Hi, I'm Ivana.
How are you feeling right now? What's on your mind? It's summer break. Catching your breath? 😊 The weather hasn’t been on our side so far, but if you're staying in Prague, maybe that's not such a bad thing. Probably better than last year's heatwave.
Are you resilient?
Maybe it’s time you took, just like I did, our brand-new resilience test, developed here at Solvo. And by resilience, we don’t mean the resilience of a nation as a whole, but of each individual — of you — from many different angles.
How adaptable are you? What values do you live by? Do you trust our institutions, the state, for example? Do you get enough physical activity to benefit your health? And what about your mental health? Are you financially prepared for a crisis?
Our resilience test will get you thinking a little more deeply about how and why you live, and how ready you really are for the unexpected. So far, we’ve found that the average resilience of Czechs is just 44%. Isn’t that a little low? So how resilient are you? The questionnaire takes about twenty minutes. 😎
We created an app for a peaceful divorce
I know — something like that probably doesn’t exist. Or maybe it shouldn’t exist, at least not entirely. I think it should still hurt a little. Not too much, though. I understand that you probably still care about the other person, even if you no longer want to stay married to them. Divorce is always hard for both sides — and even harder when children are involved.
So with this app, I’m trying to take some of the emotion or stress out of the process. The more rationality, the better — for everyone involved, and most importantly, for the kids. That’s the goal of Divorcio. if a divorce has to happen, let’s save as much pain and as many tears as possible. And if you’re not getting divorced, well, you can at least check out our mascot. I chose a koala. Why? Just because. 😎
Our Living Room is Featured in Offices of the Year
We've been here a year. I still sometimes call it "the office" out of habit, but every time I do, I feel a little guilty. Because really, it's the Living Room. Our Living Room at Masaryčka.
For years, my companies and our nonprofits shared a house on Vlastislavova Street in Nusle (not to be confused with Vladislavova). But I'd been dreaming of moving to Masaryčka for a long time.
When it finally happened, I furnished the space my own way, using what we had. I love recycling. And honestly? I was pretty shocked when the Offices of the Year jury gave us an award.
My Interview in the Magazine PročNe
The lovely Gabriela Marešová interviewed me recently, and I think it turned into a really nice print feature. I'd be happy if you gave it a read. I talk about our inner jealousy, of course about Lunches for Kids, and why we need to raise children with the understanding that they are free beings, to raise them as free people who can freely choose whom they love, and whom they don't.
Thank you, Forbes
I was truly honored that Forbes Czechia recognized not just my business work, but also what we’re striving for at the Solvo Institute — and ranked me in the top ten of the Most Influential Women in Czech Republic.
At Solvo, we often struggle to clearly and concisely explain what we do and what we think about. So let me try to sum it up in one sentence — a kind of mini elevator pitch:
We explore what people in Czech Republic truly feel, and what they really want.
But I also often say: We’re looking for shared values, the ones most Czechs agree on. And we want to formulate them into Seven Tasks for any future government that takes office after the October elections. Because, as always, there’s a fight over who will govern and far too little interest in what they plan to do. That’s how we end up with coalitions like SPOLU, where the parties’ programs cancel each other out, leaving voters confused and dissatisfied.
I also often mention that we’ve just completed a major study on Czech Gen Z, which we’ll be presenting this Monday at the VOGUE CS conference.
And lately, I’ve been telling everyone that we’re finalizing our large-scale Resilience study, where people can measure their own resilience using a completely new kind of test.
But what I probably say most often is this: We’re putting together our own answers to the questions our children ask us — and the ones we ask ourselves.
This would have been hard to make up, it just happened
Unfortunately, I couldn't accept the beautiful award for Most Influential Woman from Vogue CS, an award that recognized our Solvo Institute as Social project of the Year. So my three daughters picked it up for me: from left to right, Olga, Pavla, and Ivana.
I have to admit, seeing them there moved me. And yes, I was a little jealous of the party at the Fairmont Golden Prague.
Why Solvo is So Close to My Heart
Sometimes I think I don't want to do anything else but our think tank, Solvo. To study and try to understand the thoughts, moods, desires, and fears of the Czech population. Of women. Of men. To explore childhood and see the world through the eyes of children growing up in our country. To experience that daily spark and depth in discussions with the experts on our Advisory Board. Even the conflicts—or as my colleagues call them, the “fights”—fought hard, but honorably.
We put in our logo, perhaps not too modestly: Top-tier data and unmatched expertise. But vision should never be modest. It should be grand, even bold. It should be the biggest it can possibly be. What did Steve Jobs say to the Pepsi CEO when he tried to recruit him to Apple? “Do you want to sell sugared water for the rest of your life, or do you want to come with me and change the world?” And we want to change the world. At the very least, here in the Czech Republic. Take a look at our research.
We are Solvo. We seek the values that unite society
I believe in the potential of Czech society. By failing to use it, we’re losing out on hundreds of billions of crowns. That’s why I founded the Solvo Institute – to gather top-quality data and carry out extensive research backed by unmatched expertise.
