3.10.2026 | WPP, Prague | 24 speakers |7 hours of inspiration

Leadership & Career
Conference 2026

Full day of inspiring  talks and panel discussions, practical workshops, group mentoring & networking focused on leadership and career development

Main partners of the conference

About the event

Join us for the sixth edition of our annual conference focused on leadership, career growth, well-being, and health.Look forward to a full day of inspiring talks, expert insights, and practical discussions designed to support your professional growth. Throughout the day, you'll hear from leaders and professionals across a variety of industries through keynote talks, panel discussions, and interactive sessions.

In the afternoon, you can tailor the experience to your needs with optional add-ons. Choose from hands-on workshops or join a group mentoring roundtable to gain guidance from experienced professionals on topics relevant to your career.

The conference is also a great opportunity to expand your network. Connect with like-minded professionals during dedicated networking sessions, enjoy networking games, and explore a variety of activities throughout the day.

What can you expect this year?

Join us for a saturday full of inspiration, networking, and great conversations.
Talks & panel discussions

The programming combines talks, as well as panel discussions. You'll hear industry experts share their intake on leadership and career growth.

Workshops & mentoring

Get extra skills boost by attending workshops or group mentoring. Choose the workshop track and mentoring topic.

Networking & fun activities

Connect with other attendees during designated networking time while enjoying fun activities in the Experience Zone.

Discover the program

All attendees will have access to the talks and panel discussions. If you want to also attend workshops or group mentoring, you need to purchase a specific ticket.

During the main part of the conference, you will hear from various speakers and experts. The program combines 1 panel discussions and 10 talks.

Panel discussion (45 minutes)

When AI makes everyone smart, what makes us valuable?

As AI continues to reshape industries and job roles, the definition of professional relevance is evolving faster than ever. This panel will explore how the world of work is changing and what it means to stay valuable in an AI-driven environment. The panel will open up a broader conversation on how to think about skills, leadership, and long-term career resilience in a rapidly changing world.

Speakers: Alice Machova (EY CZ Partner, CFO and Sustainability Advisory, Central Europe),  Magdalena Wavle (People & Culture Tribe Lead / Chief People Officer at Ceska Sporitelna), Jitka Plchova (Corporate Affairs Sr. Manager CZ/SK at Plzensky Prazdroj)
Keynote (20 minutes)

A long-term career in one company - is that crazy? Or am I just lazy?

Was it carefully planned, or did it simply happen? What are the ingredients that have shaped a long and successful career, and which moments teach us the most along the way? Join Dita Stejskalová, Partner at Ogilvy Czech and Head of External Communications at Allwyn Czech Republic, for an honest reflection on more than 30 years in the communications industry. Dita will share the key decisions, opportunities, challenges, and lessons that have shaped her professional journey. Often referred to as the “First Lady of Czech PR,” Dita was at the forefront of building the public relations industry in the Czech Republic. She has helped companies shape reputations, build brands, and create meaningful communication, has been ranked among the most influential women by Forbes, and actively mentors women in business. Since 2025, she has also been leading external communications at Allwyn Czech Republic (formerly Sazka). She is inspired by bridges - as symbols of connection and dialogue.

Speaker: Dita Stejskalova (Partner at Ogilvy Czech and Head of External Communications at Allwyn Czech Republic)
Leadership case study (20 minutes)

The empathy blind spot: why we excuse the people we like the most

In leadership, we often talk about empathy as one of the most important qualities of a good leader. But what happens when empathy becomes selective - when we are more understanding, patient and forgiving toward people we like or relate to, while holding others to a stricter standard? This interactive leadership case study explores a common but often invisible trap: when empathy, similarity bias and leniency bias create double standards in teams. Through a real-life inspired scenario, the audience will decide how they would respond to a high-performing but challenging team member who is personally close to the leader. Using live voting, we will explore different leadership responses and why the “most human” option is not always the most responsible one. We will also look at how avoiding difficult conversations can damage trust, fairness and psychological safety. The goal is not to question empathy, but to broaden it -because strong leadership requires fairness to the whole team, not just individuals we relate to most.

