Messy conversations are an inevitable part of life, both personally and professionally. In an era marked by polarizing topics such as politics, war, and social justice, the ability to engage in constructive dialogue is more crucial than ever.

As the first person of color on her city council, the first woman of color C-level executive at her company, and often the only woman on a panel of technical experts, Harini Gokul is all-too-familiar with the challenges of being the “first” in a room. 

In a world that constantly urges us to hustle, it’s easy to lose sight of our dreams and deepest desires. It’s important to find time to honor those dreams—both personal and collective—and take an intentional pause to explore them deeply.

Whether it’s something you have been thinking about for a while or you have been thrust into it, career transitions can be either daunting or exhilarating, and sometimes both.

The landscape of venture capital (VC) is evolving, albeit slowly. Historically dominated by a homogenous group—predominantly white, male, and Harvard or Stanford-educated—the industry is increasingly in need of greater diversity.

Always fascinated by problem-solving, mathematics, and computer science, Dr. Tom Leighton never imagined becoming a CEO, let alone being in business. However, his love of research ultimately laid the groundwork for his founding of Akamai Technologies.

In a world where our life expectancy has increased and consequently our potential for active contribution has expanded, I find myself wondering why we limit ourselves to defining life as a period of work followed by a period of rest?

In our youth, society grants us permission – encourages us even – to explore. Yet, our later years offer a different kind of opportunity – one filled with possibility, if we allow ourselves to access it.

The Key to Fulfillment and Impact in Board Service and Beyond

Athena Chief Experience & Strategy Officer Erin Essenmacher shares how disruption is changing the roles of the board, its committees, and its relationship with management.

In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, the role of boards in overseeing and mitigating cyber risks has become increasingly crucial. Athena member Yvonne Wassenaar, seasoned tech executive and CEO with a background in software engineering, sheds light on the cyber challenges faced by companies today.

Rhonda Mims reflects on Black Americans contributions to our society and the lack of credit given to Black Women in particular for their accomplishments. As we celebrate Black History Month, join Rhonda and Athena in giving credit where credit is due.

The last several years have brought about a revolution in how we think about self-care, mental well-being, and the need for a healthier work/life balance. It’s high time we also embrace and normalize the idea of self-care when it comes to our careers…

Shelly shares how investing in relationships leads to impact in the boardroom and beyond

Shelly shares her unique journey to becoming a CHRO and entrepreneur and how she impacts others through authentic connection.