On November 13, Commerzbank’s Prague office buzzed with energy as attendees gathered for Women in Tech: Breakfast & Learn, a collaborative event between Commerzbank and Femme Palette. This empowering morning offered a unique mix of inspiration, insights, and networking opportunities, all aimed at celebrating and supporting women in the tech industry.
The event brought together seasoned professionals and emerging talent to discuss critical topics like leadership, building confidence, and creating inclusive communities in male-dominated spaces. From the engaging panel discussion to the lively networking sessions, the morning proved to be both insightful and motivating.
The morning kicked off with welcome remarks from Lucie Neumanova, CEO and Co-founder of Femme Palette, and Igor Savic, Head of Digital Technology Center at Commerzbank. Both emphasized the importance of creating spaces where women can connect, share, and thrive in the tech world.
Setting the tone for the event, attendees participated in an icebreaker activity, “Meet Your Neighbor,” which encouraged everyone to connect and foster a sense of community. Over coffee and pastries provided by Joy Bakery, participants began forming meaningful connections that carried throughout the day.
The centerpiece of the morning was the panel discussion, Women Leaders in Tech, featuring Katerina Lesch (EmbedIT), Laura Hlavacek (Pure Storage), and Katerina Douskova (STRV). The panel explored leadership journeys, mentorship, and the challenges women face in the tech industry.
Panelists shared honest accounts of overcoming barriers, navigating leadership roles, and fostering inclusivity within their teams. The discussion offered practical advice for women at all career stages, from transitioning into management to creating diverse environments where all voices are valued. Attendees appreciated the open and insightful dialogue, with one commenting on the “great mix of honesty and actionable strategies shared during the panel.”
Following the panel, Ivana Sediva, Board Member & Mentor at BEO Czechitas, delivered a thought-provoking talk on Building Confidence: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome. Drawing from her extensive experience, Ivana explored the psychological roots and triggers of imposter syndrome, a phenomenon disproportionately reported by women in the tech industry. Through engaging storytelling and practical examples, she shared actionable techniques for identifying self-doubt, reframing negative thoughts, and celebrating achievements. Attendees found her strategies both relatable and empowering, with many leaving inspired to confront their own inner critics.
Ivana’s ability to blend theory with practical takeaways struck a chord, particularly her insights on self-advocacy and seeking external validation from mentors and allies. The audience resonated with her message of embracing imperfection as a strength, a key mindset shift for navigating the challenges of tech leadership.
The final talk of the morning, EmpowerHer: Building a Women's Community in Finance Tech, was delivered by Olga Galochkina, IT Product Owner at Commerzbank. Olga shared her inspiring journey of creating a women-focused community within Commerzbank, aimed at fostering inclusion and providing support in a predominantly male industry. Her practical advice on gaining leadership buy-in, organizing events, and maintaining momentum for initiatives offered a roadmap for others seeking to replicate her success.
Olga’s story highlighted the importance of persistence and creativity in overcoming challenges. She recounted the small but impactful steps that built trust and engagement among colleagues, from hosting informal meet-ups to launching initiatives that addressed specific needs within the workplace. Her session left attendees with actionable insights and a renewed motivation to champion inclusion in their own organizations.
The event concluded with a networking session that extended beyond its scheduled time, as participants engaged in lively discussions sparked by the day’s talks. The delicious pastries from Joy Bakery added a delightful touch to the mingling atmosphere, creating a perfect blend of learning and connection.
Attendee feedback underscored the success of the event. Many praised the quality of the discussions and the opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals. One attendee remarked, “The panel discussion was fantastic—insightful and honest. I loved the energy of the networking session.”
Women in Tech: Breakfast & Learn served as a powerful reminder of the importance of community and collaboration in driving change. Through candid conversations and shared experiences, attendees left with a renewed sense of confidence and the tools to advance their careers.
Special thanks to Commerzbank for hosting this impactful event and providing a welcoming space for inspiration and growth. Additionally, Femme Palette extends gratitude to Joy Bakery for their wonderful pastries that fueled meaningful networking moments.
Photo credit: Alevtina Kavtreva (IG: @alevtinaalyaalevtina)
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