Leading Without Illusions

In a world shaped by disruption, uncertainty, and accelerating AI adoption, what does effective leadership actually look like?In this episode of Leading Without Illusions, Holly Smithson and Jaye Connolly are joined by Kaye Foster, Senior advisor at Boston Consulting Group, for a candid, unfiltered conversation on the realities leaders are facing today. From declining employee engagement and broken organizational systems to the pressure of navigating AI-driven change, this discussion goes beyond surface-level insights.Kaye draws on decades of executive leadership, board experience, and advisory work to challenge conventional thinking. She breaks down why many leaders are being asked to succeed inside systems that are fundamentally misaligned, and what it takes to lead anyway.This episode explores:Why today’s workplace systems are failing both leaders and employeesThe growing gap between leadership intention and employee experienceHow AI is reshaping work—and where leaders are getting it wrongThe importance of investing in people, not just productivityWhy leadership must start with personal accountability and self-awarenessThis is not a conversation about quick fixes. It is about clarity, ownership, and the opportunity to lead differently in a moment that demands it.

Artificial intelligence is moving fast—but is it really as disruptive as it seems?In this episode of Leading Without Illusions, Holly Smithson and Jaye Connolly sit down with Dr. Carlos Nunez of ResMed to separate signal from noise in the AI conversation.From being in the top 1% of global AI users to leading innovation in healthcare, Dr. Núñez shares a grounded perspective on what AI can actually do today—and where the real transformation is happening.This episode explores:Why AI is a “slow rising tide,” not an overnight disruptionHow AI is reshaping healthcare and the future of workThe real risk: not AI itself, but falling behind in how to use itThe difference between hype-driven solutions and meaningful innovationIf you’re feeling the pressure to keep up with AI, this conversation will help you refocus on what actually matters—and how to lead through it.

In this episode of Athena’s Leading Without Illusions, hosts Holly Smithson and Jaye Connolly sit down with Dr. Stephen Morse, founder of Unchained Solutions, an Australian-based consulting firm focused on modern slavery risk in global supply chains. Sparked by a recent conference in Perth on battery minerals and the growing demand for critical resources in the AI era, the conversation explores the hidden human cost behind “cheap and fast” consumption, including forced labor, child labor, and trafficking.Dr. Morse unpacks why modern slavery persists, how globalization and consumer culture can normalize exploitation, and why legal mandates like Australia’s Modern Slavery Act are often what finally push organizations to look deeper. The discussion also challenges common narratives around ethical sourcing, exposing how “sustainable” claims can become marketing language without real traceability, verification, and accountability. The result is a provocative look at what we’re underwriting when we buy, and what it takes to build systems that make exploitation harder to hide.

What happens when traditional leadership models stop working?In this episode of Leading Without Illusions, Athena leaders Holly Smithson and Jaye Connolly join Reverend Sean Harvey of the Warrior Compassion Institute to explore why many leaders—especially men—feel disconnected, burned out, and constrained by outdated definitions of strength.The conversation reframes compassion as a leadership capability, not a weakness, and examines how modern systems reward dominance over presence at a time when complexity, AI disruption, and polarization demand something different.A grounded discussion on evolving leadership, healing outdated playbooks, and upgrading the human system for the moment we’re in.

In the launch episode, Holly Smithson and Jaye Connolly welcome Claire Roberts and Antony Roberts, co-founders of Full Fathom five, for a raw conversation on AI’s biggest illusions. They unpack why AI isn’t a panacea, what “hallucinations” really mean, who’s accountable when systems fail, and how bias can scale at speed. The throughline: modern leadership is questions, not certainty and curiosity is a competitive advantage.

