Entrepreneurs often work in the company, but rarely on the company, says coach
She once believed she would spend her whole career in the corporate world. But after two decades, Štěpánka Duffková decided to go freelance and start coaching. Today, she helps business owners find direction and move their companies forward. And Clubco in Nupaky has become the base for her activities.
Just a few years ago, Štěpánka Duffková would have described herself as a “corporate girl”. She was successful, content and convinced she would stay in the corporate world forever. But then came a turning point.
“My husband and I went to Cuba and cycled around the island. I saw people sitting by the sea for hours, just watching the water. At first I thought: poor people. And then I realized how poor I actually was – always rushing somewhere, but not really knowing where or why,” she recalls.
That was when psychosomatic problems began to appear. “Doctors kept telling me I was completely healthy. The problem was somewhere else. At the same time, I had a new boss whom I didn’t see as fair, and fairness is a very important value for me.”
Eventually she realized she had a choice. “I could stay, make a lot of money, but possibly ruin my health. Or I could leave and start over.” Her decision was also shaped by personal experience. “My husband had cancer, and my mother died of it. That made me realize that health matters more than anything.”
The power of sharing
The beginnings outside the corporate world were far from idyllic.
“Honestly? I cried a lot. There were times when I felt like I couldn’t do anything.”
Gradually, however, she returned to what made sense to her. During her corporate career she had completed coaching training, which later led her to explore other approaches as well. The real turning point came when she discovered a concept designed to support small and medium-sized businesses by combining mentoring, coaching and so-called mastermind groups.
“I went to the US, completed the training, and worked under a franchise for five years before deciding to go my own way,” she says as we sit together in Clubco, while she sips yerba mate.
Mastermind groups – in her case known as the Business Panel – have since become a key pillar of her work. When she first introduced them in 2014, the reaction from entrepreneurs was rather lukewarm.
“I was excited because I thought it was a brilliant concept. But the reality was different. Nobody wanted it. People were afraid to share their challenges and were worried about competitors.”
Today the situation is very different. “The shift has been huge. Entrepreneurs are much more open and understand the value of sharing.”
The Business Panel brings together owners and CEOs of small and medium-sized companies from different industries and stages of development. “I emphasize diversity. Companies that have been operating for decades meet those that were founded recently. That mix is incredibly valuable.”
Meetings focus on concrete issues – from strategy to everyday operations. Participants share what worked for them and what didn’t.
“A mastermind can save you from many dead ends,” Duffková says. “I often describe it as a kind of board of directors – a space where entrepreneurs are not alone when making important decisions.”
Some participants join through a monthly membership and attend regularly, while others come when a specific topic interests them. Guest speakers often join the sessions as well – experts in areas such as intergenerational leadership, cybersecurity, corporate finance or recruitment.
Finding direction
In her work – whether during group sessions or individual coaching – Štěpánka repeatedly encounters similar challenges. “One of the biggest problems entrepreneurs face is delegation and time management. The founder of a company often feels irreplaceable. They are used to being the driving force, but as the company grows they have to rely on others. And that is difficult for many people.”
This is closely related to another common issue. “Entrepreneurs often work in the company, but very little on the company. They rarely stop to think about the direction they are heading.”
Being able to clearly define personal and business goals is equally important.
“Many companies simply want to grow. But the question is whether that growth will actually bring them what they want. In this context I often quote a proverb: When you don’t know where you’re going, every road is long.”
For entrepreneurs who feel stuck or lost, Duffková recommends a simple step: getting thoughts out of their heads. “A lot of people keep everything in their heads – ideas, fears, plans. But until they say it out loud or write it down, they cannot really work with it.”
Sharing often leads to important “aha” moments.
Discovering Clubco
Today, she also connects part of her activities with the Clubco coworking space in Nupaky.
“I discovered Clubco thanks to Bohumil Žitný, whom I coached. When I first saw the place, I thought: maybe I’m dreaming – it’s almost around the corner from my home and it’s fantastic.”
While she still prefers her home office for deep, focused work, Clubco has become the home base for Business Panel meetings. She also uses it for coaching sessions with clients who prefer to meet outside their company offices.
Meaning, values and baking
Over time, her approach to work and career has changed. At one point, she wanted to become one of the most influential women on LinkedIn. “Today I say I’m one of the happiest instead,” she laughs. “I no longer feel the need to build a big career. What matters is that my work is meaningful and enjoyable.”
Her approach to social media reflects this mindset. “I follow a simple rule – one post a week. That’s it.”
That leaves her more time for other activities – including baking. “I bake something for every Business Panel meeting. In twelve years I haven’t skipped a single one,” she says with a smile. “Some people claim participants come just for the food, but I hope that’s not the only reason.”
What started as a small gesture grew into a tradition. “At the beginning, when I didn’t have many clients, I started baking Christmas pastries (vánočka) as gifts. And now there’s no way back.”
Thanks to her son, she also became a rugby fan. “We had two options – average football or excellent rugby. The choice was clear,” she laughs. “Rugby is an amazing sport built on strong values.”
She herself remains very active. She walks in the forest every day with her dog, does Pilates or goes to the gym with her husband, and enjoys cycling – something she often combines with active holidays in France. That is also why she is currently learning French.
Her story shows that entrepreneurship is not only about performance, growth or numbers. It is also about finding your own path. “We started businesses for freedom, money and time. And sometimes we end up having none of them,” she says.
That is why, according to her, it is important to stop from time to time and ask a simple question again: Am I going where I actually want to go?
