Athena has an extraordinary depth of experience looking after and guiding students to a place of focus, mental clarity and calm Mediation and Yoga (Hatha/ Vinyasa Flow and Restorative). She has particular insight into the mindset of people who has high levels of demands on themselves professionally and personally. In an increasingly complex and pressured world, Athena is ept at providing pragmatic advice to students in finding their seat in the eye of the storm, discovering and drawing on their unlimited potential and living their very best life. 

Athena has a long established career in City and sits on the board of a Family Office and various non- profit organisations. She has an MBA from Harvard Business School and MA (Hons) in Philosophy, Politics & Economics from Oxford University. Athena is also a GIA certified Gemologist and well versed in the language and properties of coloured stones and Crystals. She first came across the UMASS Centre of Mindfulness as a young burnt out MBA student at Harvard. Their teaching of regular meditation and yoga practice completely changed the trajectory of her life and she finds herself more productive, mentally focused, spiritually lifted, physically stronger and simply, happier. She is keen to share this gift and credits her teachers, amongst many, Jon Kabat Zinn, Eckhart Tolle, Neil Seligman, Stewart Gilchrist and Ambra Vallo for guiding her to live optimally and to always Live, Love, Laugh and Learn.

https://www.instagram.com/athena_live_love_laugh_learn/

1. HARDEST LESSON YOU LEARNED IN BUSINESS?  

Saying NO with kindness and respect. You need to prioritise your time and set clear boundaries. There were so many circumstances when I have to let go of the safe and mediocre in order to make room for what really serves my purpose.

2. THREE THINGS THAT DEFINE YOUR BUSINESS? 

Kind, Compassionate and Calm

3. FAVOURITE LOCAL HANGOUTS?

Granger & Co. We love their weekend brunch and often I catch up with girlfriends over an oat milk matcha latte there. Their ricotta pancakes are my daughters’ favourite.

Bamford Brompton Cross. This is a little slice of haven and their attention to detail in their wellness space is unparalleled. I teach there twice a week (Mon 12.45pm and Wed 8.45am) but I just love strolling into the shop for some good energy, pick up gifts and do a bit of work with a coffee at the Daylesford cafe afterwards. 

4. WHAT WOMAN INSPIRES YOU

My grandmother who became a mother to three boys before 21, drove a medical supplies truck during the war, kept the family business running and saved countless lives during the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong. She is still very sharp and active in her 90s – she makes a killing on the mahjong table and simply gets on with life with minimum fuss. 

5. A QUOTE YOU LIVE BY?

omnia vincit amor

Love conquers all.

It really does. 

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1.     FAVOURITE LOCAL HANGOUT?

In the summer you can usually find me at the Chioschetto right at the foot of the hills in Bologna… it is usually a few degrees cooler there than in the city center, and it serves the best piadine. In the winter one of my favorite places for day or night is the ExForno bar, next to the MAMBO modern art museum… it is laid-back and eclectic and always has a great mix of people.

  2.     WHAT’S YOUR SECRET WEAPON?

Lipstick! It makes me feel instantly put-together. 

3.     CURRENT BIGGEST CHALLENGE?

Balancing work and my private life. With technology today and all the different communication methods it can be hard to detach, especially when I love what I do so much and it involves meeting and working with so many incredible people! Yet I do have to make more of an effort to put my phone away and take some time off.

  4.     WHAT WOMAN INSPIRES YOU?

Arizona Muse. I was lucky to meet and collaborate with her this last year and she has taught me so much about sustainability and living a more eco-friendly life. Arizona questions and challenges while at the same time enforcing the concept that it is about progress, not perfection… even small changes can make a huge difference. 

  5.     QUOTE YOU LIVE BY?

“Nothing will work unless you do.” by Maya Angelou.  I am definitely a do-er and have no patience for people who expect things to happen without working for it.