In this episode of Lifting While Climbing, Holly Smithson sits down with “hug dealer” Angela Pennella to explore the movement behind Hugs in the Wild. Angela shares how intentional connection, nervous system awareness, and small acts of kindness can reset our emotional balance and strengthen our relationships. From the science of oxytocin to real stories from her travels, this conversation is a warm reminder of the power we all have to make each other feel seen.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Tina Rinker—co-founder & Chief Scientific Officer of Syantra Inc.—joins host Holly Smithson to unpack a breakthrough approach to early detection: a simple blood test that reads the immune system’s signals rather than hunting for tumor fragments. Dr. Rinker explains how Syantra’s 15-marker panelcan identify breast cancers at ~1 cm and below, addressing long-standing gaps in screening—especially for the 50% of women with dense breast tissue where mammograms can miss smaller tumors. They dive into why screening must prioritize stage-1 detection (where survival is highest), how a blood test can boost adherence by fitting into routine labs, and why “platform thinking” opens the door to multi-cancer applications. Beyond the science, Tina shares her path from chemical engineering professor to three-time founder, the team-first lessons she carried from NCAA championship gymnastics, and practical advice for scientists moving from lab bench to boardroom. With discussion of external validations, DOD grant support, and AI as an accelerant, this episode is a timely, hopeful blueprint for getting better tools to more women—faster. Tune in for a masterclass on staying signal-focused amid the noise, and why making screening easier can make it earlier—and lifesaving.

From the slopes of Mount Kenya to the halls of Cambridge and the UN General Assembly, Esther Mutuma, founder & CEO of the Boreka Group, shares how a village girl with a love of math became a banking leader turned climate entrepreneur.In this Lifting While Climbing episode, Esther unpacks her journey from qualifying as an accountant at 22 to building a nature-based solutions company now partnering with 2,000+ farmers in Kenya—with an audacious goal to plant 50 million trees (a quarter-million last year alone).She and host Holly Smithson dig into the power of mentorship, activating your strengths, and leading with purpose amid shifting debates on gender equity and sustainability. Esther also reveals her most personal “why”: intentional motherhood and raising two young trailblazers—one Africa’s youngest certified drone pilot and the other a teen STEM advocate—proving the next generation is ready to bulldoze barriers. If you need a masterclass in resilience, community-first climate action, and walking the talk, this conversation delivers. Listen in and get inspired to turn your strengths into solutions.

In this episode of the Lifting While Climbing podcast, Athena CEO Holly Smithson sits down with Claude Jones, CEO of Do It With AI, for a powerful, perspective-shifting conversation about what it really means to lead with AI.Together, they explore how fear-based narratives around artificial intelligence are stalling progress—and how shaping AI, rather than reacting to it, is the key to ethical innovation, equity, and future-ready leadership.“We’re not just teaching people how to use AI—we’re preparing them to shape it.”— Claude JonesKey Takeaways:Why AI isn’t just a tech trend—it’s a leadership shiftHow co-creating with AI unlocks creativity, efficiency, and purposeWhy soft skills like empathy and communication are now mission-critical in the AI eraHow Athena’s AI Mastery Academy is transforming fear into fluency—one cohort at a timeOne of the most striking moments from the conversation came when Claude described today’s challenge:“The best sword in the world in the hands of a novice is no more functional than a wet noodle.That’s what’s happening with AI right now—we’re giving people the most powerful tool humanity has ever created, but we’re not teaching them how to become expert swordsmen.”Athena’s response?The AI Mastery Academy—a 3-week, hands-on leadership experience launching September 15, designed to build practical fluency, ethical awareness, and human-centered AI confidence.Tune in and discover how Athena is flipping fear into power—and helping STEM leaders shape a future worth leading.

In this powerful episode of Athena’s Lifting While Climbing, host Holly Smissen sits down with biotech trailblazer Dr. Tina Nova for an intimate, candid conversation about resilience, leadership, and purpose.From humble beginnings in Central California to leading multiple publicly traded companies and shaping the field of molecular diagnostics, Dr. Nova shares her remarkable journey with humor, clarity, and heart. She reflects on navigating a male-dominated industry, confronting self-doubt, and how she found her true calling in science—not by design, but by determination.Whether you’re early in your STEM career or leading your own team, this episode is a reminder of the power of community, the value of persistence, and the importance of tuning out the noise to stay focused on your signal.Topics include:Finding purpose through unexpected pathsMentorship, allyship, and women in leadershipLeading with conviction in times of uncertaintyWhy “lucky and good” isn’t a contradictionDr. Nova’s story is both a masterclass and a mirror—listen in and be inspired.

