Athena Advisory Collective

Happy 4th of July from Athena.

Independence is one of the most powerful ideas we celebrate as a country, and it is also one of the most personal ideas for every business owner.

For women building companies, independence is not just the freedom to work for yourself. It is the ability to create opportunity, make decisions with confidence, build wealth, employ people, support families, and shape a future that is not dependent on someone else opening the door.

That kind of freedom is earned in the day to day work of building something real.

So today, we are celebrating the holiday, and we are also celebrating the women in our community who are creating independence through ownership, leadership, and courage.

Wishing you a safe, happy, and meaningful 4th of July.

Athena Advisory Collective

Pride Month Spotlight: Kristen Kish

Known for her culinary talent and entrepreneurial spirit, Kristen Kish has built a career defined by excellence, authenticity, and resilience.

As an openly LGBTQ+ business leader, she continues to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs by showing that success comes from embracing who you are and bringing your unique perspective to your work.

The most valuable businesses are designed to run with intention, supported by strong teams, clear processes, and sustainable growth.

If you are building a company today, ask yourself:

Would your business continue to grow if you stepped away for 30 days?

The answer can reveal your next opportunity for growth.

Thank you to Founded by Women for featuring Athena Advisory Collective founders Cristy O'Connor and Aggie Chydzinski in this article on building companies that create real wealth.

The piece explores how systems, empowered teams, and operational excellence help business owners build companies that can thrive beyond their daily involvement.

Read more here: https://zurl.co/ip7XD

Many business owners know their numbers.

Far fewer have financials that tell a clear story to a buyer, lender, or investor.

Clean financials are not just about preparing for a future exit.

They help you make better decisions today.

Ask yourself:

✔ Are your reports accurate and up to date?
✔ Could someone outside your business understand them?
✔ Do your numbers support the value you believe you've built?

The stronger your financial story, the easier it becomes to identify
opportunities, manage risk, and prepare for whatever comes next.

That was one of the key takeaways from our recent Skill Lab with Marla DiCarlo.

Watch the recording and download the workbook to assess your own level of readiness.

🔗 https://zurl.co/BxqGY

Pride Month Spotlight: Jenny Nguyen

Jenny Nguyen saw a gap in the market and decided to create something entirely new.
She founded The Sports Bra, the first sports bar in the United States dedicated exclusively to women's sports.

As a q***r entrepreneur, she combined passion, purpose, and business strategy to create a concept that quickly gained national attention.

Her success is proof that meaningful businesses often start by serving communities that have been overlooked.

Pride Month Spotlight: Sara Cunningham

Not every entrepreneur starts with a traditional business plan.

Sara Cunningham founded Free Mom Hugs after seeing a need for greater support and acceptance within the LGBTQ+ community.

What began as a grassroots movement has grown into a national organization that has impacted thousands of lives.

Her story reminds us that leadership often starts with compassion and a willingness to take action.

Here's a question every business owner should ask themselves:

👉 What would break if you stepped away from your business for 30 days?

Would customers know who to call?

Would your team know how to make decisions?

Would operations continue moving forward?

This was one of the most powerful exercises from our recent Skill Lab with Marla DiCarlo.

The answer often reveals where a business is overly dependent on the owner.

The good news? Once you identify those gaps, you can start fixing them.

What's one area of your business that would struggle if you disappeared for a month?

Share below. 👇

Want to work through the full exercise?

Watch the recording and download the workbook here:

🔗 https://zurl.co/TfzBx

Today, we celebrate the fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, mentors, and father figures who help shape our families, businesses, and communities.

Many of the qualities that make great fathers also make great leaders: patience, resilience, guidance, integrity, and a commitment to helping others grow.

Whether they are leading a business, supporting a family, mentoring the next generation, or doing all three, fathers and father figures play an important role in creating lasting impact.

To all those who lead with strength, compassion, and purpose, we thank you.

Happy Father's Day from all of us at Athena.

Today, we recognize Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and celebrates freedom, resilience, and progress.

Juneteenth is an opportunity to reflect on our shared history, honor the contributions of Black Americans, and acknowledge the work that continues to create more equitable opportunities in our communities, workplaces, and businesses.

At Athena, we believe that strong communities are built when diverse voices, experiences, and perspectives are welcomed and valued. We are grateful for the leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers who continue to drive positive impact and help create a stronger future for all.

Today, we celebrate freedom, reflect on history, and look forward with purpose.

Pride Month Spotlight: Martine Rothblatt

Few entrepreneurs have transformed multiple industries the way Martine Rothblatt has.

After helping launch satellite radio through SiriusXM, she went on to found United Therapeutics, a biotechnology company focused on life-saving treatments.

As one of the most successful transgender entrepreneurs in the world, her career demonstrates what is possible when innovation, vision, and purpose come together.

Her impact extends far beyond business and continues to shape the future of healthcare and technology.