Speaker: Simon Steffal (Founder & Partner at Mindset Mentors)
Keynote (15 minutes)

Portfolio career: Design work around your life, not your life around work

The world of work is changing fast. Traditional career paths are no longer the only way to build stability, success, or meaning. A portfolio career offers a different approach: combining multiple roles, projects, income streams, skills, and interests into a career that gives you more freedom, job security 2.0 and options.In her talk, Katerina Moravkova will share how to think about work less as one fixed job title and more as a flexible portfolio you can intentionally design around your life, values, strengths, and ambitions. She will explore why this approach is becoming increasingly relevant in a changing world of work, especially in times of uncertainty, AI transformation, motherhood and shifting expectations around flexibility and purpose.Whether you are considering a career change, building a side project, freelancing, entrepreneurship, or simply want more freedom in how you work, this talk will help you see your career as something you can actively shape – not just something that happens to you.

Speaker: Katerina Moravkova (Founder of Kariéra pro holky, Career Advisor and HR expert)
Keynote (20 minutes)

Building promotion readiness and visibility

Getting promoted isn’t just about working hard. What matters more is demonstrating your impact, and making sure the right people see it. In this session, we’ll focus on three key areas: gaining clarity on what success looks like in your organization, building a clear record of your achievements and growth areas, and proactively shaping how others perceive your contributions. You’ll leave with practical tools you can apply immediately, including how to define your career direction, track your impact, and have meaningful promotion conversations with your manager.

Speaker: Sona Pochybova (Software Engineering Manager at Mastercard)
Keynote (15 minutes)

The lies we tell at work

We all do it. "Happy to help with that." "That change works great." or "I'm fine." These small professional lies feel safe but they're quietly costly. In this talk, Kate explores what really separates the people who get promoted, trusted, and remembered from those who don't. Hint: it's not talent. A practical and honest look at why radical honesty is less about courage and more about clarity.

Speaker: Kate Douskova (Confidence & Storytelling Coach,  Former CXO-level product & innovation executive)
Keynote (20 minutes)

Longevity for leaders: How to sustain energy, performance & health long-term

“What does it really take to stay healthy, energetic, and sharp throughout a long and demanding career — and what is just hype?
In this talk, we’ll explore the science of longevity: what we know about how and why we age, and which factors actually have the biggest impact on long-term health, energy, and performance. We’ll cut through common biohacking trends and focus on what is evidence-based versus what is still experimental or overstated. We’ll also look at practical “biohacks” grounded in physiology - things like sleep, movement, nutrition, stress management, and recovery - and how small, consistent changes can meaningfully improve both lifespan, healthspan, and long-term career sustainability.

Speaker: Tereza Vagnerova (Doctor of Preventive Medicine, Woman Longevity & Clinical Nutrition Expert)

Keynote (20 minutes)

Fertility, career, and timing: designing your own path

How do you make decisions about fertility in a world where career plans, personal goals, and biological timelines don’t always align?In this talk, we’ll look at evidence-based facts about fertility and age, clarify some common misconceptions, and briefly introduce available fertility options and treatments. We’ll also explore practical ways to support reproductive health, including lifestyle factors that can make a meaningful difference when thinking about fertility over time.The goal is not to tell you what to do, but to provide knowledge and perspective to help you design your own path with greater clarity and confidence.

Speaker: MUDr. Andrei Lavrov
Interactive session (10 minutes)

When it’s all too much: How to calm your nervous system in everyday chaos

A short interactive session for anyone operating under long-term pressure and performance demands. We’ll explore simple techniques to quickly calm the nervous system during the day, work better with overwhelm, and bring both body and mind back to a state of calm and focus.

Speaker: Nela Dopanova (Founder of Fpohybu)

In the afternoon programming you will have a chance to attend workshops.
You can choose from 2 different workshop tracks.

Workshop Track I.
Leadership

Workshop  (50 minutes)

Difficult conversations with clarity and authenticity

Difficult conversations are often less about communication skills and more about fear, defensiveness, and the pressure to appear “professional.” Even experienced, empathetic people can lose clarity, shut down, overexplain, or avoid saying what really matters when relationships, identity, or psychological safety feel at risk.In this interactive workshop, we’ll explore what happens in us during conflict, why misunderstandings arise, and why communication techniques alone are often not enough. Through practical examples, reflection, and short roleplays, participants will gain a deeper understanding of themselves and others, learn to recognize defensive reactions, and discover how to stay both authentic and clear in challenging conversations.

