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Imagine reclaiming over 2,000 hours a year—time that fuels innovation and transforms businesses. For the world’s top leaders and investors, this isn’t just a possibility; it’s the reality Athena delivers.
Founded in 2020 by Jonathan Swanson and Robert Hayes, Athena has redefined remote executive partnerships, connecting high-performing business professionals with world-class Executive Partners (XPs). But its impact goes beyond delegation—it’s about reshaping an industry while putting people first.
In just three years, Athena has grown from a fledgling startup to a market leader, achieving a 21.7x increase in annual recurring revenue—from $3 million to $65 million (2021-2024)—with minimal marketing spend. Looking ahead to 2025, the company projects a 215% increase in revenue and active clients, further cementing its dominance in the executive assistant industry.
Redefining Executive Assistance
Athena XPs act as force multipliers, driving efficiency and strategic impact for their clients. The company’s rigorous recruitment process ensures that only the top 10% of candidates make the cut, with over 50,000 assistant interviews conducted globally each month.
Once onboarded, XPs undergo elite delegation training, a key differentiator that enables them to anticipate needs, streamline workflows, and unlock 10x productivity gains for their clients. Athena’s growing roster includes founders of over 1,000 companies and venture capitalists managing over $100 billion in assets under management (AUM), proving that effective delegation is more than a skill—it’s a competitive edge.
A Global Workforce Built for the Future
Athena’s success is rooted in its people. Since its founding, the company has scaled from 500 employees in 2020 to over 3,000 today, spanning the United States, the Philippines, and Kenya, with upcoming expansion into Guatemala. But this isn’t just about global expansion—it’s a mission-driven effort to create meaningful career opportunities, foster cross-border collaboration, and uplift communities.
Athena’s journey began in the Philippines, where its innovative model has flourished. Initially operating with independent contractors, Athena transitioned to a full-time employment structure, setting a new standard for employee care.
Building on its success in the Philippines, Athena entered Kenya in 2024. Kenya’s rapid success reaffirmed Athena’s core belief: Empowered employees create exceptional client experiences.
Now, Athena is set to expand into Guatemala, tapping into Latin America’s bilingual talent pool. This move represents new opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration and sustainable investments in local talent and infrastructure.
Employee-Centric Innovation: More Than Just Perks
Athena’s growth isn’t just about scaling—it’s about investing in people. The company has pioneered innovative employee programs designed to foster loyalty, professional development, and well-being, including:
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Deferred Bonus Program – Encourages long-term career investment
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Pet Support Program – Reimburses up to $85 per quarter for pet medical expenses
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Flexible Reimbursement Program – $181,202 spent on 1,791 employees in 2023
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Force Multiplier Program – Provides a 7-15% merit increase, exceeding industry standards
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Metis College MBA Program – Offers a globally accredited, $50,000 MBA scholarship for employees
By putting employees first, Athena ensures its workforce is engaged, motivated, and prepared to deliver exceptional service at a global scale.
A New Standard for Global Business Services
Athena’s rise isn’t just a business success story—it’s a testament to the power of innovation, strategic vision, and human-centered leadership. Through its unwavering commitment to talent development, sustainable expansion, and cross-border collaboration, Athena is shaping the future of executive assistance.
Nomination Title: Athena’s Record-breaking Growth and Delegation Mastery
