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Athena Blog

Read the latest news and insights from the Athena community on the path to the boardroom, leadership insights, and executive best practices.

leadership skills

Investor Expectations of Audit Committees

October 9, 2024

During the NACD Global Board Leaders’ Summit 2024, Amy O’Connor spoke at the Audit Committee Forum, emphasizing the need for audit committees to go beyond oversight and become proactive stewards of transparency, risk, and trust in capitalism. Read her key takeaways below…

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Investor Expectations of Audit Committees

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Navigating Messy Conversations: Strategies for Constructive Dialogue in Today’s World

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Be the First, Not the Only

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How and Why You Should Take an Intentional Pause

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Navigating Career Transitions: Advice from Athena Coach Ashley Rudolph

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Activating Your Capital as a Female Investor

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From Research to Revolution: Dr. Tom Leighton’s Journey to CEO of Akamai Technologies

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pivot career

Navigating Messy Conversations: Strategies for Constructive Dialogue in Today’s World

October 2, 2024

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.

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board seats

Be the First, Not the Only

August 19, 2024

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. 

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leadership impact

How and Why You Should Take an Intentional Pause

August 6, 2024

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.

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career growth strategies

Navigating Career Transitions: Advice from Athena Coach Ashley Rudolph

July 25, 2024

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.

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senior leaders

Activating Your Capital as a Female Investor

July 11, 2024

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.

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board interview

From Research to Revolution: Dr. Tom Leighton’s Journey to CEO of Akamai Technologies

July 8, 2024

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.

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career pivot

Rethinking Retirement: Embracing Longevity and Lifelong Impact

June 24, 2024

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?

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female leadership

Embracing Exploration in Times of Transition

May 30, 2024

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.

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corporate leadership

The Power of Uncovering Your “Why”

April 11, 2024

The Key to Fulfillment and Impact in Board Service and Beyond

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coaching for executives

Reimagining the Board

February 14, 2024

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

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leadership agility

Navigating the Cybersecurity Landscape: Insights from Yvonne Wassenaar

February 8, 2024

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.

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venture capital

Black Women I See You!

February 5, 2024

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.

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investment ecosystem

Self-Care For Your Career

January 19, 2024

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…

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startup support

Athena Impact Stories: Shelly Lombard on building relationships to close gaps

January 5, 2024

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

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leadership journey

Athena Impact Stories: Shelly Morales on impact through authentic connection

December 15, 2023

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

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About Athena Alliance

The Athena Alliance is a community that propels leaders to build impact, whether it’s in the C-suite, in the boardroom, as an investor, as an entrepreneur, as a thought leader and beyond. Our unique integration of community, content, and coaching helps women executives reach their most ambitious goals and think bigger.