Facilitator: Hana Svabikova (Facilitator and lecturer, Institut nenásilné komunikace)
Workshop  (50 minutes)

Burnout-proofing your ambition: The path of compassionate resilience

How do we stay high-performing and career-oriented without losing ourselves to burnout? This session is designed for professionals who want to balance their drive for growth with a healthier, more sustainable way of working. We’ll look at the patterns of stress and energy that often lead to exhaustion and discuss how to redesign your daily routines to protect your well-being. Part of our time will be spent learning how to respond to the pressure of high-demand roles with self-compassion rather than harsh self-criticism. By shifting how you handle mistakes and rejection, you can build a resilient system for long-term success. You'll leave with a practical set of tools for managing your boundaries and energy, ensuring you can lead with clarity and kindness—both toward others and yourself.

Facilitator: Jana Kyriakou (Founder and CEO of SEMwell / Director of Education)

Workshop Track II.
AI

Workshop  (90 minutes)

The AI-powered week: Real workflows for work, life, and everything in between

We've all heard that AI can save us time. But what does that actually look like on a Monday morning when you're preparing for a call, planning your week, and still haven't figured out lunch? In this hands-on session, Barbora Malinovská, AI trainer, keynote speaker, and BD professional, opens up her real daily setup with Claude: automated morning briefings, weekly kick-offs, LinkedIn content planning, cycle- and energy-matched scheduling, and more. No demo accounts, no sanitized examples, just a live look at a system built through more than three years of daily use.
You'll leave with a clear framework for identifying which of your own recurring tasks AI can take over, and hands-on experience building your workflows regardless of your role or industry.

Facilitator: Barbora Malinovska (AI trainer & keynote speaker)

Additional workshops available for all ticket holders (sign-up required)

Workshop (45 minutes)

Motherhood & Ambition: Rewriting the Rules of Success

Most women are told that ambition and motherhood don't really mix. That you have to choose. This session is about dismantling that story. Whether you're already navigating it or thinking about what it might mean for you, the question is the same: what does success actually look like, and what is it worth?

→ Why ambition doesn't disappear when you become a mother, but changes shape
→ What you actually want, and how to go after it without the guilt

Honest conversations, moments of powerful recognition, and one concrete action to leave with. This session is limited to 20 participants.

Facilitator: Bettina Guirkinger (Founder at Mum Reimagined)

Group mentoring will happen in group of 5 people and will be led by experienced Femme Palette mentors. Each mentoring table will be focused on a different topic. Mentors will share their knowledge and guide discussions on specific topics.  Participants ask questions, share experiences, and support each other. It's a way to learn from both mentors and peers in a supportive environment, building skills and connections along the way. Since the seats are limited, you have to purchase a ticket for a specific topic.

AI for people
operations
Learn how AI can support people operations -from hiring and onboarding to employee engagement and internal processes. We will explore practical tools, real use cases, and ways to use AI more effectively in HR and people-focused roles.
Simona Liptakova
People Partner at Apify
AI for marketing professionals
Learn how AI can support marketing work - from content creation and campaign planning to insights and performance. We will cover practical tools, real use cases, and how to use AI to work faster and more creatively.
Polina Stolpovskaya
Head of Marketing at SessionLab
AI for technical and non-technical professionals
Learn how AI can support both technical and non-technical work -  from automating tasks and improving workflows to boosting productivity and decision-making. We will cover practical tools, real use cases, and how to use AI effectively across different roles.
Cigdem Cevrim
Sr. Product Manager at STRV
Leadership
(First-time managers)
This group mentoring session is designed for people stepping into leadership roles for the first time. You'll gain practical tools, share early leadership challenges, and build confidence in your unique leadership style.
Zlata Vavruskova
Chief Experience & Operation Officer at Shoptet
Leadership
(Advanced)
This group mentoring session is for experienced leaders looking to grow further. You’ll explore current leadership challenges, share insights, and deepen your impact through peer support and strategic reflection.
Daniela Hylmarova
Chief People Officer at Pricefx
Balancing motherhood & career
A group mentoring session designed for women navigating both career and motherhood, offering support, shared experiences, and practical tips to manage both roles with more ease.
Iva Potstynska
Business Consultant, Ex-NATO, Ex-McKinsey

Build your network and create connections during various networking opporunities.

Various networking opportunities

During each break, you can connect with other attendees in a dedicated networking area. Grab a drink, take part in networking games and other interactive activities we've prepared, and meet like-minded professionals in a relaxed setting. Additional networking games and conversation starters will be available throughout the day to help you make meaningful new connections.

During the lunch break, designated networking tables organized by topic and area of expertise will be available, making it easier to connect with people who share your interests, challenges, or professional goals.