As political pressure mounts and corporate DEI efforts are being quietly rebranded or rolled back, Athena’s leadership is standing firm. In this powerful episode, Athena CEO Holly Smithson is joined by Board Chair Susan Poser (Oracle) and Vice Chair Jaye Connolly (RippleNami) for a candid conversation about resilience, global perspectives, and why Athena remains unapologetically committed to advancing 1 million women in STEM by 2030. From boardroom votes to tribal conversations in Africa, this episode is a call to lead with clarity, courage, and community.

In this month’s Lifting While Climbing podcast, we spotlight the unstoppable Rijon Charne—a lawyer, cancer warrior, and fierce advocate who turned every obstacle into ammunition for change. Just two days after graduating from law school, Rijon was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Before starting chemo, she tried to freeze her eggs—but her insurance company denied the claim, calling fertility preservation “not medically necessary.” The cost? $18,000. The response? She didn’t just fight back—she rewrote the rules.What started as a personal battle became a national movement. That denial sparked a campaign that helped pass fertility preservation laws across 16 states, with 18 more in progress.In this episode, Rijon shares how she met resistance at every turn—lawmakers, doctors, even the legal community—and kept going anyway. Her story is one of defiance, grit, and radical impact.If you’ve ever been shut down by the system, blocked by bureaucracy, or told "no" one too many times—this episode is your reminder to keep going.

In Athena’s April edition of Lifting While Climbing, CEO Holly Smithson welcomes Dr. Nima Alamdari, Chief Science Officer at Ritual, as the podcast’s first featured workplace ally. Against the backdrop of today’s politically charged climate, this timely conversation explores how authentic allyship — rooted in action, intention, and abundance — must be an active leadership practice, not just a passive title.Dr. Alamdari shares his personal journey shaped by a trailblazing mother and a strong ally father, demonstrating how real allyship starts at home and translates into building inclusive, high-performing teams. From emphasizing active listening to reframing leadership around co-creation and empowerment, Dr. Alamdari offers a blueprint for how allies can create space, amplify others’ voices, and drive collective success, even in an era of societal headwinds.“As we face turbulence in today’s market and society, allyship must become a daily ritual — a conscious choice to lead with integrity, fairness, and courage,” said Smithson.Listen to this powerful conversation and discover why cultivating workplace allies is essential for a thriving future — in STEM and beyond.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, Athena was honored to spotlight powerhouse entrepreneur, marketing strategist, and business reality show host Misti Cain on our Lifting While Climbing podcast. And if you missed it—trust us—you’ll want to press play on this episode.Raised in a humble, working-class family in Visalia, CA, Misti’s story isn’t one of a straight path—it’s a testament to the power of reinvention, relentless curiosity, and unapologetic proactivity. From selling pizza coupons in third grade to gracing the TEDx stage, starring in Mailchimp’s Intuit business reality series, and landing in Forbes as the “Strategic Queen Bee,” Misti is proof that success doesn’t require a roadmap—just a fierce commitment to take the first step.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Lara Wynne, co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Gate Sciences, on this month’s episode of Lifting While Climbing. Lara shares her remarkable journey from being a stay-at-home mom to leading groundbreaking innovations in orthopedic care, all while balancing motherhood and a thriving career.Discover how Lara’s work at Gate Sciences is revolutionizing pain management with a dual-platform technology that offers opioid-free pain relief for up to 30 days post-surgery. Plus, hear about her recent surgical mission trip to Honduras with her 17-year-old daughter, Delaney, and how the experience sparked a passion for orthopedic surgery in her teen.Lara’s story is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of mentorship. Don’t miss this episode filled with insights on leadership, women in STEM, and making a meaningful impact in healthcare.

In this dynamic episode of Athena’s Lifting While Climbing podcast, Athena’s President and CEO, Holly Smithson, sits down with trailblazing leader Kiva Allgood for a candid and inspiring conversation. Kiva shares her extraordinary career journey in the technology industry, offering invaluable insights on leadership, perseverance, and breaking barriers. Together, Holly and Kiva discuss the power of board readiness, the importance of gender equity in STEM, and how data-driven leadership can drive greater performance and productivity. If you’re looking for inspiration to “reach further and higher,” this episode is a must-listen.

