Finding joy in leadership

Cultivating deep joy, a conversation with Parul Saini

We created theVoices of Athena?podcast to get to know the members of our community on a deeper level. Parul Saini, Global Head of Business and Enterprise Apps at Uber, is a strategy and technology visionary. She starts each day by setting her intentions, and her thoughtfulness and deliberation is a thread through both her presence and leadership.

In our latest episode, Parul shares her secrets to success and explores the concept of deep joy.?Listen in?as she discusses how leadership structures are evolving and why considering everyone's perspective is crucial to achieving positive outcomes, leaving things better than you found them.

Detoxing off the drug of achievement

Do you find yourself constantly plugged in and lacking joy in your life because of the pressure to do it all? If so, the common denominator in burnout is likely you.?

As high-achieving women who take pride in our careers, we can become addicted to the validation and praise we receive for our accomplishments. A 2022 study of women in the workplace revealed that 43% of women reported feeling burnt out, compared to 31% of men in the same position. The constant need for validation and recognition can lead women to sacrifice their well-being for the sake of their work.

Join us on April 19?for a salon with Megan Miller, an intentional living expert, to learn three microsteps to regain control of your life and shift from simply existing to truly living.

Black History Month

A Black History Month message from Athena board director Rhonda Mims

I’ve been asked recently, what does Black History Month mean to me? My answer: it’s personal. I love learning about African/Black Americans who have overcome significant odds to achieve greatness. African/Black Americans, who many of us have never heard of… the everyday person who does something significant in their community or selflessly helps others.?

It reminds me of the MLK Jr quote, “Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.”?

I watched my great-grandparents, grandparents, and other relatives consistently serve their local communities and religious organizations. They took care of the less advantaged in their communities, served as advocates for civil rights, and taught me so much about the power of the vote.?

Equity and integrity are not buzzwords for me. They are core to who I am, in large part due to my ancestry.?

Read her full reflection?here.

Hear more from Rhonda on Athena Radio

Rhonda led a successful 20-year career in the corporate world before returning to her early passion for film.?Listen in?as Rhonda shares her experience creating?Ferguson Rises, a powerful documentary that showcases the inspiring stories of the residents of Ferguson, MO. Drawing on her expertise as a lawyer and chief diversity officer, she now uses documentary filmmaking as a tool for driving social change.

Rising to the C-suite

Your guide to joining the C-suite

The transition to the C-suite is a significant turning point in your leadership journey. As the leading executive development community for modern leaders, we are here to guide and support you every step of the way.?

Our?Guide to the C-suite?draws upon the collective wisdom and expertise of our global community of leaders. We have distilled the most valuable insights and lessons to help you succeed in your new role as a top executive.

You will learn how to:?

• Understand C-suite business acumen
• Master strategic leadership and executive influence
• Own and amplify your executive brand
• Access opportunities in the C-suite
• Interview for C-suite roles

Join Athena today?to access our entire?Advancing to the C-suite Pathway, including in-depth guidance from industry experts and world-class 1:1 coaching to catapult your journey.

Nailing the executive interview—our tops tips & advice

Executive interviews can test your confidence and expertise, but they also offer a proving ground for you to showcase your holistic knowledge and capabilities. The key: prepare, then-over prepare!?

How to stand out in an executive interview:?

• Do your research
• Know your value – and stick to it
• Come prepared with stories
• Ask thoughtful questions
• Check your executive presence. In other words – show up like the leader you are

Read the full post?here?including red flags to watch out for.

Wondering if Athena is right for you?

Athena is the one-stop-shop where senior women leaders achieve their biggest career goals. Swing by our?Open Office Hours?to learn more from our team and get your questions answered. We host office hours every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Rising to the boardroom

How to make your board director onboarding a success

Onboarding new directors to your board is crucial to ensure they have a smooth transition and are set up for success from the start.?

Experienced board director Beth Lewis recently joined the Athena community to share strategies to proactively make your new directors’ onboarding experience a success:?

• Offer Practical Information & Supporting Materials
• Assign a Mentor or 'Board Buddy'
• Offer Regular Board Orientation Sessions
• Be Hospitable
• Ensure New Directors Understand Their Governance Roles?

Athena's Director of Board Recruitment, Samantha Lorenzo, shares more on the?Athena blog. Members can watch the full Salon recording with Beth’s tips on-demand?here.

Athena for board recruitment

Fast-track your discovery of top-tier board director and board advisor candidates through our powerful community of women leaders. Click?here?if you'd like to learn more about our recruitment services and how Athena can support you in diversifying and strengthening your board.

Where & how to share your thought leadership with Nan Crawford

Expressing your thoughts and ideas can be daunting, especially when it comes to speaking in a public forum. But overcoming self-doubt to share your unique perspectives and expertise is a proven way to advance your career. We're thrilled to offer valuable guidance from Athena Coach Nan Crawford to help you develop the skills and confidence needed to communicate with conviction and clarity, and become a thought leader in your field.

Join us on February 28?to learn where and how to share your thought leadership to advance your career goals.

Budgeting at the C-level with Cameron Kinloch

Designing a budget at the C-level requires a strategic approach to assess and prioritize every request. It's crucial to ensure that every request aligns with the company's overarching strategic goals and objectives.?

Join us on March 2?as we explore the art of budgeting at the C-level with Cameron Kinloch, who will share her perspectives as a CFO, COO, board member, and experienced business leader.

Member News & Celebrations

Welcome new members

We are thrilled to welcome this week’s new members to the Athena community. They include CFOs, SVPs and EVPs in product, marketing, and compliance. They come to us from leading organizations such as?Medallia, and?Field Nation.