We also have a networking list in place. You can sign up for it after purchasing your ticket, see who else is attending, and connect with other participants before the conference.

During the conference you can experience various fun activities. The activities will be open during breaks and networking.

Create your own Lush product

When you visit the Lush zone, you will be able to experience the same production process as in the Lush manufactories. Freshness, no animal testing, ethically sourced ingredients and handmade are the main pillars on which the company stands.

During the workshop, you will be able to make some Lush products on your own! You'll learn what ingredients and techniques are used in the production of their iconic Intergalactic product, and Lush colleagues will be on hand to answer any further questions you may have.

Get a stylish hair braid by G.bar

G.Bar is a full-service beauty salon offering services ranging from makeup, haircuts and hairstyles, to manicures, pedicures, and eyebrows. They provide services at 40 beauty spaces in 12 countries.

Add a fun vibe to your conference look! Stop by the G.bar booth to try out their hair braiding services. Put your hair in the hands of a professional and leave with a cool braid to remember the special day by.

Breath and balance reset

Stop by the Breath & balance booth for a simple breathing assessment (BOLT score & MBT) to better understand your breathing patterns and how they may affect your energy, focus, stress, sleep, recovery, and overall well-being. You’ll also get a practical introduction to functional nasal breathing and learn simple, science-based Oxygen Advantage techniques tailored to areas such as stress management, sleep, focus, recovery, performance, or asthma support. The goal is to provide practical tools you can use anytime, anywhere — no equipment needed.

Mini color consultation

Ever wondered why some colors make you look energized and radiant while others leave you looking tired?Join Reda for a quick Color Discovery Session and experience the power of personal color analysis. During a 5–10 minute personalized color consultation with live color draping, you'll see how different colors interact with your natural features and discover which shades make you look more vibrant, fresh, and confident.

More topics will be added soon. We reserve the right to make changes to the program.

Other activities in the Experience Zone

At the conference, you'll have the opportunity to explore and experience products from companies like Verra, AOMU and more to be announced!

Refreshments will be provided by a selection of brands, including  LokLok, Foodora, Nari, Vinarstvi Vajbar, Gingles, Plzensky Prazdroj, and more to be announced.
General Admission Ticket

8:15 - 9:00

9:00 - 9:10

Doors open

Opening remarks

Lucie Neumanova, CEO & Co-founder at Femme Palette

9:10 - 9:30

A long-term career in one company - is that crazy? Or am I just lazy?

Dita Stejskalova (Ogilvy Czech, Allwyn Czech Republic)

9:30 - 9:50

TBA

TBA

9:50 - 10:05

The lies we tell at work

Kate Douskova

10:05 - 10:25

The empathy blind spot: why we excuse the people we like the most

Simon Steffal (Mindset Mentors)

10:25 - 11:00

Networking break

11:00 - 11:45

When AI makes everyone smart, what makes us valuable?

Jitka Plchova (Plzensky Prazdroj), Magdalena Wavle (Ceska Sporitelna), Alice Machova (EY)

11:45 - 12:00

TBA

12:00 - 13:00

Lunch & Networking


13:00 - 13:15

Portfolio career: Design work around your life, not our life around work

Katerina Moravkova (Kariéra pro holky)

13:15 - 13:35

Building promotion readiness and visibility

Sona Pochybova (Mastercard)

13:35 - 13:45

When it’s all too much: How to calm your nervous system in everyday chaos

Nela Dopanova (Fpohybu)

13:35 - 13:45

Building promotion readiness and visibility

Sona Pochybova (Mastercard)

13:45 - 14:05

Fertility, career, and timing: designing your own path

MUDr. Andrei Lavrov (Gennet)

14:05 - 14:25

Longevity for leaders: How to sustain energy, performance & health long-term

Tereza Vagnerova

14:25 - 14:35

Quiz: Attention pays off 🏆 & Conference closing



14:35 - 16:30

Networking & Additional program for Workshop / Group mentoring ticket holders


General Admission + Group Mentoring Ticket

14:45 -15:45

Group mentoring

Choose from these topics in the check out: AI for people operations, AI for marketing professionals, AI for technical and non-technical professionals, Leadership - first time managers, Leadership - advanced, Balancing motherhood & career

General Admission + Workshops Ticket

14:45 - 16:35

Workshop Track: Leadership

14:45 -15:35
Difficult conversations with clarity and authenticity
Hana Svabikova

15:35 -15:45
Break

15:45 - 16:35

Burnout-Proofing Your Ambition: The Path of Compassionate Resilience

Jana Kyriakou

14:45 - 16:15

Workshop Track: AI

Handling difficult conversations with confidence

Barbora Malinovska

Optional Sessions for All Attendees (Pre-registration Required)

12:30 - 13:15

Workshop: Motherhood & Ambition: Rewriting the Rules of Success
Bettina Guirkinger

More topics will be added soon. We reserve the right to make changes to the program.