Tune in to the latest episode of Athena’s Lifting While Climbing podcast, where CEO and host Holly Smithson dives into an inspiring conversation with Dr. Manna Semby. Dr. Semby shares her extraordinary journey from a successful career on Wall Street to becoming a naturopathic doctor and functional medicine expert. Motivated by personal challenges, including her children’s autism diagnoses and her own health battles, Dr. Semby discusses her dedication to midlife women’s health and brain resilience. This episode explores: • The pivotal moments that transformed Dr. Semby’s life and career. • Her groundbreaking work at Aruna Precision Medicine and the Cognitive Resilience Center. • Insights on the often-overlooked challenges women face during perimenopause and menopause in corporate environments. • A preview of Dr. Semby’s upcoming TEDx talk on the “Perimenopause Broken Rung Hypothesis.” Don’t miss this empowering conversation that highlights resilience, advocacy, and the critical need for holistic health solutions for women. Listen now to find inspiration and actionable insights!

In this episode of Athena's Lifting While Climbing podcast, Holly Smithson, President and CEO of Athena, sits down with Lifting While Climbing Summit speaker Dr. Sheila Gujrathi.  Dr. Gujrathi shares her inspiring journey from the world of medicine to becoming a leader in the biotech industry. She discusses the importance of listening to one's inner voice, and the core values that guided her path.  This compelling conversation also covers her recent high-impact TEDx talk focusing on "mirrors rather than the glass ceiling," her approach to leadership, and the potential significance of the upcoming presidential election on gender equality and leadership.  Join Holly and Sheila for a deep dive into perseverance, authenticity, and the power of community.

In the latest episode of Athena’s Lifting While Climbing podcast, host Holly Smithson, Athena’s President and CEO, welcomes Sarah Hassan, Head of Global Diversity & Inclusion at ResMed. Sarah shares her inspiring journey from working in refugee camps to leading DE&I initiatives at global tech giants like Amazon, Qualcomm, and ResMed. The conversation dives into the challenges of breaking into male-dominated industries, the importance of mentorship, and the resilience needed to navigate career transitions. Tune in to hear how Sarah’s core values of impact and giving back have shaped her illustrious career and how she’s lifting others along the way!

In this episode of Athena's "Lifting While Climbing" podcast, Holly Smithson, the President and CEO of Athena, speaks with Kyla Pavlina, Chief People Officer at Scipher Medicine. Kyla, whose career spans roles in law, litigation, and the medical device industry, shares insights into her work and the evolving role of Chief People Officers. Kyla discusses her approach to addressing gender and pay gaps through data-driven compensation structures, emphasizing the importance of transparency and fairness. She highlights the growing influence of data platforms in creating equitable pay practices and the significance of super allies—men in powerful positions who support gender equality in meaningful ways. The conversation also touches on the cultural dynamics of the medical device industry, where Kyla notes the value of clear, data-focused communication with scientists. Reflecting on her career transition from law to HR, Kyla recounts how a supportive mentor helped her find her true calling in people operations. Kyla's experiences underscore the importance of values-driven leadership and the potential for change when organizations and their leaders commit to equity and transparency. She expresses optimism about the future, citing increasing female representation in education and industry as signs of progress.

The June edition of Athena's Lifting While Climbing podcast, hosted by Holly Smithson, President and CEO of Athena, celebrates International Women's Engineering Day with an insightful interview featuring Apparna Ramadoss, executive engineer at Intuit. Apparna emphasizes the critical need for young, diverse minds in engineering to drive innovation and ensure product relevance. She discusses the importance of support networks for those facing challenges and highlights the collaborative nature of technological advancement. Listen as Apparna shares her passion for the value of the mentor/mentee relationship and learn from her inspiring journey and leadership. Don't miss this engaging and motivational conversation. For more from Apparna, Read her blog post: Five Steps to Finding a Great Mentor (https://medium.com/@apparna/power-of-great-mentors-and-how-to-seek-them-5d3ce7076d01)

Athena’s Lifting While Climbing podcast kicks off our summer with Rebecca Driscoll, CEO & Founder of Cancer Help Desk. Rebecca’s inspiring journey is a revealing showcase of what an unbreakable spirit and purpose-driven leadership looks like in 3-D. Rebecca shares the genesis of Cancer Help Desk- a nonprofit dedicated to patient navigation in the complex world of cancer care- and describes the unconventional career path that drove her to fill a widely unmet need. Her journey is one of defiance against the norms and driven by a deep-seated belief in the need for neutral, patient-centric cancer care. Rebecca’s journey is a potent reminder that effective leadership requires action, resilience, and staying true to the mission. Her story inspires and encourages listeners to find clarity in their purpose, push through those inevitable challenges, and always keep your eye on your North Star. Tune into this inspiring episode and experience the intricacies of purpose-driven leadership.

