Kateřina Hájková: I Remain My Own Biggest Critic
Advocacy at a larger law firm seemed like the best possible start to me, and I still believe it was the right choice, says Kateřina Hájková from PRK Partners.
Why did you choose a career in your field?
I studied business law in the Netherlands, where the classes, especially those focused on transactions, were incredibly inspiring. It was natural for me to build on that experience. At the time, I saw working at a larger law firm as the best possible start to my career, and I still believe it was the right decision.
Do you have any advice on dealing with imposter syndrome?
I don’t, and I’d love to hear tips from others! For me, it’s been a long-term process. Even now, I remain my own biggest critic.
What tips would you share with women trying to improve their time management skills?
Everyone has their own approach—some prefer a paper planner, while others keep everything in their head. I fall into the first category. I write down both work and personal tasks, and if I write it down, I don’t forget it. I also try to schedule deadlines with some buffer time, although I admit that’s not always possible. I don’t automatically postpone personal activities, especially those involving my children or regular exercise. I consider these essential for maintaining a sense of balance and staying productive. Additionally, I’ve learned to ask for help when it’s available.
Do you think having a mentor during your career is important? Have you had such an experience, whether as a mentor or a mentee?
It’s undoubtedly enriching to learn from the experiences of other professionals and to see things from a different perspective. At different stages of your career, mentoring can serve different purposes—from helping you choose the right focus to effectively developing specific skills. Personally, I’ve participated in several one-time mentoring events aimed at skill development. However, I don’t have a long-term mentor.
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