Other partners

Meet the speakers

You'll hear from 18 experts on various  topics.
Dita Stejskalova
Partner at Ogilvy Czech and Head of External Communications at Allwyn Czech Republic
Katerina Moravkova
Founder of Kariéra pro holky, Career Advisor and HR expert
Simon Steffal
Founder & Partner at Mindset Mentors
Alice Machova
EY CZ Partner, CFO and Sustainability Advisory, Central Europe
Tereza Vagnerova
Doctor of Preventive Medicine, Woman Longevity & Clinical Nutrition Expert
Magdalena Wavle
People & Culture Tribe Lead / Chief People Officer at Ceska Sporitelna
Kate Douskova
Confidence & Storytelling Coach,  Former CXO-level product & innovation executive
MUDr. Andrei Lavrov
Gennet
Nela Dopanova
Founder of Fpohybu
Jitka Plchova
Corporate Affairs Sr. Manager CZ/SK at Plzensky Prazdroj
Sona Pochybova
Software Engineering Manager at Mastercard
Jana Kyriakou
Founder and CEO of SEMwell / Director of Education
Barbora Malinovska
AI trainer & keynote speaker
Bettina Guirkinger
Founder at Mum Reimagined
Hana Svabikova
Facilitator and lecturer, Institut nenásilné komunikace

What attendees say

Want to bring your kid to the conference?

At the event, there will be designated time for networking and meeting like-minded people.

Check out the reels and vibes from the previous conference

Where will the conference take place?

We will spend the day in the beautiful spaces of WPP Campus Bubenska in Prague.

Here is how to get there

Bring your kids to the conference!

At the event, we will have a kids' corner available for children aged 2 years and older. If you’d like to bring your child, please select this option when purchasing your ticket. Please note that spots are limited, so be sure to sign up early!

Need baby sitting to attend the event?When you buy a ticket, you will receive a free subscription on Hlidacky.cz for a month, along with 1,000 CZK in credits to book from a vetted community of babysitters, cleaners, pet sitters, carers for the elderly and tutors.

Pricing

For our active mentors and mentees we have discounts. You will be informed about it via email.

We also offer discounted tickets for students and people on parental leave. Check FAQs below.

For more information and refunds, please check our FAQs.

General Admission

Early bird until 31.07.2026
2,999 CZK
2,499 CZK
Get a ticket
What’s covered
7 hours of  content & networking
Refreshments (Lunch, snacks & drinks)
FP goodie bag with products from our partners
Presentations PDF

GA + Workshops

Early bird until 31.07.2026
3,499 CZK
2,999 CZK
Get a ticket
What’s covered
7 hours of content & networking + 100 minutes of workshops
Refreshments (Lunch, snacks & drinks)
FP goodie bag with products from our partners
Presentations PDF

GA + Group Mentoring

Early bird until 31.07.2026
3,199 CZK
2,699 CZK
Get a ticket
What’s covered
7 hours of content & networking + 1 hour of group mentoring
Refreshments (Lunch, snacks & drinks)
FP goodie bag with products from our partners
Presentations PDF

Multiple tickets purchase

Would you like to purchase more tickets for your colleagues? We offer the following discounts (5 - 9 tickets: 5% discount ,10 - 14 tickets: 10% discount ,
15+ tickets: 15% discount). The discount is available only for regular price tickets.  Contact us at contact@femmepalette.com and we'll issue an invoice for you.

Event scholarships

We’re offering a limited number of scholarships for students, individuals on maternity or parental leave, and those in financial need.

Apply for a scholarship

Become an event partner

Would you like your company to participate in the event and support our  women empowerment efforts? Do you have product that you would like to gift to the audience? Become an official partner or product partner of the event!

For more information about our partnership offering, contact our co-founder Lucie at lucie@femmepalette.com.

Take a look at the last conference

FAQs

Any questions about the event? Email us at events@femmepalette.com