We're thrilled to have Kassandra Castillo, Partner at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, joining us this month. As a highly successful corporate partner, providing counsel to life sciences and technology companies at every stage of development, Kassandra shares a unique perspective, and delivers a wealth of concrete strategies and actionable insights including: Expressing your value with confidence Key questions to clarify your career journey Essential steps for building and nurturing mentorships Listen for valuable tools that will propel your career journey forward.

We're wrapping up Women's History Month with a powerful message in the Lifting While Climbing studio with Colleen Cormier, Vice President of Enterprise Sales at Commvault. Lighting the pathway for her "big, bold career in tech," Colleen attributes her sponsors and mentors as paving the way to unleash her confidence and ambition. When considering a new career opportunity she explained, "I thought I'd die at Dell." Colleen's career success prominently features three characteristics including curiosity, passion, and a willingness to exit her comfort zone. Hear these insights that will no doubt inspire all those resistant to the unknown market opportunities awaiting those that seek them.

Athena's honoring Black History Month In this captivating podcast with La Keisha Landrum Pierre, Co-founder and General Partner of Emmeline Ventures. Join us as we unpack La Keisha's journey, from Harvard Business School to launching Sahara Media Company across Africa, to founding a venture capital fund. Tune in for an enriching conversation with a trailblazer who is shaping the future of entrepreneurship and social change. La Keisha shares insights from her groundbreaking VC fund dedicated to championing emerging female founders focused on women’s health, wealth, and well-being. Discover La Keisha's unconventional approach to business challenges, blending analytical prowess with a deeply spiritual mindset to driving sustainable change as she helps reshape the landscape of venture capital.

As Athena pursues its global expansion efforts to help more STEM women rise up and realize their ambitions, RippleNami serves as a prominent channel partner by empowering women in Africa. In Athena's new Lifting While Climbing Podcast, we'll learn from Jaye Connolly-LaBelle, Chairman & CEO @ RippleNami as she showcases her 10-year journey of creating economic opportunities throughout Africa from hiring, educating, and mentoring tech women in the areas of big data and traceability. Tune in to gain intimate access to Jaye's pioneering path as she levels-up tech women across sub-Sahara Africa. RippleNami's core values of hiring only locals enables these underrepresented populations to enter the digital economy while mitigating corruption with traceability through blockchain. Don't miss out on this transformative case study that embodies Athena's vision of what's possible when we lift others while climbing.

Athena is GOING GLOBAL in 2024, launching new products, programs, and member benefits! We're excited to share this sneak peek at the all new Lifting While Climbing (LWC) podcast. The new format amplifies the voices and experiences of women and allies in STEM, delivering actionable strategies, tactics, and techniques to the Athena community.  Hosted by Holly Smithson, Athena CEO, the LWC podcast serves as a beacon of inspiration for those seeking or seeking to provide mentorship, sponsorship, and allyship.  With a blend of storytelling, expert interviews, and practical advice, this new podcast creates a virtual mentorship space where listeners gain inspiration, guidance, and a deep sense of community. Whether you're a seasoned leader, a student aspiring to enter STEM fields, or simply passionate about fostering equity and inclusivity, Athena's new Lifting While Climbing podcast is a B-12 shot for all those committed to advancing more women leading in STEM.

Access Tammy Hawkins, VP at Intuit on her remarkable career voyage, spanning IT firms, Mastercard, a journey across the Atlantic to Ireland, and a deep dive into the dynamic world of gaming. Her journey eventually led her to her dream role as VP of Cyber Security & Fraud Prevention for Small Business and Self-Employed at Intuit.In addition to critical insights into AI, Tammy shares the powerful branding strategies that accelerated her up the career ladder. She emphasizes the crucial role of mentors and sponsors at every turn, highlighting their invaluable support throughout her journey. Learn from her inspiring experience and discover the keys to success in the STEM world.

