Athena Advisory Collective

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.

Most business owners start their company to create freedom.

Yet somewhere along the way, many become the bottleneck.

The business depends on them for decisions, relationships, operations, and growth. The result? More responsibility, less flexibility, and a business that becomes harder to scale.

That's why we loved this recent feature from Founded by Women highlighting Athena co-founders Cristy O'Connor and Aggie Chydzinski.

Their work centers on helping women business owners build companies that create real wealth, not just more work. Through strategic planning, leadership development, succession planning, and value creation, they help founders build businesses that can thrive beyond their direct involvement.

Because a truly valuable business is not one that needs you every minute of every day.

It's one that gives you options.

Read the full feature here: https://zurl.co/wzp6Y

Most business owners don't wake up one day and decide to sell.

They spend years building a business, serving customers, leading teams, and solving problems. Then one day they realize they need a plan for what comes next.

The challenge is that exit readiness starts long before you're ready to exit.
In our latest Skill Lab, Marla DiCarlo, Owner & CEO of BizNavigators, shared how business owners can build a company that is more valuable, more transferable, and less dependent on them.

Whether you're thinking about growth, succession, or eventually selling, the lessons are the same:

✔ Strengthen your financials
✔ Reduce owner dependency
✔ Create systems that scale
✔ Build a business that can thrive without you

Watch the recording and download the workbook to start evaluating your own business.

🔗 https://zurl.co/KBVZZ

Build Value Before You Exit: Exit Readiness for Business Owners | Athena Skill Lab In this Athena Skill Lab, Marla DiCarlo, Owner & CEO of BizNavigato...

Pride Month Spotlight: Jeni Britton

Jeni Britton turned a passion for creativity into one of the most recognizable premium ice cream brands in the country.

As an openly LGBTQ+ entrepreneur, she has built a business centered on originality, craftsmanship, and community.

Her journey is a reminder that some of the strongest brands are built by people willing to think differently and stay true to their vision.

Arlan Hamilton built Backstage Capital with a simple but powerful mission: invest in founders who are often overlooked.

As a Black, gay woman, she saw firsthand how difficult it could be for diverse entrepreneurs to access funding. Instead of waiting for the system to change, she created one of her own.

Today, Backstage Capital has invested in hundreds of companies led by women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ founders.

Her story is a reminder that sometimes the biggest opportunities come from challenging the status quo.

Last Chance to Register!

Business owners spend years building value, relationships, and momentum. But many never take the time to prepare for what comes next.

Tomorrow, we’ll be joined by Marla DiCarlo, Owner & CEO of BizNavigators, for a practical conversation on business value, succession planning, and creating more options for your future.

Whether you plan to grow, transition, bring in a successor, or simply build a stronger business, this Skill Lab will provide valuable insights you can apply today.

📅 Tomorrow | June 9
⏰ 10:00AM MT | 12:00PM ET

Register now: https://zurl.co/KIsA3

Every business owner eventually faces the question: What comes next?

The answer looks different for everyone. Growth. Transition. Succession. Sale. More freedom. A different role.

Our next Athena Skill Lab is focused on helping owners think through those decisions before they become urgent.

Join us Tuesday, June 9 | 10AM MT | 12PM ET | with Marla DiCarlo, Owner & CEO of BizNavigators.

Register here: https://zurl.co/CPPnf

One of the biggest misconceptions about exit planning is that it only matters when you are preparing to leave.

Good planning can actually help you build a healthier, more valuable business today.

Join us for a practical conversation with Marla DiCarlo of BizNavigators as we discuss what business owners should be thinking about before exiting their business.

Tuesday, June 9 | 10:00AM MT | 12:00PM ET

Register here: https://zurl.co/zzfhw

Strong businesses do not happen by accident. Neither do successful transitions.

The owners with the most options are usually the ones who started planning earlier than everyone else.

In our upcoming Skill Lab, we will discuss what buyers, lenders, and advisors look for, why financial readiness matters, and how business owners can start preparing now, even if an exit is years away.

June 9th | 10AM MT | 12PM ET

Register here: https://zurl.co/z3pau