition, or developing as a leader, these examples can help you define direction and get the most from mentoring.
Thinking about how to empower women in your company to take the next step in their careers? Tietoevry found the answer in mentoring. We spoke with their L&D Manager about how the EmpowerHer program was created, why confidence matters as much as skills, and how mentoring helped women across Europe grow their visibility and self-belief.
When Veronika Burešová first stepped into the digital marketing world, she couldn't even tell the difference between PPC and SEO. Today, she heads one of the largest media groups in the Czech Republic and leads over 300 people. She's convinced that leadership superpowers aren't just toughness or ambition, but rather a mix of courage and kindness. "Kindness without courage is just trying to be nice and makes no real impact. Courage without kindness is simply harsh," says Veronika. In the interview, she further shares why being kind to yourself might actually be the most radical leadership strategy of all.
Coaching has become one of the most powerful tools for professional and personal growth. Whether you are navigating a career change, building confidence as a leader, or learning to manage your time better, coaching can help you unlock your potential and achieve real, lasting results. Your mindset, preparation, and willingness to engage actively all play a crucial role in what you get out of the experience. Here are six practical tips to help you make the most of your coaching journey.
When nearly 300 professionals filled the WPP Campus in Prague for the Femme Palette Leadership and Career Conference 2025, the atmosphere was electric. It was not just another business event. The air buzzed with anticipation, curiosity, and connection. Conversations began long before the first speaker took the stage. People were laughing, exchanging ideas, and sharing stories over coffee.
In a world where leadership teams still often lack diversity, Rohia stands out not only for her role but for what she represents. As the Group AML & Compliance Officer at CTP, she oversees governance, ethics, and regulatory integrity across ten countries, a responsibility she built from the ground up.
In today’s competitive job market, companies are searching for innovative ways to develop leaders, retain talent, and improve employee engagement. One proven method is implementing a mentoring program for companies that connects employees with external experts. At Femme Palette, we’ve helped organizations like Tipsport, SThree, Mews, and Bonami design structured corporate mentoring programs that deliver measurable results in leadership growth, productivity, and employee satisfaction.