Athena founder Barbara Bry joins us in the B4S studio for this very special edition of B4S.  As the STEM community prepares to gather for Athena's 25th Anniversary Gala and LWC Summit on October 26, we invite you to listen as Barbara shares the origins and genesis of Athena. This B4S will reignite your determination and grit as we shift the question of diversity from WHY? to WHY NOT!? to rise above the headwinds and launch, unwavering, into the next 25 years!

Athena is honored to welcome Soo Nadarajah, Head of Global Data Sales and GTM @ AWS, to the Blueprint for Success studio. Soo is an authentic and engaging visionary who shares riveting anecdotes from a stellar career that includes "learning, adapting, and innovating" at some of the most pivotal times for BlackBerry and AWS. Click to watch or listen, and be ready to take notes! Beyond her own Blueprint for Success moving from Engineer to Executive, you will be inspired by her surprising superpower, gain new perspectives into the powerful value of your STEM foundation, and learn that it's time to get comfortable with AI - no matter who you are or where you are on your career journey. 

Dr. Andrea Cubitt's path to success began with a childhood fascination with chemistry, which ultimately paved the way for remarkable academic and professional achievements. Armed with a Ph.D. in biochemistry from the prestigious University of Sheffield and a first-class honors degree (B.Sc) in medical biochemistry from the University of Birmingham, she further honed her expertise through postdoctoral training at Weill Cornell Medical College and the University of California San Diego. During this time, Andrea played a crucial role in the inception of the green fluorescent protein ("GFP") development, contributing significantly to the scientific community. Despite facing shyness early on, Andrea realized the importance of networking and strategic thinking in propelling her career forward. Overcoming her initial reservations allowed her to build a strong professional network and make significant strides in her field. Watch or listen as Dr. Andrea Cubitt shares valuable insights into crafting a successful personal brand, leveraging one's passions to fuel career growth, and conquering fear to uncover new opportunities for personal and professional development. She emphasizes that bravery does not imply the absence of fear but rather the courage to face and overcome it.

Summer is here, and it's sizzling in the Blueprint for Success studio as we welcome Cari Gallman, Chief Compliance & Ethics Officer @Bristol-Myers Squibb. How does a Princeton political theory grad and Harvard-trained attorney achieve executive-level leadership at a STEM company? Learn and level up as you listen to Cari's Blueprint for Success, which includes dead goldfish that altered her career path, embracing uncomfortable moments, invaluable mentors that strengthen her leadership muscle, and riveting real-world stories that demonstrate the business case for diversity.

As we launch Phase II of #Athena25, this year-long digital media celebration is showcasing the undeniable impacts of Athena's Corporate Partner Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). What we learn from these insightful stories can inform your strategies to amplify the voice of women across these companies and sustain your strategic business goals.  Our Blueprint for Success podcast shines a light on Fatima Oguz, Director of Engineering and Sri Cressy, Director of Engineering as leaders of QWomen, Qualcomm's ERG, and the vision and execution of these focused leaders.  As QWomen's board chair and vice chair, Fatima and Sri are driving change and their journeys serve as a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and determination. Through their leadership, they pave the way for countless women and male allies to thrive in a diverse and inclusive work environment. There is something for everyone in this edition, so WATCH or LISTEN to gain actionable insights from the mission, programs, and global impact of QWomen, which boasts over 25 chapters and 10,000 members worldwide.

Meet Chanda Owens, VP of Quality @ Cue Health for Athena's Blueprint for Success podcast. As a black woman and engineering student at UC Berkeley, it was clear her career path would be neither easy or comfortable. Intuitively, Chanda knew it was essential to find a support system early in her academic career and push through the struggle of feeling all alone and the shame of the struggle itself. She took her chemical engineering degree and her industry passion and refused to take no for an answer before landing an internship at Johnson & Johnson that would turn into an impressive 18-year stint. In the face of micro-aggressions and a demoralizing culture, Chanda ultimately reached a turning point in her career. "I realized, I'm no longer going to dim my light in order to placate others who leave me feeling not good enough." Chanda continued by revealing how she nearly left engineering altogether .... and the moment that changed the direction of her career. Listen or watch to learn how Chanda effectively managed these career twists and turns, combined with her love of the industry and her tenacity to push forward, that ultimately defines her illustrious journey as a highly respected STEM executive.

