Company: Athena, San Juan, PR
Company Description: Athena, founded in 2019 by Jonathan Swanson and Robert Hayes, connects CEOs, founders, investors, and executives with the top 1% of Executive Assistants worldwide. Athena Assistants empowers leaders to unlock time abundance through the art and mastery of delegation.
Nomination Category: Achievement Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Achievement in Promoting Work-Life Balance
 Nomination Title: Athena Empowers Employees and Redefines Work-Life Balance
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes, explaining the nominated achievements since July 1 of last year, OR written answers to the questions? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video. If you are submitting written answers to the questions, provide them in the appropriate spaces below:
- Briefly describe the nominated organization: history and past performance (up to 200 words):
Total 195 words used.
Founded in 2020 by Jonathan Swanson and Robert Hayes, Athena has emerged as a revolutionary force in the global delegation landscape. Their vision wasn't just about numbers; it was about building a people-centric company that fuels its own growth. By fostering a culture of empowerment and development, Athena boasts an industry-leading employee retention rate that leads to exceptional client service and long-term partnerships.
From a fledgling startup, Athena has achieved a staggering 7x increase in annual recurring revenue, jumping from $3 million to $40 million in just three years (2021-2023) with minimal marketing spend. This explosive growth continues in 2024, with year-to-date numbers exceeding the first quarter of 2023 by 200%. Athena's 2024 forecasts project an even steeper climb, with a projected increase of 215% in revenue and active clients, solidifying their position as a leader in the transformed executive assistant landscape.
Athena's impressive roster of clients includes industry titans in diverse sectors like technology (OpenAI), venture capital (Valor Equity, Khosla Ventures), hospitality (Marriott), and finance (Goldman Sachs). They have successfully matched founders of over 1,000 companies with highly trained assistants, and their reach extends to venture capitalists managing over $100 billion in AUM.
- Outline the organization's achievements since the beginning of last year that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):
Total 244 words used.
While driving client success, Athena prioritizes its employees. As the company scales rapidly, it has established a thriving work environment that champions work-life balance for its 2000+ mostly remote workforce through a comprehensive suite of benefits and innovative programs.
Athena fosters a culture that emphasizes professional development, financial security, and recognition. Their unique Phantom Plan, for example, has boosted employee retention by 20% compared to industry averages, fostering a sense of ownership and entrepreneurial spirit within the team.
Additionally, the Flexible Reimbursement Program, which reimbursed a total of $181,202 for employee needs in 2023 alone, provides valuable financial support for everything from childcare to gym memberships, alleviating stress and empowering employees to focus on their work.
Further solidifying its commitment to employee development, Athena's Force Multiplier Program has awarded an average merit increase of 7%, exceeding industry standards by 3%.
This commitment to career growth is further amplified by the Metis College MBA Program, a globally accredited initiative offering a free $50,000 MBA program to all employees. This program empowers employees to reach their full potential and fuels their long-term success within Athena.
To ensure a seamless work experience for its remote team, Athena equips every employee with a company-issued Macbook. This provides a standardized platform and ensures everyone has the tools needed to excel.
This dedication to people translates into a stellar 4.3/5 Glassdoor rating for employee satisfaction – a testament to Athena's success in creating a positive work environment.
- Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the organization's past performance (up to 250 words):
Total 189 words used.
Athena's achievements are truly unique and significant within the delegation industry, particularly in promoting work-life balance. Firstly, their explosive growth trajectory, fueled by minimal marketing spend and a focus on employee well-being, stands apart. This people-centric approach directly contradicts traditional models that prioritize aggressive marketing and often struggle with employee burnout due to poor work-life balance.
Secondly, Athena's employee retention rate significantly surpasses industry benchmarks. Their innovative programs, like the Phantom Plan fostering ownership and the Flexible Reimbursement Program offering financial support for diverse needs, cultivate a loyal and high-performing workforce. This translates to exceptional client service, consistent growth, and minimal disruption during scaling.
Finally, the sheer value of Athena's employee benefits is unparalleled. The free Metis College MBA program, valued at $50,000, empowers employees to reach their full potential while contributing to their long-term success. These programs, combined with a thriving work environment with a 4.3/5 Glassdoor rating, create a win-win situation for both Athena and its employees. This commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance positions Athena as a leader in the industry and sets a new standard for fostering a loyal and high-performing workforce.
- Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
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