Michaela Krajíčková is one of those mentees who reminds us exactly why we do what we do. She went from seven years in legal practice to managing luxury glass installations across European markets. In this mentee spotlight, she shares how joining the Femme Palette mentoring program helped her move beyond execution and into a more strategic, confident version of herself. From salary raise to a clearer sense of direction, her story is proof that sometimes you do not need to reinvent yourself. You just need the right person in your corner to help you see what was already there.
In this candid conversation, Iva Welker opens up about her leadership philosophy, the importance of continuous personal development, and the power of empathy and communication. As the head of the largest communication agency in the Czech Republic, she shares insights on what it truly takes to lead in a dynamic industry like advertising. From her career milestones to the unique challenges women face in leadership, Iva offers valuable lessons on balancing work, motherhood, and making a positive impact. Read the full interview for more on her leadership journey and advice for aspiring leaders.
This time, we spoke with Lucie Krobová, a mother and manager who gracefully balances raising her 11-year-old daughter while overseeing the integration of the regional delivery centers into the company's global structure. How has she managed to juggle all responsibilities the right way, what has worked best for her, and what advice would she give to others? Find out more in this candid interview.
Last Thursday I visited the “Women in Tech” event organized by Femme Palette. The event included a couple of panel discussions and multiple talks given by brilliant and inspiring women. What struck me most was the atmosphere of openness, vulnerability and honesty accompanied by great humor and mutual support. It was a complete contrast to the generally more dry tech events I regularly frequent. I loved it! During the event there was one phrase that frequently came up: “The boys’ club”.
Meet Anna Grigoryan, Director of Product Management (Core Experience and Mobile) at Wrike, a living testament to the power of determination, innovation, and leadership in the tech industry. With over three years of experience at Wrike and a wealth of knowledge in product management, Anna's journey offers valuable insights for aspiring professionals, especially women, looking to leave their footprint in the field. In this interview, we explore her path to success, the challenges she's overcome, and her vision for the future of product management.
The air buzzed with excitement as attendees filled the room for the Femme Palette Leadership & Career Conference 2024. From the moment the first speaker took the stage, it was clear this event was about more than career tips and professional advice—it was about truth-telling. As one attendee later reflected, “It is so refreshing to meet women leaders brave enough to share on stage not only their successes but also their struggles. This was probably the most authentic leadership event I have ever been to.”
Tereza Vankova, a former molecular biologist turned software engineer, is on a mission to empower women in tech through her work as the founder of ReactGirls and R&D Community Manager at Mews. Tereza’s personal journey of self-retraining, paired with her advocacy for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry, has made her a key figure in supporting women’s entry into IT. We spoke with Tereza about her career transition, the pivotal role of mentorship, and the initiatives she’s spearheading to bridge the gender gap in tech, both at ReactGirls and Mews.
The Women in Tech: Learn and Connect event, hosted by Femme Palette at Make Headquarters in Prague, brought together a community of women eager to explore new career strategies, tech insights, and inspiring stories. With the support of partners Pure Storage, Mews, Barclays, Huawei, media partner Vogue, and community partner Czechitas, the night was full of engaging discussions and practical advice for navigating the tech industry.
At Tighe & Bond, a leading engineering and environmental consulting firm with over a century of history, fostering the growth and development of their top female talent has become a strategic priority. Recognizing the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated industry, the company sought an innovative approach to mentoring that would empower their mid-career professionals with the leadership and soft skills necessary to excel. This led them to partner with Femme Palette, a decision that has proven to be transformative for the participants and the company alike. We spoke with Margo A. Armstrong, Chief HR Officer & Senior Vice President at Tighe & Bond, about how their mentoring initiative with Femme Palette has enhanced the confidence and effectiveness of their female leaders, contributing to a more inclusive and supportive workplace culture.