For Women's History Month grand finale, we welcome Amy Johnson, COO of RippleNami to Athena's Blueprint for Success studio. Amy's dynamic career journey spans both the life sciences and tech sectors, starting with a degree in health and behavioral science in Australia, to bringing Africa into the digital economy. Her career path takes fascinating twists and turns - both professionally and geographically. Amy's work at RippleNami includes bringing data transparency solutions to sub-Sahara Africa and empowering women and girls with careers in tech. Amy shares first hand stories and advice for all women and girls looking for inspiration and a chance to contribute to the world of STEM.

In kicking off Women's History Month, we're excited to present Dr. Kate Broderick, Chief Innovation Officer @ Maravai LifeSciences in our monthly Blueprint for Success podcast. The by-product of parents with careers in physics and psychology, Kate developed a deep passion for exploring new medicines that directly impact patients. After completing her PhD in molecular genetics @ University of Glasgow, Kate came to the United States for a 3-year stint at UC San Diego....but never left. Noting women in STEM as a rather rare breed, she quickly learned the value of the network could not be overstated. Valuing human relationships and the business opportunities that followed proved most invaluable for this Chief Innovation Officer. As she garnered greater visibility and trust in her field of RNA medicines, the doors continued to open in the wake of RNA vaccinations during COVID. Listening to Kate's blueprint for success into the C-Suite is nothing short of inspiring and also provides powerful insights into the history and implications of RNA technology for new applications. See for yourself....

Athena is celebrating Black History Month by showcasing the inspiring and illustrious career impact of Tashonda Taylor, Vice President, Gas Operations @ SDGE. The leadership traits she exhibits and the path she created is a model worth emulating. Listen to Tashonda's Blueprint for Success podcast as she takes us on a deep dive into her career journey and the critical support that helped her navigate the male-dominated world of electrical engineering. Learn about the challenges she is grateful for, the value of failing fast, her struggle with imposter syndrome, and the one thing she wishes she realized sooner: "When you bring something to the table.... that means you belong at that table. It doesn't matter who else is there...."

Athena's Blueprint for Success showcases the distinguished career journey of the award-winning, Dr. Christina Towers, Assistant Professor @ Salk Institute for Biological Studies. Her goal is to develop new targeted cancer therapies that block the cancer-cell recycling pathways that allow these cells to survive. Towers’ critical research aims to decrease cancer recurrence and improve cancer patient outcomes. After falling in love with cancer research at the university, Dr. Towers found one of the bigger challenges in "...not seeing people who look like me in this profession and trying to navigate that dynamic." Learning the stories and strategies of other underrepresented minorities with similar challenges and drawing on key mentors served as the most instrumental resources in her career trajectory. View and discover the most surprising element that Dr. Towers credits for her advancement and learn how the "infinite pursuit of knowledge" applies to the leadership development essential for any career journey.

The October edition of Athena's Blueprint for Success showcases the unconventional career journey of Lauren Miskelly, Managing Director, Chrome Browser Enterprise GtM Lead @ Google. A thriving Tech executive and Google veteran of 13 years, Lauren shares some surprising insights about her own confidence, and credits building strong networks both inside and outside of Google with her longevity and success. We can't be what we can't see, so listen for powerful career insights and guidance from someone who has defied the odds to become a woman leading in STEM.

The September edition of Athena's Blueprint for Success showcases the leadership journey of Molly He.  Following her company's successful close of $276 million Series C funding last summer, Molly has an intriguing story to tell. Click below to listen or watch as she describes a long and winding journey while she shares the most important advice she ever received, and what qualities to look for in a mentor (you might be surprised!) 

Athena's Blueprint for Success featured guest is Tracy Ting, Chief Human Resources Officer at Encore Capital Group. Tracy's illustrious career includes notable achievements in multiple male-dominated industries - from finance to medical devices to pharmaceuticals.    Watch or listen below to learn from Tracy's exhilarating career journey and come away feeling inspired to "try new things. It will only make you richer in your breadth of knowledge and can open you up to new jobs that you may have never imagined for yourself."

