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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.”
This spirit of authenticity set the tone for the day, as women from all sectors gathered not only to learn but to share and support one another in navigating the complex world of leadership and career growth.
The first sessions plunged into the heart of leadership, but it wasn’t the typical conversation of polished success. Instead, the speakers revealed the unspoken realities behind their journeys. Discussions on leadership strategies in multinational teams highlighted the delicate balance women must maintain between confidence and collaboration. One attendee shared, “Hearing about leadership strategies and managing multinational teams was empowering. It gave me a boost to think differently about my own career.”
These real-world strategies resonated with participants, many of whom recognized the challenges discussed from their own careers. Lenka Helena Koeningsmark, Margarita Fries, and Katerina Zapletalova were among the speakers who set a candid tone, sharing both their successes and the personal hurdles they had to overcome. The sessions emphasized the importance of both resilience and adaptability in leadership roles—skills that often go unspoken but are critical to success.
While the personal stories were deeply impactful, the event also provided practical tools for immediate application. Workshops on personal branding and financial independence offered attendees the opportunity to reflect on their current strategies and build new ones. “I found the personal branding workshop strong. It was great to be more interactive and leave with tangible tools,”one attendee noted, appreciating the hands-on approach of Hale Doganci and Olga Zimmermann.
The session on financial independence, led by Matus Kuchalik, left a particularly strong mark. In an industry where financial security often feels out of reach for many, this session empowered attendees to take control of their financial futures. As one participant put it, “It wasn’t just about money—it was about taking control of your life.” The session’s relevance to today’s workforce, where financial flexibility is crucial for career decisions, made it one of the event’s key moments.
The heart of the conference was felt in the group mentoring sessions. These intimate, focused discussions covered everything from Entrepreneurship, led by Klara Losert, to Balancing Motherhood & Career, led by Erin Gallegos, and Career Change, led by Kristina Duffkova. For many, this was the highlight of the day, as women found solace in shared experiences. One attendee said, “The mentoring was invaluable—hearing from women who’ve walked the path I’m on was so reassuring.”
Other mentors led sessions on Financial Wellness, led by Marie Sychrova; Leadership for First-time Managers, led by Katerina Douskova; Career Growth, led by Frederika Adamcikova; and Leadership (Advanced), led by Hana Caltova. These moments of shared learning weren’t just about advice; they fostered deep connections among participants.
The workshops were equally impactful, with Cristina Muntean leading a session on Emotional Agility and Leadership and Ivana Sediva tackling Mastering Negotiation. Each offered participants practical skills they could immediately bring into their leadership roles.
The lessons from the conference weren’t just about individual growth—they connected directly to the larger challenges facing women in today’s professional landscape. The themes of confidence, authenticity, and empowerment took on special importance as the workforce continues to shift in the wake of the pandemic, which disproportionately affected women. Many attendees left the event reflecting on their own confidence and how critical it is in leadership roles.
“It made me think about the times I doubted myself and how I can rebuild that confidence,” one attendee said. This message of self-assurance felt particularly relevant given the broader issues of the gender pay gap and underrepresentation of women in leadership, making the discussions even more vital.
The focus on financial independence and personal branding also highlighted the importance of autonomy. These aren’t just career skills—they are the tools women need to navigate an often challenging professional landscape with greater control over their futures.
What truly set the Femme Palette Conference apart was the sense of community that permeated the event. Attendees didn’t just gain knowledge—they gained a network of supportive women. One participant summed it up, saying, “The Femme Palette Conference is my yearly dose of inspiration that fuels me for weeks and weeks.” The event fostered a space where women could uplift one another, creating a powerful environment of support and growth.
As another attendee reflected, “The conference once again exceeded expectations and managed to create a wonderful, like-minded community and a safe space.” The connections made here went far beyond the typical networking experience—they were rooted in shared challenges and a commitment to helping one another succeed.
By the end of the day, participants left with more than just new skills and knowledge. They left with renewed purpose, a stronger sense of community, and the motivation to take charge of their careers.
“I came for the inspiration, and I’m leaving with so much more—stories, connections, and a deeper sense of what’s possible,” one attendee said.
The Femme Palette Leadership & Career Conference 2024 was a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t just about climbing the ladder—it’s about leading with authenticity, supporting one another, and embracing the unique challenges that come with being a woman in the workplace.
A big thank you goes to all our partners who made this event possible: Ciklum, Wrike, WPP, VML, Commerzbank, ECCO, Braun, and our media and product partners: Vogue, Expats.cz, Cans, GxBar, Lush, Sportega, Insync, AOMU, Iza, Goodie, EcoHaus, Mattoni, Verra, Joy Bakery, Krafin, MG, CBD Way, Beefeater, Drobek, Illegal Beans, and Vinařství Vajbar.
