26 min

How to Transition from Executive to Entrepreneurial CEO Featuring Gina Cotner Smashing the Plateau

    • Entrepreneurship

Gina Cotner is the CEO of Athena Executive Services, a firm that pairs virtual executive assistants across the United States with swamped and successful entrepreneurs and executives. Her team of high-caliber executive assistants works part-time from home, taking many tasks and projects off the plates of successful people, leaving them free to spend their time where they are most needed.
In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to transition from a secure corporate job to founding and scaling a company that aligns with your personal values and lifestyle.
Gina and I discuss:
Her initial decision to leave IBM and her corporate life behind [00:00:38]The journey from planning to open a martini lounge to becoming an entrepreneur [00:02:59]How Gina faced and overcame financial fears during a divorce [00:05:10]The inception of Athena Executive Services and its growth [00:07:54]Strategies for dealing with disappointment and the importance of keeping it simple [00:15:19]Building a business that thrived during the pandemic [00:11:00]The benefits of community and networking in business development [00:19:08]
Learn more about Gina with Athena Executive Services on social media to stay updated on latest insights and offerings: 
Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/AthenaVirtualAssistants]
Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/athena_executive_services]
YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/@athenaexecutiveservices5248]
LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/company/athena-executive]
Thank you to Our Sponsor:
The Smashing the Plateau Community
Get exclusive access to select, streamlined strategy guidance from our podcast professionals by subscribing now – a single click is all that stands between you and your successful future!

Gina Cotner is the CEO of Athena Executive Services, a firm that pairs virtual executive assistants across the United States with swamped and successful entrepreneurs and executives. Her team of high-caliber executive assistants works part-time from home, taking many tasks and projects off the plates of successful people, leaving them free to spend their time where they are most needed.
In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to transition from a secure corporate job to founding and scaling a company that aligns with your personal values and lifestyle.
Gina and I discuss:
Her initial decision to leave IBM and her corporate life behind [00:00:38]The journey from planning to open a martini lounge to becoming an entrepreneur [00:02:59]How Gina faced and overcame financial fears during a divorce [00:05:10]The inception of Athena Executive Services and its growth [00:07:54]Strategies for dealing with disappointment and the importance of keeping it simple [00:15:19]Building a business that thrived during the pandemic [00:11:00]The benefits of community and networking in business development [00:19:08]
Learn more about Gina with Athena Executive Services on social media to stay updated on latest insights and offerings: 
Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/AthenaVirtualAssistants]
Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/athena_executive_services]
YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/@athenaexecutiveservices5248]
LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/company/athena-executive]
Thank you to Our Sponsor:
The Smashing the Plateau Community
Get exclusive access to select, streamlined strategy guidance from our podcast professionals by subscribing now – a single click is all that stands between you and your successful future!

26 min