Female Founder and international tech entrepreneur Jaye Connolly-LaBelle shares her Blueprint for Success with the Athena community this month. Listen below as she gives insight into the unique experience of being a woman forging new paths in business around the globe.

With a career spanning 20 years across a variety of industries, Ambreen Farook brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and inspiration to this edition of Athena's Blueprint for Success. Listen as Ambreen details the blueprint that propelled her intentional pivot to a more transformational and purpose-driven career, granting access to invaluable tools for accelerating your own professional journey.

In this month's Blueprint for Success, we're featuring a very special guest, Dr. Madhushree Ghosh, VP Strategic Alliances at NeoGenomics. She is well-regarded across the STEM community and wears many hats including esteemed scientist, precision medicine executive, diversity champion and now a published author. Madhushree shares her intimate story of coming to this country, building an accomplished career and more recently the boundary-setting lessons she developed inside the pandemic. As an introvert by nature, Madhushree's dynamic leadership journey will certainly resonate and inspire many across Athena's community. Watch and listen for Madhushree's invaluable insights on vulnerability and bravery. And check about her new book coming out next month: Khabaar: An Immigrant Journey of Food, Memory and Family (University of Iowa Press).

Welcome to Athena's Blueprint for Success with special guest, Allison Kemner, VP, Clinical Science & Operations @ Tyra Biosciences. Allison's leadership discoveries focus on the invaluable lessons learned instead of the inevitable career failures and setbacks. She shares the value of "giving yourself a break and playing the long game on personal development that extends to greater leadership development.

Athena's Blueprint for Success podcast catapults into 2022 aTyre Pharmaceuticals Vice President, Research, Dr. Leslie Nangle. Longevity can be elusive in the life sciences industry, making Leslie is bit of a "unicorn" as she has been with the aTyr for 15 years. She shares how she resisted the "competitive, critical, micro-managing" mindset, and helped to develop and preserve the company's empowering culture that has kept her with the company for so long. Leslie describes learning about leadership through the mentor-mentee relationship, and how important it is to regularly access other leaders in STEM. Click below to listen or watch to gain valuable insight into how staying mindful of your personal development helps to prevent burnout, benefits your employer, and helps you stay open and ready for new opportunities.

We are excited to feature Christy England, VP Marketing @ Heron Therapeutics in our Blueprint for Success Series. Christy describes the critical "weigh-stations" along her journey, and details how she capitalized on these career opportunities when presented. Christy also shares her vision on the opportunities for women that are contemplating a STEM career in the wake of the She-cession pouring into 2022. She highlights the importance of factoring in your vision, values, and passion into your career choices and the importance of building a circle of trusted advisors.

Dr. Gina Wallar, President, Pharma Services @ NeoGenomics shares her Blueprint for Success which began with early career advice that ran counter to her values and passion.“Oh honey, just marry rich...” was the direction she often heard when sharing her passion to pursue science as a young girl. Instead, this merely fueled the flame for Gina's STEM career aspirations. Early in her career, it was that same tenacity that led her to discover a passion for both science and business. Leveraging her penchant for building a business with a scientific foundation and the desire to do “big things', Gina deepened her skill set to include management, people, finance and sales, and ultimately pursued her doctorate degree. As a “non-traditional” doctoral student, Gina even had a child while earning her degree.  As for the detractors along her career path, click below to discover how Gina made a practice of stepping back, evaluating her long-term goals, and assessing the role the particular offender may or may not play in achieving that goal. A strategy that has served her well for more than two decades.

This special edition of our Blueprint for Success showcases the recipients of Athena’s Annual Pinnacle Awards. These five distinguished diversity champions sit down with Athena's CEO to share their foundational values around "lifting others while climbing” and how those practices have defined much of their career success and leadership principles | Powered by SDGE 

As Summer begins to wrap up, Athena's Blueprint for Success for August provides the inspiration you need to springboard into Fall as Kathryne Reeves details her fascinating journey from Mississippi to Illumina via Stanford and Harvard. Beginning her professional journey as a civil engineer, it was a mentor who provided her first example of female professional leadership and encouraged her to go to business school - changing the trajectory of her career. Click below to hear the key components of Kathyryne's blueprint (hint: optimism plays a huge role!) and get the advice she gives to her own mentees.