You might not know that 51% of Czech men believe they are better suited for decision-making roles than women. Or that, for Czech children, dads rank only fourth in importance. And that 50% of Czech children don’t want to live in the country when they grow up. Surprising? Yes. But also crucial.
For Czech children, dad ranks fourth in importance
Dads, wake up! How do Czech children feel? What do they want and who do they love the most? Surprisingly, it’s not you. At our Think Tank, Solvo, we’ve been studying the most important thing of all: our children. And one key finding? Only a third of kids would raise their own children the same way their parents raised them.
Required reading! And even more so if you’re a parent or ever plan to become one.
Are Czech Men in Crisis?
At Solvo, we asked a fundamental question: Are Czech men in crisis? According to Czech women, the answer is yes. But men themselves don’t feel that way. And through our research, we uncovered a wide range of attitudes, from household chores to military service.
We worked on this project for a long time, and I’d really appreciate it if you could take a moment to explore our findings. I believe you’ll find them thought-provoking and inspiring.
How Do Czech Women Feel?
As one female respondent in a focus group said: ‘Women’s household chores are daily, while men’s are occasional.’ And… there’s definitely something to that.
This was our very first research project at Solvo, and we learned a lot from it. Most of all, from the results themselves.
For instance, only just over 50% of women in the Czech Republic feel successful. I believe we’re capable of more and that this number needs to change. You can read the full study too, it would be an honor for us.
And do you know about Lunches for Kids?
Lunches for Kids. Helping 18,000 kids. That's Women for Women. Since 2012. Our biggest and most important project. Maybe you’ve read about us, we’ve been just about everywhere.
But what matters most to me are the individual stories of the children and families we’ve been able to help, whether through a warm lunch, housing, or legal advice. Please, if you know someone who could benefit from our help, send them to Women for Women.
We are opening Family Hub, a new center for family therapy in Prague
Do you feel like things aren't the same at home anymore? Constant arguments? Thinking about separating? Has your child stopped talking to you? Take a moment. Align your emotions, thoughts, and words. Because family is the foundation of everything, at least that's what I believe.
That’s why we created Family Hub, a space offering family and individual therapy, led by top experts.
Amicara, our favorite helping hand
They wrote about us in Forbesu, E15, and even Vogue. And I’m incredibly proud of our team. Not everyone has the chance to attend therapy in person, which is exactly why we created the Amicara app. We’re continuously developing it in collaboration with mental health professionals to help people navigate difficult family situations and emotional challenges.
I’m a proud tester and regular user myself, so I’d love for you to try it out too.
At TKC Group, we understand top-tier interiors
TKC Group is our company. The name is, perhaps surprisingly, an abbreviation of Tykač. Here, I bring together my experience in real estate with modern architecture and a vision for functional urban spaces. I dare say we create masterpieces, each infused with our unwavering commitment to excellence. We've been striving for the perfect product for many years now, and I feel like I'm falling in love with it more and more each day.
Oblík, our oasis of calm
It’s beautiful here. We transformed a derelict farmstead into a breathtaking resort we're truly proud of. Longevity has become a buzzword lately but that’s exactly the approach we’ve embraced at Oblík. Top-tier treatments, wellness, spa, and premium cuisine made from local ingredients.
But enough talk. The best way to understand it? Come see for yourself. We’d love to welcome you.
My Favorite Interior Designer
Kelly Wearstler. Because she speaks to my soul. When I didn’t have much money, I always mixed expensive pieces with old ones from antique shops or flea markets. When you enter a space designed by Kelly, you instantly feel the energy and power. I completely agree with her that perfection doesn’t lie in symmetry and polish, but in unexpected combinations.
I also love taking a historical element and giving it a completely new, modern dimension. Kelly is, to me, a rebel with impeccable taste. I own several of her books, and they are a constant source of inspiration and affirmation for my own design intentions.
What did I tell the magazine PročNe?
The lovely Gabriela Marešová interviewed me, and I think it turned out to be a nice piece. I’d be happy if you gave it a read. I talk there about our inner jealousy, of course about Lunches for Children, and about the need to raise children with the understanding that they are free beings. As free people who can freely decide whom they love — and whom they don’t.
Thank you so much for including me in Vogue Leaders
Just a little over 50% of women in the Czech Republic feel successful. That much we know. So now the question is — what do we do about it? For Vogue Leaders, I had a conversation with editor-in-chief Danica Kovářová and shared a bit of our family history. For example, how my grandmother Růžena almost became the mayor of her village — until my grandfather put a stop to it. You can read the whole story in the interview.
For iDNES about my daughters, dating, and Czech society
In my opinion, a boy should walk a girl home, pay for her, open the door for her, and treat her with gallantry. Not because it’s old-fashioned, but so that the girl feels respected.
This interview for iDNES is one of the warmest and most intimate I’ve done so far. You can read it right now. I’ll be glad if you do.
