Introduction: What happens when you say out loud what you really want from your career, and someone challenges you to go after it? For many women, that moment of clarity doesn’t come easily. It takes the right questions, the right space, and the right person to push you beyond your comfort zone.
In the Equilibrium Mentoring Programme, those moments are exactly what mentoring is designed to create. This mentor–mentee story between Monika Kavanova and Renáta Hynková shows how honest conversations can lead to real confidence, and real career change.
Renáta Hynková (Mentee)
1) What was your motivation to join the Equilibrium Mentoring programme?
I was selected for the Equilibrium Mentoring Programme based on my role as a team leader in the regional corporate centre of Česká spořitelna. In this position, I was responsible both for managing a portfolio of SME clients and for the leadership and development of my team. I found fulfilment in both areas, yet after four years I started to feel it might be the right moment to consider the next step in my career and contribute more broadly within the bank.
My main motivation was the opportunity to share my story with someone senior, gain a different perspective, and reflect openly on my future professional direction. I expected the programme to provide clarity, inspiration, and guidance for my next move.
A significant advantage was the ability to describe what my ideal mentor should look like. I was fortunate that the match was absolutely accurate, my mentor, Monika Kavanová, fully met my expectations and supported me with her experience, openness, and strategic insight. Working with her exceeded everything I had hoped for.
2) What was the most challenging part of the mentoring process for you, and how did it shape your thinking?
When I entered the programme, I already had experience with coaching and assumed that transitioning into mentoring would be straightforward. I soon realised, however, that mentoring asks for a different kind of depth and honesty.
My biggest challenge was responding to Monika’s questions, they often seemed simple on the surface but required me to slow down, look inward, and search for the truth behind my own assumptions. It wasn’t always comfortable to articulate what I really wanted or to connect the dots across my experiences.
This pushed me to think more strategically about my direction, recognise patterns, and acknowledge areas I had postponed addressing. The difficulty was not the process itself, but finding the courage to say things clearly and commit to them. That shift in mindset became the foundation for the decisions I made later in the programme.
3) How would you describe the dynamic between you and your mentor, and what made it particularly impactful?
At the beginning, I wasn’t sure that mentor–mentee matching could work perfectly, but with , the connection was immediate. I felt her rich experience from senior corporate roles combined with the perspective she gained later in consulting, mentoring and training. This blend of lived experience and a very human, open approach made our cooperation exceptionally valuable.
What I appreciated most was her ability to summarise complex situations with clarity and distance and give them direction. She saw connections I didn’t see, especially when I was too deep in details. Monika wasn’t afraid to enter topics that were uncomfortable for me, and her honesty and courage consistently moved me forward. I respect deeply what she has achieved and the wisdom she brings. Sometimes our discussions confirmed I was on the right track; other times they revealed where I needed to change something. This balance of reassurance and constructive challenge was the most valuable part of our relationship.
4) Can you share a specific moment or insight from mentoring that directly influenced your decisions or actions?
One concrete situation where Monika’s guidance had a direct impact was the moment she encouraged me to clearly define what I wanted in my career. During a session, she asked me openly what my ideal next step would look like, if anything were possible. With her support, I finally formulated my wish: to be approached within Česká spořitelna by someone who knew my work and offered me a meaningful managerial role that would represent a real challenge and move me forward. Monika even noted this in her session summary, treating it as important and realistic.
Hearing my own ambition clearly expressed became a turning point. From then on, I approached my work more intentionally, with sharper focus and openness to opportunities. When a real offer later appeared, I immediately recognised that it matched exactly what we had defined together, and I had the confidence to act decisively.
5) What visible outcomes or changes have you experienced as a result of the programme?
During the mentoring period, a major and very visible change occurred: I moved into a new managerial role in the Small Business segment, leading the Eastern Bohemia region in MSE. The position allowed me to co‑shape regional strategy, drive business results, and develop people, areas that strongly resonated with me. I passed the selection process and have now been in the role for three years.
At the start, I needed to fill key managerial positions, manage difficult personnel changes across teams, and set a clear direction for both the regional and segment strategy. I drew heavily on my previous subject‑matter expertise, while many leadership competencies I learned “on the go.” Together with my colleagues, we elevated the region among the best‑performing ones in the segment and improved employee satisfaction, achievements I’m genuinely proud of. The mentoring experience brought me a new challenge that truly fulfils me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have been part of the Equilibrium Programme.
Monika Kavanova (Mentor)
1. What motivated you to become a mentor in the Equilibrium Mentoring Programme for Women?
I joined the Equilibrium Programme because I deeply believe in creating opportunities for women to grow, thrive, and step into their full potential. Throughout my career, I’ve benefited from people who shared their knowledge generously and created spaces where I could try, experiment, learn, and even fail safely. Becoming a mentor felt like a natural way to pay it forward.
I’m motivated by helping women unlock their confidence, strengthen their voice, and build the courage to pursue ambitions that may have once felt out of reach. Equilibrium’s motto Dream Dare Share…, empowerment, connection, and growth, align strongly with my own belief in cultivating supportive environments where ideas can be explored freely and talents can develop organically.
2. Looking back at your mentoring experience with Renata, what did you find most meaningful or rewarding about it?
The most rewarding part of mentoring Renata was witnessing her transformation throughout the programme. Seeing her self‑confidence grow and her courage to face challenges strengthened was truly inspiring. I admired her constant energy, curiosity, and her willingness to learn, develop, and try new things.
She used our sessions not just for discussion, but as a real space to reflect, explore ideas, and put new approaches into practice. Watching her turn insights into action, and ultimately achieve a significant promotion, was a powerful reminder of her determination and talent.
Her enthusiasm and growth mindset also gave me energy. Mentoring her wasn’t just about guiding, it was a mutual exchange that left me inspired and proud of the journey she shaped for herself.
3. From your perspective, how can mentoring support women in building confidence and advancing in their professional careers?
Mentoring provides women with something many lack in the workplace: a safe and trusted space to explore ambitions, ask difficult questions, and test new ideas. It helps them build confidence by receiving honest feedback, encouragement, and support from someone outside their daily environment.
It also opens doors, mentors can share networks, experiences, and practical strategies that help women navigate challenges and make informed decisions. Through regular reflection and growth-focused conversations, mentees often gain clarity about their strengths, values, and next steps.
Ultimately, mentoring helps women recognize that their ideas and potential deserve space, visibility, and opportunity. That confidence becomes a powerful driver in personal and career advancement.
4. What do you think makes the Equilibrium Mentoring Programme valuable for both mentors and mentees?
What I value most about the Equilibrium Programme is its truly unique community. It brings together people who genuinely care, support one another, and create an atmosphere where everyone feels encouraged to grow. This caring environment, combined with an openness to share knowledge and experiences, makes the programme stand out.
Another key strength is the breadth and diversity of the network. Equilibrium connects professionals across different industries, backgrounds, and stages of their careers, creating opportunities for learning that go far beyond the typical mentoring relationship.
I also deeply appreciate the expertise and dedication of the Steering Committee. Their guidance, structure, and long-term vision ensure that the programme remains impactful, well-organised, and continuously evolving.
For both mentors and mentees, Equilibrium offers connection, inspiration, and a supportive space where ideas and ambitions can truly flourish.
Interested in learning more about the Equilibrium Mentoring Programme, or just eager to get stuck in and start your own journey?
Equilibrium 16th edition applications for mentors and mentees are now open and you can apply at https://bccequilibrium.cz/#_apply