Building a career is a journey we rarely go on alone. Behind many professional milestones are the people who offered us advice, knowledge and encouragement. The Female Ventures Career Vitality Mentorship Program supports women’s career aspirations by providing them with tailored guidance from experienced professionals. In this blog series, we present mentor and mentee stories in the hope that these reflections will be valuable to anyone considering joining the Female Ventures Mentor Program. We hope these stories inspire you, motivate you and give you a glimpse of the difference women can make in each other’s personal and professional lives.
Mascha Liachina, founder of Shall We Dance in Amsterdam, joined Female Ventures in 2025. She wanted to learn sales techniques to grow her business. What she gained was invaluable guidance on connecting rather than selling, challenging the limiting beliefs that were holding her back and recognising the potential within herself and her existing network. The mentorship encouraged her to put herself out there, embrace new opportunities and step outside her comfort zone.
Infobox – Key Takeaways
– Be open: the mentorship program is all about learning, trying new things and exploring new perspectives.
– You’ll get more than you expect: Mascha didn’t just get actionable tools; she was also inspired by her mentor’s professional attitude and confidence.
Setting up Shall We Dance in the Netherlands
Mascha moved to the Netherlands from Russia nine years ago. A year after moving here, she set up her business, Shall We Dance. Mascha is no stranger to the world of dance: she started dancing before she was even born – her mother was competing in ballroom tournaments when she was pregnant – and by age twelve, Mascha was already teaching others. For more than 25 years, Mascha has used dance as a powerful tool for transformation, teaching and coaching women, couples and dancers at every stage of their journey. Her work goes beyond technique: she helps people reconnect with their bodies, build confidence and discover the freedom of self-expression through movement. Today, this remains at the heart of her work.
A helping hand from someone in the know
Knowing how to dance and how to teach is one thing. Building a thriving business around that expertise is another. Mascha joined the mentorship to sharpen the business side of her work, particularly how she presented, marketed and sold her expertise. She was looking for guidance that could help her navigate this with greater clarity and confidence.
Interestingly, the mentor she was paired with, Shirley Dsouza, was not an entrepreneur, but an HR professional. But Mascha soon discovered why they had been matched. Shirley was also a sales coach, and Mascha wanted to learn how to sell. More than this, Shirley inspired Mascha through her confidence and mindset, as well as her experience in her professional field.
Targeting specific challenges
Mascha’s goal was to grow her business. Thanks to Shirley’s help and guidance, she was able to embrace the possibilities around her. For example, when she felt hesitant about reaching a broader international audience, she acted on some of the lessons from the mentoring sessions, stepped outside her comfort zone and discovered that many of the barriers she had perceived were internal rather than external. She also learned to let go of expectation and anxiety surrounding marketing. ‘Don’t try to sell, start connecting and creating value’ — looking at it that way really took the pressure off. Above all, Shirley offered a powerful reminder every founder needs to hear: you can’t build a healthy business if you aren’t taking care of yourself first.
Mascha’s advice to other mentees
“Be open to this new experience, be open to trying new things.” The mentorship program is all about engaging in new perspectives, new dynamics and new approaches.
“Prepare for your meetings,” added Mascha. It is useful to reflect on the mentoring experience so far, what you’ve achieved, what you’re curious about and what guidance you need for your next steps. Being prepared means you will get more from your mentorship.
Final thoughts
“I’m very happy. I had expectations Career Vitality Mentor Program, but I received even more.”
Applications for the 2027 Career Vitality Mentor Program Are Now Open!
Whether you are looking for guidance and inspiration to take the next step in your career as a mentee, or eager to share your experience and support another woman as a mentor, this program offers a valuable opportunity to learn, grow and connect with like-minded women.
Don’t miss the chance to be part of a community that empowers women to navigate their careers with confidence and purpose. Take the next step in your career journey and apply before 10 November 2026.
Ready to join? Submit your application through the Mentor Program page on our website.
Have questions about the program or the application process? Get in touch with us at mentorprogram@femaleventures.nl.