The most breathtaking view I’ve ever experienced
I’m always captivated by the sight of the landscape or city from a landing airplane.
But if I had to choose just one, it would be the winter view from Piz Nair of the snow-covered mountains surrounding St. Moritz. If it’s a sunny morning, it’s worth being there early. Alone. Without people.
Lino Schmid
CC BY-SA 4.0
Who am I, really? What defines me? My "mosts"
A white buttondown shirt. Its simplicity and elegance make it the universal foundation of my wardrobe. Whether I’m heading to an important business meeting or a casual dinner with friends, a white shirt always provides the perfect base for any outfit. It can be formal when needed, but paired with jeans and sneakers, it transforms into the ideal casual combination. It’s a great companion that gives me confidence and comfort, and always manages to highlight my personality.
Skincare routine I swear by
I'm a bit chaotic, but there are some things I always do. Always. Even after a party, I take off my makeup. And I apply that Guerlain cream.
Where do I go to relax?
To St. Moritz. Home. It's all hills here, and since 2010, this has been home. My husband and I used to come here all the time, it's our favorite place together. Peace and calm.
Where is the best party?
The best party? Of course, on Mykonos. Cold water, constant waiting for something, the whole place feels artificial… and our girls love it. Pretty much all young girls love it.
But personally, I prefer summer in Porquerolles. These are the islands near Toulon in southern France. It feels like you’ve stepped into a Pirates of the Caribbean movie. Amazing food, amazing sunshine, amazing music. But you have to arrive by boat, not by car.
"As women, we should reconnect a bit with our roots. We can hold all the positions we have, but we should also be full of warmth, understanding, and both inner and outer beauty."
This is what I said in the interview. If you'd like to read the full version, here it is.
What am I reading?
Right now, I'm reading books on economics. It's all quite amusing when compared to reality. Or books about how the brain works.
For example, Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Joe Dispenza. And then World Order by Henry Kissinger.
These are a few of my favorite photos from Paris, my absolute favorite place in the world, taken by the amazing Jiří Turek. I also really love Melbourne and Buenos Aires.
10 things You Might Not Know About Me
In the morning, we wander around like lost souls, trying to settle into our roles for the day. These days, we're all capable of getting dressed on our own—which makes things a lot simpler.
Breakfast is usually made by my husband. He soft-boils the eggs in the electric kettle, which always amazes and amuses me. He's just great. Besides the eggs, he also peels all kinds of fruit, prepares a fruit platter, and insists that we eat it.
When I was fifteen, I worked for three weeks in a restaurant kitchen somewhere in Prague 9. It was awful, but it also brought me a ton of tips, because people weren’t counting their money at all.
On the right side.
Taylor Swift, Paris, 2023. Phenomenal. She gives incredible physical performances, is natural, and speaks the local language wherever she performs. She really tries. She adapts to the place where she's singing. She’s truly excellent.
And I also remember going to an Olympic concert when I was sixteen.
Salted caramel, because it’s bittersweet. It reminds me of life itself. Even just the way caramel is made.
Barbie. Thanks to her, I learned how to sew on a machine. I made her many outfits from fabric scraps. I admired her proportions and envied her height.
They're adorable, naive. They look at the world from different perspectives that broaden my horizons. They are sensitive, empathetic, and able to grasp the essence of a problem. As if what took us years to figure out was already embedded in their mental programming.
"Chápeš?" (translation: "Do you get it?")
Glasses, phone, shoes, sunglasses, Guerlain fragrance.
Wearing a hat in the garden. I’ll move to Uruguay, herd bulls on my farm, and play polo.
Roast duck with dumplings and cabbage. I can eat it anytime. Even four days in a row, I never get tired of it. It reminds me of childhood. My mom, my grandma.
Picking currants during a summer job. Three weeks. I bought myself a cassette player for 2,400 Czechoslovak crowns. I listened to AC/DC. Or Drupi, I loved him.
A sweet finale: the recipe for ammonium slices from my grandmother
300 g plain flour
500 g butter
500 g powdered sugar
1 egg
2 teaspoons of ammonium bicarbonate
5 tablespoons of milk (or more if needed)
Filling (cream):
500 ml milk
120 g powdered sugar
1 egg yolk
60 g coarse flour (or all-purpose if coarse is unavailable)
200 g butter
Optional: a splash of rum, to taste
Icing:
1 egg white
1 tablespoon warm water
powdered sugar (as needed for consistency)
redcurrant jam
Mix all dough ingredients and divide into two equal parts. Roll each part out to the size of a baking tray (25 x 35 cm). Bake both sheets.
To make the cream: Cook the milk and flour into a thick porridge. Once cooled, whip in the butter, powdered sugar, egg yolk, and rum if desired.
Spread redcurrant jam on the first baked layer, then add the cream. Place the second layer on top. Prepare the icing by whisking the egg white with warm water and gradually adding powdered sugar until thick and spreadable. Spread over the top layer. Chill in the fridge for at least one to two days to allow the flavors to blend and the slices to soften.
Enjoy!